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Post by Valmont on Oct 8, 2008 17:31:29 GMT -5
Valmont smiled. Despite his somewhat reptilian coldness, he could be ingratiating and charming, when he wished. In fact, some found that very quality alluring--but for good measure, he was cordial.
"Certainly with you, sir," he said. "I realize this is most irregular, and I apologize for interrupting your meal together. I would not, had I anywhere else to turn. But you see, I seem to have lost a valet to marriage. He's left me quite bereft. And it strikes me that you, sir, would be ideal for the job--if you are at liberty, of course, and are interested."
He drew a gold case from his pocket and from it took a simple cream colored card with elegant script.
"We needn't speak more of it now. But here is where you may find me, if you decide you are interested. I hope I have not offended you by such a suggestion; I assure you, I am a gentleman of the finest circle and can pay handsomely."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 5:41:22 GMT -5
*Gawain still looked confused, but his worry seemed less. He took the card, studying it.*
"I....thank you. Sir." *He looked at the writing on it, seemingly fascinated.*
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 5:46:47 GMT -5
*Nightfall looked at Valmont. Even if he looked like a gentleman, there was something about him, under the surface that gave her goosebumps. She didn't know what it was, but she knew she wouldn't trust him. She felt that he was up to something, and the thought frightened her.*
"Gawain," *She mumbled quietly.* "What about your duty to the Grail?"
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 6:11:48 GMT -5
*Gawain shifted his eyes up to her face, brow arched.*
"But you said my mother could handle it while I was fighting for you. While we were having sex. Why should this be any different?"
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 6:15:47 GMT -5
*Nightfall looked back at him.*
"So you want your mother to take over your duty as the Guardian of the Holy Grail? Permanently? Have you talked to her about it? To make sure she doesn't have other commitments?"
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 6:21:52 GMT -5
*Gawain smiled, though his confusion didn't lessen.*
"Nightfall, you know I haven't. I've been with you the whole time. Why should it matter? She was the Guardian before I was even born. It's not like I'm making her do anything new. And besides..." *He scoffed.* "...who said anything about forever?"
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 6:26:23 GMT -5
*Nightfall smiled back.*
"Well, honey. When you work as a valet for someone, it means that your own freedom will be somewhat limited. The time you work will belong to your master. It is like slavery, only you get paid."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 6:28:43 GMT -5
*Gawain scrunched his nose. Unsure, he looked up to the man.*
"Is that true? That it is paid slavery?"
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 6:37:34 GMT -5
*Nightfall looked over at Gawain.*
"A slave doesn't have the freedom to choose his work tasks. Neither does a servant. But a servant get paid for what he does. A slave doesn't get paid."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 6:41:35 GMT -5
*Gawain turned his head back to Nightfall in a confused frown.*
"All right. So the question still stands."
*He turned back to the man.*
"Are you meaning to limit my freedom by your offer?"
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 6:52:30 GMT -5
*Nightfall looked over at Gawain and mumbled.*
"If I received an offer like that, I would have asked what the work was. Details. Before I accepted. That way, I could choose beforehand if I wanted the job or not."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 6:54:14 GMT -5
"Nightfall!" *Gawain snapped back at her in frustration.*
"I haven't accepted anything. But you won't let the man give me more details. You only assume them."
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 7:13:37 GMT -5
*Nightfall looked over at him.*
"I'm only looking after you, like I promised your mother I would. I don't want any harm to happen to you. The world is cruel and evil, with dangers lurking at every street corner. But you are too innocent to realize that. Your mother told me to protect you."
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Post by Gawain on Oct 9, 2008 7:22:50 GMT -5
*Gawain was struck dumb, the man and his offer forgotten. Realization washed over him and he stood.*
"You're right. I should speak to her at once."
*Only after nearly bumping into the man, did he remember.*
"Forgive me, sir. Another time." *He mumbled, obviously preoccupied with thought. Without further ado, he headed into the night, instinctively finding the path back towards the fortress, even as distant as it was.*
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Post by Nightfall Siofra on Oct 9, 2008 8:30:45 GMT -5
*Nightfall stood up and called the waiter. She paid for her own and for Gawain's meals. Since the stranger had not mentioned in his introduction he wanted to talk to Nightfall, she saw no reason why she should stay behind. She had promised Malefica to protect Gawain.
After paying the bill, she turned to Valmont with a smile.*
"Goodbye for now, Monsieur. I doubt we have seen the last of each other."
*Remembering her promise to Malefica, she hurried after Gawain into the night.*
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