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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 20:52:13 GMT -5
I smiled gratefully as he bought us meat pies and found a bench. "See? It's not just me," I giggled as his stomach rumbled loud enough for me to hear. The meat pies were warm and delicious, and mine filled me perfectly so that I was no longer dizzy. "Should have eaten breakfast, I suppose," I said sheepishly. It was my fault that we hadn't, excited as I was to leave and start the day.
"Well, now that that's taken care of, what else is there to explore?" I asked him, brushing the crumbs off of my dress as we stood. "I've never walked around this part of the City, it's very... fancy," I said absentmindedly as I slipped my hand into his and gazed around. "There's so much to look at, to take in."
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 7, 2011 22:07:39 GMT -5
Nodding at her words concerning breakfast, I took a few bites before assuring her, "We were in a hurry though, my love. At least we were somewhere that there was ready food available." Eating the pie was making me thirsty as well, but a drink could wait for just a bit, until we got back up again.
"There are all manner of shops and vendors here. Is there anything in particular that you have been wanting or needing since you got to the city, but haven't gotten around to finding it yet?" I asked her, then licked my fingers of the crumbs, not overly worrying about manners myself, at the moment.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 22:29:01 GMT -5
I frowned, thinking. "What about shoes?" I asked him. "I don't have anything but my boots and I doubt they're going to look very good with a gown," I joked. "I'm going to need some prettier footwear, I think," I mused, looking at him. "Would that be something they have a shop for around here?"
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 7, 2011 23:56:16 GMT -5
"Oh, I am certain there is someone around who sells shoes. I would not be surprised if there were several someones, in fact," I assured her as I began to stand up, and then reached for her hand to help her up as well before slipping my fingers between hers. Now that we were looking for something in specific, I watched carefully as we made our way idly down the road. A goal did not mean I was in a rush, after all.
And true enough, it was not long before I spied what we were seeking, a sign proclaiming a cobbler's shop less than fifty yards from where we had been sitting. "Well, there we are. Let's see what we find inside?" I asked her as we got closer to the place, giving Fion's hand a gentle squeeze.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 0:04:26 GMT -5
I smiled as he took my hand comfortably, our fingers threading between each others'. Even that little bit of affection made me happy; I was proud to be seen with Leon, and proud that we were courting, that we were together. My earlier shock at his being titled meaning that I would be titled were we to marry had given way to a deep, abiding joy at the thought. Simply to spend the rest of my days waking up beside Leon, going to bed next to him every night... I couldn't think of anything more perfect.
I giggled at his words as we came up to a shoemaker's shop. "I'm betting it's shoes," I teased, knowing he would take my joke, and squeezed his hand in answer. "I think you should get a new pair of fancy boots too, simply so that I'm not the only one getting something nice today," I said with a genuine smile. He certainly deserved it.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 0:48:36 GMT -5
Laughing softly at her jest, I continued to lead her toward the door into the shop. "Perhaps I will pick up a new pair. I likely do not have any in suitable shape for any sort of party, formal or otherwise," I admitted, and she would know it, having spent so much time in my bedroom in the past week or two. The newest pair I had were at least a year old, bought when I was still a student in Tiberium.
When they stepped into the shop, the smell of leather filled their senses, and they were surrounded by shoes and boots in various stages of being made. There were some that were finished, but many were left just before being done, so that they could be fitted to a customer's foot.
An older man, perhaps in his 60's, comes out from the back upon hearing the door to the shop open and close, and he addresses them without bowing, "My lord, my lady, what can old Pip do for you this fine day?"
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 1:05:48 GMT -5
As we stepped into the shop, still chuckling together, an older man came out from the back and introduced himself. For some inexplicable reason, I was absolutely delighted by the man. He was so charming! Glancing up at Leon, I stepped forward, intending to field this myself. Hopefully the man would understand me.
"Hello Pip, it's nice to meet you! I'm Fionnula, and my beloved, Leon, and I would like to commission some new formal boots for him and some formal and everyday slippers and shoes for me. Might you be able to help us?" I asked him, my d'Angeline as clear as I could possibly make it with my lilt. I glanced at Leon, wondering if he would be all right that I had so boldly took charge of the conversation. The last thing I wanted to do was emasculate him.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 2:01:39 GMT -5
I didn't mind at all, smiling as I watched my beloved take the lead in speaking with the old man, whom she seemed to have some affection for right away. Surprisingly, he seemed to understand her quite well; most men his age had problems hearing that would have only made her normal difficulties worse.
"Ah, a visitor from Eire? Its been a while since I've had a chance to speak with one of your people," Pip remarks, a broad smile coming to his lips, "I'm certain I can help you. Just look around, tell me if you see anything you like. Just about every style and color I can make is on display, but if you have something in mind that you don't see, just ask."
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 2:15:56 GMT -5
My grin widened and I looked up at Leon delightedly. That had gone rather well! "Shall we look around love?" I asked him, happy that someone had not only understood my lilt but where I hailed from. It was difficult to be here, no one like me and no one to relate to. I loved Leon, and he was wonderful to talk to, trying his best to understand. It was frustrating that he was the only person in the entire City, it seemed, who understood me properly, in so many different ways.
Walking around with Leon, I was a bit overwhelmed at the selection. "Do women really wear all of these?" I whispered to him in Cruithne. "I don't know where to start."
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 12:17:26 GMT -5
"Yes, love, they do. I think there are almost as many shoes here as there are in my sister's possession back in Namarre," I joked with her as we began to look around. There were all manner of shoe and slipper there, and in a large variety of colors. Some looked rather uncomfortable, with elevated heels or pointed toes.
There was a smaller selection of men's shoes and boots, as well, but men were less extravagant in such things, of course. What was there was of excellent quality, though, sturdy and made of choice leather. "But do not worry so. Find few pairs that you think are comfortable, and will suit the dresses that we commissioned," I encouraged her, smiling at her lovingly.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 12:32:58 GMT -5
I laughed as Leon joked about his sister's love of shoes. I couldn't imagine having more than a few pairs, and certainly not anything with those ridiculous-looking heels. I would probably break something if I tried walking with those. I snorted and continued walking down the rows, picking four different pairs, all flat-soled, three pairs of dancing slippers and two pair of sturdier shoes for everyday wear. Two of the pairs dancing slippers were gold and one was black, and the everyday shoes were both black. I loved the gold slippers; I knew once I put them on to go to a fete of any sort that I would feel like a princess... Or, a Comtesse.
"I love the dancing slippers because they're so close to being barefoot," I said to Leon in Cruithne as I made my selections. "I've always preferred to be barefoot so I'll probably wear the black pair all the time, and save the gold for fetes and such. Would that be all right with you?" I gazed up at him as I asked.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 15:40:19 GMT -5
As I looked over the boots, picking up a pair to examine them here and there, I could see her choosing out pairs of shoes from the corners of my eyes. Seeing her do so, in such a carefree manner, filled me with joy, and by the time she had made her choices, I'd found a very nice pair of boots, already finished, which would fit me perfectly. They were already polished to a shine, with laces that would be easy to do up.
When she explained her choices to me, I nodded; as usual, she was very level-headed and practical when it came to such things. "Very good, and I think the gold slippers will look lovely with some of the dresses. What do you think of these?" I asked her, holding up the boots I was looking at.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 15:50:46 GMT -5
As I had chosen my shoes, I'd had a flash of guilt for being so free with Leon's funds. But, recalling the serious look in his sapphire eyes as he explained how he felt, I decided to take him at his word. I knew he would trust me not to spend money on anything overly frivolous; what would I do with frivolous items?
Leon showed me his boots, a touch of curiosity in his expression as he asked my opinion, and my eyebrows raised appreciatively. "They're quite dashing, love! Will you get them? I think they'd look very good on you," I said sincerely. They were beautiful, truly; they would no doubt hug his calves in a very pleasing way to look at. I was honored he'd thought to ask me what I thought. Then again, he was wonderful that way.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 20:53:13 GMT -5
"I think I will. If I'm going to ask you to dress up for me, the least I can do is the same," I answered her with a warm smile, then glanced again at what she had picked out. It would not be so much, if the old man was reasonable, which I had no reason to believe would not be the case.
I glanced over at old Pip, then; he was working on another, simpler pair of boots, and whistling softly as he did so. "Excuse me, messiere, I think we are ready to make our purchase," I called out to him, just loud enough for him to hear me over his own whistling, and he stood up to walk over to us.
"A good eye," he commented as he looked over our choices. The price he went on to name was perhaps a touch on the high side, but not so much I was going to haggle with him. Not when he'd managed to make Fion comfortable, so I simply began to count out the money for the footwear.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 21:12:05 GMT -5
I kissed Pip on the cheek before we left. "Thank you for everything, friend," I said to him with a grin. He blushed up to the roots of his snow-white, thinning hair, and waved his hand, smiling. "Get on wit' ye," He said gruffly, affection in his voice. I had made a friend.
I looked up to Leon as we exited the shop, he holding the door for me like the consummate gentleman he was. "I rather liked that old fellow," I said with a grin.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 21:49:45 GMT -5
I watched as she kissed the old cobbler's cheek, a grin on my lips. Once we exited, I listened to her talk about the old man, and as I slipped my hand into hers, I commented playfully, "It is a good thing I am not the jealous type, my love." I was nothing of the sort, of course, it was entirely a jest made as we began to wander further through the marketplace.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 22:13:57 GMT -5
I rested my head on Leon's shoulder momentarily, a contented sigh escaping me as his hand seemed to automatically find mine. As he joked with me, I lifted my head back up once more and laughed. "That, beloved, is the last thing you will ever have to worry about!" I exclaimed with a grin. I glanced up at him, my grin fading a bit.
"Leon... Would you ever really be worried that I would stray? Because I'll promise you now, love, it won't ever happen. You make me happier than I've ever been, and I'm never going to trade that in for some twit in hosen singing me a pretty song," I said, a grin touching my lips for a moment at the ridiculous image. It faded once more though, as I stopped us at the side of a walkway and turned to face him fully. "If you ever doubt me, say something. I'll always tell you true, love, I'm yours and happy as can be about it."
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 22:30:49 GMT -5
Her grin was infectious, but then it faded, and I could not help but wonder why. As she stopped to face me, I did the same, meeting her lovely emerald gaze, brow furrowing in confusion at her words. I was not necessarily worried that she would stray, but not for the reasons she might have thought; I'd been raised a d'Angeline, even if I'd turned out to be an odd one in ways, but I still held the Precept sacred.
"I do not doubt you, love, not at all. But...well, you know about our faith, right?" I asked her curiously, wondering how much she truly knew or realized about my people, the people she was seeking to make a life among.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 22:43:47 GMT -5
"Aye, I know about it, but 'Love as thou wilt' means different things to everybody," I said stubbornly. "It's not about conforming to a Precept, it's about what that Precept means to you." Taking a deep breath to gather my thoughts, I continued.
"The Precept for me means that I only want you, and now that I am beholden to you, now that we're courting and starting a relationship and working toward a life together, I don't ever want anyone else. No lovers, nothing. There is no one else. If I am not with the man who holds my heart, then I am alone. I'm really a one-man woman." I tried to calm myself down; it wasn't as if I was trying to lecture him at all. Simply that I was vehement in my desire to prove that he was all I needed.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 8, 2011 23:08:20 GMT -5
"I know, but I've never really thought about what it means to me, specifically," I responded, a warm smile coming to my lips at her answer, "But it...feels good to know that you feel that way, my love. And you are more than enough for me, Fion. I have no real desire to seek out others, not when I know you are waiting for me every night."
Leaning into her, I pressed a brief kiss to her lips, sensing her urgency and hoping to calm her some. The last thing I wanted was for her to worry about whether I would stray. What I'd said was true, not simply said for her benefit: I really did have no desire to fall into the arms of another, when I knew that she would be willing and ready for me at a moment's notice, and with all of the love in the world on top of it.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 23:19:08 GMT -5
I blushed happily at his words, even happier as he kissed me again. His words were a balm for my worry; my fears allayed, I was calm and serene once more. "I'll tell you as many times as you'd like to hear it, Leon. I am yours." At the words, I was unable to help the smile that came across my face, unfettered and full of joy. This was a fact I could not be happier about.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 9, 2011 13:12:54 GMT -5
At her words, I smiled broadly, and chuckled as I responded playfully, "If you did that, you'd never have time to say anything else, love. I believe you after the first time, though." She'd given me no reason to doubt her yet. No, I was not the best at reading people, but I she had never been anything but open and direct with me.
After another moment, I turned, keeping one of her hands in mine, and began to lead her through the market once again.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 9, 2011 13:34:45 GMT -5
I smiled as we continued walking, my hand still nestled in his. "You know, I never thought I'd enjoy shopping this much," I mused as we passed some vendors selling their wares. "Then again, I've never really been to a market like this, with all of these different things. The only thing I've ever bought was swords, shields, armor, and clothes that went under it." I shrugged. It was a completely new experience. I was having a lot of those lately, I realized. I liked it. Leon was opening my eyes to a completely different culture that I knew only bits and pieces of.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 9, 2011 14:21:02 GMT -5
"Well, its not something I enjoy all the time, myself, but it is fun, once in a while. The only market I've seen that was this interesting was the one in Tiberium," I remarked as we made our way down the road. Along the way, we did pass places where we could buy the things she spoke of: blacksmiths and leatherworkers, all of whom had display pieces out proclaiming their skills.
I had what I needed in this regard, so I didn't look twice at them, though I was prepared to stop if something caught Fion's eye. I had brought most of what I needed with me from home, after all, and she had come here directly from her escape.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 9, 2011 14:39:52 GMT -5
"What was the one in Tiberium like?" I asked him as we passed some smithy and leather shops, and I couldn't help but walk more slowly, examining their work. I tried to keep my mind on the conversation but I found myself trailing off as I said my next statement. "I've always thought Tiberium was rather... interesting..."
I didn't intend to not listen to Leon, I was simply enthralled with a vambrace I saw lying on one of the counters. It was the most beautiful shade of steel I had ever seen.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 9, 2011 15:05:18 GMT -5
I was about to answer her when I saw her attention drifting. Not that I minded; we were there to look, after all, and I would be able to answer her once whatever it was had been looked at and we had decided whether it was worth buying.
Turning my own attention where hers was, I saw the vambrace. It was odd, seeing a lone vambrace, but it was rather beautifully crafted, almost enough that it belonged in the palace district rather than in the temple district. Interested myself, I led her closer to it.
"That is rather lovely, Fion, but where is its mate?" I asked, not really expecting her to answer. I'd never fought with vambraces on, but I knew that they were typically sold in pairs.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 9, 2011 15:28:42 GMT -5
I shook my head silently. "I have no idea," I said absently as I picked it up and slid it over my hand. As I moved my hand around, suddenly a four-inch blade shot out of a slit right under my palm. I jumped, but thanks to my training, I knew better than to move too quickly or swing it around. I may have hurt Leon, after all, and I never could have lived with myself if that had happened.
"Leon," I breathed in awe, "Look at this." Holding it up carefully, I moved my hand forward, as if I was going to impale it upon the blade. Shink! The blade was gone, retracted back into the vambrace itself. I moved my hand back, pulling it away from the blade. Shink! And out it came. The blade had beautiful, intricate designs on it and gleamed silver in the sunlight.
"I think I know why it doesn't have a mate," I said.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 9, 2011 20:48:22 GMT -5
I looked on with great interest as she picked up the vambrace, and nearly jumped when the blade suddenly sprung out. That had been the last thing I'd been expecting...a wicked little surprise, though I couldn't think of a reason for me to buy such a thing.
"I think I do, too. Its certainly interesting, though I'm not certain I would want one of the city guard to catch me wearing such a thing, if they figured out what it was," I commented, giving a slight shake of my head before going on, "Still, it is a wondrous piece of work. I wonder if it would still function so well if it were hit a few times with a weapon, though."
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 9, 2011 21:08:57 GMT -5
"Aye, It's hard to say. I would think it would be fine if the outer part of the vambrace were hit, considering the mechanism is probably on the inner part of it, where the blade sits. And, I highly doubt the City Guard would know what it was at first glance; we're both trained in swordsmanship, from childhood, and even we didn't even know what it was. They would probably think it was a normal vambrace like we did, considering it wouldn't work unless you put it on." Moving my hand again, I watched in avid fascination as the blade snicked in and out. "This could very well be the most amazing piece of bladework I've ever seen," I marveled. "That's the beauty of it; no one's supposed to be able to tell what it is."
I wanted it. But I didn't know what Leon would think. Glancing up at him, I tried to figure out whether I should ask him for it or not. "Leon.... May I have it? Before you say no outright," I said quickly, "Think of what an interesting piece it is. Rarely anyone would have it, I'm sure, and even though I wouldn't wear it in the City, what if we were to travel? I'm sure you'd feel much better knowing I have a way of protecting myself in case we were accosted and you couldn't get to me for any reason. Plus," I reasoned with alacrity, "We could put it in the Trophy Room, on display whenever we aren't traveling, which is most of the time, and it would be an interesting addition."
Catching my breath from all that I'd said, I looked up at him, an open plea on my face. I knew I was begging, but I simply could not pass up this piece of equipment.
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Post by Leon Charles d'Essoms on Feb 9, 2011 21:51:32 GMT -5
There was no denying it was an exquisite piece of work, far beyond normal blacksmith work. I was almost certain it would have required both a master smith and a clockmaker to have created the thing. Her arguments for buying the thing were sound, both for her defense when the time came to travel as well as for its simple rarity.
What made me say yes, though, was much simpler: Fion wanted it, more than the dresses, the leather thong in her hair, or the shoes. Those things she'd picked out in great part for me, because my life was going to dictate that she need them. This was the only thing so far that she had asked for entirely for herself, and I could not tell her no.
"Let's go see how much the proprietor wants for it," I told her, leading her toward the door into the shop and holding it open, wondering what manner of man it was who had such a thing for sale.
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