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Post by Ciel on Jul 1, 2007 12:43:19 GMT -6
Karen nods and smiles widely, standing akimbo once again. "They most certainly are. It's been fun rounding them all up, and of course I had help from a friend." As they wait for Arina, Karen puts her hands behind her back, careful not to stretch too hard and make Karl blush. "Things're okay. My new job is not too hard. I like making sammiches. It's fun. And I haven't met a co-worker yet that I don't like."
Arina finally reappeared with two huge tankards of grog and took Karen's old one from where it was, curtsying before disappearing yet again. "And the only bad thing is soon Phil's gonna be on deployment. But y'know, he won't really be gone that long. I should be okay..." She took a huge pull of Grog and smiled at Karl.
Looking over at Thane and Tre'Maya Karen notices the peck. "Oh shoot! Look, Karl! She kissed his cheek. I bet he's so close to wetting himself right now..." Karen was trying to whisper so only Karl would hear her. "How much d'you wanna bet that he's weak-kneed right at this moment?"
Ciel curtsied and nodded to Regent. "Thank you Chancellor." Turning to Professor Vetli, Ciel looks down at him and asks respectfully, "Thank you for your kindness, but do you really believe that I can do this?"
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Tremaya
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Hell?s City Library Administrator
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Post by Tremaya on Jul 1, 2007 13:05:45 GMT -6
Tre'Maya smiled at him as she settled back into a solid stance as she let go of his face . Very well then. When I return there, I will let my servants know to expect you. I will be waiting for you, and when you have time, will be received with open arms.
The rest of what she was going to say was let slide as Regent sauntered their way. Tre'Maya inclined her head in greeting. Chancellor.
She took his hand and nodded to Thane. Please do excuse me Thane. I will return shortly. She then turned to go with Regent wherever he meant to take her.
Professor Vetli had bowed to the Chancellor before he left to go find Tre'Maya. Now, he turned his attentions back to Ciel. Please, sit. I will tell you what I think.
When they were both seated, he put away his little pipe, wiped off his spectacles, replaced them, and began. My dear, I believe that you can do anything that you set your mind to. Especially someone so intelligent and lovely as yourself.
He placed a tiny hand on one of hers and smiled. You have all of the tools that you need to become whatever you need to be. The only thing that will stand in your way is self-doubt. That is the only thing that will inhibit you, this I can promise. He turned to look at Tre'Maya and smiled before turning back.
You don't think the Lady was always that prim and proper, do you? Everyone starts as you are, my dear. Everyone, at some point, needs to be taught. You are just at more of an advantage because you have that natural grace that most beings lack.
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Regent
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The Regent of Darkness
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Post by Regent on Jul 2, 2007 9:31:46 GMT -6
Regent smiles as Tre'Maya takes his hand and they begin to walk to the back room for some semi private conversation. He smiles and bids her sit as he stands. "Milady, It is very pleasing to see you again this evening. I'm glad I get this opportunity to speak with you and I will be brief. I have a position open for a very special person on my staff. Someone whom I can place my entire trust in as council and adviser. If it not be conflicting with your studies, I would propose to you to be my grand vizier. Temporarily at first to see if the position agrees with you and if you feel its the right fit, we may move to make that temporary status a lot more permanent. He then waits and smiles at her, anticipating her remarks.
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Post by Ciel on Jul 2, 2007 13:41:27 GMT -6
Ciel looks almost stunned at the Professor's words. "You are very kind Professor. I...I do not know what else to say. Surely such a grand lady has not had need of such extensive training as I have need of...She is so...poised, and so - so beautiful...that must not be possible..."
She moved her legs so that they were crooked in from of her, on foot under the other knee and leaned back on her hands. "I have a sinking feeling that this will be harder than punishment."
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Tremaya
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Hell?s City Library Administrator
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Post by Tremaya on Jul 3, 2007 1:23:31 GMT -6
Tre'Maya sits as she is bid by the Chancellor and listens to his request, thinking. I appreciate your offer Chancellor. I am willing to try it out, and if it suits me, I shall continue on. I have no doubts that it will be a rewarding job, as well as a long-standing one, unless our Beloved Queen is found, time willing.
If you require it, it shall be so. I will try it. Is there anything else that you require of me this fine evening, Chancellor? Any other endeavor that I may assist you with? The little winged demon smiled at Ciel and patted her pretty arm. My darling girl, I can assure you that even though the Lady is very lovely and stunningly well poised, even she has had need of a teacher in the past. But you, I warrant, will pick up on the teachings rather quickly. You are very intelligent for a court pet, if you'll excuse my wording.
Vetli chuckled and sat indian style at her side, pulling out his little bone pipe once more and re-lighting it. Things are only as difficult as you make them, my charming lady. It would do you much better to approach this as a good old fashioned challenge. If you notice yourself lacking in something, challenge yourself to be better. If it's any consolation, it took the boy there, he nodded in Thane's direction, a few good tries when he was younger before he got the concept through his thick head.
Chuckling again he nodded, tiny tendrils of smoke billowing from his nose. But when he stopped looking at his training as challenging others and started challenging himself to be the best, he made it. I'd bet my wings to a pound of pipeweed that it is still stuck that way in his thinking, even now. And, I know that you can do the same. You just have to apply yourself, do you see?
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Post by Thane on Jul 3, 2007 14:56:49 GMT -6
Thane gets a genuine look of hurt in his eyes when Tre'Maya is pulled away from him to speak with Regent. Thane looks about and sees the professor nodding at him and speaking with Ciel. He wanders over to them curious what they are speaking about. "Be forewarned Ciel, the professor will get started on something and the next thing you know you are late for weapons practice, squirming in your seat and there is no end in sight." Thane says as he pats Vetli on the back reassuringly.
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Regent
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The Regent of Darkness
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Post by Regent on Jul 3, 2007 15:28:39 GMT -6
Regent looks pleased Tre'Mays willingness to be his council even if it is temporary at first. "Very well, I shall make the preparations for you to review the master logs and familiarize yourself with her majesties council proceedings. I will notify you when I should like to discuss our first act as the current government as we must move quickly to avoid a disastrous civil conflict.
He smiles with relief and nods to her questions. "Yes, I do have a further request. Lady Ciel has been recently appointed as my personal liasion and she will require proper grooming to counterballance the demanding riggers that I will place upon her slender shoulders. I will teach her the fine points of politic but I will need assistance to teach her the finer points of being a lady. She will need guidance in learning all that is involved with such a lofty station, concerning personal and professional courtesies."
He stops for a moment and looks back to Tre'Maya. "I would like her to be your personal student and for you to train her with all the means at your disposal. I will pay you handsomely for your expert teaching and compensate you for your time and expenses incurred to train her. I understand the time frame is short and with your new undertaking as my adviser will be in no short supply of stresses.
Regent looks concerned for a moment but continues. "Ciel is in need of a new mother figure to step in where our beloved queen had been for her. I believe that your presence in her training will be paramount to her learning quickly and adapting to her new position with minimal difficulty.
I'm asking much of you Milady are you able to step into this?
I understand if you require time to assess your answer, but let it be known, I think you are the key to her success. Without your assist, I fear for Ciel that her understanding may be compromised by my demands of her. However should she learn from a remarkable lady as yourself, who is infinitely more attuned to education than I, her aptitude may well be limitless.
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Post by Ciel on Jul 3, 2007 16:18:15 GMT -6
The devilcat sighed and nodded. "I suppose that you are right Professor...I shall try my best. I just do not wish to let the Chancellor down by not succeeding in this that he has given me. I wonder whether or not I shall be able to conform to his wishes. I suppose that I will have to. Is becoming a lady truly that difficult?"
She looked up at Thane and smiled. "As I can see. Would you like to sit with us and wait for the Lady to finish?"
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Tremaya
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Post by Tremaya on Jul 3, 2007 16:48:43 GMT -6
Tre'Maya inclines her head and smiles at Regent. Thank you for having me in mind, Chancellor. I am most honored. I will take those logs whenever you are at liberty to lend them to me. And as soon as I am back at the Library I will begin to read through them thoroughly. I must say I am very anxious to begin... She toyed with a strand of her hair. It din't loko girlish or silly in the least, in fact it looked rather civilized and lady-like as any gesture that she had made so far.
She smiled at his second request, looking back to where Ciel, Vetli and Thane had congregated with a big smile. Your wish is to make Ciel a lady then... She turned to face the Chancellor again and nodded herself. I agree to that. I will teach her the ways of etiquette and everything that she will need to know as liaison. Would you like me to teach her to use her potential, or do you wish me to have her exceed it? I can do either, only- one way is a much harder journey than the other. Are you sure that she can handle such an arduous undertaking?
There was a small look of concern in the Lady's eyes. She looked back again for a brief moment, speaking just for Regent's ears. I will do what I can to ensure that she is a proper lady for you Chancellor, but I would require that she live with me in my dwelling. It would make things so much easier for both of us, and it would ensure her learning at the correct pace. That way she does not - as some humans say - burn out too quickly.
She turned back to Regent slowly and her smile was warm as she nodded. I will be as good to her as if she were my own. That is the kind of caring that all of my students receive. I promise that she will be as well cared for as if our Beloved Wickedness were still with her. Her smile said everything.
I understand that time will be very short once all of our plan are in motion. However, ways to make time for everything that needs to be done will most certainly have a way of happening. I am once again honored that you think so highly of me Chancellor.
She laughed softly and straightened her dress. I will have to make it a point to teach her without her knowing that she is making her own choices then. The poor dear is only flustered when she tries to make her own decisions. The Lady winked at Regent and her smile got bigger. I warrant you, however, that when her tutelage with me is over, she will at least be able to make a genuine decision of her own.
The Professor chuckled as Thane came over. I only got started on things you needed to know m'boy. The rest was up to you. At the pat from that giant furry mitt, Vetli rocked forward the slightest bit and smiled, gesturing with his pipe.
The rest was just details anyhow. Vetli's pipe was then back in his teeth and the smoke once again billowing out of his tiny nostrils in rivulets. He nodded to Ciel and smiled, crossing his small arms. Don't you worry m'dear. I have the feeling that with enough training, you'll be fine. Becoming the Lady that you are inside is no different than when you became the pretty Pet you are currently. It took trials, tribulations and work with a bit of everything else on the side. You just have to roll with your punches and come out on top. I have every faith that you'll make it dear girl. If this big lug can do it, he chuckled, poking at Thane's huge arm, so can you.
Vetli nodded, patting the floor beside him as Ciel offered Thane a seat. Please, sit. Smoke with me. You were always so eager to when you were a pup, and now that you're much bigger and much older, you finally can.
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Regent
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Post by Regent on Jul 4, 2007 12:00:21 GMT -6
Regent nods and extends his hand to Tre'maya to help her stand. "That would be acceptable to have Ciel live with you as it would make since for her to be immersed in the environment of etiquette."
Regent stands looking troubled as he speaks. "I'd rather not have a relapse from her being teased by former pets into making her feel selfconscious. Much depends upon her and her persuasive charms."
He smiles again at Tre'Maya as he leans against the door way. "I have fullest confidence in your methods Milady and I'm sure Ciel will blossom beautifully under your care. I feel it would be best to have her reach and master her current potential, I'd rather her feel comfortable with her skills as it fosters great courage and inner confidence... We shall work on exceeding her potential at a later date when she is hungry enough to leap foreword."
He looks to Thane, Ciel and the professor and watches their interactions for a moment. "I understand you have quite a history with educating my elite hound? I have many grandiose aspirations for him as well. If you have a fondness for his masculine company... I shall indulge you and require him to brush up on his education. I wish to steer him to bone up on history. Especially those concerning the general's of late... commanding Hell's army.
I need him to understand the science of war and not make the mistakes many of our great leaders have made in the past.
Overconfidence.
I shall require the might of his arm and his strength of leadership to drive back the impending hoards knocking at our doorstep. I sense the rebellious army's already massing under ambitious politicians and greedy monarchs, eager to taste our blood and over throw our unstable government."
Regent folds his arms and looks to the floor in his exasperation of pending war. "Lest Ciel should fail in her errand of mercy, I will be ready for them... and they shall feel the full blow of our hammer stroke. Upon the hour of their insurrection they shall know the full measure of fear... fear from my disciplined army, dread of their mighty champion and terror of their terrible Chancellor. Panic shall be their battle cry then, let it seize them and watch with glee as they flee like insects for their lives."
Regent looks back to Tre'maya with sadness on his face. "Let us hope our plans and Lady Ciel will be enough to avert war and will be fruitful in maintaining the fragile peace among our peoples."
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Tremaya
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Hell?s City Library Administrator
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Post by Tremaya on Jul 6, 2007 0:22:49 GMT -6
Tre'maya took Regent's extended hand and stood, straightening her skirts and nodding. I agree with you Chancellor. Her self-esteem and pride in her abilities must be kept up. She is a lovely, talented darling and she must be shown that she is capable. But the only person who must show her is her. Her persuasive powers are great, but the question is, does she have the power to persuade herself? That is where my teachings will lead her. The first thing she will learn is how to see herself achieving what she needs to by learning and being able to clearly stand on her own two feet. She must forget being a pet. That is yet another thing that she must rise above...
Tre'maya looked to the little pow-wow that the Elite hound, the winged demon and devilcat were having and smiled sadly. She holds so much of her own future in her hands, but she is very, very clearly frightened of what that future could mean. That is why she is afraid to step forward and be independent. Looking back to Regent, she drew herself up. Perhaps I misspoke earlier. The first thing we must teach Lady Ciel is to choose her fears well, and make use of them. Believe me Chancellor, she will have another hunger when I am done with her. The hunger to strive, and to succeed.
Her face almost shone with a great smile as Regent mentioned her tutelage of Thane. She composed herself quickly and looked to the trio again. Yes, Chancellor. I have taught the Elite before , and with any luck, I will have him in my halls again.
Looking to Regent's face, she nodded. Very much understood Chancellor. I have no doubts that he will begin to study them as soon as they are transfered from my hands to his. He has always had a great...thirst for knowledge. At some points, when he was younger, I almost believed that his thirst would surpass my own...
As for overconfidence, he has that particular sin under his belt. I have seen it myself. However, if you wish me to do some strategic pointing out of passages that highlight the perils of overconfidence and the pitfalls of being overly sure...
As Regent's exasperation became painfully apparent, Tre'Maya folded her hands in her lap, the lace fan clutched tightly in her right hand. She could feel how tense Regent was and she quite understood. Her voice was as soft as she could make it, so that her words would only fall on Regent's ears.
That is yet another thing we must not let on to her Chancellor. Knowing that the fate of all of Hell is resting upon her shoulders will most certainly cause her to buckle, and more than likely she will fail, no matter how hard we try or how many successes we happen to achieve.
I do not wish her to fail either Chancellor. As a matter of great fact, I will use every last iota of my being to ensure that she does not. But to be completely honest, she will not succeed under such great pressure. Under that weight, even the most resolute being, demon or not, would fail.
Tre'Maya tried her hardest to be reassuring. Her eyes fell to her slippers as she replied. I have every faith in her abilities. And yours. She looked up. If war is to be, it is to be. And if we do all that is in our power and we still fail, there is not much that can be done except to do the best that can possibly be done and live as we are able. Please do not mistake me Chancellor. I do not wish war to come lapping at our feet anymore than you or anyone else does. I am merely stating that all that we - any of us- can really do, is try our damnedest and watch things unfold as they will.
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Post by Thane on Jul 7, 2007 10:50:22 GMT -6
Thane nods to Ciel and takes her offer to sit and talk. He drops down to the floor in a squat and remains there as he speaks. "So you have had taste of the professor's long windedness. Fear not, he is only trying to stress what he feels is important. Though it may do you well to make a few friends Master Vetli... then you my understand how one can summarize earlier before the complete exasperation of your listeners." Thane then laughs loud at his comments. "The brain can only absorb as much as the butt can endure..."
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Regent
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The Regent of Darkness
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Post by Regent on Jul 7, 2007 11:26:37 GMT -6
Regent laughs for a moment and then stifles it with clearing his throat. He takes the lady by the hand and gives it a soft kiss and without a word he leads her back into the room with the others. He speaks softly as his whispers become as mere thought shared between them. "Yes Milady, it is in your charge now, see that it is done with the care and grace only you can allow it. Teach them well and they will find joy in their own measure of worth. They shall be reborn anew through your exemplary teachings."
Regent bows to her and continues walking with her back to her seat. "I shall have Thane bring to you the logs and manuscripts from the Royal vault first thing on the morrow before dawn.
He shall be escorting lady Ciel to your care and they shall be under your charge form hence forth till their training is complete.
Thane shall be our tether and he shall personally carry our communiques only, as these documents are to precious to fall into the wrong hands.
Thane is to be your personal bodyguard now, so please give listen to his advice on matters of security.
None must know of our plans for Lady Ciel, any attempt against her could jeopardize the entire mission and our hopes to avert war would be lost along with it." He smiles again and stands gentlemanly holding her hand to be seated.
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Post by Ciel on Jul 8, 2007 21:19:52 GMT -6
Ciel smiles as Thane's great hulking form sits next to her and the professor. "Speaking when something is important is a wonderful trait to have. And I very much enjoy the professor's talks. He is very interesting."
She nods and smiles to the professor, giggling. "He is one to talk about how much a butt can endure. With a butt as big as his, one would swear that he could handle much more than a normal being."
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Tremaya
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Post by Tremaya on Jul 8, 2007 21:39:29 GMT -6
Master Vetli chuckled, smoke rings curling around his tiny head. Yes, I'll admit that I am long-winded. As Thane has very succinctly put it, the butt needs to endure it too. My friends and colleagues all say the same as you dear boy. They claim that their butts can't handle my mouth.
The little demon's wings fluttered as he laughed at Ciel's comment. Leaning towards her he nodded. We would think so, wouldn't we? He sat back and crossed his tiny feet at the ankles, wings propping him up. Now, how have the two of you been at getting along lately? From the stories I hear, you're not too keen on each other's company. Now why is that , I wonder...
Tre'Maya nods, grinning. Most certainly Chancellor. I will teach as best I know how. What they learn will depend on what they themselves can teach. They will be wonderful pupils. I have every faith in them.
She chuckles behind her fan and nods again. Very well. If you like, I can have him begin on them as soon as possible. He will have time for them, if it is your assignment to him. I will be very happy to have them. It has been too long since I have had such apt pupils of such an age.
His mention of Thane being her bodyguard makes her smile widely. I cannot wait to see his face. He will be so pleased, I am certain of it. And that will make communication much easier. I know for a fact that he will keep anything that you and I carry to each other through him to be of the utmost importance. And he knows the penalties for failure in that respect, so he will be perfect for it. I assure you. And as for keeping Lady Ciel's training a secret, that will be very easy. I can easily write her off as new hired help. No one will question and none of my scribes or scrollmaker will know the difference. They are on a need-to-know basis. And frankly, Chancellor, they do not need to know. I will see to it that everything that can be done to avoid war will be done to the best of my ability.
She kept her smile and sat in her chair, right where it was. She saw the trio and smiled in spite of herself. Thank you for your electrifying conversation Chancellor. It was most intriguing.
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Post by Thane on Jul 9, 2007 10:15:19 GMT -6
Thane chuckles at the quips flying about. His eyes snap to Ciel and her jab of his large derriere. "Be that as it may, even the most hardened of cheek will find it is no match to the relentless engagement of knowledge. Such a lengthy siege is often too much to bear and even my mighty foundations will soon crumble to sleep and ache for merciful reprieve." Thane snorts. He takes out his pipe and searches for his tobacco.
At the professors questioning of his sibling relationship or -lack there of- with Ciel, Thane can only groan his disapproval of the topic. He finds his packet and packs his pipe with haste. His red eyes peer into the bowl as he lights it and thick smoke from the thicket weed rise quickly around his head. Thane snorts a puff as streams of smoke douse the flame of the match and he ponders the right words to respond with.
Karl laughs at the world spinning around him. He sips his grog and smiles at Karen with a foam mustache on his lip. "OK, I'm about ready for another dance... would you do me the honor of another whirl my pretty?"
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Regent
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The Regent of Darkness
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Post by Regent on Jul 9, 2007 10:48:36 GMT -6
Regent simply nods to acknowledge Tre'Maya's words. "It has been a pleasure Milady, I have renewed hope for our future and my dream to strengthen the empire is nearer to fulfillment." He says softly.
His eyes stray off for a moment. "If only the rescue of our queen would be so easily orchestrated... But that is another matter for another time."
Regent kisses her hand and sets it back to her. He then reforms his chair from the ice and takes a seat beside her. His gaze is distant, looking lost in his thoughts of the future.
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Post by Ciel on Jul 9, 2007 23:06:05 GMT -6
Karen nods and takes another pull before setting it down where she'll be able to find her tankard. "Most certainly Karl. I miss dancin'! " She got close to him and nodded to a chick near the cd player and Dino spread through the room.
"So, do you think that Thane's really gonna lighten up now?" She glanced back to the trio sitting there. "Doesn't really look like it right now...maybe Ciel's poked at him again." She put her head on his shoulder. "Heh. Maybe they'll learn to get along one day. Y'think?"
Ciel chuckled. "That is a very fancy way to say that your patience runs out and your butt falls asleep." She giggled and smiled at the Professor. "Oh wonderful. Now you have gone and asked him something that he cannot answer with a nice general reply. This ought to be interesting to see." She crossed her arms and looked to Thane expectantly, waiting for him to finish his sentence.
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Tremaya
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Hell?s City Library Administrator
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Post by Tremaya on Jul 9, 2007 23:09:49 GMT -6
Tre'Maya watches him sit and sadly nodded. I understand Chancellor...
She then looked to Thane and the others, smiling again. Yes, Thane, how do you get along with our Lady Ciel here?
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Post by Thane on Jul 10, 2007 9:35:14 GMT -6
Thane sits unphased by the endless questions. "Well, I never said some of that knowledge didn't stick." He puffs his pipe till Tre'Maya asks of him the same inquiry of Ciel and he. Thane squirms a bit and answers after a long puff. "Spread out in small doses and coupled with lots of time away from one other, We are quite civil. However, our general personalities are ones to seek conflict and find that it is all too easy to chastise and ridicule the other over the slightest variation to our own personal points of view." Thane grumbles and then he sighs with thick plumes of smoke streaming from his nostrils.
Karl laughs and nods. "I guess time will tell. Though he is not one to turn a new leaf without lots of coaxing and aid. Spending more time together may be good... or it may be their undoing. That will be something to watch out for." He says with a laugh and continues to enjoy the dance to the cheery melody of the Martin man.
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