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Post by Lucca on Oct 27, 2009 8:47:05 GMT -5
"Oh, of course not, Your Majesty! I would never do that," Colin said, seeming horrified at the very thought. Interrupting in the middle of a song? What uncouth, barbarous lowlife would ever do such a thing? Even if the player or singer in question was really horrible, the length of one song was not too much to ask for courtesy's sake! And the Queen was certainly not horrible. He had been greatly enjoying her harp music.
As for asking her about work, he had much better sense than that. All he wanted was general information on the Courts for the moment, anything about their private affairs or current dealings that he needed to know he was sure he could find out, and if he didn't need to know it, well...there was no reason to push. He knew there were many secrets none but a member of the Court hierarchy could ever find out, and he was fine with that. That was the way that politics worked. Certainly, he could respect the Queen's wishes and keep their conversation to happier topics.
"Ah! Well that's lovely," Colin said, beaming as his suspicions were confirmed. "I trust, then, that you will forgive me a certain bias toward that Realm of both of our heritage if I say that I have seen no lovelier place in all the Realms than the cliffs of the Villa en Miir at sunset." The Yarrow Gardens, of course, he had never been to, though his job working for his mother's business had him travelling practically everywhere else.
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Post by The Jenn on Oct 27, 2009 9:38:46 GMT -5
Talk about home was nice and safe. And relaxing, which pleased Donnie. It woke up a tiny bit of nostalgia. She missed her mother. If only things weren't so busy at the palace, she would love to visit more often. Maybe she could pay for her mother to come here for a few days, if she could get off work?
Thoughts of her mother and home made her smile a touch wistfully. "Oh yes, you're certainly forgiven. The sunsets back home are lovely. I used to prefer sunrise, if only because that was the view coming in through my bedroom window, but my old school faced west and we all got treated to a show if we stayed late for extracirriculars. The ones around here just can't compare."
She plucked a few strings experimentally and hmmed. "If you don't mind one or two, I was halfway through a set of six related songs." Not anticipating disagreement, she settled herself more comfortably against the harp and resumed her music. This particular piece was a classic that could be performed on several different string instruments, either alone or together. He would no doubt recognize some of the more well-known bars from his school days, even if he had never touched a string instrument.
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Post by Lucca on Oct 27, 2009 9:55:20 GMT -5
Colin made a small noise of agreement in the back of his throat, probably unconsciously. He had never expected to...like the Queen this much as a person, as odd as that sounded. But between the fact that she was a Yarrow and she killed so ruthlessly...well, he wasn't sure what he'd been expecting but now he could see why Raina had spoken of Donalda the way she had. He felt more than ever glad for the leader of his Suit. "Though I've never seen the sunset here, I must agree, for I have been through many other Realms and none of them measured up. Sunrise, though...that was always more energizing to me than relaxing, though just as lovely in its own way," he said reflectively, hoping that he wouldn't bore the Queen with a few details about his own opinions. But then, she must have a great many more boring subjects to talk about most of the day than sunsets.
He tried not to leap up in excitement at the offer of more music. Of course he would love to hear her play! And he managed to keep his reaction to a controlled smile and a gracious nod, though the light in his eyes may betray him. "I would be honored," he muttered, sitting down on a nearby rock to listen.
It was a hard choice, as the Wolverine played, to keep his eyes open or closed. Open he could see the skillful way those claws moved over the strings, but his first impulse on hearing such beauty was to just listen, and forget all other sensations to get swept away in the music. He did, indeed recognize the piece, but that made it no less enjoyable to hear. In fact, he had, at one rather embarrassing part of his school days, attempted to learn the violin. It had ended in disaster and he didn't really like to think about it.
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Post by The Jenn on Dec 19, 2009 17:15:28 GMT -5
Donnie ended up playing all three of the remaining songs in the piece, flowing from one to the next as nature and composer had intended. It was a quieter series, with a fairly steady dynamic but a tempo that jumped all over the place. Near the end, fingers racing over the strings, she was glad that she'd practiced this particular number just last week. The ending page and a half were always the hardest and the last that students learned. The fingers had to develop enough stamina to manage the reaches quickly enough and memorizing it all was a pain in the ass. It had made an excellent teaching song for centuries because it could be so easily broken up and played in segments.
When she finished, she sat still for a few moments as the notes rang in the air, dying slowly in her ears. Her hands stretched in front of her slowly, trying to work out the tingling numbness in the tips. It would fade shortly, but it was a satisfying sort of feeling for her.
She opened her eyes and regarded her guest curiously.
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Post by Lucca on Dec 19, 2009 18:28:47 GMT -5
When the pieces ended, Colin's eyes were closed, though they had been open while she was doing that rather difficult part, the Cardinal marveling over the incredible skill of the Queen. Oh, how he longed all the more for his biped form when he saw how dexterous those hands could be! It was one of his top goals, but between everything else lately, he hadn't had the time to pursue it. He let the last few notes ring respectfully in the air, and then smiled, slowly opening his eyes, and bringing his wings forward he rustled the feathers in a specific way that the Birds of the Villa always substituted for clapping (this being impossible for Avians in animal form).
"That was lovely, Your Majesty," he said, still smiling, as he rose to his feet. "It has been a long time since I have heard a harp played with such beauty and skill." It was a thin line, between appropriate flattery and overdoing it, but Colin hoped he was firmly on the right side. He sincerely meant every word he said, hoping the ring of sincerity would make his words seem sweeter. Though seeming relaxed (not too relaxed, no, for one should never be completely casual in the presence of royalty), he was paying close attention to Donalda's expressions, ready to apologize at the first sign that he had offended her. That was the last thing he wanted to do on this visit! Especially since, the more he thought about it, the more that joining the Courts seemed a rather intriguing goal...once his Rank was up high enough, of course. But oh, he now had the confidence he could do it after his success at changing the lowly Five on his chest into an Eight.
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Post by The Jenn on Jan 1, 2010 1:58:15 GMT -5
The applause was quite gratifying, especially since Donnie had taken to playing mostly in private around the palace. She didn't want people bothering her while she played, which many of them would be inclined to. A Queen at rest often meant a Queen who could hear their thoughts and concerns, or so they seemed to think. Nrr.
She smiled at Colin and settled the instrument more comfortably against her. "Flattery is appreciated when it's earned. Which, in this case, I suppose it is. Thank you for listening. It's nice to have an appreciative audience again, especially one who should be able to tell quality from fluff."
Having more Villas around the palace would be a pleasant experience. she could probably entice them with a conservatory, as he'd suggested. The thought was percolating in her mind now that she was no longer playing. Really, wouldn't that be a lovely thing to have? For herself, selfishly, if no one else.
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Post by Lucca on Jan 1, 2010 9:17:47 GMT -5
Something in Colin relaxed as his praise was accepted the way it was meant, graciously and with all the dignity befitting a Queen. His view of the Queen of his own Suit was much higher now. He'd respected her before, respected the power she wielded and her no-nonsense attitude, but now? Now added to that respect was admiration and genuine affection. Gone were the images from his mind of some monster Yarrow who slaughtered the previous Queen in cold blood and started a reign of terror for all male Spades. She had still killed the other Queen, yes, but she seemed a very fair and equitable ruler despite being a Yarrow. After all, he'd seen plenty of male workers around the palace, and her reception of him was better than he could have hoped. " I assure you, the pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty," Colin murmured with a bow. He noticed that a sort of...distant look had come into the mix's eyes, and he felt slightly awkward suddenly, like he was intruding. Perhaps it was time to take his leave? It was getting on towards dinner, and since he was a guest he could only imagine the kitchen would serve him something... " Your Majesty, it's been a very pleasant visit, but I think I've taken enough of your time," Colin said with a smile. " If it please you, I shall take my leave. Unless of course you require anything I can assist with?" The Cardinal waited to see what she would say to this, head slightly lowered in deference. ((ooc: unless Donnie has something else, I think a few more posts can wrap this up?  )) |
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Post by The Jenn on Jan 1, 2010 10:06:03 GMT -5
((I think you're right! ^_^ What a fun little interlude... and way to play your cards, Colin. I didn't think she'd like him as much as she did, but she's been a little homesick for Villa.))
"This would probably be a good time to part ways," Donnie agreed with a small sigh. Her little break was almost over and she wouldn't be able to appreciate the few remaining minutes in silence. She should probably go and get ready for dinner. Bother Vessie. Something like that.
Later in the evening, maybe she could approach Zane and make certain she knew where their treasury funds stood. Then she could see about dipping into them for a little artistic enhancement to the palace, either re-purposing an existing room for acoustics or adding something small in the garden. She wasn't sure which rooms went unused more often than others. That would probably be a matter for one of the attendants to figure out. Collect data and all that nonsense that she didn't really have time for. It would need to be a room with a window...
But before that, she needed to excuse herself from present company. She stood, inclining her head towards the cardinal. "This has been an unexpectedly pleasant afternoon, Colin. Thank you for the company. I hope you enjoy your stay in the palace. Should you remain for super, I'm sure the kitchens can set you up with a fine meal. We also have temporary guest rooms available if the evening becomes too late for your travel."
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Post by Lucca on Jan 1, 2010 17:39:35 GMT -5
"Very well," the Cardinal replied swiftly, though he of course made no move to leave just yet...waiting for an official dimissal just in case. He briefly wondered what was going through Queen Donalda's mind, but didn't let it bother him too long. After all, it wasn't his place to know the mind of royalty. He was happy enough just to amiably share her company...and of course to hear her play the harp she knew so well.
When the Queen stood, Colin let a pleasant smile quirk the edges of his beak again, knowing that if he wanted to make a good impression on Donnie, last impressions were just as important as first ones. He was actually surprised and a little flustered at the compliment that she paid him, but he fought hard not to let it show. A very slight blush that was hopefully hidden by his feathers was all that got through Colin's control.
"It has been very pleasant, Your Majesty, despite earlier setbacks...I have enjoyed very much my visit to the Court," Colin said, and regretted it an instant after the words were out of his mouth. He really hoped she wouldn't ask about the 'setbacks'...after all, Ichigo's story was his own to tell. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. And I hope we may meet again in the future, if I may be so bold as to admit that. And thank you for the private concert, of sorts." With another deep bow, Colin backed up slowly, until he was a respectful enough distance away to turn his back and continue walking further out into the Gardens. He might as well see a little more of them before it got too late. His heart was pounding as it finally dawned on him...he met the Queen of Spades...and not only did he still have his head, but she seemed to genuinely appreciate him being there! This was more than he could have hoped for. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he tripped over a bush...luckily the Queen had long since went back inside and there was no one around to witness his embarrassing clumsiness. Too bad there was nothing much he could do to help overcome that...
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Post by carcinoGeneticist on Feb 6, 2010 20:06:05 GMT -5
Jenn and Lucca both receive 1 token each, to be redeemed in Ashwin's Shoppe.
This will automatically be added to your recorded totals in the shoppe.
Congratulations, and keep up the good RP!
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))
