Dantess Visconti
Committed
Roleplay posts: 77 
Age: 34
Physical Description: Spiked black hair, a handsome face, cold blue eyes and a calculative stare.
Clothes and Equipment: Black and violet regalia of the highest caliber, and a silvery rapier at his left hip.
Registered: Feb 25, 2016 14:08:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dantess Visconti on Mar 10, 2016 19:04:25 GMT -8
Dantess arrived at the recently abandoned country estate, once home to a proud family that upheld one of the most prestigious fencing schools in the world. Back in the good old days, when the flag was still green and spirits ran high, the collective who ran the Salle D'armes, a small but immaculate training area within a little building beyond the estate's overgrown wall, made it routine to hire and promote the most esteemed and professional of fencers to impart lessons among the various students who practiced their trade school to school. Historians are unsure of the exact cultural origins of the establishment's name and some of its architectural themes, but a similar origin to the modern day culture of Gauldish was considered by the majority to be the most likely.
A single gloved hand reached out to push open the training hall's door without preamble, its thick and knotted wooden frame creaking on aging hinges for what may have been the first time in years. Dantess stepped inside a now spider-infested hall, darkened by the lack of maintained lighting and yet still sporting the white paint on its hardwood floor, which depicted a line from one end to the other and was divided in the center by a small ring.
He remembered it as though it were yesterday... slightly younger, emboldened and new to the notion of being officially among "the best," the last time Dantess stepped foot in the Salle D'armes was a summons to further his own skill through the act of teaching. It had become commonplace among the elites, after all, to express the notion that all that which is taught is most firmly remembered by the teacher. He closed his eyes... How he remembered the session, the lessons imparted and the young man he was to train...
Such spirits the world once enjoyed.
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Zagarus
Established
Roleplay posts: 43
Age: 37
Clothes and Equipment: Usually dark royal silks and robes with a cape, often in ceremonial but functional armor. Wears a gunmetal star-shaped pendant.
Registered: Feb 23, 2016 10:00:20 GMT -8
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Post by Zagarus on Mar 24, 2016 10:15:42 GMT -8
"I do hope you feel relieved of the pressure."
A deep, silken voice spoke from some distance beyond the open door. Zagarus' boots could be heard crunching grass as he strode up to the lonely structure that Dantess had entered, its open door revealing an interior that seemed too dark to see from the brightness of the mid-day's sun. Stepping inside, he gazed upon the floor, memories of his own training returning to him from his own periodic visits to this school, mainly for practice in the heavier blades. Yet he never became as closely affiliated with such a culture as Dantess, who's excellence was nearly world renowned.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 18, 2024 8:18:52 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 19:53:24 GMT -8
When she came upon the structure, it resembled, to her, a stone corpse. Whatever it had once been, whatever it had once represented, clearly the idea was dead and gone, and not even put at a respectful rest but left to rot. It did not say much about the people or the culture that owned it, and it did not say much to Lady Zaiyandorel, either.
She dismounted with an ease expected of her skill and expertise, her booted feet nimbly touching the ground. The golden armor was not upon the warrior's body today, choosing instead a more civilian look of a distinguished scarlet riding coat, a silk blouse, and snug trousers tucked into silk-and-leather boots that had been finely decorated. For all that she was a warrior and a commander, she was still a woman and enjoyed pretty things. Yet even though the warrior's garb was gone, the warrior's mask of a stone expression was upon her features, perhaps with a touch of cynicism as she looked to the open doors of the place.
Her dark eyes glimmered faintly with a temper she kept in check, the freckles scattered over her nose and cheeks glowing and fading like embers still hot from a fire. It made for a small source of light as she stepped after Zagarus into the dusty and forgotten room that was shared with Dantess. He was a man she did not know, and for a moment, the tall commander regarded him, took his measure, and then gazed on to the remains of the training facility this place had once been.
Content to be quiet for now, she listened to the conversation between men and casually made her way to what she had assumed had once been a trophy case, her dark hair long and loose and trailing after her as it curled and swayed into whisps of black smoke. Once something of interest could be said, surely the foreign woman would have something to say. |
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Dantess Visconti
Committed
Roleplay posts: 77
Age: 34
Physical Description: Spiked black hair, a handsome face, cold blue eyes and a calculative stare.
Clothes and Equipment: Black and violet regalia of the highest caliber, and a silvery rapier at his left hip.
Registered: Feb 25, 2016 14:08:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dantess Visconti on Mar 24, 2016 20:13:47 GMT -8
"Yes indeed," he says, turning to face his visitor. Zagarus had arrived, and a distance behind him, a woman he did not yet recognize. They seemed to share a coincidentally timely arrival without necessarily having traveled together.
"I was just... visiting my favorite place, again, for my final day of leave... which I see has become quite the favorable rest spot along this lovely road," he commented with a radiant smile, as though Lady Zaiyandorel's presence had illuminated his day. Dantess was born to the aristocratic elite of Medan and was highly studious; the arcane was the academic subject that he pridefully maintained good progress in despite sparingly using such forces himself, and he thought he felt something a bit more to Zaiyandorel than her appearance, which already indicated that she way beyond human.
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Zagarus
Established
Roleplay posts: 43
Age: 37
Clothes and Equipment: Usually dark royal silks and robes with a cape, often in ceremonial but functional armor. Wears a gunmetal star-shaped pendant.
Registered: Feb 23, 2016 10:00:20 GMT -8
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Post by Zagarus on Mar 24, 2016 20:19:39 GMT -8
"Well. I was just passing through and thought I'd drop in. I hope you enjoy your new post. I need to head on out to Castle Lumbek for one of our top subjects. I suppose I'll continue on my merry way," he said, patting his large hand on Dantess' shoulder in a friendly manner before departing, giving Zaiyandorel a respectful but brief not on his way out, and past her.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 18, 2024 8:18:52 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 21:01:09 GMT -8
Zaiya turned at the sound of the Commander-in-Chief stopping by only for a brief word. A dark brow perked on the dragon-blood's face at his reasoning. She was relatively new to the ranks of the Goraian Empire, and as such, wasn't privy to some of their deeper secrets. Yet.
For now, she was a lackey, as much as that stung her pride. She had been a woman of power once, in her own Empire. Now...
She returned his nod with gentle bow of her own, keeping her head down until he had once more passed through the doors and to his own steed. Then she lifted her head, her smoky hair curling around her cheeks and let her dark, burning eyes settle on the charm of Dantess' face.
She immediately didn't like him. She never did like the courtier types, as she so perceived him, but she could play ball with them as well.
"You seem familiar with this place," she spoke, and even her voice was sultry and smoky as she languidly walked down the center of the room, looking over her slender shoulders to examine the walls. Her step was confident, hips swaying gently with the pace. "I suppose you gained a fair amount of bruises here."
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Dantess Visconti
Committed
Roleplay posts: 77
Age: 34
Physical Description: Spiked black hair, a handsome face, cold blue eyes and a calculative stare.
Clothes and Equipment: Black and violet regalia of the highest caliber, and a silvery rapier at his left hip.
Registered: Feb 25, 2016 14:08:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dantess Visconti on Mar 24, 2016 21:13:29 GMT -8
"Once upon a time, yes.." he replied, as though still reveling in the memory of it all. He stepped out a few paces into the dimly sunlit room, the open door's dusty rays illuminating what appeared to be a now fading white circle in the center of a plain, flat sparring space. It was criss-crossed in the center by two lines, forming inner and outer quadrants.
Confidently, he began to stride along the outside of the circle, arcing around to face her once again, his sharp gaze on his own toes as though recalling a specific exercise performed right here, many years ago, in his youth. He then looked up to her, tactfully examining each detail of her appearance in closer detail.
"I don't believe we've ever met... I am Dantess Visconti," he said, his now tall and proud poise broken slightly by an introductory bow.
"Pleased, to make your acquaintance."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 18, 2024 8:18:52 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 21:34:39 GMT -8
He came a little closer to her as he traced the circle beneath his fashionable boots, and she traced one of the lines. Not close enough to share body heat, even with Zaiya's considerable own, but close enough that he'd be able to see the unique detail of her freckles and the sun-kissed hue of her skin. And close enough to realize that she was taller than him, at least in her heeled boots that made her already considerably long legs seem even slender still.
Dantess was courtly in his bow, introducing himself. She could see the confidence in his gaze, hear it in his voice, watch it in the set of his shoulders. He was obviously very secure in himself, or at least, so it seemed.
Zaiya bowed her own head to him, allowing herself to bend slightly at her hips as well as dark hair pooled over her shoulder in a cascade of smoke. "Lady Zaiyandorel, commander of the Crimson Company. The pleasure is mine." A pretty lie, coupled with a pretty half-smile that quirked one side of her warm mouth.
"Do you remember your steps?" she asked him, raising both brows as she stepped off the straight line she'd been walking and onto the curve of the circle, opposite him.
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Dantess Visconti
Committed
Roleplay posts: 77
Age: 34
Physical Description: Spiked black hair, a handsome face, cold blue eyes and a calculative stare.
Clothes and Equipment: Black and violet regalia of the highest caliber, and a silvery rapier at his left hip.
Registered: Feb 25, 2016 14:08:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dantess Visconti on Mar 24, 2016 21:44:33 GMT -8
"Ah yes... I remember it as though it were yesterday," he said, gracefully moving back into step with her. Properly, he mirrored her motion with an expert's ease, keeping to the opposite of the circle as he enthusiastically moved in sync with her.
"But do you?"
Both arms outstretched in an almost exaggerated manner, demonstrating an instinctual sense of balance while practically shrugging for an answer, his footsteps smooth and well in line with her own.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 18, 2024 8:18:52 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 21:51:16 GMT -8
"I would be a poor commander if I didn't," she responded. For women, their center of balance was located further down, at their hips. It was easier for them to retain their footwork, which usually helped to make them quick, where men were strong with their brawn in their shoulders. She was no exception to that rule, her steps nimble, even in her heels.
"Zaragus seems to know you well," she spoke conversationally, and then for a moment she picked up a swifter pace on the circle's edge, her legs crossing with a fencer's ease as she sought to throw his speed and balance off, and thus 'win' whatever competition the two swordsmen had gotten themselves into.
"Why is it that you're a man worth knowing, Dantess Visconti?" She didn't recognize the name, nor did she know any of the legends and stories made in it.
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Dantess Visconti
Committed
Roleplay posts: 77
Age: 34
Physical Description: Spiked black hair, a handsome face, cold blue eyes and a calculative stare.
Clothes and Equipment: Black and violet regalia of the highest caliber, and a silvery rapier at his left hip.
Registered: Feb 25, 2016 14:08:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dantess Visconti on Mar 24, 2016 22:08:16 GMT -8
"I suppose it would begin with my family's presence, in various areas of the court, and the natural progression of loyalty and time," he said in a tone that suggested he had found an equivalent level of comfort in her company.
"I dislike talking about myself, to be honest, but...--"
A perfect appel--his foot had landed firmly upon the chipped wood of the hardwood flooring, causing a loud disturbance that was clearly meant to rustle or flinch without being any sort of threatening in reality. He looked to see if she'd twitch or make a disapproving face at the slight escalation of their little game, but otherwise continued, not wishing any manner of competition to dominant a pleasant discussion.
"..I have always made it a core principle to demonstrate my loyalty to the state and uphold an excellence in all that I do," he said with an undertone of passion, "and I know that while I have my faults, there is a certain manner of handling affairs with the state and other people that can.. maximize your chances of success."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 18, 2024 8:18:52 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 22:22:08 GMT -8
The courtier stated he didn't like talking about himself, yet after a move to distract her (which did wind up coaxing another little tick of a smile at the corner of her lips), he continued to do so.
Smoothly, in perfect rhythm the couple moved around the circle, their booted steps gliding over the old and faded circle that no doubt had not seen this much action in years. Zaiya was inwardly surprised that Dantess was old enough to have remembered this place; it seemed like it had been abandoned for a long while.
"Mm, I see," the fiery woman stated, the twin tails of her coat flowing after her until she came upon a cross-line, he across the way from her and she quickly moved, executing a beautiful 'balestra' and a nimble lunge to either knock him off of the line of the training circle, or to find herself positioned now where the swordsman had once stood.
"And is that what you're doing now?" she asked, regardless of the outcome. "Handling me?"
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Dantess Visconti
Committed
Roleplay posts: 77
Age: 34
Physical Description: Spiked black hair, a handsome face, cold blue eyes and a calculative stare.
Clothes and Equipment: Black and violet regalia of the highest caliber, and a silvery rapier at his left hip.
Registered: Feb 25, 2016 14:08:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dantess Visconti on Mar 24, 2016 22:36:25 GMT -8
"As much as I'd love to call this..--"
The balestra's form was good preceding a lunge, and demonstrated a tactful awareness of distance and initiative. Yet the very nature of its progression made it predictable to an experienced opponent, and Dantess utilized her initial step to move off-line just as she went in for her thrust, positioning to get aside the imaginary blade. The performance of such athletic motions brought him a beaming smile, as he felt he would have delivered an excellent riposte if armed and was in the company of a practiced veteran.
"--affairs, this is just a pleasant happenstance."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 18, 2024 8:18:52 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 22:55:50 GMT -8
She didn't want to like him. And for all his smooth words and family history, she didn't. But when he moved like that, with obvious skill, and more importantly, experience, she couldn't hate him completely.
Mostly. But not completely.
Lady Zaiya smiled a little as she regarded him with her hot eyes. "So your pedigree helped you rub elbows with influential men," she said, deciding to play the defensive now.
"And this place?" she gestured to the building where they stood.
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