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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 19, 2011 11:43:54 GMT -5
Continued from here.The ride had been calm and uneventful, and as we neared the home, I sighed. The gate was open, still, there was that fallen tree, the weeds in the garden, the dirty windows. So much dereliction in a home I'd once loved.... oh, but it broke my heart. “Don't let the sorry sight discourage you,” I told Raisa. “It is a nice home, or used to be.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 19, 2011 17:43:10 GMT -5
I nodded at his words as I looked around me. I could tell that it had once been beautiful and well kept; if not from the fact I could still see its potential, then from the note of nostalgic regret in his voice. I wondered what had happened here, that it had come to this sorry state.
"It can be once again. It'll be beautiful once more, you'll see," I said, then biting my lip, I decided to continue. "A year, you said it's been abandoned? If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 19, 2011 18:48:44 GMT -5
“The plague,” I replied quietly as Strider stopped before the steps. “It was a confusing time, and most who were here died, or vanished, or were somehow whisked away to other places.” I sighed, and added, “Let me guide the horse to a ledge where you'll be able to come off, and I will give you both a tour and an explanation, aye?”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 19, 2011 21:31:01 GMT -5
When he mentioned the plague I felt a stab of sympathy. "I am sorry. I lost my father to it too, when I was still very young."
Then he guided me to a ledge where I carefully dismounted. "If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 19, 2011 22:13:35 GMT -5
“An explanation is in order nonetheless, if you accept the appointment,” I replied patiently after I dismounted. “It is not an easy one, and accepting it supposes that you will be entrusted with some truths.”
I took Strider's bridle and started leading him to the stables, motioning for Raisa to come with us. “There is only one horse, here. For now, I will take care of him – you don't need to worry about that.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 20, 2011 1:58:43 GMT -5
Nodding sombrely, I followed him to the stables. He must be a very loyal steward indeed, to have stayed through it all. I was intrigued, but would wait for him to tell me in his own time. "Will you be seeking more staff when we start getting things back into order?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 20, 2011 21:41:12 GMT -5
"One more," I replied, and I smiled a little more, because she had included herself in the restoration project. "Am I understanding that you are not daunted by the task?"
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 21, 2011 0:29:08 GMT -5
"Maybe I am a little," I replied honestly. "But I want to see this place restored to the beauty it was before."
I glanced up at him. "So does that mean you'll accept my service?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 21, 2011 0:39:05 GMT -5
“You have courage,” I replied, and I found myself smiling. She was young, and earnest, and she seemed very sweet and well-meaning. “I don't think I could refuse it,” I added after a moment of removing the bridle from Strider's mouth. “I think I like you, Madame Valois, and it would be an honor to work at your side.”
This said, I put the bridle away and stepped out of the stall. “Come, walk with me. It's time I told you about the story of this house.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 21, 2011 0:41:23 GMT -5
I felt another blush rising at his words, but quickly suppressed it with curiosity as he said he'd tell me the story. I fell into step beside him, sharply attentive, as we headed towards the house.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 21, 2011 2:15:38 GMT -5
As we walked back towards the house, I started the tale, then. “This house belongs to the Marquise D'Iz-Entre-Mer, a noble lady of Azzale. She is abroad, however, and the widow of a wealthy Serenissiman duke, of House Stregazza.” As I said my own name, I could hear my own accent slipping through. “This place was home to their two children, the young duke and his younger sister, but both have disappeared since the plague. Though in all aspects of the law, the duke holds the titles now, he considered it to belong to his sister – she is the sweet mistress I speak of.” There was fondness in my voice, and as we got to the threshold, I opened the door for Raisa. “The duke has returned, however. He is... your employer. I do reckon the man is of a decent sort.” I smiled a little, half wryly, half apologetically.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 21, 2011 2:35:21 GMT -5
My interest was caught from his introduction, though when he mentioned the return of the Duke; that he was the Duke, I stopped on the threshold.
"Monsieur may have his jest," I said doubtfully. Though, it did make sense, the long history with the family, if he was indeed, actually part of it. When he didn't seem like he was going to burst out into laughter like it was all in good humour, my doubt began to ebb. "Truly? Then what on earth would someone of your standing be doing at the Poulet Gauche."
Then I shook my head. "I'm sorry, you were in the middle of your story. Please go on." There was more to it, a lot more, than I had initially thought.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 21, 2011 2:42:43 GMT -5
“Not at all,” I replied, “the question is legitimate. I had a mind to offer good employment, and I've no qualms about offering the chance to possibly questionable characters.” I smiled a little, and added, “Though you are a pearl, Mademoiselle, and certainly not questionable.”
I bowed, then, and added, “I am Gillermo Stregazza, the duca of the tale, presumed dead for a year and now returned, and much obliged to y ou for forgiving my stratagem. If you were to still call me Gil, and treat me as your equal, I would be grateful.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 21, 2011 3:28:16 GMT -5
The information had to take a moment to sink in. A duke, well and truly, oh goodness. And presumed dead for a year? I fought the urge towards natural deference at his rank. He didn't want to stand on ceremony, it was the reason why he was at the Poulet Gauche, and, the reason why I had taken to him thus far, and I admired him all the more for it. In a way, it reminded me of my mother who had turned her back on her title for love.
"Gil still then, at least that much isn't changed," I smiled. "If you are sure you're ok with that." Then I fell silent, waiting for him to continue the tale.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 21, 2011 11:00:32 GMT -5
“I would not have it any other way,” I replied reassuringly. With that, I started to lead her through the rooms, talking as we went. In most of them, furniture was covered in white sheets, and everything was coated in fine dust, but a few were lived in. I'd cleaned the mess made by the previous hack of a steward, and tried to start a cleaning operation, but it was work to be done on a daily basis, with more than one set of hands.
“The tale is as it is – I was whisked out of Terre d'Ange in circumstances that are still nebulous to me, and in truth, it took me the better part of the past year to return to La Serenissima, and then here. I want to believe that my sister still lives, as I do, somehow.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 21, 2011 12:35:31 GMT -5
He led me through rooms that were barely lived in, dust having settled into a uniform layer indicating just how long it'd been since anyone had lived here. Though there were some rooms that had been recently occupied. I wrinkled my nose at the faint scent of urine and alcohol. More vases would definitely be an improvement.
"I can't imagine being able to go through that." To disappear, then struggle to return home, and still be able to smile at the world. A weaker man would have been bitter and turned cruel. "Will you be looking for her, your sister?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 21, 2011 23:53:57 GMT -5
“I will, and I am,” I replied gravely. “Her, and the man who used to be my retainer, and my best friend. I've sought the Queen out, and exposed my quest to her. Hopefully, I will be able to find some information in the archives, or elsewhere.” Somberly, I walked, and sighed a little. “I sought to find my old friends. Some died in the plague, another is wedded and now living abroad with her husband. In short, I have few allies.”
Among others, I intended to go to the Night Court, starting with House Valerian. There was an adept I'd known well enough in a past life. I prayed she might be able to help me, somehow.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 22, 2011 0:38:54 GMT -5
A huge part of me wanted to help; family was important. For all that I had lost mine already, I didn't want him going through the same thing if his sister was still alive.
"You have me as an ally," it wasn't much in the way of things, but it was still something. "If you want, I might be able to maybe glean some information from my clients. They do tend to be loose tongued in front of their workers."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 22, 2011 1:26:24 GMT -5
I smiled a little at Raisa and nodded gratefully, accepting her offer. She was so... sweet. “Clients, I asked?” It struck me that I knew little of her, and had taken to her naturally, without even asking what she did, before the offer was made and readily accepted.
She didn't have the look of a courtesan, nor did she seem to be wealthy enough to own her own commerce – and if she was, why would she be willing to take employment as house staff? She was intelligent, and quick-witted. She would do wonderfully, whatever her background was.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 22, 2011 1:33:51 GMT -5
"I am a seamstress," I explained, belatedly realising that it could have been misinterpreted. "I have a few regular customers, and they do tend to talk a lot. There's really not much else for them to do when being fitted. They hail from different classes too. Adepts, minor nobles, citizens. Someone is bound to have heard something."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 22, 2011 2:25:43 GMT -5
I nodded, and I appreciated the offer. There would have been a time in my life when I would have perhaps wanted to employ her for other purposes – for Emilio's ever growing need for information. But I was no longer in the service of my cousin the Doge, and it was all for the better. I'd no desire to be leashed.
“Is business good, of late?” I expected it might be on the low side – with rumors of strife about and trouble afoot, fetes would be less rampant than they were, and folk would be less reluctant to spend, saving for expected harshness.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 22, 2011 2:34:43 GMT -5
I winced when he mentioned business. "Not very profitable at the moment, no. So you can see that my intention to seek work with you wasn't entirely selfless to begin with." I admitted. "I had enough stored away from some very well paid commissions, but it would have run out eventually. Although, I think that with the war there will still be a need for generic things; uniforms, linen bandages, the like."
I was glad though, that I would be in the safest part of the city when it happened. If all else had failed I would have volunteered to work in the medic unit; my mother oft said that my father had told her if you could stitch fabric, you could stitch flesh.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 22, 2011 3:03:43 GMT -5
I nodded again, agreeing. I was seeing how practical she could be, yet another quality I sought. “Well,” I replied, “I suppose I will try not to feel too guilty for preventing you from making linen bandages all day.”
My tone was wry, but there was no intention to make light of the seriousness of war. My only qualm was that its reasons didn't seem clear to me in the least – I'd have been more comfortable if I'd felt confident in my understanding of the conflict. As it was, I'd paid it little heed, when I would have, a year gone, been all ears to any news on the matter.
“Where do you live, as of now?” I asked again as we started up the stairs – they didn't creak at all – it was a relief, really. I would have been discouraged by such extensive renovative works.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 22, 2011 5:24:06 GMT -5
His comment sounded a little cynical, and I wondered what his take on the war was. He might be half Serinissiman but he had a stake in it nevertheless. I had a feeling we were all going to be drawn into it, one way or another.
"I recently moved into the East Borough boarding house," I told him as we walked up the stairs, "it was easier to get commissions there and close to the Artisan's District, and the rent is affordable."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 22, 2011 9:13:48 GMT -5
It was getting dim as we went up, and I made a note that an oil lamp should be lit there, and kept, but didn't comment on it for now. Crossing the hallway, I started to show Raisa the slew of empty rooms, which included my own. “If you feel unsafe, or if the rent is too pricey,” I said as I started to lead her to my study, “Well...” I smiled again, and it was ironic, “.... feel free to take one of these for your own.”
There were enough guest rooms that I wagered Raisa would have plenty of choice – of course, Cascata's room was off-limits, and so was To-Biko's, but I wagered she was too respectful to take my sister's room, and that the large bachelor which my Jebean friend had once occupied might not tempt her due to its location. I wondered where Riva went, or if she'd died as well, and added the follow-up to her disappearance to the list of long things I had to do here, and suppressed a sigh.
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 22, 2011 15:57:54 GMT -5
I blinked at his offer. It was far, far too generous, but practically speaking, it would be more convenient if I moved in for the time being.
"Only if you're sure," in my head I was cataloguing the rooms he'd shown me. There were plenty, of course. I could make do with one of the smaller ones that hadn't been occupied on a regular basis previously. "I wouldn't want to cause extra work, though it would be easier if I was already here in order to keep cleaning and such."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 23, 2011 0:40:47 GMT -5
“Every room in the house will need to be made presentable,” I replied openly, “that you should take advantage of one is hardly any trouble. Besides, if you are living alone in an unsavory area, I would feel more at ease knowing that you are safe, here.”
I smiled a little, finding Raisa so very amenable, that I trusted her already. “Besides, should I be called to travel, your presence here will be a great asset, so in fact, you would be doing me a favor.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 23, 2011 3:24:37 GMT -5
"Then I suppose I'll have to take you up on that offer," I smiled, then looking around me, I asked. "Is there anywhere in particular you want me to work on first? Your bedroom, the kitchens, the lavatories and the receving room, I think are the most important at the moment." It was important that all the basic living areas should be inhabitable again.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jun 23, 2011 11:05:59 GMT -5
“I agree,” I replied to her offer, “and as you are staying here, start on your room, Raisa.” I gave her a sympathetic smile. “Go on and choose one, and meet me here,” I pointed the door to my study, which was also in need of a good deal of dusting off. “I will have prepared a contract for our arrangement. Of course, it is negotiable.”
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Post by Raisa Valois on Jun 23, 2011 16:18:03 GMT -5
"All right," I smiled and bobbed a small curtsey, then went back a few rooms. There was one we had passed that was quaint, small and didn't seem to need as much work as the others. I decided on that one. It suited my tastes perfectly and wouldn't take as long to clean, which meant I could start on everything else quickly. After pulling the large white sheets off the furniture, and opening the window to air out the dust, I nodded to myself and retraced my steps back to the study.
"I found one," I told him from the doorway, looking around the inside properly. Though the room was covered in dust, with a few scattered books here and there, it was still amazing to me. I had only seen the like, maybe in the Rebbe's study.
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