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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 6, 2011 21:45:32 GMT -5
It was a sunny afternoon by the time I got to Elua's Square. I had arrived early in the morning to Elua. I dropped all of my things at the Lord and Lady Inn, I took a bath and dressed into the typical noble finer: dark green tunic, black trousers, black doublet. My horse was currently taking a rest in the stables at the Inn.
I made my way over to the fountain and sat at the edge. I crossed my arms over my chest and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and raised my head toward the light. I was not looking forward to immersing myself in the lies and drama of the social world. What choice did I have? My father has passed on, and I needed to fulfill my duty as Marquis. I only hoped I might get through this situation unscathed.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 6, 2011 22:24:43 GMT -5
I needed to get some things for Jace and the house, and instead of letting one of the servants do it, I decided to go myself. I had planned to bring Jace with me, but the day felt too warm, and besides, he was sleeping so peacefully that I didn't want to wake him.
It was nice to get out alone, actually, and I was pleased that the dresses I tried on were a few sizes smaller already. I had carried Jace all in my belly, so the rest of me was bouncing back more quickly.
I was thinking about lunch when I crossed Elua's Square, but the fountain was so beautiful I decided to stop. I paused at the edge of the fountain to watch the early summer sun glint off of the water. I leaned over, thinking about trailing my fingers in the water, when one of my earrings fell off and landed in the fountain with a light splash.
"Seven hells," I said out loud, then remembered myself and clapped a hand over my mouth to stifle the rest of the curses. There was a man sitting right next to me and I felt my cheeks heat as I realized he couldn't have avoided hearing me. "Sorry," I said, smiling wryly at him, "Those are my favorite earrings."
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 6, 2011 23:27:31 GMT -5
Although my eyes were closed, I could hear the sound of footsteps coming my way, they were light and in a casual pace, so I knew I had nothing to fear from whoever was coming near me. I took in a deep breath and then opened my eyes when I heard a splash and then a swear word issued from a feminine mouth.
I lowered my head and turned to see a dark haired, blue eyed beauty. Her eyes grabbed me for a moment before, I turned toward the water. I took a peek inside the fountain, it wasn't too deep, but it would definitely get my pants wet.
I stood up off the edge of the fountain and rolled up my pants legs, "It is no trouble at all, m'lady." I stepped into the fountain, biting the inside of my cheek at the cold water. I looked down and saw the glimmer of the earrings at the bottom. I bent down and retrieved them. I wiped them on my shirt and held them up to my eyes for inspection, "There's your problem, the hook doesn't close all the way. You should get them adjusted, so they don't fall out again."
I handed the earrings to her in the palm of my hand. "Forgive me for my rudeness, I'm Renard de Valliers." I gave a bow while still in the fountain.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 7, 2011 0:27:51 GMT -5
I stared at him in open-mouthed surprise as he simply stood up, rolled up the legs of his pants, and stepped into the fountain to retrieve the earrings. He pointed out the loose hook and then handed them back to me, the sapphires glittering in the sunlight.
I plucked the earrings out of his hand with a smile, laughing as he bowed, standing in the fountain in the middle of Elua's Square.
"No rudeness at all, my lord, you've rescued my earrings!" Still laughing, I curtsied and gave my own name.
"Naia Shahrizai, a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for your daring rescue."
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 7, 2011 1:11:52 GMT -5
I listened quietly to the sound of her laughter, watching how her eyes lit up, and her mouth stretched slightly.
I shrugged my shoulder as I stepped out of the fountain, "I was simply helping a lady in distress." I took her hand in mine and gave it a chaste kiss, "A pleasure to meet you as well."
I sat back on the edge of the fountain. I squeezed the water out of the legs of the my pants, and then rolled them down, so they could dry in the warm sun.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 7, 2011 22:49:13 GMT -5
My, but he was polite ... it was a nice change from Kendrick, and in fact he reminded me a bit of Azriel, one of the few men in my life who had ever shown me any respect. I followed his example and sat down on the edge of the fountain, dropping my earrings into one of my shopping bags and setting them down by my feet.
"Well, I appreciate the help, I'm not dressed for traipsing around in fountains." It was a bit of a jest, since neither was he, but he seemed so serious I wanted to get him to smile.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 8, 2011 0:45:38 GMT -5
I nodded when she mentioned that she wasn't quite dressed to move through the fountain. My ankles were wet, but it didn't bother me much. I looked around her, and noticed that she didn't have a chaperone.
"Forgive me if I am stepping on toes, M'lady Shahrizai, but where is your chaperone? The streets are not always safe, even at this time of the day," I spoke with a serious look of concern. She looked like she had the funds to have a guard. I didn't want to interefere, but I felt a duty to protect the women around me, it was taught to me since birth.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 10, 2011 13:26:01 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow at him. “My chaperone?” I couldn’t tell if he was teasing me or not, so I decided to answer the question seriously, but not to be offended by the thought that I couldn’t take care of myself.
“I feel fairly confident that I can handle myself within the City walls,” I said, the hint of a smile on my lips. A chaperone indeed! Although … things in the City had not exactly been safe, of late. The Queen had murdered in her own Palace! And a royal princess as well, though that death was obviously eclipsed by that of the Queen. And everyone was talking about the Comtesse who had been kidnapped by Skaldics right from her own home. I began to worry a bit, not for my own safety – I should like to see someone try to kidnap me – but for my son’s.
“Perhaps you are right, though, things are not as safe as they once were.”
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 10, 2011 14:20:13 GMT -5
My eyebrows lifted at her question and I gave a serious nod. My eyes took in her features and it looked like she was offended. I had not meant to offend her, but I wasn't going to start making demands of her. If she chose to walk without a guard, that was well within her rights. I only hoped to bring something to her attention.
I listened to her talk about how she could handle herself. I didn't say anything, letting her think it through. I could tell the wheels were turning a bit.
My lips curved up slightly when she mentioned that I might be right, "If you are willing- I am free to open my services as an escort toward where ever you planned to go." I gave her a charming smile.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 10, 2011 20:50:20 GMT -5
"Oh, I was just shopping..." I began, ready to decline, but then I reconsidered. Shopping wasn't as much fun alone, though I was mostly finished, but still, some company on the way home would also be nice. "But certainly, that is a kind offer, if you're sure you don't mind. I'd hate to keep you from your own plans."
"We can rest here for a few minutes though," I said, reaching behind me to drag my fingers through the cool water. "I love the fountain, don't you?"
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 10, 2011 21:07:59 GMT -5
I smiled and gave a deep bow, "I am at your service, m'lady. Never would I leave a lady in distress."
I gave her a small smirk, "I have come to Elua especially to get myself involved into typical society. I think escorting you would be a fine step toward that end. It would also help me to learn the city more, so in essences- you would be helping me a great deal as well."
I nodded at her question, "Yes, it is a lovely fountain. The architects of this land have done an amazing service, as have the laborers who built them. Camlach's architecture is not as lovely, it's more practical..."
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 11, 2011 19:30:39 GMT -5
I actually felt bad for him at that point. I could hardly count myself as 'typical society' and more than likely being seen with me would be a black mark against him. Well, perhaps that was melodramatic, or at least I hoped so.
"Sounds like we will be helping each other, then," I said, smiling and hoping that Jace was faring well at home. I'd have left him with Kendrick, but I was still angry with him and was avoiding him as much as possible. Besides, after the fete, it appeared that he thought having a baby meant that I should be chained to the house while he ran about and did whatever he pleased and I meant to show him that he was dead wrong there. In fact, coming home with another man might be just the thing to get under his skin...
I looked Renard over anew at that thought. He was handsome, fresh-faced and young, and I sighed inwardly. I didn't think I could use him that way, he seemed too sweet. Ah well, the idea was there, and we would see what came of it.
"I imagine so," I said, in response to his words about the architecture of Camlach. It wasn't a subject I knew much about, though things of beauty were of interest to my artist's eye. "The City seems to be made for beauty and less for practical purposes," I said, thinking about all the beauty I had seen here.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 11, 2011 22:07:42 GMT -5
I nodded to her, "Yes, it's....not what I am used to, but it does garner a appreciation for the city. The citizens of Camlach are so focused on protection that it's hard to appreciate what is around you."
I faced North, where the palace lied some distance away, "I have only see the palace from far off. I imagine that beauty even surpasses this one."
I looked off from the fountain a bit to see that the place that they had burned a pile of books looked as if the event never happened. I turned back to Naia, "Did you hear of the riot last week? A group of people were making it their job to destroy religious texts. That was the first week I arrived..."
I shook my head, remembering the incidence quite clearly.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 14, 2011 20:50:07 GMT -5
"It is beautiful," I said, thinking of the Palace and the few times I had been there. I was distracted when he mentioned something about a riot. I raised a brow and shook my head.
"No, I hadn't heard... I'll never know what would possess someone to burn books, it seems a waste of time. There will always be more copies, especially of religious works." I thought about how people sometimes also destroyed works of art, and as an artist, I shuddered at what felt blasphemous to me. "What bad luck for you, arriving just in time for something like that..." And meeting me the following week...
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 14, 2011 22:19:58 GMT -5
I nodded in agreement, "It was rather ridiculous. And then this man came forward protesting the burning, speaking of Shemhazai statement 'All knowledge is worth having'. I attempted to persuade him to stand down, but he insisted on going forward. Then a young lady was moving through the crowd and she decided to support the halt of the burning books. It was only a few moments later before the crowd was turning on us, while the fire blazed on the books..."
I enjoyed telling stories, especially stories that were focused on topics other than myself. I purposely didn't finish the story in order to gauge how much she was interested in hearing it. I was enjoying spending time with her and I hoped that I would be able to see her again.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 19, 2011 16:44:44 GMT -5
"My goodness," I said, my eyes wide. Part of me would have been interested in seeing such a thing, while another part of me was pleased not to have been present. "I hope you don't think that sort of thing is common, what a terrible first impression of the City. I promise, for the most part it is lovely and peaceful." Times were restless, however, and who knew how much longer peace would reign? War was only a stone's throw away these days, it seemed, and I did fear for my son.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 19, 2011 17:34:30 GMT -5
I nodded to her, "I wondered....but I think you're right. I haven't come across any riots since then. Thankfully the Commander did not hold me responsible for the chaos, and I was able to meet a sweet young lady as well. So, it turned out to be a unusual welcome to the city if there ever was one..."
"Even after that riot, Elua is far more peaceful than Camlach. I was told earlier about the raids there. I'm going to be heading back with the rest of the military to continue our fight. Have you heard about the upcoming war? Will you be joining?" I looked east where Camlach lied before turning back to her. I wondered if she had responsibilities here or if she had any abilities in fighting.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 19, 2011 21:10:27 GMT -5
"I've heard it's a possibility," I said, chewing my lower lip with worry. So many people would go, Gadleon would leave my sister behind, so many friends would be leaving. And some of them would not return. "Me? Oh no, there would be no use for me there, I don't know anything about fighting, or healing, and my son is only a few weeks old. I couldn't possibly leave Jace." I smiled wryly. "I've only been gone for an hour and I miss him already."
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 19, 2011 21:46:06 GMT -5
I nodded. I didn't look at her any differently when she mentioned that she didn't know anything about fighting. I admired women who fought, and women who were more interested in other things. Both could be incredibly attractive to me. I paused in my thoughts when she mentioned that she had a son.
My eyebrows raised slightly, "Oh...wow.. Congratulations. That must be...quite a wonderful event for you." I was surprised to hear that she was a mother. My eyes immediately went towards her hand, looking for a wedding ring, and feeling a little confused. I kept the confusion off my face, giving her a encouraging smile, "I'm sure the father is quite proud. Is this your first child?"
Internally, I was taking a sigh of relief. I could have hit on a married woman, or a woman with who knows how many kids? I was thankful that I had relied on my skills of etiquette. I could have made a very embarrassing mistake. I would never involve myself with someone else's wife...or girlfriend. That was almost as bad as spitting in the King's face- another thing I would never do.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 20, 2011 21:07:10 GMT -5
I noticed immediately that my mention of Jace seemed to have discomfited him. Would I always get this reaction? It was unusual in Terre d'Ange for unmarried women to have children, but not every man wanted to take part in that sort of responsibility.
"It is, I love being a mother," I answered warmly. "Jace is the best thing in my life." When he asked about the baby's father, I had to force myself not to make a face. "Oh, he's very proud," I agreed. "And a wonderful father." Well, that was true, Kendrick was an excellent father thus far.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 20, 2011 23:17:19 GMT -5
I nodded quietly, "Well...that's a wonderful thing." I took her words to mean that she was still with the father and very much in contact with him. Which was fine with me. I didn't think I was quiet ready for a relationship with someone who already had a child, especially one that belonged to someone else. Yet another beautiful woman that I would be unable to touch. This whole city seemed to be full of them. I was more thankful for my self contr0l now than I had ever been.
I didn't know what else to say, so I spoke up again, "Were you heading to anywhere in particular?"
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 21, 2011 16:43:59 GMT -5
"No, just wandering. Shopping, getting out of the house, that sort of thing." I gazed out among the small crowd that always seemed to be gathered in the Square. It was beautiful here, to be sure, and on a day like this, who wanted to be inside? I wished that I had brought Jace though, I missed him.
"It's too lovely of a day to stay indoors, though my time is limited." I remembered that he said he would escort me, and perhaps it was past time I got back. I stood up and smiled at him.
"Shall we? I think I had better get back before my son wakes from his nap." Hopefully he hadn't changed his mind, but if he had, well I was accustomed by now to doing things on my own.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 21, 2011 17:28:29 GMT -5
"It seems that almost every day is a lovely day...for as long as I have been here. Perhaps when your son is a little older, he might like to explore the world a little? I remember loving that when I was younger," I mentioned to her.
I offered her my arm when she spoke of heading to her home. I began walking at a slow even pace, enjoying the scenery. I wasn't sure what to say to a young mother. I hoped that if she wanted to talk that she would do so.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 22, 2011 21:01:11 GMT -5
"I'm sure he will," I said, imagining Jace to be a great adventuror, although with a pang I realized that meant that someday he would leave me, as all sons did. I had never really thought about it before, but the idea of Jace growing up and leaving me behind sat like lead in my belly, so I pushed it away before I started to cry or otherwise embarrass myself.
I took his arm, walking along with him at the slow pace, which was actually rather perfect for strolling on a day like today.
"What about you?" I said, "Do you still like to explore the world?" I imagined that he did, as he had left home to come here, after all.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 22, 2011 21:43:00 GMT -5
I considered her question before I answered it, "Yes, I do enjoy exploring the world. Unfortunately, those days are probably coming to an end. I explored a little while I was growing up, although nothing out of Terre D'Ange. I have duties in Camlach to attend to, so I can only explore so much. Perhaps when my future son or daughter rules our estate, I can visit other countries as a old man.." A small grin came to my lips.
"Have you been out of the country before?" I asked quietly.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 25, 2011 19:04:39 GMT -5
I wondered what it would be like to have duties like that, but Sarielle was the oldest and the barony had gone into her keeping. It occurred to me that I had never even asked her about our estate in Kusheth, or what had become of our things or if she was ever going to go back.
"I haven't," I said, pulling my thoughts away from an area they did not truly wish to be anyway. "I should love to visit Aragonia, though, I hear it is beautiful and that there are places that would take ones breath away. Perhaps someday I shall, and perhaps so can you, though I don't think I wait until you were too old," I teased, laughing softly. "You can always hire retainers to keep up with your lands for a little bit, could you not?" I wasn't truly sure if one could or could not do such a thing, but it seemed reasonable.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 25, 2011 23:45:04 GMT -5
I smiled at her mention of Aragonia. I had heard great things of the country as well. I nodded, "Well...perhaps I could go once I'm married and I feel confident that my sister is well taken care of. I made a promise to my father, and it requires me to stay in Terre D'Ange..."
"Are you close to your family?" I asked tentatively, unsure if the topic was too personal for her.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 27, 2011 15:59:57 GMT -5
"Are you close to your family?" Such an innocent question and yet one so loaded with pain and uncertainty and the things that had dominated my life thus far. The question lay for a moment like lead in my belly, before I forced it aside and hid behind my mask, as I always had.
"I don't have a lot of family," I said, shrugging as if it was of no matter to me. "My sister lives in the City, but we aren't close. It sounds as if you are very close to yours?" I was envious of that, if I were honest, but I was the one who had ruined everything with Sarielle, so I knew I had no right to place blame or feel sorry for myself, though that did not always stop me.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 27, 2011 17:47:39 GMT -5
It seemed like the topic of family wasn't as neutral as I hoped. I listened quietly when she mentioned a sister, and then I nodded to her question, "Yes, I'm very close to my younger sister. We were both really close to our mother, and when she passed away we became even closer. I'm not so close to my father...he passed away some months ago... I don't even talk to my step mother, so I know what you mean in regards to that. Sometimes family members don't connect with you the way that you would hope..."
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jun 28, 2011 20:57:49 GMT -5
"I'm sorry about your parents," I offered, remembering my father's death over a year ago. It had mostly been met with relief, but even after all of the abuse I had suffered at his hands, it still hurt watching his casket be lowered into the ground. My mother I did not remember, her death had been too long ago, but it still pained me as well. I prayed that Jace would never know life without a mother.
"It's good that you have your sister, though," I continued, thinking about Sarielle and the way we used to be, before my father stepped in and destroyed it all. "It's hard not being close, but sometimes blood just isn't enough to bring people together, I suppose."
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