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Post by blackfox2 on Jun 12, 2011 20:35:38 GMT -5
A group of Eglantines and myself had decided to go out and round up some business by putting on a little show. Singers, tumblers, and my fellow actors all came out dressed to impress and hopefully snag some patrons. I had just finished a poetry reading, the text the work of another, lovely eglantine who simply dressed provocatively and sat beside me. I bowed and moved off the stage, looking around to see if anyone took interest.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 12, 2011 23:09:36 GMT -5
I was on my way home from Naamah's temple when I saw a group of Eglantine performing outside. I'd not seen Aaliyah in a year, and perhaps it was the reason, other than the excellency of the presentation, that bade me take a bench, sit, and watch.
At appropriate times, I laughed and cheered, happy to encourage my fellow adepts.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 0:43:21 GMT -5
After the outing with Eric, I was motivated to explore the city more often, get out of my shell, so to speak. Today I decided that I should spend some time in Elua's square, considering I hadn't spent all that much time in the heart of the city.
A small crowd had gathered around a group of Eglantine performers and I managed to arrive in the middle of a poetry reading. I stood, inconspicuous, my clothing extremely modest in comparison to those around me, and applauded as the reading came to an end. The adept had lovely voice, and the woman beside him was very pretty. As a few people began to disperse, I took up the place of the person in front of me, eager to see more.
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 15, 2011 0:51:28 GMT -5
After a few days rest after my debut, I made my way to Elua's square. I stopped when I saw that a show was being put on. I joined the crowd, eager to watch more.
My eyes looked over the crowd when I saw Raisa standing near the front. I began moving my way through the crowd, politely excusing myself along the way. I clapped along with the crowd, even though I had missed some of the show.
I tapped Raisa on the shoulder, "Hi Raisa!" I opened my arms to embrace her in a friendly hug. "I actually wanted to speak to you about something. Something unexpected happened, and I didn't have a debut auction like planned." I gave her a look of obvious disappointment.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 0:53:58 GMT -5
"Jess!" I smiled, genuinely happy to see her. We had a little time to catch up as the adepts prepared their next performance piece. I returned her hug, though when she mentioned that she didn't have a debut auction, I frowned.
"You didn't have a debut auction?" I repeated. For some reason I was reminded of Eric and felt anxious. "Did something happen? Are you ok?"
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 15, 2011 1:01:43 GMT -5
I was glad to see that she was just as eager to see me, and I felt touched by her obvious concern. I nodded to her, "I'm fine...a little sore, but I'm fine. A patron decided that they wanted to purchase me before an auction. I think he wanted to dismiss all bidders in order to have me. My debut ended up being at this really fancy party, so I had to wear a more elaborate dress that my patron purchased for me..."
"I know you wanted to see me at the auction, and I had actually got permission from my Dowayne to have you come.. Maybe you can see the dress on me at some other time?" I said as my shoulders rose slightly. I wasn't sure if there was anything that I could do to make up for the mishap. Then an idea came to my mind, "We could still have lunch?" I gave her a small smile.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 1:07:55 GMT -5
I was relieved to hear that nothing untoward had happened, apart from the soreness that you'd expect a Valerian would endure, but I was a little disappointed to hear that she didn't get to wear the dress. Still, I was glad that a patron had been so eager to purchase her virgin price. It must have been a pretty hefty one, else her Dowayne wouldn't have agreed to it.
"Well, just as long as you wear it somewhere nice then that's all I can ask for," I said, letting her know that all was well, "and," I added with a grin. "Lunch sounds perfect."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 15, 2011 8:09:26 GMT -5
There were two girls not too far who were talking excitedly to each other - I tried not to pay attention, focusing myself on the show, but the words patron and debut caught my attention – adepts, at least the one with red hair. I smiled to myself, and the show resumed, and alas, they were still talking.
After some hesitation and debating with myself, I leaned over, and said, as patiently as I could, “I'm very sorry, would you mind paying heed? It's not very kind to our colleagues of house Eglantine, is it not?”
It was a gentle chiding, not intended to be authoritative, but all the same, it mattered to me. One young adept was singing a capella on the stage, and I felt silence would have honoured him better.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 8:17:30 GMT -5
We must have been getting carried away as we talked, for a woman leaned over and politely asked us to pay attention. With a flush of embarrassment, I nudged Jess and mouthed a sorry to the woman, then cast my gaze away quickly, feeling rather foolish and rude for not hearing the opening of the song.
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 15, 2011 12:04:15 GMT -5
I squeezed Raisa's hand in excitement when she told me that she would want to come to lunch with me. I paused when a woman spoke up asking us to be quiet. A blush covered my face, "My sincerest apologies, m'lady..."
Then I grinned excitedly at Raisa before turning to the stage to listen to the Eglantine adept sing. His voice was really quite amazing and I found myself having no problems keeping my focus on him.
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Post by blackfox2 on Jun 15, 2011 13:32:14 GMT -5
I had finished and moved to the back of the stage and a young singer took my place. I quickly changed into something more comfortable that also managed to show off my marque, a loose shirt with a sheer back. I walked back to a place where I could watch the crowd and seemed to be a good number of citizens, no one who could really afford us. That was the one drawback about a public performance. It's almost as though we were letting the commoners indulge.I'd go down and mingle soon and find myself a patron. Somehow I would.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 15, 2011 14:32:33 GMT -5
I gave the two young women an indulgent smile and turned my attention to the show, though part of me desired to speak with them, particularly the redheaded adept, who seemed to have an interesting tale of a debut to share. The other also seemed sweet, and they looked quite the adorable pair.
I wondered idly if they were lovers as the song ended and decided it was none of my business if they were. I'd had my share of unauthorized pleasure, before I made my marque, and had no judgement to place.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 17:41:53 GMT -5
When the song drew to a close, I made the most of another performance break to properly apologise to the woman.
"Sorry, for earlier, my lady." There was really no excuse for having been discourteous, so I merely bobbed a curtsey.
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 15, 2011 20:15:37 GMT -5
I had already apologized earlier, so I wasn't planning to repeat myself. However, it seemed appropriate for me to give an explanation, "Raisa is my personal tailor and I have yet to see her for a few weeks. We were just excited to see one another again." I shrugged my shoulders as if to make it seem more casual and therefore unintentional.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 15, 2011 20:25:07 GMT -5
I smiled a little, my tone was quiet and gentle as I spoke - it was rarely any different, truth be.
"It's well," I replied patiently, particularly to the seamstress, who was kind and gentle. "It was less for myself than for the adepts who are trying to hard to find patrons, and who are using this venue to perhaps attract a few."
I looked at the redhead - a temper to match her hair, perhaps? It was hard to tell. I bit onto a comment telling her that if she was an adept, she should know this, and not need be told, then thought better of it. It was rare for me to shame younger adepts - but if we did not assist one another, no-one would. I'd know well enough the solitude of Mont-Nuit and the joys of friendship, and selfishness had no place in a world as harsh as ours already was.
Instead, I added smiling a little, "I should know, as I just made my marque a few weeks gone." I spoke humbly - this was no boast, only acknowledgement of hard work, past and to come.
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 15, 2011 20:33:59 GMT -5
The woman seemed to accept our apology. I noticed her looking at my hair, and I wondered what she was thinking. My lips curved into easy smile when she mentioned that she paid off her marque, "Congratulations. I just began mine but a few days ago. Are you planning on staying with your house or have you already moved on? Forgive me...what was your house?" I was curious to know if she had plans now that her marque was complete.
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Post by blackfox2 on Jun 15, 2011 20:54:28 GMT -5
Eventually I decided to step off the stage and walk around. There was a small break before the next act, which would be a group of acrobats wearing costumes designed by one of our adepts. I walked down and began moving around, getting a few words of congratulations here and there. I acknowledged them with a smile and a rushed "Thank you."
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 22:03:31 GMT -5
Relief at the fact that the woman seemed nice, I listened with one ear open to the conversation that was happening between her and Jess. I knew little of the Night Court, apart from the preferential tastes in fashion of some of the houses, so I was curious as I listened to them talk.
Then the adept who had done the reading began to mingle among the crowd, and I offered a soft "Congratulations," as he passed, though I doubt he heard me.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 0:39:17 GMT -5
"I've just established myself out," I replied, smiling still, openly and as friendly as ever. I was about to introduce myself when the dark haired girl offered congratulations to a passing adept, and I followed her lead, saying them as well, a touch more audibly.
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Post by blackfox2 on Jun 16, 2011 12:37:44 GMT -5
I heard two more congratulations and I nodded and was about to walk away when I felt a stab of guilt for doing so. Just because they most likely couldn't afford an assignation didn't mean they weren't worth my time. I turned and spoke to then, smiling as I did. "Thank you! I hope you're enjoying the little show we've prepared. In all honesty it's a bit of an advertisement, but hopefully a fun one."
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 16, 2011 21:19:59 GMT -5
I nodded, it made sense, a public display to entice patrons. "Advertisement or no, it is still lovely that you're performing in the Square today. Talent is a gift that should be shared, don't you think?"
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 16, 2011 22:08:38 GMT -5
I smiled at Geraldine, "May Naamah bless your journey as a Courtesan." I turned from the woman when I heard her give congratulations to one of the performers. I smiled brightly at the dark haired man, "I hope you find a patron that fits you well. I'm enjoying the performance immensely." I listened quietly to see how the adept would respond.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 23:23:37 GMT -5
I laughed lightly at the young Eglantine's admission and nodded encouragingly. “It was well done, and you performed admirably,” I told him. “Besides, for those of us who may never afford the pleasures of your house, it is a blessing.”
I had a good friend at Eglantine, once – Aaliyah, and I'd lost her trace, since then. “I am Geraldine Grangier, formerly of Heliotrope,” I offered, and part of me hoped that my uncommon first name would perhaps ring a bell.
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Post by blackfox2 on Jun 16, 2011 23:49:31 GMT -5
"Indeed, shared and appriciated!" I replied happily. "Thank you for your compliments and enjoy the rest of the performance!" I said before moving on.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 16, 2011 23:57:55 GMT -5
Blinking, I watched as the adept made his way further through the crowd.
"Well, he was nice," I commented, not really sure what I'd been expecting.
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 17, 2011 22:07:57 GMT -5
I nodded at Raisa's words. It looked like Geraldine wanted to spend more time talking to him, but it looked like he was on a mission. I shrugged my shoulders at her, "It looks like he might really be focused on a patron today. I wish him the best..."
I turned to Geraldine, "Heliotrope did you say? That's great. I've heard great things about your house. I don't know many members of Heliotrope."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 1:16:41 GMT -5
I'd watched the Eglantine adept leave with a quirked eyebrow, and nodded in agreement with the redhead's assessment of his attitude. He looked indeed both focused and motivated, a man on a mission.
“You should feel free to visit, one day,” I replied with quiet pride. “The gardens are lovely, and it is a friendly House. But forgive me,” I added to both girls, “I don't think I caught your names...”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 18, 2011 2:08:08 GMT -5
Feeling somewhat flustered, I blushed and bobbed a curtsey. "Forgive me for forgetting my manners. I'm Raisa Valois. It is nice to meet you lady Grangier."
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Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian
Adept
Adept of Valerian House
"We are bound soul to soul to Elua's holiest laws; If I am an angel, Why you are the cause."
Posts: 239
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Post by Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian on Jun 18, 2011 10:03:39 GMT -5
I blushed lightly when I realized that I had learned the woman's name because she had introduced herself to the Eglantine. I spoke up, "My apologies as well, I'm Jessamine Verreuil no Valerie." I wasn't sure if I should say anything else, for some reason I was beginning to feel a little shy knowing that I was in the presence of a accomplished Courtesan. While I had very little to show for my own accomplishments.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 10:51:59 GMT -5
“Geraldine only, if you please,” I replied patiently to the two girls. “I'm only a few years older, not a wizened grandmother yet,” I added, and I laughed a little, amused at the thought. Oh, but I did hope to be such one day – if one could want me for myself, and father me a dozen children, nothing could make me happier.
I thought of Decimus, who had once bragged that he would steal me away on his horse, take me to Alba, and make me a mother tenfold. I wondered if he had put any truth in it, then – but I thought perhaps not. He was charming, and I adored him, but any dalliance between us would likely result in nothing more solid than a sheen of sweat, an afterglow of love, and singing sighs for a night.
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