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Post by Valmont on Oct 13, 2008 12:57:02 GMT -5
Interesting. Valmont couldn't put his finger on just what marked this man as odd, but it was worth keeping him around long enough to find out.
"Excellent," he said, surprised by the man's readiness but not showing it. "Perhaps we ought to start with your name, then."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 13, 2008 13:00:37 GMT -5
"Gawain, sir." *He bowed formally. Perhaps a bit archaically.*
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Post by Valmont on Oct 13, 2008 13:10:46 GMT -5
"Gawain... what?" Valmont prompted when the man seemed disinclined to continue.
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Post by Gawain on Oct 13, 2008 13:12:55 GMT -5
*Gawain's brows lifted.*
"That is the only name I have been given. Is it insufficient?" *He seemed concerned by the prospect.*
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Post by Valmont on Oct 13, 2008 13:19:44 GMT -5
This just got curiouser. But then, Valmont had done stranger things than call his man "Gawain." He shrugged.
"Perhaps not. Certainly unusual." He would have to find out more about the man's background--but that could wait. He'd be keeping a sharp lookout anyway--it was always risky, taking in servants without references, but one needed some adventure in one's life.
Valmont rose fluidly.
"We'll have to see about suitable attire, of course. But for now, I will show you the rooms, and exactly what you will be entrusted with. I expect to do this only once, so the time to ask questions is today."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 13, 2008 13:30:00 GMT -5
*Gawain nodded, moving to follow.*
"I am a focused student." *The words were spoken in vow-like seriousness.*
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Post by Valmont on Oct 13, 2008 13:59:32 GMT -5
There it was again--something uncanny in the boy's delivery. Valmont could hardly wait to see what else he'd take to.
"Good," Valmont said crisply, and led him through the rooms, detailing what was his domain and what was not, what Valmont required in terms of dress and toilet, and where his diary was that held the appointments and engagements Gawain was now entrusted with keeping track of.
"Any questions?"
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Post by Gawain on Oct 14, 2008 7:34:38 GMT -5
*Gawain watched carefully as all was explained. When prompted, he considered the question.*
"Am I to serve you everyday, sir? Or will there be times when I have leave?" *He asked simply.*
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Post by Valmont on Oct 14, 2008 9:53:07 GMT -5
"Monday," he said. "You have Monday, which means on Sunday evening you will lay out the next day's clothes. Anything else?"
((In essence, if he hasn't stated it all IC, Valmont expects Gawain to more or less dress, attend, and schedule him, and he'll be paid decently, plus room/board, and included in schemes if Valmont approves of him. Hell, you've seen the film. Yeah.))
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Post by Gawain on Oct 14, 2008 15:42:30 GMT -5
((Sounds like a plan.))
"Only one other matter. If there comes a point where either of us are no longer satisfied with the arrangement, how do we go about terminating things?" *Gawain didn't seem to expect it, he just wanted to be thorough.*
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Post by Valmont on Oct 14, 2008 15:53:57 GMT -5
Valmont began to worry that he'd taken on more than he wished to deal with on a mere whim. Had the man never worked? But then again, the man seemed attentive and intelligent.
"That depends on if you want a reference," Valmont said. "I, of course, reserve the right to dismiss you at any time. You, should you wish to leave my employ, might wish to consider broaching the topic at an appropriate time when I'm in a good mood."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 14, 2008 16:31:42 GMT -5
"Very well, sir. There are no further questions."
*Gawain didn't seem to notice any problem, but offered his hand.* "Then we have an accord?"
*He looked hopeful and eager enough.*
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Post by Valmont on Oct 14, 2008 16:37:50 GMT -5
He certainly was straightforward--which was both an asset and a liability, in Valmont's experience. After a moment, he shook Gawain's hand quickly.
"We do," he said. "But first things first. You simply must have new clothes. I don't suppose you'd know what was suitable?"
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Post by Gawain on Oct 15, 2008 7:39:42 GMT -5
*Gawain stared at the man for a moment, then disappointment washed through his expression.*
"Regretfully no, sir. But I wish to learn. I am sorry that I am so previously uninformed."
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Post by Valmont on Oct 15, 2008 9:17:03 GMT -5
Valmont sighed, not overly concerned for his man's feelings. Perhaps he had made a mistake.
"Tell me something," he said. "How does your young lady feel about your new employment?"
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