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Jul 31, 2010 1:16:49 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on Jul 31, 2010 1:16:49 GMT -5
It has been some time since I had taken up residence in my townhouse in the city. I had spent some days cooped up in a carriage on the way to the city from my estate in Kusheth and I was looking forward to spending a day or two to re-accustom myself to city life.
I stepped out of the carriage and stretched, grateful that I was home in the City. I watched as the staff worked to remove what belongings I had brought and take them inside. Though I didn't expect any visitors, I did expect letters and invites to certain things that may have already come to pass or was at that point to where it was mayhap too late to accept the invite. Still, I walked in and sat down with the pile of missives with a cup of tea.
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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May 30, 2011 23:47:11 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 30, 2011 23:47:11 GMT -5
I traveled into West Borough when I learned that Julian de Morhban had come to her city state home. Perhaps I wouldn't be away from everything familiar. Although Julian and I were not close, I had always admired her fencing ability, although I would never admit to such a thing. I wasn't sure what she would think about my unexpected visit, but that wasn't really anything that I was concerned with.
I wore a dark green gown that wasn't skin tight, but still accentuated my slender form. The sleeves were short, ending mid shoulder. I had pulled my hair up into a bun and placed a comb in it that had a jade green gem in the middle.
When the carriage came to a stop in front of Julian's home, I lifted up my tresses and took a careful step down and out of the carriage. I made my way up to the front door and gave it a good knock. I was confident that Julian would remember me. After all...she remembered everyone.
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May 30, 2011 23:53:26 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 30, 2011 23:53:26 GMT -5
"Excuse the interruption, ma'am," one of my staff said, walking into the office. "There's someone here to see you."
I looked up from my paperwork and sighed. I had hoped that I could spend today trying to catch up on my paperwork that had stacked up while I was away. But someone had decided otherwise. "See them in."
The staff member nodded and left while I stood and tugged on a bell pull. Another staff member came. "Have some wine prepared. I have a guest." He nodded and left. I smoothed over my dress, knowing that I had no time to change for company.
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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May 31, 2011 0:00:12 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 0:00:12 GMT -5
I made my way inside when a servant gestured me forward. I took in the surroundings, and noticed that she was still moving in. I took pleasure in knowing that not everything was perfect. It made me feel better by comparison. My eyes sought out Julian, and when I saw her I walked over to her with a calm pace.
I gave a curtsy, "Comtesse Julian de Morhban, good day to you. I hope that I have not come at a inopportune time." My eyes looked to the floor in respect and then back up with a light curiosity.
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May 31, 2011 0:04:26 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 0:04:26 GMT -5
I watched her walk in after a staff member and I didn't recognize her right off. I studied her while she curtsied and greeted me. I could see a bit of curiosity in her eye. Curiosity for what, I'm not sure.
"No, not at all," I answered. "May I ask who calls upon me on this lovely day?"
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 0:20:36 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 0:20:36 GMT -5
As I straightened up, my brow crinkled slightly. I could feel hate coursing through my veins. How dare she not know who I am? Even if I didn't have a high rank, my brother was a Duc. I kept my face blank as I responded calmly, "Lady Desdemona de Bonnel of Kusheth. My brother, the Duc, and I recently moved to Elua. When I learned that you had arrived as well, it seemed polite to visit."
My eyes searched hers quietly as I wondered how she would react. Would she be embarrassed for not knowing? Would she attempt to make up for her mistake? Or would she simply go on as if it didn't exist. My mind swirled with ideas of revenge, even as I feigned polite interest.
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May 31, 2011 9:49:53 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 9:49:53 GMT -5
I nodded politely. "Welcome to the City, Lady Desdemona. Would you care for some wine?"
I pivoted ninety degrees and motioned with my arm to the sitting area where the wine had been set up. I haven't heard of the Bonnel siblings even while in Kusheth. So why did it seem like she tensed up when I asked for her name? If she expected me to make up for not knowing her, she was sorely mistaken. I admit my mistakes only when I have made them.
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 11:28:53 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 11:28:53 GMT -5
My face visibly relaxed, finally! A apology. She gave me a welcome and offered wine. It was really a fairly decent apology to my way of thinking. I nodded and followed her to the sitting room. I settled down in one of the chairs and picked up a glass of wine, "Thank you."
I took a small sip and then turned toward her, "Have you been to Elua before? This is my first time being out of Kusheth." I could already feel myself relaxing as the topic was one that helped me to become more familiar with my surroundings.
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May 31, 2011 21:46:32 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 21:46:32 GMT -5
I watched her face relax. She didn't appear nervous. Surely she could not have been upset that I didn't know who she was. I surely did not have the perfect memory, and I would count myself lucky if I could keep the numerous ties that all of the Great Houses had with each other. I followed into the sitting room where the wine had already be brought and served. I watched her sit herself into one of the chairs and chose a glass. "You're welcome."
I walked over and picked up the other glass, gliding down to sit on the other chair. "Yes, I've been to the City before. I've only just returned from my country estate this morning. Though it seems like I've arrived in the midst of titled noblewomen being abducted right from their homes."
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 22:06:52 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 22:06:52 GMT -5
I took another sip as I listened to her speak, and then I paused with my lips on the glass, "Abducted? I hadn't heard about this. What has happened to them?" With my interest piqued I wanted to know more about these abductions. I also found it quite clever of Julian to present the information so casually. I tried to hold back my interest, and keep my face more relaxed, but I couldn't help but be interested to learn more.
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May 31, 2011 22:17:36 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 22:17:36 GMT -5
I nodded after I sipped at my wine. "Indeed. What I heard is that the first one had been taken right from her home where she was hosting a tea party for a select group of titled women. What happened to those women and of the abducted woman, I don't know. I do suppose that the other women were left alone and they escaped, for lack of a better word."
It seemed like Desdemona was interested in what happened. I wasn't half surprised since this was her first time in the City. Though... if one titled woman was abducted from her home, who can say that the rest of us are safe?
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 22:25:27 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 22:25:27 GMT -5
"Do you know her name or any of their names? Has anyone seen her since?" I asked as the questions came into my mind. More questions came in, but I stopped myself to keep from sounding more over eager than I already had.
I wasn't surprised that the other women left rather than helping their friend. If I were at a party where a man came to abduct the hostess, I would leave quickly as well. However, I wondered what did the culprit want with the hostess? Sex was easy enough to get at almost any place in Night's Doorstep, some men didn't have to pay for it either.
I wondered if I should hire on a Cassiline or bring a guard with me wherever I went. If Castile learned about this, he would sure insist I have a guard following my every move. I didn't like the idea, but I did like being safe.
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May 31, 2011 22:31:54 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 22:31:54 GMT -5
I shook my head. "None. And I'm unaware if any have seen the abducted since that day."
She sounded...worried? No. Eager? Mayhap. I was confident in our men in the military to rescue the abducted woman and return her home safely. Maybe it was good that I was out of the City at the time of the abduction. Who knew if I had received an invite and gone to the party? I hadn't seen one, so there was little point on me worrying about the "what ifs".
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 22:40:50 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 22:40:50 GMT -5
"Interesting....I will have to inform my brother of this. I'm sure he'll want to evaluate our guards at our estate. Perhaps I should look into having a Cassiline. Do you know of any in the city? Do you know of any nobles who have their own Cassiline?" I responded calmly. It looked like I had come to the perfect noble. Julian seemed to be filled with uses for me. I liked a useful person almost as much as I liked whipping the servants. This was turning out to be a great decision.
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May 31, 2011 22:52:19 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 22:52:19 GMT -5
"I know of none."
This Desdemona seemed like an odd woman. There seemed to be something twisted in her that I cannot begin to figure out now. It'll take time to figure this one out. I sipped at my wine so I would have those few extra seconds to think. She has just arrived with her brother- a Duc - to the City where there are rumors of war and abductions of at least one woman in broad day light by Elua knows who. Could there be a connection? Or did she just have impeccable timing?
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 23:21:30 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 23:21:30 GMT -5
I was immediately disappointed and at that point, I wondered how useful this woman would be to me. She had been somewhat useful, telling me about the abductions, and I suppose I should give her credit for that, but not much. It looked like it was about that time for me to feign interest in her and her activities.
"Thank you for letting me know about what's going on in the city, but I'm interested in you. What do you like to do in Elua? Or have you had the chance to go to Elua's hot spots?" I said with some excitement in my voice. I leaned forward a little and managed to curve my lips up just a bit, to give a more interested expression. I tried to relax my face, so that it appeared more natural.
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May 31, 2011 23:39:04 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on May 31, 2011 23:39:04 GMT -5
I eyed her, careful to shield it in me merely looking at her. "I have yet to visit the, as you say, hot spots of the City."
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
May 31, 2011 23:49:44 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on May 31, 2011 23:49:44 GMT -5
I placed my glass on the table and clasped my fingers with one another, "You have a lovely home." I decided to give a compliment to see if there would be any reaction. It didn't seem like Julian was like the typical person, and I found myself liking her for that very reason.
I picked up the glass and took another swallow of the wine, emptying the glass. I set it back on the table. I clasped my hands back together and simply looked at her quietly, wondering if she wanted to start up conversation, or if she was somehow signaling me to leave.
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Jun 1, 2011 0:20:36 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on Jun 1, 2011 0:20:36 GMT -5
"Thank you. A number of the decor are from Aragonia and Caerdiccia Unitas." I watched her empty the glass of what wine was left and look at me. "I can give you the names of some of the traders I had gotten the items from if you wish."
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
Jun 1, 2011 0:32:11 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on Jun 1, 2011 0:32:11 GMT -5
"That would be appreciated. Thank you," I responded easily. Although out conversation seemed a bit awkward, I wasn't overly bothered by it. "Delicious wine as well. Where did you purchase them from? Castile and I will have to find a new place to purchase our wine.." I straightened up my posture, and let my hands settle into my lap as I spoke in a calm tone.
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Jun 1, 2011 0:42:54 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on Jun 1, 2011 0:42:54 GMT -5
"Iced wine from the Montblac-D'Aiglemont estate. They're known for it." I took a bit deeper sip of the wine, not deep enough for a full drink, nor light enough for a sip. "I can give you the name of the woman who runs the winery."
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
Jun 1, 2011 1:10:43 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on Jun 1, 2011 1:10:43 GMT -5
"That would be appreciative, thank you," I said calmly. I was quiet for a moment. I stood up slowly, "You have been a perfect hostess, but I shant take up anymore of your time. If you could give me the name of the decor person and the wine make, I'll be on my way." The lie can easily to my lips. I didn't mind using up her time, but it seemed that she may not be as interested in a conversation with me. I didn't mind the awkwardness, but there was only so long I would stay where I wasn't wanted. I had feigned interest in her, the least she could do is feign the same.
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Jun 1, 2011 13:10:36 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on Jun 1, 2011 13:10:36 GMT -5
I stood and signaled for some paper and ink. "Thank you," I answered. "How long do you plan on remaining in the City? I may call upon you one day." A staff member walked in with the requested items and I wrote down the name of the decor person and of Liselle Morhban. I blew on the ink so it'll dry faster before I handed the paper over to Desdemona. "There you are."
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Desdemona de Bonnel
Aristocrat
Sister to Duc Castiel de Bonnel; House de Bonnel
Cruelty is fed, not weakened, by tears?
Posts: 190
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Home
Jun 1, 2011 13:53:41 GMT -5
Post by Desdemona de Bonnel on Jun 1, 2011 13:53:41 GMT -5
My eyebrows rose just slightly at her question. I did so enjoy when the conversation was focused on myself. "Castile and I will be staying in Elua permanently. Or at least that was the plan. I suppose things might change when Castile marries."
I took the offered parchment and folded it carefully. Then I gave her a nod,"I look forward to seeing you again some time." I made my way out the door and back into my carriage. My conversation hadn't gone exactly as planned, but I had retrieved some valuable names for wine and decoration. It had not been a horrible day either.
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Jun 1, 2011 14:28:10 GMT -5
Post by Julian de Morhban on Jun 1, 2011 14:28:10 GMT -5
I nodded. "I look forward to seeing you again." I watched her leave and truly wondered what she's all about. I sighed, knowing it'll take more than one meeting to figure people out.
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