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Post by Maric du Verais on Dec 28, 2010 14:04:35 GMT -5
Azriel's letter camr quickly in return and I was pleased for it. This was my chance at redemption; last time I had been in the city it had been a general failure. But I was excited to return and find myself a place in the world. For the most part I had decided on a military career because it was something my father had wanted, but I also enjoyed the disciple of it. There was also more of an opportunity to get proper schooling since there was a university in the city. Overall it was a good idea to come back and despite any fears of failure a second time, I was ready and willing.
After a long ride from my home in Kusheth I arrivied at the edge of the city and sent word ahead that I would be arriving at Azriel's home soon. So when I arrived at the modest town home and his servants were first out to begin unpacking my things, I wasn't surprised. "Lord Maric. Welcome to House Le Mons." I was greeted by an older man whom I assumed was the head servant. "The Marquis is waiting in the library; down the main hall, second door on the left." He added including directions for me to find Azriel. I did as was told and journeyed down to the second door on the left. Knocking I heard Azriel's voice for me to enter and did as was bid, entering into the room with a smile as I spotted Azriel right away.
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Post by Alexandryne nó Shahrizai on Dec 28, 2010 20:50:59 GMT -5
The library was a refuge of mine, so it was natural that I was already there when Azriel arrived. I was reading a little something about Kusheth, just to have some knowledge, because soon a friend of his would be coming to stay with us. Well, his friend's son, but that was splitting hairs. When he'd first come to me with the letter, I could tell he was concerned that I might mind Maric coming to stay with us, but in truth, one of the things I loved most about Azriel was how ready he was to open his home to friends and family alike. I also knew that as Naia's pregnancy progressed, she was becoming restless and eventually she would either go back home to her sister, or perhaps to stay with her baby's father, though she seldom spoke of him.
When Azriel arrived, I was eager to envelope him in kisses, but I did not get further than sitting up before there was a knock at the door. It was Maric, the young man we were expecting, and as Azriel greeted him, I studied him with interest. I rose in a fluid motion, my old Adept's grace coming through as I curtsied.
"My lord, Maric, a pleasure to meet you!" I said, smiling happily. I wanted very much to make Azriel's guest feel welcome, and besides, I was so happy all of the time that it was almost impossible for me not to smile. "Azriel has been telling me so much about you."
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Dec 28, 2010 21:57:33 GMT -5
When the letter from Maric arrived I wasn't surprised. I had always felt that his time here in the city wasn't finished. There was so much to do and see that he didn't do the first time. I knew that he was aware of this and that he would return. I was a little surprised it took a year but I was almost happy to see it arrive.
At first I was going to answer him yes straight out but then realized that I couldn't just do that any more. After speaking with Alex, and her enthuasim, I returned his letter and prepared for his arrival.
Soon after another letter I headed down to the library as I knew Maric was on his way. Before reaching the library I spoke with my staff and gave them directions then entered into the room. Alex was already there and I greeted her with a smile and kiss. I wasn't there long before the door opened and Maric appeared. I greeted him with an embrace and a pat on the back before pulling back. Alex was quick to greet him of course and I smiled at her welcoming nature as I watched the pair interact.
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Post by Maric du Verais on Dec 28, 2010 22:57:15 GMT -5
I was unsure of how our greeting would be but when Azriel embraced me I smiled and addressed him as "uncle". Before I coukd say much more though I was greeted by the most absolutely stunning girl. She couldn't have been much more then my own age and for a moment I questioned if it was Lilli but as she spoke it became clear who she was. In his letter he had informed me that he was presently engaged. I'm not sure what I had been expecting but it certainly wasn't the young girl I saw before me. I mean Azriel wasn't so old he was grey haired but the girl seemed unusually young. It caught me off guard especially since she was so attractive I could feel that familiar stirring in my breeches. Never the less I did my best to keep myself from looking awkward. "All good things I hope." I replied with a chuckle. "You must be Azriel's fiance." I added. "It is a pleasure to meet you my lady." With that I gave her a proper courtiers bow.
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Post by Alexandryne nó Shahrizai on Dec 29, 2010 0:12:34 GMT -5
"Oh, of course," I said, bouncing slightly on the balls of my feet. Besides Naia, who had already been living here when I arrived, this was my very first time hosting company and I was determined not to embarrass Azriel. I had already spent half the day changing dresses ... this one was too showy, that one too bright, this one showed too much cleavage, that one too little. Finally I had settled on a pale green silk, a perfect complement to my skin, and it showed enough cleavage not to make me look too old for my years, but not so much that it would be obvious. Did men have this much trouble figuring out what to wear?
"Are you tired from your trip?" I asked, going to the sideboard and gesturing at all of the drinks we had there. "May I get you a drink?" Hopefully I glanced at Azriel, hoping for some sign from him that I was being a good hostess.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Dec 29, 2010 0:43:36 GMT -5
"Yes forgive me Maric." I said after Alex had offered drink. "This in my betrothed Alexandryne no Shahrizai. And please have a drink if you so desire. That is if you're not tired from the road." I headed over to where Alex was standing and placed my hand at her shoulder.
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Post by Maric du Verais on Dec 29, 2010 1:00:56 GMT -5
I tried not to stare too much, or mull over the questions I wanted to ask, and I most definitely tried not to think about how attracted I was to Azriel's future wife.
"Uh yes. I would love a drink, and no I am not too tired for the trip. We managed to get within an hour's ride from the city gate so it was a late morning and a quick trip." I chuckled softly though I was exactly sure why it wasn't as if I had said anything particularly funny. I almost wished that I had some thing to fiddle with in my hands. Either way I began to walk casually over to where the pair stood.
"Thank you again for allowing me to stay with you two. I have the opportunity to move into the barracks but I'm not entirely sure I want to considering some of the stories I've heard." I chuckled, this time for good reason.
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Post by Alexandryne nó Shahrizai on Dec 31, 2010 14:05:45 GMT -5
I poured a drink for Maric, handing it to him before glancing at Azriel questioningly to see if he wanted one. As for myself, I could not really keep my head where alcohol was concerned, so I tended to stay away from it, except on special occasions.
"I'm glad you had a nice trip," I said, turning my attention back to Maric. He seemed nice so far and I was really hoping that we could be friends. I was just getting my bearings when it came to not living on the streets and the next step in my life seemed to be making some friends my own age who weren't thieves or worse.
"I'm not sure what they say about the barracks, but it can't possibly be as nice as living here, with a warm bed and a great cook, and friends with whom to pass the time." I knew that Maric had stayed with Azriel before, so he probably knew more people in the City than I did, for all that I had lived her all of my life.
"Do you have a lot of friends here already?" I asked him, maybe he was already part of a crowd and not interested in new friends, or maybe his friends would welcome one more?
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