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Post by Titus L'Envers on Dec 28, 2010 20:54:52 GMT -5
I had literally only been in the city for a few hours; I had first found an Inn with a room to rent but my feet were still itchy and I needed to get out and see things. My parents would have insisted that I head right to the palace and announce my presence immediately. That would be the proper protocal especially since I hadn't announced myself by letter which would have been preferable to my parents. But they also would understand the fact I hadn't. They knew me too well to know that I woukd put aside a prospective adventure for the sake of protocal. And since all my things would not arrive for some time, I would be expected to find proper attire for the time being so I included that on my list as I reached the street. Taking a deep breath I glanced about for a moment to decide where I was going then headed to my right and began my first steps.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Dec 28, 2010 21:45:07 GMT -5
There were many things about the City that one could find fault with, especially when compared to somewhere as wonderful as the Bois de Millefleur in spring when the streams were gorged with the melt of winter snows and the ocean was just a little calm and clear. The storms were beautiful, and the crashing waves, but the sunlight on glass effect that the ocean there could have for that brief time in spring was glorious simply because it was so transient. A couple of weeks and it would be gone. I missed it.
But then the City had the Temple District. Many people preferred others, but the sensations of so many emotions almost floated in the air here. It was, after all, named for the fact that every one of the Companions had their own little place in this portion of the greater whole and many people could be seen on their ways to the devotions they held dear- and devotion often had a great deal of fearful awe in it. Then there was the cemetery, the center of the city's grief with its sense of dust and rotting memories. And the shops, which were just fun. If I had to wander anywhere it was here.
Today I'd chosen a gown of blue to match my eyes and the sheen on my hair, the accents a sort of charcoal-grey like my Tal's eyes and a smile on my face as I hummed to myself and continued along. He was back, he was home, my Kushiel had brought his face to me again, and I could almost hear my ancestor's laugh in reply. Of course he was with me. You are a favored daughter and I only needed you to wait long enough for your reward.
As I rounded a corner another figure came to me, one dressed in the clothing of another land but nevertheless handsome, and I smiled and gave him a wave while I twisted slightly to keep out of his way. Whoever he was he seemed to me a bit overwhelmed by the City, but most foreigners were. Still, his features were d'Angeline at least in part, and when the songs in my head were happy I liked to be kind. "Good afternoon."
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Dec 28, 2010 23:26:48 GMT -5
Everyone looked so happy as they went about there lives; shopping and conversing with glee. I had just rounded the corner when a girl walked by me with a smile on her face. "Good afternoon." I replied in kind as I stopped and turned back to look at her. I looked at her again this time more thoroughly. Her hair was a blue black matched only by her blue sapphire eyes. She had to be Shahrizai.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Dec 29, 2010 16:24:08 GMT -5
The man replied politely, his tone slightly accented, and we passed one another as many people do- but then I almost felt his gaze on me and I paused for a moment, turning my head slightly as I pushed my hair behind my shoulder and glancing backward. He'd stopped as well and was looking at me, his expression one of almost innocent curiosity. Somehow it was charming, and I wasn't on my way to do anything specific anyway, so why not a conversation with a mysterious stranger?
Turning around fully I faced the man and cocked my head, smiling more widely and dropping into a slight curtsy just in case. After all, who knew who you'd meet here in the City walking around in fine clothes and attract the attention of? Besides, this was fun, and the voices that usually distracted me were quiet enough that I could actually enjoy it for itself. "Is there something I can help you with, m'lord? You can look as long as you like." My voice were light teasing and I could only hope he wouldn't take offense.
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Dec 29, 2010 17:00:06 GMT -5
She herself stopped as well and turned back to me offering a smile, curtsy and a flirtatious comment. I chuckled gently and clasped my hands behind my back and walked toward her with a smile and a little shake of my head. "Forgive me," I answered softly once I was standing in front of her properly. I then bowed as I had been raised to do and took her hand to kiss the back of it. "I did not mean to stare but I'm a stranger from a strange land and I'm not used to all the beautiful women." I said after releasing her hand. "My name is hi..." I stopped mid sentence as I was about to use my full title along with my name. In Cythera it is not only etiquette but its law for those of high standing to introduce themselves such. But it was then that I remembered that Terre d'ange was different. I did not have to give my title here and I did not particularly want to. "It's Titus Anatolia L'Envers."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Dec 29, 2010 21:45:41 GMT -5
Such charming manners and a very nicely accented voice to go with them; it made me glad I'd taken the approach I had rather than simply keep walking. He was handsome as well, and interesting, and there was now the faintest croon to the voices in my mind. His apologies I gave a nod to, and I smiled a little wider at the touch of his lips to the back of my hand as I rose from the curtsy I'd given. Remember, he's foreign and he's from a family that doesn't always play nicely like you're used to. Eyes open, eyes open.
"You're more than forgiven, my lord l'Envers," I replied in the same playful tone I'd used earlier as I brought my hand to push my hair back over my shoulders and my eyes flashing a bit in their blue depths. "It's a pleasure to welcome you into the city, and I'm flattered that I managed to catch your eye. I'm Sirena Shahrizai." He'd started to say something for his name, but the cadence of his speaking made it hard for me to predict what it may have been, but as he'd only given his name that was all I was required by courtesy to give as well. "Where are you from?"
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Dec 29, 2010 22:52:52 GMT -5
"Ah Shahrizai," I exclaimed, beaming a little at my assesment. "It is a pleasure to meet you my lady and thank you in return." I added as not to be rude.
"Tell me my lady, have you lived in the city long?" I wanted to assertain whether or not I would have a contact in the city that could help me aquaint myself with my surroundings. Having grown up with two sisters I knew enough to know that women knew everything. They knew where all the good resturaunts, taverns and clothiers were. Since my sisters did not travel with me I had to improvise and that usually meant making friends with a well connected female from what ever city I was living in at the moment.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Dec 30, 2010 15:50:12 GMT -5
I could pretty immediately tell that this man hadn't been acquainted with many members of my family before, if any at all; he just seemed so interested by the last name alone that it was an easy conclusion to jump to. Good impressions, dear. You have to show people that not all Shahrizai are pompous and needlessly cruel. "I take it you've heard of my family then," I replied in a tone with a light jest to it, smoothing down the velvet of my skirt lightly.
The question he posed was a good one and I smiled wider and nodded as I tried to quiet one of the voices in the back of my mind and its observations of this Titus l'Envers. Skin like clothing, as senseless as wool. Hush now. "I've lived here for about a year on and off but I do know where things are if there was something in particular you were looking for," I replied, my tone still pleasant though my eyes flashed a little brighter.
He'd ignored my question about where he was from, but that was alright. I'd find out one way or the other at a later time, or I'd let it pass. Location meant very little anyway.
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Dec 30, 2010 16:59:48 GMT -5
Excellent well at least there was some one I knew that would help me at least a little. Her comment about her famil made me colour slightly, I had been too eager at my discovery that I had made a bit of a mis-step. "I am simply eager to take in everything and that includes finding all the right places to shop. I will be spending much time at court and I want to make a good impression." I chuckled a little.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Dec 31, 2010 13:10:11 GMT -5
So he was looking to make a name for himself at Court? He'd probably make a very good impression as well, there was something about him that was very poised, and while my mind giggled at my assessment I let it pass. There was no need to look that deeply yet and I was still having some fun pretending to be just like everyone else.
"Well, I do know where some of the best clothiers are if you'd like me to show you," I said in a friendly tone. "And they say there's good luck in helping a stranger to find his way. Would you like my help?" I was teasing him a little, and playing, but not in a threatening or foreboding way. For now I was content to just make a new acquaintance while the songs in my head occupied themselves.
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Dec 31, 2010 15:28:24 GMT -5
I chuckled softly. "I would very much appreciate any pointers you might be able to give." I replied simply. She seemed like a nice enough girl but there was something just the slightest bit odd about her. Though what that was I had no idea.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Dec 31, 2010 19:55:56 GMT -5
"Well, if you had to pick a district at random I think you did a good job, as this one or the ones around it will have what I think you're looking for," I told him as I guestured around. "This is the Temple District, and my personal favorite because it has the temples to the Companions, it's upscale and it's still reasonable. If you really want the fancy clothes you'd go to the Palace District though."
It was almost fun playing tour guide and I did enjoy helping people from time to time even if it did make my cousins look at me more oddly than when I was lost in song or telling them the things that floated through my mind. "It really depends on your taste, I'd suppose." Taking a step back I turned and looked at him over my shoulder again, then gave a grin before I started to walk and then looked back to see if he was following me. After all, it wasn't as if I could tell him where everything was here, there was simply too much.
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Jan 2, 2011 19:45:15 GMT -5
Odd, definitely odd. But then what did I know, mayhap all Shahrizai were like this. She was definitely interesting at least and that meant the day wouldn't be boring. I quirked a brow then followed after her, my thumbs tucked into my belt as we walked. My gaze went all about as I studied the street trying to memorize the buildings so that when I returned I would know my way around.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jan 4, 2011 8:18:54 GMT -5
The sunlight had a sort of crisp, glistening quality today, reminding me of an aria from one of the old Hellene choruses. If I screamed loud enough no doubt the sound would break and turn resonant even before I realized it. Not that I would let that happen, but it was interesting that the songs would try to win at some point. "Is there any of the d'Angeline gods that you hold in particular reverence?" I asked on a whim as I waited for him to catch up to me, my eyes penetrating for a moment as I considered him. That soul, so different, like it had a layer of stone. This stranger really is stranger than most.
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Post by Titus L'Envers on Jan 4, 2011 21:22:16 GMT -5
I clasped my hands behind my back and followed, continued to look to and fro as I caught up to Sirena. "Not particularly. I wasn't really raised with them though I'm certainly aware of them. I'm hoping to take some time and visit each temple while I'm here." I replied. "What about your self, are you only commited to the Lord Kushiel?" I asked in turn.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jan 8, 2011 9:25:59 GMT -5
"I don't know that any of us can claim to be so pure that only one of the Companions calls us," I replied with a smile after considering his question. "If nothing else we wouldn't even be here if not for Elua. It's all just an aspect that sings to us the most loudly." I had a song for every god and some that others could probably never have imagined, and they all wanted me to speak of them and their praises. Not now, songs, back to your peace. "But Kushiel is the one who calls to me the loudest, and the most clearly, and he rewards us for it. With the l'Envers line they usually claim Namaah." Of course some of their line had dark souls that made such as I almost ill to look at them, or so I'd heard- but that only proved Kushiel's strength to me, that he could overcome the impure line of another.
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