[Dine and Renard] Out of the woodwork, part 2.

[Géraldine Grangier]

The walk to my salon had been silent, and I'd taken the time to observe my would-be savior and the artisan who was walking with us. I thought both men were handsome, and wondered if Geoffrey would accept an assignation in payment briefly, before I thought better of it.

The door was closed, and I opened the door with the key, ushering them both in. The antechamber was simple, and gave into the small receiving room, a place intimate and homey, which I'd designed so that patrons may feel as though they were visiting a friend, with tasteful and sober decorations, a painting on a wall by an artist I liked, and a simple but plush rug which was thick enough to welcome lovers.

“Please, Renard,” I said sweetly, “Will you make yourself at home?” And turning politely to Geoffrey, I added, “I will go fetch the chair.”

I was loath to introduce either men into my quarters – that space was my own, a room which I did not share with patrons, but rather a personal space, intended for my personal usage, and not for guests.

[Renard de Valliers]

As I came into her home, I was greeted by a soft and feminine scent. It was comforting and somehow familiar at the same time. It reminded me a little of my mother. I took in the sights of her tasteful paintings and homey decor.

I nodded when she invited me to make myself comfortable. I took a seat on the sofa and then looked up at Geoffrey, "So, how long have you been working at that store?"

Geoffrey placed his toolbox on the floor and he shrugged his shoulders, "About 8 years now. It's a good place to work. I usually have something new to do every day.."

I nodded at him, but said nothing more.

Geoffrey went over to me, "So...why are you really here? Are you hoping to get a assignation for free?"

I shook my head as the man's integrity dropped a scale lower in my eyes, "No, I'm just helping a stranger in need. I tend to do that, I guess. I think we all need to take care of one another if we can, and I'm hoping to get to know some new people. I haven't been in the city for very long."

Geoffrey just smirked at me as if he didn't believe what I said.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I'd been to the back, and though I heard the two men conversing, I didn't quite make out their words. Grateful that neither had insisted on escorting me all the way there, I took the chair, which thankfully was not too heavy, and brought to the front.

It was a desk chair, with arm rests and a tall, square back, and a cushioned seat. The wood was clear and worked finely, and it had once been a beautiful piece of woodwork, though it had been lived in since. I'd redone the upholstery myself, and it was an amateur's work, but as the chair was for my personal usage, I did not mind.

“Here it is,” I said as I brought it back. “I hope it was worth the trip, for the both of you,” I teased.

[Renard de Valliers]

Both myself and Geoffrey came turned toward the furniture at first sight. I stood up and took a look at the chair. I ran my hand over the carving at the top of the chair, "Beautiful craftsmanship....looks like a Braudel if I'm not mistaken?"

I glanced at Geoffrey who nodded, "It's a soft maple...gorgeous wood, but I'm not surprised at this. Braudel was an amazing craftsman, but he didn't always use the strongest wood, especially for a chair this size."

I watched him quietly as he picked up the leg from the seat to take a look at the break. He moved the chair, so that the back laid against the floor and he could see the bottom, where the leg had broken off. I bent my legs and took a look as well.

He then stood up and turned toward Geraldine, "Okay, you have a few options. I'll give you all three and then let you decide. I have wood glue on me, I could use that to repair the leg. I would have to tie the leg up to keep it nice and tight and you would be unable to use the chair for a week. I don't recommend that, since it will last for perhaps a month if you don't use it as often, and then it will likely break apart again. I could create a new leg. I'm no Braudel, but I could do my best to replicate the leg in soft maple. This might be a likely option. Or I could replicate the leg in hard maple, which has a similar color and would likely match the other leg and would last a lot longer. I would definitely recommend this option, since it will preserve your chair the longest, however the soft maple will preserve the integrity of the chair."

I listened to the craftsman give a variety of options. It really depended on what Geraldine wanted the chair for. If she wanted it quickly fixed, then wood glue would be the best option. If she wanted to uphold the integrity of a Braudel made chair, then soft maple would be the best. However, if I was given a choice, I would go with the hard maple. When I thought of it again, it seemed even more wise to simply remove all four legs and replace them with hard maple. That would ensure the longest functionality for the furniture.

I looked at Geraldine, curious to see if she understood her choices, and what she would decide. Projects such as these excited me. I hoped that I would be able to see how the chair looked after it was repaired, no matter what selection Geraldine selected. However, I wasn't sure that she would be so willing to let me visit her. I worried that I may have given her the wrong impression with my interest in her chair.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I blinked as Geoffrey explained to Renard and myself the possible repairs, and in truth I'd no idea my chair was so important or such a work of craft. Braudel – the name was familiar, and I decided I'd venture up to Eglantine House, to find out more about the maker of my chair.

The choices were clear, but I wondered how much the repair would cost me, and so I looked between Renard and Geoffrey, and asked, taking from a table a piece of paper and coal, “Well, Geoffrey, what would the rates be, for all three possibilities?”

I wasn't rich, I wasn't poor either, but the situation in the city, and my situation as a newly established courtesan demanded that I pay heed to such practicalities.

[Renard de Valliers]

I glanced at Geoffrey at Geraldine's question, it seemed like a good practical question.

Geoffrey took a look at the leg and considered for a moment before speaking, "It will be 10 centimes for the wood glue, 30 centimes for the soft maple leg, and 33 centimes for the hard maple leg."

[Géraldine Grangier]

I took a breath, drummed my fingers on the desk, and looked at Renard, unsure what to decide. “Renard, what is your counsel, if you please?”

[Renard de Valliers]

Renard considered the prices and her options. He looked over the chair and then walked up to Geraldine to speak in a soft serious voice, "I think that selecting the wood glue option is the worse one you could do. Especially if you plan to sit on this chair. It doesn't seem like you are that focused on the integrity of the chair, so hard maple would be the best choice. However, I would go with soft maple. Braudel is an amazing craftsman, his work is well known in Camlach, Eisane and Elua. You would increase the value of your chair and improve it's resell value were you to select soft maple. However....if you're willing to really invest in just the functionality of your chair- I suggest you remove the other 3 legs, and replace them all with a hard maple. It will cost more, but you are less likely to have anymore issues with this chair."

I looked at Geoffrey, "How much would that be? To replace all four legs with hard maple?"

Geoffrey was quiet for a moment and then spoke up, "132 centimes."

I turned back to Geraldine, "The choice is up to you. Are you more interested in the functionality of the chair or the value and integrity?" My eyes searched hers briefly.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I was torn, and looked in my parlor at the other chairs that were there, which were brand new, and which I'd paid more coin for than for the Braudel. I paced to one, and pointing to it, I asked the craftsman, “What about this one? It is also a hidden treasure that I should know about?”

My reasoning was simple. If the chair was a treasure, then I would allow Geoffrey to use soft maple, and the chair would change locations, so that patrons may enjoy it. Another chair, less prestigious, could make it to my personal rooms – that was something I cared little about for myself.

[Renard de Valliers]

Geoffrey and I turned from the broken chair to see the Louis XIV style chair with fancy upholstery in mahogany. I had been too focused on the broken chair to notice it. It was quite beautiful!

Geoffrey went over to it moved his hand over the smooth mahogany. He nodded, "Yes, this is definitely a treasure. This was made by Pierre-Antoine Bellange, and is worth several more ducats than the Braudel." He looked back at Geraldine, not sure as to why she had asked the question and how it had any bearing on her decision. He waited quietly to see what she would say.

I waited quietly as well.

[Géraldine Grangier]

Well then. I supposed I'd have to be wise, and perhaps consider another option. 132 ducats was a lot, and I was loath to spend so much on a chair, when I couldn't even afford any staff of yet.

“Well,” I said deliberately, “I understand that the Braudel is worth preserving, of course. And I do need a chair for my own usage, Messire Geoffrey.” I looked at him under my eyelashes, tilted my head provocatively. “But I can't afford the price of the most favorable repair – as you see, I've yet to contract a patron...”

It was a deliberate attempt at barter – I hoped he would consider it.

[Renard de Valliers]

I listened to Geraldine talk to Geoffrey, and it seemed obvious to me that she was attempting to exchange a service for a service. I glanced at Geoffrey, who had a wide grin on his face.

He nodded at her as his eyes looked over her body with obvious desire, "I'm sure something could be arranged. If you are suggesting my services for a assignation, I would be extremely interested."

I looked back at Geraldine, wondering if her body language really fit what he had suggested. I wasn't sure if they wanted me to leave, so that a contract could be completed then or if they were looking to do so after the chair had been repaired.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I smiled at Geoffrey, then, my lips into a wry little smile. “Very well. When would the chair be ready, assuming you would take it home tonight?”

I wasn't going to give him an assignation this night, that was certain. But the negotiations were open, and in away, I was happy that Renard was still here. He could bear witness, if the craftsman tried to play me false.

[Renard de Valliers]

"Four days, but I would like something in writing before I could continue such a deal," Geoffrey responded easily.

I glanced at Geraldine, wondering what she thought of that. It seemed like a smart financial move on her end to use her expertise in order to have her chair repaired. It seemed that they wouldn't have the assignation now, which was quite a relief for me. I wasn't sure that I was ready to leave her presence just yet.

[Géraldine Grangier]

“I have contracts, of course,” I replied on a breezy tone which I hoped was businesslike. “Of course, I suggest you make sure to keep your evening free, on the day of the delivery.”

Smiling to Renard, who was so very patient and helpful, I asked, “Messire Renard, would you be so kind as to bear witness to this arrangement,” and, with a bit more mirth, “if not to the payment, I'm afraid. Showings are not in my portfolio.”

It was a simple jest to lighten the mood – I had every intention of keeping my sweet Savior for tea, and perhaps even for dinner, if he was willing to accept my meagre fare.

[Renard de Valliers]

Geoffrey nodded to Geraldine, indicating that he would keep his evening free.

I turned toward Geraldine, "A pity that I can't witness the showing." I said with a soft laugh. I watched as Geoffrey signed the contract and then gathered the chair up, "Shall I deliver it to you when it's ready, then?" He spoke with a small grin on his face.

[Géraldine Grangier]

“Aye, Geoffrey, my thanks, and I will see you four days hence,” I replied with a matching grin, eyes soft and promising. “Until then, love.” And with that, I turned to Renard. “Will you stay a little? I've a mind to invite you to dinner, if you are available, of course, and willing to share a simple meal with me.”

In fact, he'd have to endure my cooking, which was still... far from perfect, though I'd made progress of late. I had yet to hire staff, but my operation was a new one, and for the time being, I preferred to be scarce in my spending, if I could.

[Renard de Valliers]

Geoffrey nodded, lifting her hand and laying a light kiss on it before lifting the chair and broken leg, along with his tool box out of the door.

I waved goodbye to him before turning to Geraldine, "That sounds wonderful. You are most kind to offer. I must say that I am quite impressed with your haggling skills. I think he has quite an eye for you." I gave her a small grin.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I blushed at the compliment, it was always nice to be told such things, and more so when one's trade depends on it. “Thank you,” I replied with a little smile. “It is the least I could do, really – you've been more than helpful, my lord, and we barely know one another. But I must warn you: my cooking is far below par, when compared with the fare of House Eglantine.”

[Renard de Valliers]

"It has not been a unpleasant experience on my part. I know it might seem odd to you, but it has been a while since I had a wood project. Usually I have servants who see to those things before I could even notice they were broken. My parents have taught them to do far more than they should," I spoke with a casual tone.

"I'm not a picky eater, and I appreciate the effort. I have a little sister who has practiced her cooking skills on me. I think my stomach can handle quite a bit," I said with a small grin.

"I am surprised that you haven't had a assignation yet. I wish you the best luck on that," I added with sincerity.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I blinked at Renard, unsure what he meant about my assignation, and gave him a wry smile. “I've had plenty,” I replied wryly, “and that is how I made my marque. But of course, more patrons are always welcome.”

It didn't matter, in the end, and he was well-wishing, so I said, “But please. I should set to making dinner, as you see I have no staff. Would you join me in the backyard? It's more convenient, for conversation.”

[Renard de Valliers]

"You said earlier that you haven't contracted a patron...? Or did you only say that in order to obtain a better deal...? I was referring to after you made your marque," I tried to explain.

I nodded at her invitation to the backyard, "What were you planning on preparing?" I began following her to the backyard, taking in the look of her house along the way.

[Géraldine Grangier]

“I was thinking of making a tomato pie,” I replied as we walked through the corridor, and out to the backyard, passing the assignation chamber, a place made comfortable and arranged so that it always felt lived in, though my personal quarters were further down, and behind a closed door.

“As for patronage, I've not had a patron very recently, of course.” I smiled a little, playfully. “But overall, I have little reason to complain.”

Perhaps I did, a little – but it was bad form to do so, and furthermore, I held a superstitious belief that acknowledging bad business would only make it worse.

_{[OOC: I'm not clear on whether or not she's actually gotten one in the past few weeks, due to an older thread being a bit slower than this one, and it could end with an assignation, hence the vagueness. Oops?]}

[Renard de Valliers]

I scratched my chin lightly when she mentioned tomato pie. I had never heard of any such thing. However, I did enjoy tomatoes and I did like pie, but there wasn't much that I didn't like except for Brussels sprouts.

I nodded when she answered my question, "I assumed that's what you meant. That was my intention, to wish you luck in creating a steady income. I understand how important that is to Courtesans. I've never visited the Night Court myself, but I've had enough tutors to understand the basics.."

[Géraldine Grangier]

Out in the yard, I gestured to Renard to take a seat, and moved to the place where I prepared food myself, finding an apron and fastening it around my waist. I smiled a little, wondering how many “tutors” he'd had, and if they were called tutors, I suspected he'd had some “lessons”. Oh, how proper indeed.

“The Night Court is quite the place,” I replied as I started to activate myself, preparing the little terracotta oven. “And I believe you may be the first lord I meet, to lay such a claim,” I said simply. “Would you like something to drink? I have cordial, water, or tea...”

I didn't dare ask him why he hadn't gone to the Night Court – he was of age, old enough to have had a few years of experimenting, if he'd wanted it. But I felt the unease, and hesitated to prod at it.

[Renard de Valliers]

I crossed my arms over my chest when she mentioned that I was the first one to say I had never been to the Night Court. I didn't usually mention such things to people, mainly because I didn't want to speak about my rape. I had always been conflicted in regards to Elua and his companions. If Namaah wanted me to 'love as thou wilt' why had I been hurt so badly that I would avoid it at all costs? Love seemed like a huge distant unreality. I had tried to be with another woman, but I found that I just couldn't perform. So now I just avoided it, hoping that I would be able to put it out of my mind. I had no clue how I was going to move past my fears on my wedding night. I could only hope that my wife would be understanding.

I moved out of my thoughts at her question, "Cordial, please. Thank you."

I was glad that she didn't ask me about why I avoided the Night Court. Now that I thought of it, I wish that I hadn't mentioned it. Would she think I was impotent? Was I impotent..? I moved my hand over my forehead in order to get my thoughts together. I tried to come with a safer topic.

"I know that some members of the Night Court have access to their families and some of them don't. Were you ever in contact with your family?" I asked. I gave a internal sigh of relief. The topic of family would hopefully be a safe neutral topic.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I pretended not to notice his closed body language, and instead poured Renard a cordial, which I brought to him with an elegant and graceful gesture.

“To my knowledge, my family is dead,” I replied while I returned to the table, intending to chop some tomatoes and onions. “My mother died when I was eight years old – that was the time that I was taken to House Heliotrope, and accepted as a fosterling. It was a cold winter, there had been an onslaught of influenza.” I shrugged, started to cut quietly, “She didn't survive.”

I told the tale without much emotion – it was an old tale, one I'd grown up with, come to accept, come to take as part of who I was. It was no big deal.

[Renard de Valliers]

I took the glass and gave her a quiet thank you just before taking a sip. I nodded, noticing how she spoke with little emotion. Feeling obligated to divulge something, I spoke up," I lost my mother to a illness when I was 14, but my sister and I have always been pretty close."

I watched her chop away as I drank cordial in small sips, "Did you learn to cook in the Night Court?"

[Géraldine Grangier]

I nodded sympathetically when Renard mentionned his mother's passing into Terre-D'Ange-That-Lies-Beyond, but didn't on it any more than he did himself. Rather, I replied to his question, and smiled in self-derision as I cut another onion.

“Oh, no,” I said, “I had to re-learn everything on my own, when I set out here. You should have seen my first cake.” I gave him an impish grin, playful, teasing.

There was a reason most freed adepts had servants: we were simply used to it. But I'd always entertained the dream of a simple life, perhaps because of my attraction to men of simple tastes, and so it had seemed natural to embrace it, the first chance I got.

[Renard de Valliers]

I watched her chopping quietly, taking notice to how she seems so natural in the action. "Interesting.... I've never cooked for myself. I would offer to help you out, but I fear that I might be more harm than good..." I raised a eyebrow at her, as if challenging her to take my statement on.