A Discussion
A Discussion
Afternoon on the 7th of Fevrier in the Year 1186
Odette, Ariana
House Valerian: Novice Quarters
Ariana quietly walks along the corridor, her expression serious even as she walks with the usual air of a courtesan's sensual gracefulness. Heading straight for the room to which her search a few days ago let her, she lightly knocks on the door.
Odette hears the knock and looks up from her reading. She calls out kindly, "Enter." She shifts her position on her chair and closes the small leather bound book. A small tome of poetry dedicated to Naamah.
Ariana opens the door and steps inside, quietly closing the door behind her. "Odette" she murmurs "There is something I have to ask you." The young woman looks up, and observes the seriousness of her Second's demeanor. "Of course... please." She gestures to the other chair at the small table by the window.
Ariana nods quietly, movin to sink into the chair before she murmurs "When last we spoke and I admonished you to be careful to maintain a certain elegance in your speech... you said that you would rather have all the others be refined as is the custom, and rather appeal by being yourself. Am I to understand then that this is such a contradiction for you? Do you find it impossible to be genuine, to let your self shine, and yet be courteous in your speech as you have been taught?"
Odette rests her chin on her hand and crinkles her nose in thought, not avoiding the other's eyes, just momentarily distracted. "I can be myself and be 'refined' I guess. And I am when first meeting folks typically, till I have the chance to know them better. But I do feel more comfortable expressing myself as I am. Sure speaking in a polished way is second nature with all the training.. but it's still second. And I still am not entirely sure that such refinement is always appealing... there is something to be said for an untouched branch being as beautiful as a hand-crafted chair. But I know the time and the place. Perhaps I was a bit flippant with yourself, but I was in my quarters and at my own ease." She shrugs and offers her argument with her voice clear thought still barely tinted by her country origins.
Ariana nods quietly as she murmurs "And yet you were adressing the Second of your House. As it happens I take no offense to being adressed in such easy manner, but it is not something you should ever assume. And yes... simplicity can of course have its own charm. But quite frankly, one need not come to the Night Court for that. Nor do you need to sound like an archaic poem with every word. It is not about artificial phrases or forcedly heightened style... but to speak with a simple elegance that is pleasant to hear, and avoiding such slurring of words of uncouth expression that may or may not give one rustic charm, but also places one in danger of appearing lazy or untutored."
Odette sighs softly, taking in her second's thoughts. "I see and can grasp your argument. However for the sake of exploration, would you say that a Jasmine courtesan who retains the accent of her village from when she is ten is uncouth or seems untutored? Also, our House offers a very specific service to our patrons. This said, I don't think a patron here can easily seek out the same experience in the The Night's Doorstep and perhaps by appearing a tad unsophisitcated is an asset." As she speaks
Odette maintains eye contact, constant and intense. She stands strongly on her point even as she hears the alternatives presented. Not unyielding but not without thoughts of her own.
Ariana watches the girl intently as she murmurs "We are not Jasmine, Odette. And I very highly doubt patrons seeking out our service are turned away because they find our service too refined. I would even venture to say that the art of Valerian and Mandrake requires even a degree of sophistication not present in that manner in other Houses. But that is beside the point. Much larger is the danger of expectations disappointed. Remeber that in all things you do and say, you represent Valerian. I shall put it bluntly: I will not have a high peer of the realm coming to sample the newest afept of Valerian, seeking the refined companionship he is used to, only to hear expressions such as 'ain't' thrown his way."
Odette shakes her head softly before resting her gaze once more on the woman before her. When she speaks she consciously removes all trace of dialect from her voice "Im not some foolish whelp. I can discern when an occasion calls for refinement. But If I am not mistaken I am still allowed the right to my own personal expression, am I not? I deeply regret having spoken to you in the easy manner I did. Its caused me more headache than I care for..."
Ariana lifts an eyebrow "Our life is not meant to be an effortless one, Odette. And you may think this discussion some arbirtrary obsession on my part but the truth is they are born as much out of concern for your career, and of course that of your House linked with it. The truth is I could have been far more Draconian than I have been. Nor do I think you foolish. On the contrary, it is my belief that if you were to demonize refined speech a little less, you would find yourself able to express yourself in a very agreeable manner to both yourself and your patrons, to let all your personal character and spirit show, even develop your own idiom, without needing to slur your words."
Odette nods and concedes the disagreement. "Alright your point is clearly put. I will think about it. I understand that you do have what is best for the House... and myself at heart and in mind."
Ariana lifts the eyebrow further and nods quietly, a hint of sternness entering her voice "Remember also that the House will not set a final date for your debut until feeling assured not to endanger its reputation by letting you go unprepared. Now, I well accept you may merely have been unlucky by me coming in on you in a moment of distraction, such as may happen to us all. But I am a little worried by the fact that the high standard for elegance and engaging refinement--without in all that being bloodless--which has been one reason for Valerian's high reputation and standard throughout history is something you feel the need to antagonize. But I know that for Dowayne Thomas to even consider accepting you for a debut, you have all the right spirit within you to serve Naamah. I do hope we may smooth such details as are needed out without the need for much grief. I shall discuss the matter with the Dowayne on the next occasion."
Odette shifts once more in her chair and smiles slightly. A warm sincere smile if not enthusiastic. "I also hope we can come to an agreeable juncture, Second. I would dearly like to make my debut before I turn 18."
Ariana nods softly "It is my hope this may be done as well, Odette. But the reputation and standard of quality and elegance of our House is something I am not willing to compromise on in the slightest." with a tone of finality in her voice she rises from her seat, giving a gentle smile of her own "Fare you well for now" Odette nods politely but obviously thinking. "Of course. Farewell." Ariana nods softly, her own gaze thoughtful as well as she turns, quietly leaving the room.