Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 10, 2014 1:08:10 GMT -5
December 27 23CLE
Fiora closed the book with a quick flick of her wrist, tossing the leathery hardcover back into a random slot on the bookshelf. She took a step back, looking slightly pained.
"Ze largest library in Demacia should 'ave an impressive collection of fencing books, should it not?" she muttered to herself, running her fingers down the spine of a book. "This is....disappointing."
She did not know what insanity spurred her to come to the city's althenaeum, but Fiora had decided that the Laurent's meager collection of books could no longer satisfy her anymore. It took only a wayside inquiry for the maids to point her to the library, and Fiora had followed their instructions to the enormous building. Striding straight to the front desk, she had placed a commanding hand on the desk and declared, "Where are the fencing books? Zee private collection, of course."
The head librarian, unused to such a forward order, had cowed under the Duelist's glare. Scurrying on his short legs, he had ushered her into the restricted sections, reserved only for the aristocratic. Fiora had scoured the shelves for her favorite topic, but was slightly disappointed. She had these copies; one of them was even written by her grandfather.
"Pah." she growled, squinting at Swordplay: A Collection of Modern Techniques. "Outdated and boring." A sudden thought came to her head. Throwing the book hastily on the shelf, Fiora made her way out of the aisle, staring down the hallway. She seemed to be the only noble here on this chilly morning, and the library itself seemed quite deserted.
Silently, she made her way out of the restricted zone, and towards the public area, seeking the head librarian. There must be a collection of books written by the Laurents, even older than her grandfather's work. If that was the case, Fiora had full intentions to claim the books, and add them to the Laurent collection back home. After all, it was her family's work, and that should stay within the family. Deep in thought, she turned the corner blindly, not hearing the footsteps nearby.
Post by James Marker on Jan 10, 2014 1:28:18 GMT -5
James was, needless to say, frustrated. Another day went by where the library had straight-up denied him access to any of the true books on Dracoanalogy. "You're wasting your time," they'd said, "chasing dragon tales all day. An amateur like you has no place outside the fiction section!"
He knew they didn't mean he was an amateur. The library claimed otherwise, but anyone knew that the restricted section was for nobles only. If only he was a noble...perhaps his studies would actually be taken seriously!
Lost in his thoughts, he grabbed a pile of his books, ranging from topics on dragons (nothing he hasn't already read but nothing he couldn't analyze more) to Demacian political history (a surprising number of accounts on dragons could be found there) and stormed off down the aisle, too busy thinking to himself to slow down as Fiora came around the corner. Without a moment to stop, he suddenly crashed into her, causing him to stumble back and drop his books.
"I am so sorry, ma'am!" He said, leaning down and not yet noticing if was Fiora. "I was lost in my thoughts and didn't see you--" he cut himself short, looking up at her with a mild bewilderment. "--Fiora?" He nearly froze, but managed to catch himself. He had heard rumors of how terrible the ma'am was to 'commoners' - he didn't see why, but then again he was a commoner himself. He would have to try very hard not to insult her.
He gave her a small bow. "Again, my sincerest apologies. By no means did I wish to cause you slight." If she'd fallen - she likely would have with the speed he was moving at - he'd offer her a hand up.
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 10, 2014 1:55:06 GMT -5
Fiora had shrieked as she fell backwards against the bookshelves, grabbing a ledge to steady herself. Her free hand instantly searched for her rapier, but she grasped air. Oh, right. No weapons in the archives, except the ones on paper. It took only a glance, however, for her to determine that she was not being attacked by some rude bystander. It was just a young man, who was obviously flustered.
Already, he was stammering an apology, stopping abruptly at her name, seemingly shocked to see her in the library. Fiora didn't know whether to feel flattered by his 'awe' or insulted. Opening her mouth, she prepared to release a torrent of chastisement when her eyes fell upon the books that had fallen.
She stopped, eyes scanning the titles. Ars Draconis....and countless other complex sounding books, no doubt on the fearsome creatures themselves. But Fiora's eyes fell upon the book that had fallen open near her foot. Bending down, she picked it up, reading the front cover.
An Extensive History of Demacian History: Politics
She raised an eyebrow, holding the book out to the man. If she was right, and she rarely was wrong, of course, this book seemed to be like the ones from the restricted section. The peasants couldn't have access to these books--they seemed too valuable for their uneducated hands.
'Yes, I am Fiora of the Laurent family. No doubt you have heard of my name.' she indicated at the book. 'A good choice in reading. Nobles like us must keep our minds sharp, like our blades, do you not agree?'
Post by James Marker on Jan 10, 2014 2:09:35 GMT -5
James graciously took the book from her. "Thank you, Fiora." She called him a noble a moment later, causing him to nearly correct her - but he thought twice. With a temper fiery as hers, it would be no wonder if he was challenged to a duel for the mere dishonor of looking upon her.
So instead, he gave her a small nod. "Agreed. Especially with these...invasions from all sides. But I digress. I am James." He extended a hand to her in a polite manner. He knew that, to keep her happy, he couldn't go by Marker; a common name if ever.
He quickly thought through what he'd read, earlier; a list of family names. Brightshield and Crownguard were too audacious; she'd see through him in a moment. Laurent would be plain idiotic. He went with an old name, one not too far from the truth. "I serve the Marquér house. It's a pleasure, ma'am." Marquér was an old house, but it was a noble house, and while diminished it wasn't entirely gone.
He held his books gingerly, hoping not to injure them. "I knew you were a master of the duel, but I hadn't heard of your scholarly approaches." Ugh. He was starting to sound like the Silvertongues he hated; he hoped he could drop the act soon. "What did you come for?"
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 10, 2014 2:32:41 GMT -5
Marquér. Fiora hesitated. The name was familiar but it was not one she had heard recently. She felt almost pity for James. Almost. The house was fading into the past, and Fiora couldn't quite remember if they were on the list for the parties Adrien always threw every few months at the Laurent Manor.
'A pleasure,' she echoed.
Nevertheless, a noble was a noble. Even the lowest of the aristocratic were higher than any of the commoners. She dropped any pretense of hostility suddenly.
'I 'ave no idea why I am in this 'orrible library,' Fiora confessed, rolling her eyes quickly in response to his question. 'At first, I was looking for some works on dueling--but alas, I 'ave seen them all. One must train their wits with words, my mamam always said.'
She decided to keep her newest idea to herself; there was always time to follow up on that later. Feeling slightly uncomfortable (the public library really was not her preferred environment), Fiora pointed at the book she had given to James, clutched in his careful hands.
'There must be more than one book on Demacian politics.' she beckoned back to the restricted area. 'You must not have searched hard enough.' She took a step backwards, towards the section, pausing to wait for James to follow. No doubt he was making his way to the restricted area; no noble would want to linger with books commonfolk had touched.
Post by James Marker on Jan 10, 2014 2:45:48 GMT -5
After listening to Fiora rant about the lack of fencing theory and her implied offer to help him find other books, James paused for a moment. "Yes, well...I suppose I didn't think of asking for help. I was in a rush earlier, as you may have guessed." He followed cautiously behind her, watching the librarian carefully as they approached the restricted area; one wrong move and he was good as gone.
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 10, 2014 2:58:49 GMT -5
Fiora looked down each aisle as she passed them, hesitating at every other aisle. For a second, she considered backing out of helping; she did not know this library at all--why was she even pretending? But pride nudged her on and eventually the pair stumbled upon the correct aisle.
'This is where you found the book, c'est exact? ' she asked, unsure. 'Look!' She pulled out a heavy book and held it up proudly.
'An Aristocratic Account of Demacian Diplomancy. Fascinating read.' she smiled, tossing the book onto a nearby table, with little regard for its age and obvious fragility.
She paused, looking at the books James held. 'Ah, and you are interested in those beasts. The dragons.' she smirked. ''ave you already read them all?'
Post by James Marker on Jan 10, 2014 11:06:39 GMT -5
James nodded. "Yes, around here." A bold-faced lie. But it had a good effect, with Fiora pulling out an ample tome and dropping it on the table. He cringed a bit to see her mistreating it, but he supposed she knew what she was doing. "Many thanks. I suppose I wasn't looking very closely."
He went to flip it open, his eyes brightening slightly. He'd certainly never seen this much information in one place. He was so engrossed with it that for a moment, he didn't answer Fiora's question. When he did, he glanced between her and the books he was holding. "Oh, yes, very interested. It's practically my life." This time he was a bit closer to the truth. "Of course I've just been working on this book for a while. And that's why I had this other one." He lifted up the history book a bit. "Surprisingly detailed accounts of dragon encounters in here. More supplementary, I suppose, but still an interesting read in of itself."
He took a quick breath and put the books on the table. He didn't want to get carried away talking to Fiora. "Apologies. I doubt you have the same interest in dracoanalytics that I do."
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 10, 2014 19:28:24 GMT -5
Fiora watched him go to the table and flip the book open. He looked so keen to do so--and happy. He seemed to hold the same passion that the Grand Duelist held for her art towards the books.
"Oh?" she remarked, as Lucas apologized for his enthusiasm. "Is that what they call it? 'Ow intriguing. Dracoanalytics." She seemed mildly perturbed that such a complex name could be given to the study of savage beasts. Casually, she checked her nails, before pulling a chair out from the table. Seating herself, Fiora crossed her legs, leaning on the table.
"It is not a worry, Marquer." she replied, waving her hand airily. "Everyone must 'ave a passion. A noble is not much of a noble at all, without some education to distinguish himself. "
Her eyes narrowed for a brief instant. "What is your opinion on dragons--and half-dragons, then?"
Post by James Marker on Jan 10, 2014 21:05:24 GMT -5
James tried to not look put out of place by her comments, and now he was finally put in a comfortable zone; she'd asked him his opinion. His unadulterated, personal opinion. Caught in the moment, he didn't notice her narrowing gaze just yet.
"It's quite simple, really." He sat down across from her and smiled slightly, not trying to get carried away. "They're not just simple beasts as some assume. They have complex rules in of themselves, what looks like a society complete with rules. The only thing they have in common is that no two are the same." He gestured slightly with his hands, trying to put emphasis on that point.
"My opinion? Fascinating creatures all around. Dangerous, for sure. Rare as well. We know so little about them, and yet we can't avoid them all the same. Dragons and half dragons alike - I may not like all of them, but they're certainly beautiful creatures worth attempting to understand, regardless of where they come from or what they do." He leaned back slightly, crossing his hands together. "So, in short, I find them admirable, even if I would never dare go near one while still sane." He chuckled. "Why, even around Shyvana it's hard to keep oneself calm, and she's practically a Demacian herself."
Inwardly, he cringed. He hadn't meant to let that slip, a slight against his commander. He wanted to stop digging his hole, but it seemed as though all he was provided with was a shovel, so in any case the only way out was down. "What do you think of dragons, Fiora? From the look on your face, not highly, if I may be so bold." It was a desperate attempt to shift the conversation onto her, but it would certainly buy him time to recollect himself.
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 11, 2014 2:06:17 GMT -5
There was no doubt of the passion James had for dragons. It was in the way his hands jumped every so often, as if the words could do his meaning no justice. She understood how that felt. Whenever she got into an argument with her brother over fencing techniques, the words simply felt inadequate.
She frowned slightly as James continued. The idea that dragons were civilized seemed almost laughable. But she held her retort in check; James seemed to know what he was talking about, and she had nothing but intuition backing her up.
The Grand Duelist couldn't help but chuckle when Shyvana was brought up. He was right; Jarvan's lackey had such an untamed aura around her. It unnerved Fiora, much to her annoyance.
Deep in thought, she didn't notice James's expression as he aimed a question at her. What did she think of dragons?
Grudgingly, she replied. "I always thought dragons were untamed, 'orrible animals, but you make me think otherwise, James." Reaching over, she flicked the cover of the nearest book open randomly to a diagram of a dragon hatchling being born. Her brow furrowed.
"Of course, my opinion on half-dragons remain unchanged. I've only met one..." she raised her eyes to meet James. "And Shyvana...vhat a character. 'Ow she managed to get to the elite ranks, I 'ave no idea.'
Post by James Marker on Jan 11, 2014 2:27:02 GMT -5
James was trying his best to not strike out against Fiora. A direct insult to his commander often earned the person a black eye; but a brawl in a bar was far different than a noble, a champion at that. So instead, he had to bottle it up. "I believe that she earned her spot by assisting them in the slaying of a more...malevolent dragon. However, that's not to say her temper can't get in the way of her job." An unfortunate truth, but truth nonetheless.
"She's a capable warrior, however." He nodded as if to affirm his own point. "And perhaps his majesty gave her the position so he could keep an eye on her. It is his duty to make sure she doesn't rampage and destroy half the city, after all, and when she's closer to him that's easier to manage."
James tapped the table slightly, a small habit. "But the king's decisions are his to make. We don't know why he may make them, but make them he will. It's better not to ponder."
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 11, 2014 16:54:48 GMT -5
Fiora scoffed quietly. Of course he was right, she did not know Jarvan's motives. She trusted him a small degree more than others above her. But her lips curved at the thought of Shyvana only being in her position to be watched.
But the discussion on dragons was making her feel out of depth--time to steer it back to a safer topic.
'Do the Marquers still practice the art of fencing?' she asked, genuinely curious. This would be a good opportunity to extend the invitation to the house whenever she had her monthly practices.
Post by James Marker on Jan 11, 2014 17:50:16 GMT -5
James leaned on the table and thought a moment. "Well...not fencing, to that extent. But I myself do practice swordplay; the occasional duel or spar isn't outside of my range, as is." He smirked at Fiora slightly. "I don't even have to ask if you happen to fence, Fiora. Your family is famous for it, is it not?"
I will meet one someday...and that day will either be the best or worst day of my life.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Jan 18, 2014 4:30:21 GMT -5
Fiora resisted the urge to scoff--it would be too impolite, even for someone like her who erred over the line of politeness occasionally.
'The Laurents 'ave always been very famous for their excellence in fencing,' she replied, her voice softening as they touched upon her favorite topic. 'It is my passion.' The Grand Duelist smiled, her facade of nobility dropping for a brief second.
She pointed at James, her voice taking on a teasing edge. 'Ah, but your swordplay is simply that. Play. That hacking and slashing,' she waved her hand dismissively, but with a small smile, 'is no way to use a blade.'
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