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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 8, 2010 10:06:07 GMT -5
Early Spring
I had been gone from the city many long months. I had grown bored with being a guard and my blood had been restless and so I had bid Sarielle farewell and taken a post as a caravan guard. From there I traveled facing bandits and other marauders as well as dealing with the occasional angry beast of the furry type. That lead to several stints selling my sword and honing my skills to a razor sharp edge. Indeed it had made me a small fortune which jingled in the saddle bags of the buckskin.
But now I was very tired, and sore, and worn out so I returned to the City as a more wealthy and wiser man. I had new scars gracing my already road mapped body and I was walking with a mild limp as my left knee was still healing from catching an errant arrow. I needed to reopen my home and refresh myself but first it was time to pay my respects. Thus I made my way to the Temple of Kushiel and handed off my mount to the stable lad knowing my funds and animal would be safe here. I then limped my way toward the temple doors not bothering to shed my blades as the god of my family was certainly understanding about such things.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 8, 2010 15:55:10 GMT -5
It wasn't often that I went outside of the house these days- but even though it wasn't something that appealed to me completely I knew that it was important to be seen in the City from time to time. The rumors that could start if I became a recluse wouldn't be very pleasant and would probably make my family worry more than they already did. A walk through the somewhat-warmer streets would clear my mind and the exercise alone would warm me up and get my blood moving. I was as naturally thin and lanky as always but that didn't mean it wouldn't change overnight.
The shops were finally starting to brighten again and there were new wares in the windows, which made me smile a bit as I looked in the windows at them, paying less attention than I probably should have to what was going on around me. Before I quite realized it I was stepping off of the edge of a curb with a lurch and bumped into a man with very definitely Shahrizai features. It wasn't often that I got to interact with such as them, for they seemed to disdain my nature- and why not? I wasn't their type or attractive enough for the legendary family to notice me most times.
Blushing slightly I reached out a hand to steady the man who seemed to already be limping, hoping I didn't hurt him. It wasn't in my nature to cause people pain. "Oh, please forgive me, I'm so sorry," I told him in a deeply apologetic tone, my eyes nearly downcast as I waited for him to gain his balance again. "I'm so clumsy."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 8, 2010 16:06:42 GMT -5
I was approaching the door to the god’s abode when a woman bumped into me causing me to stumble. I must have been horridly distracted and feeling way too secure in the City as -no one- ever caught me by surprise…ever it was simply not allowed. All the same my honed reflexes kicked in and I had caught her around the waist quite snuggly even before I realized it. My weight shifting to take the brunt of our combined mass off of my still healing knee and I fear my sword pommel may have poked her a bit before I shifted yet again and stumbled a bit myself.
Now this vexed me beyond compare since I consider myself to be one of the finest swordsmen in the world. All the same I kept a snug hold on the lady and truth be told I was using her partly to hold myself up. I noted the blush and down turned expression but that was pretty common when people greeted one of so obviously pure blood as me. I thus discounted it, but then I took in her features and from my days as a palace guard recalled just how outranked I was.
I quickly let go of her and stepped back bowing though I had to keep my bad leg straight “My Lady Marsilikos” I offered in my normal sibilant tone that seemed to dance cross the flesh “it is entirely my fault I was clearly not paying attention.”
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 8, 2010 17:01:45 GMT -5
There were a few things I'd learned through observation at my mother's behest, all of them things that she couldn't teach me herself- and that was the different ways of telling some facts about a person in a very short time. Farmers walked differently than merchants, who walked differently than soldiers or sailors. Even the culture a person grew up in could dictate their gestures and the way they moved their features as well as their accent and mode of behavior. Usually I didn't think on these things; they'd been so well ground into my perceptions they were as second-nature as noticing the color of hair or eyes, or remembering someone's name.
From the way he used her stature and his own to keep them from falling down I knew he was some kind of fighter, probably battle-tested by the way he reacted first and with natural grace before he realized anything about me. From his expression when he did see who I was it wasn't a very pleasant shock, but that was pretty common as well. The flush on my cheeks was probably burning through the pale skin there by this point, more from sheer reaction than anything else; it had been awhile since I'd been that close to anyone.
The bow he gave showed even more the reason for his limp- a knee, possibly ruined in fighting and probably exacerbated by my inattentiveness to my own surroundings. "It's fine, you don't have to do that," I told him in a quiet tone, giving a slight nod as I smiled, my sea-hazel eyes peering back at him earnestly even as the resonance of his voice washed over me. It was certainly memorable. "It's my fault, truly. Are- you alright?" If he hurt himself more paying obeisance toward me after I'd made a mistake I'd never forgive myself.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 8, 2010 17:14:18 GMT -5
It was the first time I had seen the Lady up close. Crimson locks that nearly matched the blush on her cheeks I found to be oddly charming. For one of such influence she seemed timid and the predator in me caught a hint of her inclinations. I shoved the beast back into its cage and took her hand and kissed the back of it. But my very feral nature caused me to give one of her knuckles the barest little nip in spite of my better judgment. Sometimes I really did not like myself much.
“Tis alright” I rose up and settled myself onto my feet more solidly and with better balance. “I am just returning to town after a business trip of an extended variety and I felt the need to pay my respects to the god.” I motioned toward the door to the temple “I fear I was the one who was distracted and not paying attention.” I winked “or perhaps I was suddenly blinded by the lady’s charm?”
At her question I looked down at my left knee and was pleased to see no blood seeping. “Ah, I will be alright. I caught an errant arrow a while back. I got it tended in Ch’n and it seems to be healing clean but long miles on horseback are not suited to making a sore part feel better. I reckon I need to get it looked at as soon as I am settled.”
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 8, 2010 18:27:30 GMT -5
As odd as I knew it was I couldn't help but watch with a bit of curiosity that took some of the blush from my cheeks as he kissed my hand, the press of his teeth to the back of my knuckles intriguing. I knew from my studies and observations that the Shahrizai tended to push themselves and others to explore their limits, and that often went for social interactions as well. It wasn't intended as a disrespect, or even necessarily as an invitation, but most likely a teasing test. When seen in that light it was nearly impossible to be embarrassed or insulted. I still think too much.
In any case it was no way to welcome someone back into the city, tripping over them. "It must have been some trip but I can understand why you would wish to visit your Temple on your return. My apologies for interrupting your path," I replied, hearing my voice coming out a bit more steadily as my public persona started to slip back into place a bit. I was expected to be poised and unsurprised by anything that was said to me, just as always, but with the support I'd found in Fydor my confidence was higher. The worry about people seeing through me to something unseemly and thickening my mask to where I was nearly stagnant was gone.
When he discussed his wound and it's healing I didn't have to feign any interest- after all, the chances that I'd ever venture to Ch'in were very slight and I'd always loved to hear tales of other places. Of course this wasn't the time to discuss it but it was something to keep in mind. "I've heard that arrow wounds are tricky things." A slight smile crossed my face and I took a chance, willing to come out of my shell a bit. After all, I did owe this man for my rudeness. "If I could venture a suggestion you may wish to get your knee re-bandaged before you visit the Temple though. It might help with your- devotions."
There was the flush again, but it was still more faint than it had been before. Perhaps that was a sign of progress.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 8, 2010 20:12:47 GMT -5
She seemed to become more comfortable in my presence and even withstood my little test with grace. Now this was intriguing and brought a small grin to my lips. "I was doing some work as a caravan guard as well as body guard and a few other things that needed a quick blade and so I traveled and was payed well for it." I shrugged my lithely muscled shoulders "I recognized you from my stint as a Palace guard. But I found walking in circles and looking menacing bored me." I offered her a bit of unasked for explanation as I felt she deserved it she was an important person after all.
"And no apologies necessary. By the way your grace my name is Gadleon" I appraised her without really trying to hide it. She was fetching in her own way and it was nice to be back in the City among my own pretty race of people. "I would imagine you know my last name" I added with a smile as I was the epitome of my family and I knew it. I was finding myself taking to her a bit as it was just so nice to be home. I did not immagine it would have such an uplifting affect on me.
"And yes arrow wounds are tricky. The barbs on the heads are difficult to remove and it took some surgery to get it out so it would heal clean. My body is my life so I try and take care of threatening injuries ever since one went septic and nearly killed me." I pointed at the scar on my face "and I was wanting to pay my respects to the god but I know of your line's knowledge of health and I do not wish to make a clean wound career threatening. Do you have any suggestions where I should get it looked at?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 9, 2010 14:16:16 GMT -5
It seemed I'd done well since the harsher layer of the Shahrizai's demeanor dropped away after a moment to be replaced with a bit of curiosity and a little pleasure at my reaction. I had to admit that it made me feel yet more comfortable as well; many were too shallow to notice anything I did that was outside of the norm, much less appreciate it. Not that it was their fault, of course. Everyone needed to live their lives in the way that was most comfortable for them, even if that sometimes came at the expense of others. That was how the real world worked.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Gadleon Shahrizai," I told him with a smile and another respectful nod, the light spring breeze stirring up the shoulder-length tendrils of her my hair and bringing a chill to the back of my neck for a brief moment before the wind disappeared. "You seem quite capable enough to take care of such a job as you perform. Which materials or goods did you transport, if you don't mind my asking?" Trade was something I knew a great deal about and certain materials were very precious, worth paying guards a great deal of money to watch without stealing.
From the way he spoke about his wounds he seemed to have paid a good deal of attention to what the healers who'd cared for him before had told him- a smart idea and a good sign for things such as happened now. "Well, the closest healers would be those at the Temple of Eisheth," I said with a bare moment of thought, glad for the moment at my quick recall of information. "They don't really charge but accept donations and as devotees of Eisheth they pride themselves on doing the best possible work. If you'd rather go somewhere more secular though there are other clinics not to far from here.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 9, 2010 14:32:06 GMT -5
Mmm, I best tend my god before I visit those who serve another Kushiel is not forgiving over minor things like holes in legs. *I grinned as that was possibly one of the largest understatements I could have made. Then something occurred to me and I added* unless you would care to take a look. I have heard that the Lady is no slouch in the arts either. *She was not really my type but there was just something about the way the breeze stirred her hair and her manner that was capturing more of my attention all the time. Mayhap it was the joy of being among my countrymen once more.*
As for the later most carried silks and having seen the little worms who are such finicky eaters that they use to make the cloth I understand why it is so expensive. *I smiled* there were spices as well and incense most of which can only be obtained in those corners of the world. I did a bit of learning considering I have funds now and need to know how to invest them. I really should find a personal assistant though *my eyes narrowed as I realized I had fallen to thinking out loud. Probably because I had been utterly alone and in the saddle for the last several weeks with only myself and my thoughts for company*
*I drew a breath and let it out* to be honest though the most lucrative venture in my travels was as a hired champion. Human cock fighting at the end of the day and I am still alive and am now well off as well as being declared the finest sword in the land in several countries so yes my lady I am very good *it was not a brag on my part it was a simple statement of fact*
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 9, 2010 21:44:06 GMT -5
Healing was definitely not my primary forte- that being diplomacy, trade, languages and other, more scholarly pursuits- but I had seem more than my share of healings, especially while I was in Marsilikos. While I couldn't do more than probably rebandage something or tell whether or not there was an infection that was probably enough to indicate whether he needed to see a real doctor before he visited his temple. From the way he described it Kushiel was a very jealous god for one of Elua's Companions. That wasn't what I'd been taught at all and the new point of view was very interesting.
Of course it was odd that he was asking me to do this in the street, and that thought continued to run through the back of my mind as I listened to his description of the wares he'd transported. The were ones with which I was actually familiar, as Marsilikos was the port of distribution where such wares went into the holds of ships to reach the southern nations. It showed a lot of skill, and I could only listen respectfully as he spoke of his preferred form of fighting, something that would be far more common somewhere like the Tiberium of previous ages than Terre d'Ange, at least as far as I was aware. Was I really still that naive?
"I'll be glad to look at your leg but you may wish to sit down," I suggested with a gentle smile, pushing back a little bit of apprehension and shyness. Someone had asked for my help, even if some would have doubted his intentions, and I could do this. All I had to do was look at this experience as another anatomy lesson, never mind that I hadn't had such a lesson or been near a leg that wasn't my own in almost a year. These were not things to consider at the moment. There were several benches along the sides of the street so where to sit wouldn't really be a problem.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 9, 2010 21:59:10 GMT -5
"Alright" I answered her and looked to one of the benches before I limped over and set down. It then occurred to me that I was once more in breeches of a style of my homeland. Those did not just roll up like the attire I had been wearing for the last nearly year. After settling in I looked up at her and chuckled at my own silliness "I did not think this out very well."
All the same I plucked one of the daggers from my hip and split the seam of my breeches over the area from thigh to just below the knee. I repeated the cut several times till she could see the white bandages wrapping the healing wound. There was no sign of seepage from the wound and the surgeon I had seen abroad had assured me it was taken care of. But I had been impatient to get home so I straddled a horse for a long ride sooner than I should have. Ah well at least this way she could see the wound and my phallus was not hanging out.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 10, 2010 18:28:54 GMT -5
There was little doubt that the Shahrizai was confident and it showed in the way he walked to the bench, then sat down and after observing the problem with reaching his bandages solved it without hesitation. I could understand and admire the practicality of it even as I forced down another blush. After all, the other option would have been much more explicit and indecent for the City streets. The world may have seen d'Angelines as almost languidly obscene but there were rules of behavior, and while we were more open exposing yourself to a near-stranger wasn't accepted behavior.
It was only a couple steps before I was by the bench as well, where I knelt gracefully on the side of his wounded knee where I could get the best view. Already I could tell there was no scent of infection or seepage too deeply through the wrappings, meaning that the bleeding couldn't have been very heavy. "It looks at though there's no serious harm done," I told Gadleon in a confident tone. "But after your devotions you may want to have it cleanly bandaged again. Sepsis can take hold easily in dirty bandages even when the wound isn't bleeding."
The wrappings themselves had shifted in the trip but those wouldn't be hard to straighten out. "Hold still for just a moment and straighten your leg please," I asked as I waited for him to do so I could rearrange the fabric to where it would feel a little less restrictive on his knee and possibly impede his movement less. I was feeling a little more confident since I hadn't made any glaring mistakes yet, the slight smile still on my face and my features a little more open. "It sounds like you rather enjoyed your time traveling. I hope to be going on a trip soon myself. Did you ever venture to Ruskovia?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 10, 2010 19:49:59 GMT -5
I held still for her to make the adjustments and at the same time I twirled my dagger and dropped it back into the sheath without looking. "Well not sure I would say good time. It was a learning experience traveling to strange places and meeting strange people." And killing them I added mentally but did not verbally say it as a grin crossed my features. The surgeon in Ch'n had done an excellent job their medicine was different than ours and here I feared an arrow that had hit the bone would have been a career ender. Not that I had need to sell my sword any longer since it had been such a profitable trip. My fortune as it were was made now all I needed was working out investment.
"And no I did not make it into Ruskovia. I traveled mainly in the east and middle east as those are the spice routes. Also that area is still full of bandits not to mention warring tribes and boarder disputes. A dangerous part of the world but a part of the world where fellows like myself are in high demand." I shrugged "Ruskovia is a little too stable to need lads like me."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 11, 2010 12:47:13 GMT -5
Gadleon's words about Ruskovia actually brought a flush of pleasure to my cheeks as I carefully moved the bandanges back into place, my long fingers actually quite useful at the moment for the delicate work. I never doubted Fydor's capabilities or those of my own guards but it was a good thing to know that he would most likely make it home safely. Some of my concerns about his trip melted away deep within my mind and I felt more at ease than I had in weeks.
But now I was paying less attention to what this man had said previously, which was terribly rude of me. "I'm planning on taking a trip to Ruskovia soon, so it's good to hear that the trip won't be a perilous one," I replied in a slightly apologetic tone as I continued to work. The wrappings had been well done but any time it started to shift it loosened and that could cause the rest of it to slip. If the ends weren't tucked back in then it would fail shortly and that would leave the wound completely exposed.
Once I was done and satisfied with my worth I looked back at up at the Shahrizai, giving him another smile and feeling much better than I had when I'd left my house earlier that day. Maybe my Eisandine blood really did get renewed by helping others. "Everything should be fine now, at least until you can see a chirurgeon and get a new bandage put on after your visit with your god, and it looks like it's healing well," I told him confidently. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 11, 2010 15:15:18 GMT -5
The fault lines were very evident on her soul as she fussed with my bandage. I was not even looking for them. Were I one of the family to use such skills for ill I could be difficult for this lady, but that was not me. Most times I did not even look for the family's gift it came unbidden. I looked down and tugged the bandage a bit more and then stood not really worried that I was now wearing breeches with one leg.
"Well, I do hope you have a nice trip. And thank you for the conversation and attention." I smiled "but if I am going to tend the god I had better get to tending."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 12, 2010 11:29:12 GMT -5
Now that the job was done I rose as carefully to my feet, smoothing down the skirts of my dress in a demure fashion. There didn't seem to be anyone who'd noticed the odd situation which would probably save from any confusion in the future; there did seem to be so many rumors going on at times. The fact that I'd been able to help someone who needed it was more important than what people would say, of course- but if the gossip could be avoided that was preferable.
"It was a pleasure to meet and speak with you, Lord Shahrizai," I told him with gentle sincerity, smiling and giving a slight nod before looking slightly away, my sea-hazel eyes more content than they had been when I'd first bumped into the handsome, capable Shahrizai man. "I hope you find the forgiveness you're looking for and more luck within the City itself." There was no way to tell if I'd ever run into this man again, but that wasn't any excuse to treat him differently than any other noble or ambassador I may have met.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 12, 2010 13:59:40 GMT -5
"Thank you" I dipped my head to her "and I hope your trip goes well. Good day My Lady." And with that I turned and made my way into the temple. It was time after all to do what I had come to do. Thus I dropped a bag of coins in the offering box and then picked up several packets of incense. Though I suspected Kushiel found a bit of humor in such gestures from one of his creatures.
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