Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 21, 2011 16:15:11 GMT -5
While I was waiting for my new marque to heal there was only so much I could do without running the risk of ruining the work that had been done, but I'd also never been comfortable staying in one place for very long without a reason to do so, especially when there were preparations to be made. Once I was in Camlach there was no way to tell when I'd be able to get certain supplies or even a chance to relax and have a good glass of wine. In Siovale there were always a few bottles around for the soldiers to drink but they were quickly gone and replaced by ale which I had significantly less of a fondness for. It made sense then to take the chance while I had it.
With that in mind I went to El Parra, a wine shop I'd heard about in passing from time to time. I'd worn my usual uniform of a button-up shirt with a chemise underneath, pants and boots, my sword belt as always around my waist and its weight so natural to me that not wearing it was actually more irksome than doing so. On entering the shop I could tell that it was a well cared for establishment, quiet enough and pleasant, and with a sense of complete calm I went to an empty table and sat down, then began to look over the wine list they had posted on the wall. I was fully intending on enjoying this chance to relax and clear my head from the other things that had been muddling it lately and this seemed like the perfect place to do so.
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 21, 2011 16:59:28 GMT -5
I had only been in the City a few days now and I was reaquainting myself with everything, getting myself settled, before I took my last step into enlisting in the army. Today I felt like treating myself to some nice wine and since I had been back I had heard a lot of good things about an Aragonian placed called El Parra. Leaving my horse at a near by stable I paid the groom and told them I'd return in a few hours; I'd get in some shopping too perhaps.
Walking at a moderate pace I adjusted my grey tunic and white shirt beneath I strode across the street and entered into the establishment. Looking around first I noticed the back of a young man in military garb and smiling I went toward him. I wasn't military yet but I always enjoyed being in the company of such men who likely had stories of combat and adventure to tell. I found a list of wines available and picked out one that sounded good before taking the seat next to the blond gentleman. I ordered the wine I wished and took up my glass when it arrived, paying as I did, then began to swirl it gently. The liquid clung to the sides of the clear glass then dripped down in legs and as it did I tipped the glass and brought the rim to just below my nose. I inhaled deeply then, my nostrils flaring as the scent of earth and black berries filled my senses.
"Excellent nose." I said softly, mostly to myself, then tipped the glass rim to my lips and sipped gently. As I sipped I breathed in letting the air caress the wine and break the tannens in order to fully appreciate the taste. When I had a small taste in my mouth I closed my lips and let the wine play over my tongue, letting the liquid coat every inch of it. Once it had I swollowed only momentarily letting the flavour wash away as I to took my next sip. I repeated the first step as I sipped but when I finally had a mouth full this time I let it rest on my tongue for a moment before breathing in once more. This time it wasn't just the earth and black berry that came this time but also the flavour of honey and chocolate that made itself present and moaned a little as I swallowed. For a third time I took a sip, this time just swallowing it down like candy and then placed my glass down as I released a happy sigh at my enjoyment in the drink.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 21, 2011 18:25:32 GMT -5
Just as one of the servers was walking away with my order for a glass of crisp white wine the sound of another person sitting down at the table drew my attention and I cast a quick, considering glance in their direction. Young, probably about cadet age or so I'd have guessed, but without the completely military posture, there were traces of some of it- perhaps a cadet after all, one of leave like myself? It didn't make a good deal of difference one way or the other, and I turned my steady gaze back toward the general surroundings.
It only took another minute or two before the server returned with my glass and I thanked them in a calm tone as I took the vessel, which was filled with a pale yellow vintage, which I paid for and added a tip to the tab. I'd learned the correct way to taste wine at the Temple and I did so quiet, letting a sip of the wine flow over my tongue before I swallowed, and it was as crisp as I'd expected with a slight taste of peach. The sip was followed by another small drink, then I set the glass aside and glanced back at the boy sitting next to me, who was obviously enjoying his wine as well. The least I could do was be polite. "Good afternoon. Which wine are you trying?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 21, 2011 18:43:56 GMT -5
I was just about to take another sip of my wine, in fact the glass was just leaving my lips and a mouth full of wine when a voice came from beside me. I assumed a woman had approached the bar where I sat that when I turned to look at the person who had spoken expecting a young noble woman, I saw instead my military companion with the head of a gorgeous blond.
I choked, the wine filling my mouth at my surprise and I sputtered a little before managing to swallow the fiery liquid down my throat. At the same time my fingers fumbled on the stem of the glass and it tipped spilling my drink over the edge of the bar to the other side. It took me a moment to cough out the wine I had accidently inhaled before I could speak. "You're a girl." I managed to squeek out in a raspy voice as I looked to the office and woman next to me.
"Great Kushiel's ghost, you're a girl." I squinted my left eye as I coughed out the last aggitation in my chest and then motioned for another wine to be poured by the man who came rushing over at my accident.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 21, 2011 19:39:51 GMT -5
The boy's reaction startled me somewhat and I looked on in surprise as he choked on his wine, then spilled what was left in his glass over the bar, bringing one of the attendants over in a rush with a rag to clean up the mess. After giving the server a small nod to show that everything was alright I turned my attention back to the still-sputtering person beside me just in time to hear his statement, first in the hoarse tones and then repeated in a tone of pure shock.
So that's what this was about then- evidently he'd never seen a female soldier before, and I knew that ones like myself were rare, but surely he didn't think that there weren't any at all? Or was it only that he'd thought me something else when he'd sat down? It was a puzzling question but not one worth becoming perturbed over, so I simply let it pass. "Yes, you would be correct in that assessment, my lord," I replied, my tone polite but slightly dry as I raised a brow questioningly, then took another sip of wine and swallowed. "Though I'm not sure Kushiel had anything to do with it."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 21, 2011 20:00:51 GMT -5
I wasn't sure what to think as I looked back at the attractive female looking back at me as though I was a boy idiot, which I was, and my mind could only respond in one way. "He does if he's been making my fantasies come true." I answered with a lop side grin, my thoughts so in wrapture with the idea of a female comanding officer. But the moment I said it I felt even more like and idiot and because of it I turned away from her and shook my head.
"Ah, I didn't mean to say that." I cleared my throat, embarrassment colouring my cheeks; it didn't happen often but I've been known to blush. I reached out and took up my full class once again, this time taking a long sip with no interest in tasting, just an interest in getting the alcohol to my veins quicker. Once I had swallowed I cleared my throat once more. "Forgive me." I added, looking side ways for a brief moment as I gave her an apologetic smile.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 21, 2011 20:48:56 GMT -5
The male mindset was such an intriguing thing in some ways, how it could make one go from sheer amazement to be confronted with a female military officer one moment to using come-ons the next. I'd been around more than enough men and boys not to question it too deeply though, so my brow simply rose another fraction, my expression still curiously serene but for the faint curl of a smile at one corner of my mouth. After all, this could be somewhat amusing if looked at in a certain light.
A moment later he seemed to have realized what he said though and the color rose on his cheeks, and I couldn't help but feel a little bit of sympathy for him. I'd certainly had moments in my life where I'd reacted to a shock in an unexpected fashion and it was perfectly understandable given the situation. "It's quite alright," I told him in a slightly warmer tone, the faint smile of amusement replaced with one of understanding, picking up a rag that was set to one side and wiping up a few more drops of spilled wine that had been missed. "I take it you haven't seen any female soldiers before?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 21, 2011 21:41:11 GMT -5
I took a deep breath trying to steady myself against my embarrassment as well as other things but when I had a hold of myself I turned my head to her and smiled. I also took a moment to look at her; the line of her brow and the formation of her lips and how they bowed when she quirked the corner in a smile. My eyes searched hers for just a second but then a shyness crept over me and I looked away. "Not particularly sir," I answered the way I would have to a superior officer then wondered what the protocol for addressing a female officer was. "Madame?" I then looked bit sideways at her with another crooked smile.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 22, 2011 12:43:25 GMT -5
You could only tell so much from a person from the first moments that you spoke to them, but if you knew what to look for there were some things you could pick up on. This person was young, inexperienced and still recovering from his surprise, but he was trying to be respectful and didn't seem to be completely unintelligent. That was the way of most young noblemen anyway so it wasn't such a stretch of the imagination. "Either is fine, or as you're not in a uniform Reza would work as well," I told him sensibly. "Are you a cadet?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 22, 2011 13:03:47 GMT -5
"Reza." I replied softly under my breath, tasting her name on my tongue before I looked to her. "Not as of yet." I answered. "Though I'm hoping to enlist soon." I added with a smile. Truth be told I was a little nervous to begin my trainning to be an officer. As much as I was proud to fight for my country, I certainly didn't want to die; I happened to like life and after what happened to me I was ever more eager to hold onto it.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 22, 2011 19:59:07 GMT -5
His answer didn't surprise me so much, especially since I knew the sort of discipline that a cadet was usually ingrained with once they were in real military training, but I was appreciative of the fact he was willing to serve. Everyone deserved the chance to do just that, and while his fine manners probably meant he had the money to afford a commission no matter his skill he was still young enough that perhaps he wouldn't become the worst kind of officer if he had some sense. Too many of them cared more for their reputations and ideals than their soldiers, which was why Captain de Etalon was so loyally supported by his people. "I wish you the best of luck, though I'm certain you'll have an easy enough time getting in," I said, then took another sip of my wine and swallowed. "How were you planning to serve, on a ship or as a calvalry officer?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 22, 2011 20:30:20 GMT -5
She seemed polite enough that I had relaxed a little though I was still enjoying the chance to be in the pressence of some one so beautiful, not to mention the fact that she was in the military more her even more attractive. "Cavalry," I answered. "Hopefully." I added with a chuckle. "I've been working hard and just returned from a military academy."
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 23, 2011 13:01:22 GMT -5
"That sounds like a very wise way to spend your time, since a person can never have too much training," I replied sensibly, not at all surprised that he'd chosen to join the cavalry. It was often a favorite among the peerage and nobles and carried a good deal of prestige. "I'm a member of the infantry troops myself, stationed on the border of Siovale."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 23, 2011 14:01:37 GMT -5
"Really?" I replied, not out of surprise but out of curiosity. "How long have you been stationed there?" I took a sip of my wine, before turning to look at her, she was definitely a unique subject and I was eager to learn more about her.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on May 27, 2011 16:04:08 GMT -5
"Since I came back from the war in Khebbel-in-Akkad," I replied steadily, glancing sideways slightly as I thought. How long ago had that been now? Time was always an ephemeral thing, especially when every day was very much like the one before it. "Now I'm transferring to the Skaldi border to assist there. With all of the raiding lately it seems like a more pressing situation."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 29, 2011 16:14:15 GMT -5
I listened intently, not paying attention to anything else but what she was saying. I had heard stories of the Akkadian war, stories of both victory and defeat but I'd be lieing if it didn't have me fanscinated. "Yes I've heard news that the border has become unstable." I finally spoke once she had done, thinking about the posibility that I'd end up there if I enlisted and a war broke out. "What have you heard?" I inquired.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Jun 4, 2011 13:16:13 GMT -5
There wasn't a good deal that most knew about the conflict with the Skaldi as yet, and most of what was circulating was through secondhand stories or rumors. Whether those were true or not I'd have to see for myself. "They say that the frequency of the raids is increasing and that the Skaldi are getting more bold because they have a new leader to unify some of their clans," I replied sedately, then took another sip of wine. "Whether or not this is the case though is still a matter of speculation. Part of the reason I asked to be transferred there was to find out for myself. The last time Skaldia had one person leading it caused a good deal of conflict."
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 9, 2011 11:25:53 GMT -5
I nodded a little thinking about the truth of what she was saying, more then 50 years past the rise of the Skaldi had caused a great deal of change within our nation and though we had been victorious it had come at a great price setting more then a few citizens on paths that would shape the way we lived. Now it seemed it was to happen again, though of course one wouldn't be able to say for sure till some time had passed and information became more readily available. "I think that that's very brave of you." I said then, taking a sip of my own wine. "It would be a great shame if we ended up in another war."
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Jun 10, 2011 11:29:44 GMT -5
His pronoucement at my being brave drew a smile to my lips, though it was my usual calm, quiet one. "I'm not sure if it's bravery or not, I just think of it as my job," I replied, my tone somewhat introspective. Unlike a good deal of people who enlisted as I had I knew exactly what may have happened to me in battle, and I wasn't the sort to take on a duty unless I knew every detail about it I could, and I'd chosen this life with complete awareness. "But thank you for the appreciation. A war would be a hard thing for the nation considering everything that's happened. The alternative if it was avoided and necessary though would be far worse."
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 13, 2011 17:05:42 GMT -5
I smiled gently in return to her own smile and I raised my wine glass. "A toast then," I said as I turned toward her. "To a worthy job and a hope that any war will be swift and victorious for Terre d'Ange."
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Jun 15, 2011 15:48:07 GMT -5
The person I was drinking with seemed to have calmed down slightly and adjusted to the fact that he was drinking with a military woman, which was a comforting thought, and I turned to face him slightly, raising my own glass. "And to the different things we all fight for," I added with a wry smile of my own, then took a sip.
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 15, 2011 20:45:48 GMT -5
I smiled in return and tipped my head toward her before I sipped my wine as she did. There was something in the knowledge that war might be on the horizon that had sobered me and while I didn't want to be negative, it weighed down my thoughts. Either way I didn't want to ruin anything so I put my glass down and looked at Reza. "So, do you come to El Parra often?" I asked, wanting to move away from a topic of war.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Jun 21, 2011 19:37:53 GMT -5
The change in subject surprised me slightly but I didn't do any more than raise my brow imperceptibly and continue on. It could be hard to think about something like battles on the horizon, especially if you were going to take part in them, and I generally managed only by experience. "I don't get to come to the City often, but this is my first time in this particular establishment," I replied a moment later, taking the last sip of my wine and pushing away the glass for now. "Yourself?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 26, 2011 16:36:54 GMT -5
"Same." I replied. "I've been to the city a few times but this is my first time in El Parra." I chuckled a little. "Do you get a chance to get out much?" I asked curiously, noting that she had finished her drink. I was almost done mine as well and I knew I had to be getting home soon.
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