video;

[virginprice]

[Alcuin is sitting at his console with a thoughtful look on his face. It's been long enough that he's settled in and now he has concerns beyond the absolutely necessary- and the money to take care of them.]

Are there any in the city who have a marquist's skill? The circumstances of my arrival left my marque in need of tending, and I now have the coin to pay for it- if none of those who have been brought here know it, I will look among the kedan, but I thought I would try my fellow exiles to begin with.

[He smiles.] If you know of anyone, pray tell me. I would be grateful indeed.

Comments

[cynisme]

A marquist as in a man of letters or a Lord? Either way I can't imagine you'll find either here.

[virginprice]

A tattooist is what I meant, Grantaire. And, in fact, I did.

[cynisme]

A tattooist. [He almost laughs at that, but it's more of a surprised chuckle.] You are a wild one indeed. I like it.

[virginprice]

[He looks amused.] Hardly. It is customary in Terre d'Ange, for members of my former profession.

[cynisme]

And what profession would that be? You're far too pretty to be a sailor, though perhaps a circus performer.

[virginprice]

Our sailors are quite handsome back in Terre d'Ange, you know. [Everyone is quite attractive there!]

But no, neither of those. I was a courtesan.

[cynisme]

[He was about to make a comment about a handsome sailor not being particularly difficult, but hey, that's more interesting.]

Were you? Shit, and here I thought all courtesan's were money hungry women. Not that there is any problem with them, non, of course not. More power to them, to use their feminine wiles to their advantage without finding themselves on the streets.

[virginprice]

They are not so at home- it is a sacred calling there. 'Tis as honourable a profession as any other, and moreso than many.

[Although his reasons for joining the profession weren't exactly sacred, neither did they approach 'money-hungry.]

[cynisme]

And how much would it cost to buy you for the night, should I want the company of an male nymph for a short while? If it's so honorable then you won't mind me asking.

[He's genuinely curious, but the mocking aspect of it all does help.]

[virginprice]

[Alcuin doesn't take offense, but he does laugh.]

More, I think, than anyone here could afford- save perhaps the Emperor herself.

[cynisme]

[He whistles then, leaning back against his chair.] A male Madame de Pompadour indeed. You could pull the strings of politics if you wanted, but don't let Enjolras hear about that. He may try and recruit your cock for the good of the cause, whatever it may be here.

[virginprice]

[A hint of red blooms in Alcuin's cheeks. Really, R, must you be so crude?] I doubt I could have great effect on the politics here. Surely the kedan desire somewhat else than the nobility at home.

[Which is an implication that there were politics at home, of course.]

[cynisme]

[Yes, he must be, because he is drunk and crude has always been his favorite state of being. He just shrugs.]

You're right, you're likely useless here, completely and entirely, but a pretty face always lights up a room and Enjolras always uses what he can, the steadfast man that he is.

[virginprice]

[Ah, well. Alcuin will accept him as he is.]

I shall strive to be as ornamental as possible, then. I do so like to be useful.