(1310-05-12) A Morning of Shopping
Summary: A morning in the market leads to shopping for gifts and perhaps even more.
RL Date: Sat May 12, 1310
Related: None
celeste-no-eglantine aziza gauge 

Jeweler

Hurricane lamps throw a warm golden patina over the jewelry shop, a resplendent jewel box smaller than many a noble stable. Beautiful things come in diminutive packages that feel like a treasured sitting room decorated in rich copper fittings and polished teak to offset the pavonine blues and greens. Every upholstered chair features a peacock spray of feathers embroidered onto the cushions. Three sparse tables topped in lapis reside in places of splendour where clients sip tea and review designs.%r%rFor a jeweler, practically no jewelry is on display other than samples and mockups shifting with the seasonal trends. Paste gemstones and plated samples glitter in velvet boxes displayed under glass in the round display cabinet mounted in the middle of the room. Hand-painted, narrow panels of the Hellene Muses separate mirrored panels hung upon the walls, the goddesses of creativity holding court under the chandelier and round domed roof. Sprays of flowers bloom in ornate Ch'in and Serenissiman pots, adding another soft element to the refined atmosphere of the shop. A door discreetly stamped private leads to the workshop where fantasies become reality through painstaking effort.


The jewelry shop is not all that busy this morning, most people who are shopping this early are out and about for crafting materials or food so that they can either not go hungry or continue with their livelihood. There are a few attendants watching the shop and answering questions, Gauge is actually present, and wearing a shirt strangely enough… but that could be because it is chill out and raining. His coat is hung up near the door though, which may be recognizable to some as they get their own cloaks taken and hung up to drip dry as well.
At the moment Gauge is looking through bracelets and anklets, appraising things that are made of silver and various gemstones though he asks to see a red-gold chainlink bracelet that is set with rubies.

*

The jewelry shop is not all that busy this morning, most people who are shopping this early are out and about for crafting materials or food so that they can either not go hungry or continue with their livelihood. There are a few attendants watching the shop and answering questions, Gauge is actually present, and wearing a shirt strangely enough… but that could be because it is chill out and raining. His coat is hung up near the door though, which may be recognizable to some as they get their own cloaks taken and hung up to drip dry as well.
At the moment Gauge is looking through bracelets and anklets, appraising things that are made of silver and various gemstones though he asks to see a red-gold chainlink bracelet that is set with rubies.

*

That door opens slowly, the bell above letting out a soft chime. Two large Menekhet men step inside, their dark eyes looking over the room save one's gaze lands on Gauge. For a moment, they are quiet before in walks Aziza. Her long dark hair cascading around her shoulders, only one eye is see as her hair sweeps across her face. She speaks softly int heir native tongue as he seems to be in her own thoughts for a moment as she carefully steps inside further as they stand behind her shutting the door. Wearing sheer white silks, there is no modesty as it is wrapped about her form in an ornate fashion and seemingly held up by the gold wide collar style necklace that adorns her neck and shoulders. Finally her eyes lands on Gauge, the hint of a smirk tugging at her lips as she bows her head. "Good morning…."

*

The jingle of the bell doesn't catch Gauge's attention at first, it is the words of the language he has only heard from one certain group of people in this city that makes him look over towards Aziza and her guards. A faint wry smile twists the corners of his lips as he openly takes in her appearance, "I see you found some clothing more to your style Lady Aziza." He absently runs his thumb over the bracelet he is still holding and then lets his gaze come back up to Aziza's eyes and face. "How is your wound?" He asks conversationally curious in his deep gravelly rumble. "I have to say… this look," He gestures towards her with the bracelet, "Suits you much more than the borrowed robe did."

*

"Yes well…." Lazily she motions to hear guards as she speaks. "….two of my men went back to the site of where we were attacked…..retrieved some of my things. I am blessed that it was still there…." Aziza slowly walks near where he stands, looking at the case as she speaks. "That wound is much better. Still a little tender but….I do not think it is at the risk of opening….." Slowly her eyes move to him as she then looks to that bracelet. "Buying a gift for a young woman?" Turning she starts to walk down along the case. "I must say…the style of jewelry here is…different. Not sure if it is my tastes…."

*

"A gift for a courtesan I spent some time with." Gauge rumbles with a chuckle, "It is an interesting thing… the Court de Nuit. Some of them seem so willing to help you in any way they can, and others do nothing but offer insult and disrespect." He looks at the bracelet in his hand and then offers it back towards the attendant in order to follow Aziza through the displace cases. "I like your torc, it suits you very well." He chuckles, "I would say like all things fashionable, it depends on the style of clothing."

*

"Ah…" Chuckling softly she glances back at him. "So you must buy them gifts as well? Perhaps this is a profession I should have gone into but….my father would have had my head…." Still laughing she looks back to the cases but stops as something catches her eye. "Usekh…." She corrects him. "Usekh collar….." At that she leans in to the case. "As for these courtesans….I was told I should seek one perhaps. I was suggested to have an escort to this court…..that is coming up. I do not know why….I have my guards…." Aziza tilts her head as she mutters something in Menkhetan as she looks at a wide bangle.

*

"When you make a contract with the Court de Nuit, you are paying the Court for them but you must also pay the Courtesan as well." Gauge says conversationally, "That payment can be in coin, or gifts, but it shows your appreciation for the Courtesan's skills and service to Naamah." He smiles at the laugh and then tries the word on for size, "Usekh collar." He nods to himself after and then starts looking at more pieces of jewelry that are available. "Oh the Ducal Court thing." He wrinkles his nose, "Yes, I am told it is expected to arrive with someone you wish to be seen with. A courtesan is the default choice if you do not wish to be seen with someone else." He shrugs, "Political nonsense." He chuckles, "I would rather go with someone I enjoyed spending time with but…" He considers some rings, "If you enjoy the Courtesan it is a safe choice."
Looking over at Aziza then, Gauge asks, "Have you been to the Court de Nuit yet?" He studies her, "They have Courtesans of both genders there. They are very willing to please in their own fashion." He looks back towards the rings. "Is that what you are going to do? Get a Courtesan for Court?"

*

"Sounds like a lot of money for…..such a thing…." Aziza returns her gaze to the bracelet. "May I see that?" The attendant moves to remove it from the case for her to see. "As for the companion…." Picking up the bracelet she just chuckles as she then thwacks it on the counter. "…hm." Looking to him she smiles slightly. "To be honest? I doubt that. Why would I pay for someone to be at my side and pretend to care? I would rather go alone then go with an individual that is there for my money…." A shrug as she starts to toy with that bangle, actually trying to bend it. "If I knew someone here….that was fit to be at court…..I would just go with them so that I can at least be genuinely entertained…." At that she sets that bangle down, looking to the attendant. "….if there is another….I will take it and this one…."

*

"I don't know about fit to be at Court, but I will be there." Gauge says in an amused gravelly chuckle. "No use in going alone then, I imagine I'd make them all jealous to have such a beautiful and exotic Ambassador on my arm." He considers, "And maybe by then you'll be all healed and we can see what we can do without you wounded." He smiles at that, "Show me that ring and that one. No, the gold with the inset.. ah.. garnet and amethyst." He looks over at the banging of the jewelry and then up towards Aziza's face with an amused expression. "Care to escort each other to that whole event?"

*

"You will be there….? Fascinating….." Did she sound noncommittal? Yes. Aziza was in her own world with the shopping it seems. "The gold here is nothing like the gold at home. I fear it will not be hearty enough……" Slowly she motions a guard to her, holding out a hand as she waits….and he places a pouch in her hand. Moving back to his spot, but his gaze on Gauge it seems before he looks back to his compatriot. The young woman casually looks to her coin purse then back over to him finally. "Are you asking me to go as your arm adornment? I would think you would ask your courtesan.." A smirk tugs at her lips as she then looks back to the shopkeeper. "No need to wrap them up….I will wear them out…" Finally she turns to see him and chuckles. "I would be honored. And for your sake….you should hope that I am healed. Our last encounter was….enlightening."

*

That makes Gauge laugh, grinning, "If anything I would be your arm adornment. From what I am told my lack of shirt at least was a popular conversation topic." He takes the rings as they are offered and starts to look at them carefully, "There are different qualities of gold. Different blends of gold, silver, and platinum. You could ask to see what other types they have if you wish a harder more sturdy gold Lady Aziza." He rumbles over towards Aziza and then compares the two rings side by side. "My courtesan is not mine, she is also in her period of recovery after our last contract. I imagine she will be for the next week or two." He shrugs, "Which is also why I must buy her a gift. She earned it exceptionally well."

*

Celeste comes out of the back rooms with a bounce to her step and several small boxes balanced in her arms. Moving to the section of the room that houses the necklaces, chokers and other such throatwear she gently sets them down and proceeds to stock the current display with the contents of those boxes. Hearing the voice of Gauge she pauses peeking over that way with a bright smile. She abandons the boxes that are apparently filled with a lovely assortment of gem studded chokers in varities of both gold and silver. She approches the pair and curties low her smile bright and filled with an upbeat sort of warmth. "Welcome my Lord and Lady. I am Celeste no Eglantine and this is my shop. Is there anything I might help you with today?"

*

Aziza lets out a chuckle as she glances over at him. "Then they are children if that was that fascinating to have a conversation over. I am sure they have seen a man without clothes before…." A slight roll of her eyes as she stops the attendant in the shop. "Do you have anything….sturdier?" There was a still of her head. "I feel as if am just buying these because it is what I saw but…" A beat. "If there are others….." Trailing off she looks along the case before looking back to Gauge. "Well seems she did earn it." A shrug as she tilts her head. "I do not understand these….courts. I have plans to go to understand but….I have been busy. I must send word back about my current state of affairs but her grace wishes to speak with me before I send word back to my Pharaoh." The young Menekhet ambassador then looks up as hears that voice. That dark brow raising she looks the woman over then smiles. "I was looking for sturdy gold cuffs….they need to be able to take a beating."

*

"I couldn't say as to that. I wasn't there for the conversation." Gauge rumbles in his deep gravelly voice, "We should go to the Courts de Nuit though. I have spoken to Courtesans of three of the Salons now, but there is a fourth I have not visited yet." He hands the rings back and then looks over towards Celeste and smiles, "This is Ambassador Aziza Nimr of the Menekhet, I am Gauge d'Erisse, Baron de Beaucare, Captain of the Silverback." He introduces Aziza and himself to Celeste, "It is a beautiful shop. Do you make all of these?" He asks, gesturing towards the jewelry with one hand before he falls silent at the questions that Aziza asks Celestine. Instead he says to Aziza, "I am sure the Duchess wishes to know what sort of message you will send. She no doubt wishes to have Marsilikos be well received to encourage trade and peace." He raises an eyebrow at the mention of the gold being able to take a beating, his expression curious.

*

Curious sea green eyes sweep over Aziza and Celeste offers the woman a bright smile and a nod. "I think I may have just what you need. I've been working on several sets of cuffs to go with the chokers I make. One of the sets is made of thick gold but its unfinished presently. I was planning to add gems but if you want it to take a beating gems might not be needed?" She sends the woman an enquiring look. Looking to Gauge then she smiles softly once more and nods. "Yes, I do. I used to work out of the Eglantine Salon in Elua City making jewelry for my patrons to purchase. But I have since moved my business here and opened my own shop. Everything you see here is made by me, I also do custom work if its desired." She looks back to Aziza. "Shall I bring out those cuffs for you to see Ambassador? I can always adjust them further to suit your tastes as well."

*

"Then we shall go….you did also suggest dinner. I have only had some of the foods of this land that has been served to me at the palace…." Aziza then goes to speak but Gauge was all over it seems. Chuckling, her eyes close for a moment before she looks to Celeste. "No adornments is correct…." Stepping closer to the counter, she hold that pouch back behind as one of the large Menekhet guards steps up to retrieve it from her. "It is a pleasure to meet you. And forgive me….I am rather to the point when it comes to things." A beat. "Yes please. I would like to see how they fit…." Smiling she exhales then looks over to Gauge to continue. "There is no need for her to worry. I was attacked in Caerdicca Unitas…and it seems to have been thieves. If anyone should worry….it would be those thieves if they are found…."

*

"Indeed, though it's a little early for dinner yet. You can always try our lunch in the meantime." Gauge smirks wryly and then he continues with a growly chuckle. "I would also like to see any bracelets, red-gold and ruby if you have anything of the type." He tells Celeste so she doesn't have to make multiple trips if she is going back to get the cuffs. Another turn towards Aziza and he says, "The Courtsans have many houses, there are twelve different specialties. I am most familiar with La Glycine, which are those focused in nothing but pure pleasure, pure hedonism, pure excess, and those of La Rose Sauvage, which are those who give pain to others, those who enjoy receiving it, and those who embody innocence waiting to be corrupted." He nods at the mention of the Duchess, "Still, she will want to make a good Impression. Favorable trade agreements, importing and exporting of goods, commerce… it is all very important I am sure. Which is good for me and my House too since we primarily transport those goods."

*

<FS3> Celeste rolls Jeweler: Good Success. (1 8 2 4 8 4 7 1 6 2 2 2 5)

*

<FS3> Celeste rolls Jeweler: Great Success. (4 8 6 2 8 7 8 4 2 5 4 5 2)

*

Celeste bows her head respectfully to Aziza and Gauge. "Of course, I'll be right back." She smiles and retreats to the back only to return a moment later with two small velvet lined boxes. Opening the first carefully she reveals two thick golden cuffs designed to fit securely around a womans wrists. They have been lightly etched with a delicate geometric pattern but are otherwise simple in design and appear quite sturdy. Celeste presents them to Aziza for inspection with a soft smile. "If these won't suit I can always make you a pair from scratch. I always try my very best to meet the needs of my customers."

She smiles softly and then opens the second box to allow Gauge to examine its contents. "This is all I have currently in red gold and ruby, I designed it with a red rose of Rose Sauvage in mind but no one has bought it yet." Within that box rests a sectioned bracelet of round red gold plates linked together by tiny matching chains of the same metal. Those plates are eteched with a design of thorns and vines and at the center of each one is a small ruby that has been carved into the likeness of a blooming rose. The carving of the rubies has been done with attention to each detail and the gems sparkle softly in the light their rich red hue polished to the color of fresh blood.

*

Aziza raises a brow slowly. "Oh you meant to go there now? I was speaking of food before going to this…..Night Court." A firm nod as she focuses her gaze on him then. Listening to his words she smirks a bit and simply looks away to her guards. Speaking in her native tongue of Menkhetan, that smirk growing even more. The taller of the two frowns before speaking in kind, almost with a tone of harshness. Raising a hand dismissively at him she says a few more words before looking back to Gauge. "I can understand if those are her concerns however she has done more than make a good impression. Not only did she see to my wounds…..she is allowing me to stay in the palace while I recover…." At that she turns as sees Celeste was back with those bangles. Stepping over she picks them up….a tilt of her head as those brown eyes look them over. "Hm." She is silent as she puts them on then clanging her wrists together then smiles. With that she walks over to her guard this time, not asking him to bring it to her and grabs that pouch from him. A few words are exchanged and she turns to move back to that counter. "I will take them." Taking them off she sets them back on the counter she nods. "I think they will go nicely with what I am having made for the ducal court…."

*

Taking the bracelet up and examining it in detail he looks at all of the work and then Gauge smiles, "This will do very nicely." He says in his gravelly voice, "Have this wrapped and sent to Severine, the Second at La Rose Sauvage. Send request for payment to the Erisse manor and I will see you compensated for it. It is very nice work." He compliments Celeste, "Very nice indeed. If you would, I will commission a choker to match." He looks over at Aziza when she speaks to her guards and raises an eyebrow, "Why do I always get the feeling you find everything about our lands completely ridiculous." He says to Aziza with a half-smile but he seems amused, not insulted. "What are you having made for the Ducal Court? I should see about getting something put together for myself as well." He considers, "As for the Court de Nuit, we can go when you wish, I did not mean immediately. There is no rush and before we see about the Courtesans' you may wish to consider what goal you have before going there, what type of services you require from them."

*

Celeste beams at them both nodding eagerly. "As you wish Ambassador. And if you are ever in need of more accessories please do come by again!" Her gaze goes to Gauge and she nods once more smiling brightly. "Of course my Lord! I'll have it sent to her with all due haste and thank you. I am rather proud of my work, its lovely to hear that others appreciate it." She smiles warmly at him. "As for a matching choker, yes I would be happy to assist you with that as well." Her gaze flicks between them and she smiles gently. "If either of you are in need of my services again, you are most welcome here." She accepts the coin from Aziza with a smile and carefully takes the bracelet back so it can be wrapped up and shipped.

*

Aziza is quiet as Gauge conducts his business, idly looking around as she seems to be in thought. Hearing him speaking to her, she raises a brow. "If I found something ridiculous you would never know…..what kind of person would that make me. I am here to share goodwill and learn…." Those brown eyes linger on him before slowly looking over to Celeste. "Thank you. I am in the guest tower at the palace…they will know which quarters are mine. There will be about five men standing guard outside of it…." Chuckling she exhales a bit holds that pouch in her hands as she bows to the woman. "I shall be back I am sure. I will more than likely look for a gift for my mother and father…." Licking her lips she then glances back over to that baron. "My goal? Well….that is…probably a point. Perhaps in two days time we can go….if you do not have other plans….." A smirk tugs at her lips as she exhales.

*

"Human." Gauge answers back to Aziza after finishing his business with Celeste. "Two days time?" He looks thoughtful, "I don't think I have anything on my schedule then." He rumbles before he asks, "Do you feel you will be attacked here in the city?" His tone curious, "So many guards, are you not safe here amongst us? Or do you have enemies from home who would wish you dead?" He frowns at that, hand going to run across the pommel of his sword lightly.

*

Aziza chuckles softly as she hears his answer, nodding to Celeste as she takes her leave. Hearing his questions, the tall Menekhet woman smiles slightly as she goes to walk past him but stops next to him shoulder to shoulder. "One can never be too safe in a strange land, Baron…." Lowering her voice, that husky tone takes over as she glances over to him. "I thought I was safe in Caerdicca but we see how that went. Last thing anyone needs is a foreign diplomat dying on their lands…." Letting that gaze linger, those eyes looking to that sword and she slowly starts to step away from him. "….I'd rather be preemptive."

*

His touching the sword was not in an aggressive fashion, but more along the lines of one who was remembering needing to use it themselves. "The roads, like the sea, are never truly safe." Gauge says softly back in his gravelly voice, "You should be safe enough here." Then he looks down at his sword on his hip, "Then again," He chuckles, "I like to be preemptive too." When she starts to move away he also goes to follow since he has made his purchase already. "It does not bother me overmuch," He rumbles, "Though I feel your guards would like nothing better than to prove to me they are better fighters." Which makes him chuckle. "I would like to prove to them they are not." He looks over at her then out of the side of his eye. "I think you would like to see that too, one way or the other. I think you enjoy violence more than you let on."

*

"Keyword is should, Baron…..but one can never be too careful…." Aziza smirks as she continues to her guards. Stepping up to stand between the two of them but her hands goes to their chest as she faces the door. Those two men keep their gaze on Gauge but she speaks in their native tongue. They turn and open the door stepping out but holding it open for her. Slowly she turns as she steps up to him then, a deep inhale as she leans in then a slow sigh. "….it's not them you'd have a problem with, Gauge…." Looking him over she smirks slightly. "….and I enjoy….a lot….of things. Just depends on who get to learn of such interests…." At that she raises a hand as if to touch his chest but stops as she smirks and slowly starts to turn.

*

Gauge reaches out to take her hand when it doesn't touch his cheek and instead to draw her over towards him so that he can pull her in against him and give her a kiss that is worthy of an audience, or no audience at all… His free hand goes up into her hair and to the nape of her neck as he takes firm hold and pulls her now silk clad form into his own enough that there is no longer just an imagination as to how they feel together before his lips capture her own in that kiss. It is a hungry kiss, hot, deepening after just a few moments to taste her tongue and mouth in demanding fashion while his hand on hers laces fingers together and squeezes. He holds that kiss until one of them manages to bite the other ones bottom lip and catch their breath. His hand strokes down the line of her spine when the kiss breaks and he looks down into her face with a chuckle, "Two days time, then we go to the Court de Nuis. Tonight, you join me for dinner. At the Ducal Court, we go together." He confirms their arrangements for the next little bit, "After dinner, we see if your wound is healed enough to see which kind of danger we can be to each other."

*

Barely an audible gasp as he pulls her to him she leans into him just slightly. But then that hand on her neck and he's claimed her lips for his. A soft moan escapes as she returns that kiss just as hungrily, her free hand moving to the back of his neck as she presses her practically nude body safe for that silk that adorns her. Standing on her toes she eagerly seems to press her body even more to his but groans as she feels that bite. A soft growl leaves her lips and she leans in to nip his lower lip before slowly backing away. "Send word for when you want me for dinner tonight and a means to get there." A beat. "I may even bring my blades….because a bow wouldn't be fair…." At that she moves from him, turning to head out the door. "If you're lucky….I may have my design for my ducal court attire to be more easily removed…." And with that Aziza turns and heads out that door.

*

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