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Post by The Horror on Dec 5, 2018 18:38:33 GMT
What was once one of the most opulent building in the Valyrian District, the headquarters of the Geographic Society of Linyanti hasn't been able to keep up with its former prestige. The exquisite white paint that once covered its facade has started peeling off. The gold that had once ornated the buildings decorative carvings had long been sold as Santygar tried to keep the whole place afloat.
A faded sign with the Society's emblem hovers over its door, likely the only indication of what that building once represented.
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Post by Micaela Vaenys on Dec 5, 2018 18:56:04 GMT
The neglected feel of the facade always made Micaela sad when she visited She'd long hoped that in time the Geographic Society would be able to prosper, and now, with the Founder's Festival taking place, it seemed as good a time as any to start thinking about the future of the group. It was certainly time they thought about recruiting new members. She had left her dragon, Byka, at home, under the watchful eyes of Daerion, a trusted friend who'd been her husband's sworn sword and was now in Micaela's employ.
Micaela pushed open the door and stepped inside, looking around to see which of her associates, if any, was present.
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Post by The Horror on Dec 5, 2018 19:07:55 GMT
The entrance led to a small foreroom, it was now empty, except for the wooden desk by the opposite wall, but it was clear that it had once housed several decorations.
Aelon had been assigned reception duty by Santygar this evening. Even though he had insisted that no one would come knocking, the older fellow had been adamant that they should always have someone to deal with "potential patrons".
As Micaela came in, she spotted the young scholar hunching over the wooden desk. Across from him stood the tall summer islander called Lopopo. Both seemed to be so enthralled by something lying of the desk between them, that none paid her any heed as she entered the building.
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Post by The Terror on Dec 5, 2018 19:12:05 GMT
Santygar was upstairs, dressing in his finest clothes. He hoped to woo some potential patrons while minds were dwelling on the memory of his lost friend Baelor.
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Post by Micaela Vaenys on Dec 5, 2018 19:14:11 GMT
"Good evening," she said, but not too loudly. She knew how easy it was for her fellow scholars to become engrossed in their work, and, after all, she had been startled many a time by a sudden noise or an unexpected movement. Her colleagues deserved better than that from her. "What are you two looking at?"
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Post by The Horror on Dec 5, 2018 19:22:37 GMT
Aelon said nothing, he just stood there, looking down and scratching it's chin.
Lopopo, on the other hand, turned to her with a smile. This allowed her to see the small triangular board between the two. She did not recognize what it was, but she could notice Aelon holding a small black stone.
"Welcome, Lady Micaela." The summer islander said with his heavy accent. "The kid is trying to beat me at Egwu." He let out a throaty laugh.
"Shhhh... Shut up, Lopopo, I'm trying to think." Aelon exclaimed.
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Post by Micaela Vaenys on Dec 5, 2018 19:40:00 GMT
"Eg...wu?" She frowned at the coloured board between the men. "So it's a game. Is it from the Summer Isles?" She asked Lopopo.
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Post by The Terror on Dec 5, 2018 19:53:08 GMT
"Indeed, Lady Mikaela." , nodded the older black fellow. "It is the sport of princes. Artumar Adaxios is its true champion though." He shrugs. "It is not terribly difficult to learn. How are you today, Lady Mikaela?"
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Post by The Horror on Dec 5, 2018 19:57:38 GMT
"AHA! I have you now, Lopopo!" Aelon exclaimed excitedly, slamming his black stone against one of the designated spots in the board. He looked up, grinning at his opponent. That face soon was taken by a faint but clear sign of horror as he noticed the Lady that had arrived.
"Oh, Mrs. Vaenys! I did not see you come in." The young man said awkwardly.
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Post by The Terror on Dec 5, 2018 20:00:11 GMT
"Nor this." Lopopo barely looks down before setting another stone down.
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Post by Micaela Vaenys on Dec 5, 2018 20:03:58 GMT
She hadn't seen enough of the game to determine how it worked. "I'm well, Lopopo, thank you. I was hoping to find some friends to attend the celebrations with. I could go with Daerion, of course, but he has limited patience with scholar's talk, and I've no idea how to talk about other things." She smiled self-consciously. "I've no taste for gossip." She turned to Aelon. "Don't worry, I know how easy it is to become engrossed. And as I've told you a hundred times before, call me Micaela."
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Post by The Horror on Dec 5, 2018 20:11:29 GMT
Aelon's mouth dropped open as he stared in shock at Lopopo's play.
"Wait, What... I don't ... How? Uuugh." Aelon groaned, incredulous of what had just happened. "Why do I even try? I should just stop accepting your challenges."
"Well, of course we'd be glad to accompany you to the festivities." Aelon said, getting up from his seat and cutting in front of Lopopo. He was his friend, but still a 'savage' it was clear that her invitation had been directed to him and Santygar. "Master Santygar thinks it should be a great opportunity for us to seek new patrons. I'm sure your charms could lend us great help for that quest "
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Post by Micaela Vaenys on Dec 5, 2018 21:00:14 GMT
She flushed slightly. "Oh, you overrate my charms, Aelon, but our goals are the same. The Society has languished for too long. It's time we did something spectacular, but you're right, we need new patrons and new members in order to do it. I've been thinking of speaking to Lord Taernarys when I've a spare moment. After all, he was the one who invited Jace and me out here. The Society's future prosperity can only reflect well upon him."
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Post by The Horror on Dec 5, 2018 21:10:59 GMT
Aelon's eyes went wide at the mention of Lord Taernarys.
"Please, Micaela, don't say that name here. Lest Master Santygar might get angry." He said hushedly, approaching her so she could hear his whispers more clearly. "I know you mean well, Micaela. But Master Santygar is an old, proud man. I fear he wouldn't take the money even if the Lord Governor willingly offered a million Golden Honors."
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Post by Micaela Vaenys on Dec 5, 2018 21:22:26 GMT
There was small chance of that, she knew, and she cursed herself for her lack of caution. "Ah yes. I wasn't thinking. I let my enthusiasm get the better of me. Perhaps I can do something in a....roundabout sort of way. I'm told that's how they do things in Volantis. But have you any ideas yourself, then? We're such a small community that I fear incomers may be our only real hope."
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