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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 15, 2011 18:57:28 GMT -5
I'd decided to test out the theory I'd shared with the queen, and so having left Strider at the door in a good lad's keeping, I entered the Poulet Gauche, intent, if not on finding news about Cascata or To-Biko, on finding help.
I wandered in and ordered a half-pint, then leaned against the bar, looking around for a man fit to be my right hand, or a girl who looked honest and hard working. I was hell-bent on giving a chance to a commoner, for honest employment is a bid for dignity.
I was dressed cleanly, but didn't stand out over much - I wanted to hire someone who would want the work for themselves, not because I seemed wealthy, which I was, in the grander scheme of things, regardless of how poorly my estates had done in the past year.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 19:10:25 GMT -5
I hadn't visited Night's Doorstep in a while, not since I'd moved to the East Borough. But there had been a lull in the commissions recently, and I missed the more honest, simple side of town; so with more free time I decided to pay a visit to where I'd grown up.
I slipped into the the Le Poulet Gauche, one of the more shady taverns to be sure, but that suited me just fine. It wasn't as though I would get any unwanted attention anyway, men were less likely to try and flirt with a very conservatively dressed Yeshuite. Just to be safe, I took a seat at the bar next to a dark haired man, who was dressed simply and cleanly, unlike some of the other patrons present.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 15, 2011 19:34:38 GMT -5
The young woman who came to sit by me at the bar was strikingly out of place – where you would have expected corsetted wenches flauting there flesh, there was an honestly garbed Yeshuite girl, or one who dressed in their fashion. The barkeep served me, and I accepted it, giving him as well a decent tip.
As I raised the glass to my lips, I nodded to the girl in greeting, not wanting to seem untoward, but curious, if anything, of her presence in such a seedy place. In all truth, I was hoping to hire a thug at the Poulet Gauche, and was thinking of addressing the Dowayne of Gentian a missive, asking him if any hurt adept would seek employment in my house.
Nothing, though, I learned, ever goes on as planned, and curiosity stricken, I ventured into opening a conversation. “Good afternoon, Signorina.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 15, 2011 22:08:41 GMT -5
At first I was suspicious that the man would choose to talk to me, but then the greeting registered. Signorina, he must be Serinissiman in part. It explained why he was not attractive in the usual way of the D'Angelines. I looked up at him, a little inquisitive myself.
"Good afternoon signor," I acknowledged in return, though still a little wary.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 16, 2011 0:48:46 GMT -5
“Forgive me for being so forward,” I offered as reassuringly as I could. “It seems you and I are the least disreputable folks in this room, and I could not help but wonder what a young lady such as you does in a place...” I chuckled, waved at it, “such as this.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 16, 2011 2:20:20 GMT -5
Despite myself, I laughed. It was an odd way to begin a conversation, though maybe it was commonplace in La Serinissima.
"Believe it or not, I grew up in this area," I told him truthfully. "I had time to visit today. What's your excuse?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 16, 2011 9:07:34 GMT -5
I leaned towards the young woman, teasing, as if I were a great conspirator. "Believe it or not," I said with much solemnity, "I am here to offer honest employment to anyone amenable to hear me out."
I eyed her with interest, wondering what manner of occupation she had, for herself.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 16, 2011 15:52:18 GMT -5
Had it been anyone else, a full blooded D'Angeline, I would have found 'honest employment' a dubious phrase. But I didn't expect that from this man. I tilted my head in curiosity. Perhaps it was something I could do.
"What sort of employment?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 16, 2011 20:30:53 GMT -5
“I know a man of good standing who seeks a cook and housekeeper, someone trustworthy for his home. It's large but dirty. The last steward wasn't very responsible.” I smiled, and the thought that I should pass myself off for the new steward crossed my mind. “Do you know anyone who may be interested?”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 16, 2011 21:20:22 GMT -5
A large house in need of a housekeeper and cook. I pretended to think about it although really, I would do well enough in such a position. Sewing commissions had been scarce lately, what with the news of impending war. It would probably pick up again once the war began in earnest, but for now this sounded like an opportunity too good to pass up.
"I'll admit, I'm interested," I replied with a small smile. "I'm used to taking care of a house and cooking." True enough, when it was just my mother and me there was no one else, though now that I was alone it had been easier. A large house couldn't be that much more difficult.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 16, 2011 22:34:11 GMT -5
“It is a lot of hard work,” I said, earnestly not wishing to paint a picture pinker than it was – for indeed, it was dark. “The house has been abandonned for a year, and you and I will be the only ones to set it right, until a handyman is found to join us.”
I smiled a bit, and added, “But our master is generous and pays well, better than most, and will look kindly on our freedoms. What is your name, if you please?” For now, I played the part of the steward – if she was dishonest, it would show, and regardless – it was close enough to how I felt about the house and the situation.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 16, 2011 23:08:13 GMT -5
"Abandoned?" I repeated as he elaborated. And only two of us working on the house. It would definitely take some time to get back in order then, but I wasn't deterred. Now it wasn't just the idea of a job with good pay that lured me, but the challenge that came with it as well.
"It sounds like a good deal of work, just what I need," I grinned. "And I'm Raisa Valois. What is yours?" I felt a little silly for not enquiring earlier; I would potentially be working alongside this man, after all.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 16, 2011 23:50:39 GMT -5
“A good deal of work, aye,” I agreed, “but honest work, well paid, for a family with a good name.” I smiled and offered the girl a polite head incline. “You can call me Gil. Our master will not be about for a very long time, or rather, our mistress.”
I smiled a little, and it was sad. “But she will return one day, and her home needs to be ready when she does.” In truth, my little sister might never return – but I'd given her the run of the house when she was here, as I'd been ready to step down from our mother's title in her favor, and Cascata's house, it remained.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 17, 2011 0:02:24 GMT -5
"It's nice to meet you Gil," I said. His tone had taken on a gentle note when he mentioned his mistress; I suppose he must be one of those people who's been in service to the same family for a very, long time. "Have you been working for the family long? Where abouts is this house?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 17, 2011 0:37:55 GMT -5
I smiled, probably a bit mysteriously. “All my life,” and in truth, it wasn't a lie. “The house is in the West Borough – if you'll let me pay your bill, I can show you the house now.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 17, 2011 3:42:59 GMT -5
I nodded at his answer. If he had known this family all his life, and still chose to be in service, then they must have been very kind to him. When he offered to pay my bill, I shook my head. "That won't be necessary, I haven't ordered anything," I told him, then dropping my voice a notch so the bar tender could not hear me, added, "in truth, sometimes I think that their servings are questionable in content; but I enjoy the familiarity of the place."
Then, straightening again, I smiled. "I'm all up for going to see this house though."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 18, 2011 0:31:40 GMT -5
I chuckled wryly and complacently at Madame Valois' jest, nodding in agreement. To be fair, the ale was positively weak and did little for the drink's reputation – but there was something simple about the place and its tenants, and it participated in my appreciation of it.
“As you please,” I replied, smiling still. I paid my due to the barkeep and forwent my drink, instead offering her my arm. “If you would do me the honor, Madame?”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 18, 2011 2:10:58 GMT -5
Feeling at ease already, I nodded my head with a demure smile and accepted his arm. "Of course m'lord."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 18, 2011 10:28:01 GMT -5
I tucked her hand under my arm as propriety demanded and led Raisa out of the Poulet Gauche. "I'm afraid I don't have a carriage," I told her apologetically as I wandered over to pet Strider's nose. "Will you be terribly shocked to ride behind me?"
I wouldn't give her the same kind of ride I'd given Mirielle - obviously - but I would not let her walk all the way to the West Borough, that was certain.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 18, 2011 17:41:28 GMT -5
I hesitated. I was honestly used to walking the distance, and I did not know how to ride. Yet his suggestion was perfectly logical and kind of him. Maybe I might have found it improper once, but after all I was going to be riding behind.
"Not terribly shocked, no," I said, then, casting my gaze downwards. "Although, I'll give you fair warning now I've never been on a horse before."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 18, 2011 18:10:44 GMT -5
“It's quite alright,” I replied patiently. “All you will have to do is hold tight to me, and trust that I will be able to control my horse. His name is Strider, he is very patient and obedient, but a good steed who has served me well. Here, come. Pet his nose, and give him your greetings.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 18, 2011 18:17:22 GMT -5
"All right." I held out my hand warily, slowly extending my fingers till they lightly brushed the nose of the horse. I wondered if they could smell fear, like dogs, and tried my best not to seem too anxious.
"Hello, Strider," my voice sounded ridiculous to my ears but it felt like the right thing to do.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 18, 2011 22:09:56 GMT -5
Strider bobbed his head amenably to Raisa in greeting, and shook his mane gently. His ears were set to attention, he looked a bit curious.
“That's well done,” I told her. “I think he likes you.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 18, 2011 22:28:11 GMT -5
"You really think so?" I said excitedly, relaxing a little more as Strider whickered. He was a rather big horse, at least to me, and I wondered how one was supposed to even get astride him. I felt like a regular bumpkin and blushed at my ignorance. "How on earth do you manage to get into the saddle?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 18, 2011 23:57:56 GMT -5
“With the stirrups,” I explained. “But you will have a little bit of help,” I added, and I smiled at her warmly. “If you will allow me to lift you, as you please?”
There was a barrel nearby, and that would simply matter for her quite a bit, in fact, if she allowed me to hoiste her on to it. She would then only have to sit, and she could even do so amazon-style, if she wished.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 19, 2011 0:02:22 GMT -5
"Ok then," I said, still looking at Strider. "He's not going to get spooked or anything is he?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 19, 2011 0:05:29 GMT -5
“Don't worry, Strider has seen far scarier than a pretty girl in his life time,” I replied reassuringly. “Here. Let me hoist you up, and then you'll see how I get on, aye?”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 19, 2011 0:14:29 GMT -5
I blushed at his compliment then nodded, as he lifted me up onto a nearby barrel. I balanced for a moment, before carefully clambering onto Strider. There was no other thing for it but sitting astride, and once I was comfortable I muttered.
"I don't know how ladies manage to do this with fancy dresses let alone side saddle."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 19, 2011 11:45:37 GMT -5
While Raisa balanced on the barrel, I'd hopped atop Strider with the stirrups, and had brought him to sidle the barrel, so that she would sit comfortably. “Nobles are trained,” I replied, amused. “From birth on, aye. You could learn too, you know.” Inwardly, I mused that maybe I would, indeed – I liked her, and she was young but had character, which was important. If she was willing to take in the task, I expected that she would be perfect indeed. Continued here.
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