The Antechambre to the Council (Closed)

Jayzen Du'Quild · Post by **Jayzen Du'Quild** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:06 am

Jayzen raised his eyebrows slightly at the obvious sexual tension between the two nobles, the corner of his mouth raising slightly in amusement. Sitting back in his chair, he watched their banter, trying to pick up clues of where the conversation was going, waiting for the point where they would lead him into the trap that he had deducted before.

"I have no idea of my fathers dealings with the Lady Manyatta. It was probably to do with a specific fabric that she wished to purchase, perhaps she wanted a specialty dress for an upcoming ball...", he shrugged. "The merchant circles have achieved nothing in locating him. You see Du'Quild Fabrics is based on high quality materials from exotic locations. We don't tell people where they come from specifically so that we can create a monopoly on trade.", he smiled, admiring his families' fine business sense.

"My father was on a mission to locate new stock, he kept it secret exactly where he was going to avoid the eyes of our competitors. That's why it's been so difficult to find him." he sighed.

Iorn Thalas · Post by **Iorn Thalas** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:06 am

At first Iorn was surprised by her reaction. He had wanted to irritate her, but not in this way. Then it dawned to him that she had misunderstood him. She thought that he was asking about the balls in the Western Kingdom, where he had meant the balls in the Citadel. Obviously she had thought he was trying to expose her, or at least give her a hard time. Interesting to see her reaction to that..

Laughing out loud Iorn clapped in his hands. "My dear lady Cabernet, I owe you my apologies." Gently turning her around, he placed his hand on hers and looked straight into her eyes. He could see the anger in hers, while there was pleasure and honest intent in his. "Really, I think you have misunderstood me. I meant to ask if Lord Azarin organized any balls here in the Citadel. I would like to see what they are like here and I thought it would be a nice opportunity for me to meet him."

Iorn hoped that his explanation showed that he had no intention of exposing her, although he knew that with the laughing and the clapping he had explained himself in a way that would not be liked by the lady.

Isabella Florentina · Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:27 am

"Special cloth... that is... fascinating," Isa breathed, almost wanting to shake the young man. What had she to go on? He should go looking at Audreys but there was hardly a chance that she could pass such advise. Not right now anyway "I've always adored fabric myself. Any chance of your father having access to the famed Eastern Empire cloth? I've heard it is fablous." Once upon a time Isa was a seamstress. One betrays oneself in small details.

"Really, Master Du'Guild, we should arrange for you to be called, as soon as we've located master Vaeldemeux, and perhaps other contacts. The question of course is, what will you be able to repay us with. This is a game of give and take. What courtesy can we count on hence forth?" Isa had learned that sometimes it payed to be frank about these issues.

Then Lord Thalas turned her around. She was about to protest hotly, slap his face, do SOMETHING. Her dark eyes revealed her temper. Then his words slowly entered her mind. He was apologizing. There was something sexy about a man subjecting himself to her whims. Slowly her lazy, sensual smile reappeared.

"Apologies accepted" Isa breathed, enjoying the contact their hands made, and not quite accidently letting her newly sparked passion tumble out to cover them both "And yes, I do believe the Master of Protocol on occassion creates a social gathering. Don't we all in polite society? I might do so myself, once I have myself settled." Isa let that linger for just a moment, "Of course it is very difficult to find just the right spot in the Citadel. You and lady Gywien were very lucky. I'm still.. homeless."

Iorn Thalas · Post by **Iorn Thalas** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:51 am

As their hands made contact Iorn suddenly felt a strong passion for the woman. Apparently he had been walking on the edge a bit too long. Although he was sure he had his feelings in control, his heart started to beat a bit faster. He wanted this woman, he could almost take her right here, right now.

He could barely restrain himself. The playful, in control look turned into a more sensual one. Unconsciously playing with her hand he leaned in. "I'm sure you have no problem finding the right spot." He whispered to her, looking deep into her eyes, their lips almost touching.

Isabella Florentina · Post by **Isabella Florentina** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:02 am

Isa just stopped herself from groaning. What was happening to her? Iorns presence represented danger.. attraction.. all of it. "Milord," she breathed huskily not caring who was present, "I think we should discuss these .. spots... forthwith.. in private." With some effort Isabella ripped herself lose from Iorn's grip, the invisible tangles of passion heavier than his light toying with her fingers.

"I.. I think I have to withdraw myself for now," she told Jayen hastily, almost afraid to touch Iorn further, lest she attack him in the middle of the Antechamber. She had never threatened to loose control like this... "send your message to Countess Cabernet in the Burpin Dragon if you learn more. How shall I contact you if I learn about this lady, or if I am able to set you up with Master Vaeldemeux?"

Isa's fan moved rapidly, cooling her heated face as her dark eyes absorbed Lord Thalas. Dark Shadows. What was so charming about evil, she wondered.

Iorn Thalas · Post by **Iorn Thalas** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:20 am

Isa had responded with the same passion as Iorn was feeling. God she's hot. I've never felt something like this before..have to go with her. For a flicker the thought of Ashari crossed his mind. But in that same flicker he remembered her cheating on him with that Commander Rainsong. As he felt the passion rising inside of him, he knew he deserved this. He wanted this.

Iorn quickly stood up from the table. "Yes, I really must go now. I've already been here too long. It was a pleasure meeting you Lord Du'Quild and I wish you good luck on your search. If I can ever be of any help, leave a message at the trading department. They will make sure I get the message."

Turning towards lady Cabernet Iorn could hardly control his breathing enough to speak normal. "May I..escort you out of the palace, m'lady?"

Isabella Florentina · Post by **Isabella Florentina** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:30 am

Isabella gave Jayzen a perfectly performed curtsy, then her hand was put on Iorns arm with the utmost care. "I.. I'd love to.. " she breathed huskily, unable to control her feelings. It didn't occur to her to put a stop to it. She was enjoying the rise of emotions too much. It had been too long.

With a slight blush to her face, hopefully hidden by the black voile she was wearing Isabelle Florentina, currently known as Isadore Cabernet, allowed herself to be escored out sight by the hotest adhiel man in sight. Isa could amost feel the eyes pricking in her back and all she could do was beam proudly.

Isabella's couch was waiting outside, a nice discreet black one. Isa didn't speak, just turned to Iorn and raised her eyebrow again, seeking the challenge. There was so much they had to discuss... forthwith.

Jayzen Du'Quild · Post by **Jayzen Du'Quild** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:09 am

Chuckling to himself Jayzen bowed grandiously and allowed the two cats on heat to depart. He wasn't sure what their game was, departing so quickly, but he felt he had made a contact which he could exploit later on.

Also the way they had so blatenly exposed their emotions might come in use, he thought. The Countess Cabernet mentioned a husband, I wonder how he would feel about this liason?

Sitting back down at the table he watched the throng of courtiers currying favor, and finished off the glass that Lord Thalas had been drinking.

Jayzen Du'Quild · Post by **Jayzen Du'Quild** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:38 am

Samheen 20, morningtide.

Jayzen stepped into the Antechamber once more, perked up and refreshed after an evenings sleep at the Training Hall. The morning carried a sense of fresh starts and Jayzen felt determined again to find this Lady Manyatta who had eluded him the day before.

If I can't find Manyatta soon, I'll have to get in contact with Tenny again. Perhaps he sold me some false information... he mused, but thought it unlikely that the boy thief would have deliberatly lied to him.

Jayzen swaned around the chamber, looking for someone who would appear to be in charge.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:41 am

Keaira entered the Antechamber gracefully, wearing her simple blue bodice and black skirt, both of which accented her features. On the way she had found a guard whom she had received directions from. She had been so focused on finding Franco that she hadn't even flirted much with the guard.

Her dark azure eyes swept their gaze swiftly over the chamber, searching for Franco's familiar figure. No others mattered at the moment. Her feet carried her on while she looked, her leather shoes making hardly a sound on the floors.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 3:04 pm

The sound of a familiar ultra-speedy gnome engaged in a rather aggitated debate emenated from the inner chamber near an open arch. There was a man dressed in gold brocade standing near that entrance. He was tall, thin and posed like a fashionable puppet, his feet set at an angle to show off the golden buckles and silk panels of the high-heeled shoes that he wore. There were a couple of scrolls casually set in the crook of his arm.

His eyes regarded Keaira with some amusement.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:59 pm

Those intense orbs gave a swift blink as the girl's head swiveled upon that slender neck in the direction of Franco's voice. The entryway was noted, as was the man standing nearby, Keaira's head turning a few degrees as she regarded him with an uninterested gaze. Utilizing one of her many faults--judging before knowing--she had already labeled him as pompous and self-centered. The look in his eyes made her lift her chin a bit. She walked up to him calmly and looked toward the open arch as she spoke to him, ere turning her head to gaze at him steadily.

"Excuse me, my lord, would you be able to tell me if the librarian is to be bothered?" Idly wondering what all the din was about, Keaira divided her attention between paying attention to the male and trying to hear Franco's hurried words.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 1:42 am

Franco's exchange with a youngish looking fellow seated behind a desk did not carry well enough for those outside to understand what was being said. From the look the official was giving the gnome, it was quite likely that even he did not understand the rushed speech.

The man in gold had shifted his attention to some other women who had wandered into the antechamber. He made a great show of peering about to see who had addressed him.

"My dear child, it is my experience that most librarians are quite bothered as a rule. Of course, if you are looking for the Citadel library, you have come to quite the wrong location."

The man had continued to observe others in the room by looking over Keaira's head as he spoke.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 3:05 am

Once Keaira noticed that the male was not looking at her she too looked away from him, her spine curving backward slightly as she leaned to look in upon Franco and the man with which he spoke. Her toes curved upward in their leather shoes to compensate for the shift in balance, and Keaira sighed faintly. When she looked back to the man she had inquired to, there was a clear trace of sarcasm in her words, and she was almost looking at him as if he were stupid, one eyebrow raising slightly as her eyelids lowered.

"I know where I am, sir, and I was looking for Franco." Azure eyes rolled in their sockets as she walked away from him. "Nevermind, I'll just wait. Thank you for your...help." She scoffed inwardly, finding a nearby seat and settling herself into it. The wooden box was placed on her lap, her arms resting on top of it, fingers linking together.

Post by **Grant** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 7:12 pm

Karl knew he was something of a surprise to find here at court, but typical of his family, he was nothing but bold. Strutting into the AnteChamber with something not unlike swagger, he was bedecked in what could easily be seen as the finest clothing to be seen, with rich, crimson velvets covering snowy, white silks with perfectly pressed lace sprouting from both sleeves as well as his neck. His broad cape lined in the fur of some rare, gray animal was held in place with a massive ruby that sparkled in the bright lights of the chamber to match the ruby and gold rings that decorated all eight of his fingers.

Gazing around the room, the young gentleman...he was clearly young, perhaps in his mid twenties, and perhaps a gentleman considering his displayed wealth...fixed his eyes upon Keaira, a slight flicker of a smile flashing over his face before he bowed politely from a discrete distance away to acknowledge her notice. He spared a few looks around to catch sight of anyone else before he turned to join her on the bench, clearly uninterested in the remainder of the chamber.

"Madam, I beg you will allow me to introduce myself? I'm Lord Karl McDossen, of the Dort McDossens, and something of a local...entrepreneur as well. May I join you for a time?" he asked, sweeping his raffish had off his head to present her with a proper bow once more when he arrived.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:52 am

Keaira had been gazing intently at the archway, her thoughts roaming as she listened to Franco's irritated and fast speech, now slightly more muffled because of her distance. Sitting upright and proper, she hardly blinked at all, her deep azure eyes fixated and unmoving--until something caught her eye. Almost like a cat whom had suddenly noted another entering its territory, Keaira turned her head smoothly, chin lifting as she caught sight of the newcomer. The faint widening of her eyes was only slightly noticeable as she glanced over his outfit, now feeling much like a pauper in her simple adornments and momentarily allowing her thoughts to stray to the beautiful dress which had been made for the dinner. Her kohl-lined eyes closed momentarily as she bowed her head respectfully to him, ere turning to look back at the archway so that she wouldn't stare. Naturally she expected that to be the last sort of notice he gave to her, so one could imagine her surprise when he came to join her.

She was trying not to look at him incredulously as he introduced himself so humbly, and she was wont to cast a disdainful look at the other nicely dressed gentleman she had spoken to earlier; the urge was resisted, however, as Keaira quickly made to stand and curtsey politely--as best she could, of course, while still safely holding on to the box Mistress Sylvie had entrusted to her care. "Keaira Morgandy, my lord, and I would be most honored," she said, in youthful tones that betrayed her surprise. It was rare that she spoke in a genuine way, for most of her actions were carried out in falsity and with a polite aloofness. Truth be told he had caught her completely off-gaurd.

Post by **Grant** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:52 pm

With something not unlike relief, McDossen seated himself beside Keaira, careful to spread his cape such that he would not sit upon it. "You seem to be waiting on someone, madam? I shouldn't think of you as a courier, though you do attend to that box with great concern. No, not a courier at all...your demeanor and your dress speak of taste, something precious rare in a base courier. Will you now tell me of yourself? How I've come to find you here, awaiting something specific or otherwise, with a curious box upon your lap?"

The man turned in his seat to better face the lady, his confident, casual style one that spoke of honest power and wealth. Each of his rings might be worth a fortune, and while he displayed his wealth with almost glaring certainty, he also wore it well as if accustomed to it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 5:55 pm

As she lowered herself delicately back onto the bench, Keaira listened to him with faint astonishment, pleasantly awed at the eloquence of his words and fighting the flush of color that tried to rise to her cheeks when he complimented her so. This she managed to keep from appearing too obviously as she looked away slightly, turning her head back to the box so that her hair fell across her face. She felt little beside him, not because of the way he dressed but because of his mannerisms. Rude snobbishness was something she could handle easily, for that was something she could match with an upturned nose; presented with such elegance, however, Keaira felt like an uneducated fool. Her momentary shyness was apparent as she trailed the tip of one finger over the box.

"Well, my lord," she began, trying not to seem unsure of herself as she turned to look back at him, "there really isn't much to say. I came from the Northlands of Dort to the Citadel to try and make a life for myself and was lucky enough to meet a friendly merchant while waiting to enter the city. Morrig is his name. He got me a room at the inn and notified me of Lady Bright's need for ladies in waiting, per say, and I was interviewed like the rest of the girls; we are all here now. Mistress Sylvie gave me this box to take to Master Franco while I was studying in the library, but he seems to be busy..." Trailing off, Keaira looked back to the archway, hoping that in her distraction she had not missed Franco's exit.

Post by **Grant** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:05 pm

(OOC: I hope you're back!)

"Ah, so, you've spoken to Lady Bright, have you? I hope the dear does well, certainly," he said, though he actually didn't give a whit one way or the other for Lady Bright, a truth apparent in his eyes, eyes that wasted no time stealing glances at Keaira's body, looks that were both attracted as well as measuring. "And you're not a noblewoman! Oh, you are most definitely a lady...I'll gut any man that would say otherwise, of course...but you don't come from a noble house. How wonderful!" he said, clearly believing that.

"Still, I can't imagine why you would allow them to give you such a task of guarding a box and delivering it. Your grace astounds me. You must be the loveliest courier I've yet seen, my lady," he quipped, favoring her with a bright, mischievous smile. "I have come seeking help of a more refined nature, myself. While it pays very well..." he held up one of his jewel-encrusted hands "...it's a task only very few can do very well. Normally, I would impeach the Temple of Pan, but alas...the city's taken against panlings in a way I could never imagine, so they've been frightfully spare in recent days."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:14 am

Her attention was drawn away from the archway soon enough, albeit somewhat hesitantly, and she continued to steal glances at it whenever she could spare them. Keaira's hands remained resting upon the box, her nails lightly tapping upon it so softly that they couldn't be heard. One of her slender eyebrows arched faintly as she caught a look in his eye, and from then on her attention didn't waver. She felt a twinge of suspicion--which was obvious in the look she gave him--as she listened to his flattering words, torn between feeling pleased and feeling wary. Her eyebrow was still raised at him when he began to finally get around to his point. Keaira smirked faintly in spite of herself, the corners of her lips drawing upward.

At first she was inclined to be annoyed, for that was always her first inclination. The sound of the potential pay, however, caused her smirk to widen to a delicate smile. She pretended to steal another glance at the archway, only to make sure no one was nearby. She didn't want anyone to know about this. Keaira's smile became more alluring as she leaned in a bit closer, her tones carefully polite in order to conceal the eager curiosity behind her sweet words. "I am sure, my lord," she said in honeyed tones, "that if I can I would be more than willing to assist you." She said nothing about being a Panling herself, finding that unimportant. His flattering words had hardly swayed her decision, but merely the money. After all, why shouldn't Keaira get a bit more personal gain while she was here?

Post by **Grant** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:32 pm

The man smiled down at Keaira generously, his pleasant, almost arrogant face very accustomed to such an expression. "Well, I should not want you to think ill of me were I to attempt to steal you from such a noble task as...your courier service, but if you're made of tougher stuff than most ladies I meet around here...and if you've a mind to be wealthy...perhaps you would be interested? If you'll pardon my...rather direct observations, I think you might do quite well with what I have in mind."

The man cast his gaze back to the antechamber once more with a look of suppressed disdain. He clearly wasn't entirely comfortable in the Palace public room, but he managed to control this rather well and even appear to enjoy the "risk", if indeed he had any reason to feel uncomfortable.

"We could go someplace and speak more directly? Normally I like to manage my business affairs at the Temple of Pecunia, but that place has become so very hectic of late, what with all the portal traffic. Still, there's a fine cafe out in the harbor...Pier 17, it's called. If I can steal you from your guard duty for that package, I wonder if you'd care to join me there right now? My carriage and four can be summoned at a moment's notice, you know."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:42 pm

Keaira's eyebrows lifted faintly at his proposed departure, her gaze rushing back to the archway, desperately searching to see if Franco was done. She didn't want to abandon the task Sylvie had given to her, lest she get herself into trouble. But it had been Sylvie's job in the first place! The woman had dumped it on her. Suddenly feeling resentful, she narrowed her eyes in annoyance and murmured softly, though in a somewhat grumpy way. "As much as I would like to, I don't quite feel comfortable leaving my duties unfinished." It was clear she would like nothing more than to leave her duties unfinished, but she was holding herself back. The promise of a carriage ride, perhaps a meal, all tugged strongly at her. Keaira set her jaw, however, and tried to make it less obvious that her resolve was wavering.

What in Pan's name is taking Franco so long? This was a perfect opportunity and she might have to give it up just because that stupid woman couldn't do what she was told.

Post by **Grant** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 3:38 pm

The nobleman smiled and nodded his head, accepting her words with only some credit and clearly rather deflated by them. "My lady is very obedient to mind her...package...so carefully. Yes, very obedient and serviceable indeed. In fact, such a task is routinely given to pages, so I can scarcely wonder how you were selected to manage it. I, however, would never waste such a lovely lady's time with trivial matters. For example, I should never hesitate to reward those that would give their precious time to me. Still, if my lady feels compelled to obey in this way, then I can do very little, alas."

The wealthy man rose, his finery sparkling upon his person like living fire. He turned and presented Keaira with a magnificent bow once more. "And now I must be on the wing, madam, for my search continues...and I suspect I should depart the Antechamber for today. After all, you are but the only lovely flower in this depressing place, and I should be pleased to admit that part of what I need requires a certain...loveliness to accomplish. My lady, I bid you good day, and should you change your mind...if you should elect to leave your package with a page and join me...I shall be upon the steps of the Citadel, awaiting my carriage to pull forward."

The man turned and paced away, his polished, sparkling shoes as radiant as his hands as he moved back towards the entrance of the Antechamber, a quick motion to one of the liveries there indicating that his carriage should be drawn up. He turned to give Keaira one last bow, a twinkle of pleasure in his face, before he stepped out the great double doors that guarded the chamber.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:18 pm

Keaira's fingers tightened around the box in anger as he spoke, for she agreed with him wholeheartedly. He was catering well to her quiet arrogance and her ego, and she was tempted to leave the box right there and follow him without regret. If it wasn't for that stupid woman! Keaira fumed wordlessly, her eyes narrowing at the archway. When the male rose, she looked up almost in alarm, though she quickly bit down on her lip to silence any protests. Placing a ladylike smile upon her soft lips, she bowed her head in return, and nodded gently at his words. She couldn't say anything, lest she forget her resolve, and so she watched him go with evident regret in her azure eyes.

The moment he disappeared she cursed softly beneath her breath, her gaze darting this way and that, searching out a page or a servant or anyone who could get the package to Franco for her. She would settle for the first person she saw that looked less important than she, and upon sighting them she hurried over and pressed the box into their arms, rattling off instructions before she was gone in a flash. She didn't know if she'd chosen the right person, but perhaps they would have more time to do it properly. She was more interested in her own profit at the moment.

Her hurried footsteps carried her to the doors that the male had disappeared through only moments before, and upon reaching them she slowed her pace somewhat, only so that she would not appear too eager to depart. Then she was off, pursuing the nobleman as quickly as possible without running or appearing unladylike.