Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 3, 2011 4:15:38 GMT -5
I'd debated and debated, and debated some more. In the end, my steps had taken my back to Mont-Nuit once more, old habits, they say, have a tough hide, and mine were particularly difficult to vanquish, it seemed. Wearing the robes of my office, the scent of apple blossoms in my hair, I was again walking on Night's Doorstep. Part of me had a mind to wander over to the Mendecant's Cloak, to find a tsingani woman who might wield the dromonde and help me locate Larquel. Part of me, probably, was trying to increase the odds, too, of meeting an old friend, someone with whom I'd parted ways on awkward terms, but whose steady rationality I missed. I was calm, though, humming quietly, keeping to my goal, but I remained alert to what and who was afoot, as this area of the city warranted.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 3, 2011 14:25:58 GMT -5
I’d just had to see to one of the less pleasant aspects of my position, reminders of unpaid debts and the veiled threats of what would happen with continued non-payment, and I needed to clear my mind before I returned to Bryony.
I was not really paying attention to where I was going, just wandering and letting the ebb and flow of the city ease me. Turning a corner, the faint and noticeable scent of apple tickled my nose and I focused more closely on those around me. Beneath the robe of a priestess, a familiar face greeted me.
“Shona!” I said with both surprise and pleasure, smiling.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 3, 2011 18:34:08 GMT -5
I was about to pause, distracted by the wares in a window, wondering if I should perhaps get another hanging lamp for my cell. I was finding it dark in there, at night.
I heard the voice before I caught the inflexion, and tensed just before I relaxed.
Turning, I grinned, relieved in the extreme. I'd been hoping, somehow, that we'd cross paths.
“Fisher,” I said, and it wasn't loud, but it was heartfelt. “It's good to see you, little bunny.”
I offered him my hands, and if he wanted the kiss of greeting, he'd have it, just as he now had my grin.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 3, 2011 19:16:40 GMT -5
Taking her hands, I held them as I leaned in and gave her the kiss of greeting.
“What a delightful surprise,” I said, smiling. “What brings you to this neighborhood?”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 3, 2011 22:07:07 GMT -5
A kiss of greeting was given and returned, and I squeezed his hands briefly before I let them go, still grinning wide.
“My walking feet,” I replied, teasing. “The temple district was getting trite – too flat. I felt the need for a hike upwards.”
I was timid to admit that I'd been toying around paying a visit, and wasn't sure how I'd be received. Now that he was there, and grinning at me, I felt silly.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 4, 2011 13:31:15 GMT -5
“AH, then it is just fate that we met,” I said, chuckling. “How have you been? You look wonderful.”
I had often wondered how Shona found her new life, but I had been reluctant to inquire, unsure of how much of her time at Bryony she wished to leave behind.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 4, 2011 18:15:35 GMT -5
“Thank you, so do you,” I replied in honest praise. “I've been well. Away, mostly. Kusheth can be disconcertingly quiet at times.”
I tilted my eyes, looked at him with interest. “Am I taking you away from duty again, Fisher-dear?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 6, 2011 13:43:03 GMT -5
“Not at all,” I assured her. “I was just walking, clearing my head.” I looked her over again, my smile not fading even a little. “It really is good to see you.”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 6, 2011 21:25:58 GMT -5
“I'll be greeedy and say the pleasure is all mine,” I replied, chuckling. “Will you accept a humble offer for a meal, then, my lord Second?” I paused, looked mock serious for a moment. “You haven't given up eating, have you?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 7, 2011 19:51:46 GMT -5
“I haven’t and yet again you are one step ahead of me as I was about to invite you to a meal,” I said with a laugh. I offered her my arm. “Where shall we, my lady priestess?”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 7, 2011 21:14:24 GMT -5
I slipped my arm in Fisher's, mock decorously. “I'm always one step ahead of you,” I teased, and rewarded him with a playful wink.
“Why don't you decide? Take me somewhere new! Somewhere that cropped up, while I was away, hm?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 7, 2011 21:24:59 GMT -5
I thought about the options and then asked, “Are you in the mood for something adventurous or something tamer?” I was sure I knew the answer, but it didn’t hurt to ask.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 9, 2011 11:04:50 GMT -5
“Ah, Fisher,” I said, chuckling, “Somewhere affordable and calm, so that I can hear your lovely voice without tuning out chaos, I think that would be the best compromise, hmmm?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 9, 2011 20:36:00 GMT -5
“Caisse de Pomme?” I suggested. “I think that fits the bill, and respectable enough for someone of your standing.” I gave her a wink at the last as I headed us in the right direction.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 10, 2011 1:19:26 GMT -5
“Are you suggesting that I am too good for Le Poulet Gauche, Fisher?” I asked, chuckling. “I'm wounded. I thought I'd managed to stay as seedy as ever, tsk tsk tsk.”
I was happy to be led there, though, and curious, and so I asked, “Tell me about the place, as we go on our way?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 10, 2011 21:41:57 GMT -5
“Of course,” I said, still smiling. “The food is quite delicious and rather adventurous. You never know really what they might be serving, but I’ve never had anything I didn’t like.”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 10, 2011 21:57:22 GMT -5
“Well,” I drawled, “if it has the Fisher stamp of approval...” I laughed, lightly, and nudged him companionably.
“So,” I asked as we walked, “how have you been faring?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 12, 2011 17:00:00 GMT -5
“Well, thank you. I think I might finally have settled in as Second after all this time,” I replied, grinning. “And you, how are you faring?”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 12, 2011 19:19:35 GMT -5
“Well enough,” I replied. “You'd be surprised how much knowing ledgers and auditing practices comes in handy at the Temple of Anael. There are differences, of course, but some of my life has remained the same, at least in part.”
What I missed the most, in all earnest, was the ability to be as licentious as I used to be – though having to be discreet did add to the spice, betimes.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 16, 2011 2:31:27 GMT -5
“The life seems to suit you,” I told her, smiling. “You really do look well, my friend.”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 16, 2011 10:45:21 GMT -5
“Thank you, Fisher,” I said thoughtfully as we walked. For a moment, I was quiet, then I said, “It's peaceful. Quieter than Bryony, and in a way... I think it's better for me.”
It made me more stable, less prone to mischief, to serve Anael rather than Naamah. Nonetheless, she still touched me – angels do not remove their touch so soon. But it was a calmer, more gentle service, and it suited me well.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 16, 2011 15:38:28 GMT -5
“I’m happy for you Shona, I really am,” I said, giving her a fond smile. “I won’t lie and say I don’t miss you, but I am really happy you have found peace.”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 16, 2011 21:21:50 GMT -5
I smiled a little, looked down. “I missed you too,” I said after a time. “And – I wondered if you ever got my letter.”
I tried not to think of the things that lay, deeper in the past, between us – only of now. Memories could be blocks in the way of progression, I thought.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 18, 2011 0:10:08 GMT -5
“I did,” I said, nodding a little as I looked at her. “I started to pen a reply several times, but in truth I wasn’t sure if you wanted to hear from me right away and then it was suddenly as if too much time had passed.”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 18, 2011 13:56:12 GMT -5
“And meanwhile, I was dying to hear from you,” I said, chuckling, and nudged him in playful retaliation. “Cruel man. Do you still have the globe?”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 18, 2011 14:32:42 GMT -5
“Of course,” I said, grinning and returning her nudge. “It’s in the reception area of my office, given a lovely place of honor.”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 18, 2011 21:57:39 GMT -5
“And you can now claim it for a present of a friend without shame,” I said, chuckling.
“Oh, Fisher, I'm so sorry,” I added. “I was a right dolt, wasn't I?”
Blame it all on Reese and his charm. Oh, but he'd wrapped me around his little finger well enough. Damn the man.
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 19, 2011 2:04:45 GMT -5
“Well, yes, but not really,” I said with a teasing grin. “Truly, I understand more now what you were facing and I think perhaps I could have handled it better. Forgive me?”
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 19, 2011 11:15:22 GMT -5
“Oh, you don't have to ask,” I said sweetly. “It happened a long time ago – I think it was as we were sowing, out in the fields, by the coast. I realized that you were doing your own brand of service, as I was doing mine, albeit differently.”
I smiled a little, and gave him a squeeze. “I think I should have done this sooner, probably.”
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Fisher nó Bryony
Second
Second of Bryony House
Money may be the root of all evil, but it can also buy your way out a lot of sin
Posts: 2,816
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Post by Fisher nó Bryony on Jul 20, 2011 0:38:07 GMT -5
“But if you had, then perhaps you wouldn’t be so accepting of your decision,” I said, smiling. “Things happen when they should, that is something I am learning to accept.”
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