human
A long time ago in the lands of Spanish controlled California in the early 19th century came a legend from the Pueblo de Los Angeles. It was the legend of El Zorro, the fox, who rode in the night to right the wrongs imposed by the corrupt. Thus over the next few years, everyone in the whole of California knew of the masked, expert swordsman who defended the people from injustice. One thing is certain; when you see the sign of the "Z" know well that it stands for Zorro!
Don Diego de la Vegawas a tall handsome man, about six feet (180 cm) tall with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. Diego would also be described as a proper nobleman. He comes from a wealthy family and is highly educated. Several years ago, he even attended a university abroad in Spain becoming well versed in the humanities and philosophy. Hence when he returned his father was very proud of him except for the part about Diego's opposition to action. He even went so far as to convince the people of Los Angeles, that he was the most inept swordsman in all of California.
Little did they know, but Don Diego was actually the dashing expert swordsman, horseman and marksman, Zorro. In fact, while he lived in Spain Diego had learned how to fence from one of Spain greatest masters. With the help of his mute servant Bernardo (who pretends to be deaf as well so he can eavesdrop for Diego) and his horse Toronado, Diego was able to make the concept of Zorro a reality. Eventually, Diego's father Alejandro de la Vega realized that his son was indeed Zorro. At first, he hid his knowledge of this from Diego, but as time passed on Alejandro admitted his knowledge and pledged to provide aid to the cause in Diego's future endeavors as Zorro.
Don Diego lives at his father Alejandro's estate, which is a large Spanish styled adobe building with a walled courtyard. The main level contained a large living room that led off to such amenities as a library, kitchen, dining room and wine cellar. To get to the upper level where the bed rooms were, one would have to walk outside to the courtyard and take the stair case up to the second floor balcony. It was on this balcony which one could access the bedrooms. There was also a secret passage way, hidden behind a false wall in Diego's bedroom, which was built several generations ago as a precaution against raids by the natives. It also has another point of access behind a book case in the living room and also had peep holes in various parts of the house. The passage way then leads out to a cave that exits out into an open field. Diego's Zorro supplies and Zorro's horse Toronado are kept here.
It was a very warm, summer afternoon at the De la Vega estate. As it was still rather warm, Diego had chosen to sit out in the courtyard under the shade of the balcony, rather than stay inside to be roasted by the heat. At least outside he could get a cooling cross breeze as the wind rolled across the grassy ranch lands the De la Vega's own. For leisurely entertainment, Diego strummed a tune on his guitar and sang to himself while leaning back in relaxation. This was truly the best way to relax on a hot day aside from sitting at a riverbank sipping a glass of wine.
Suddenly, Diego heard the heavy clops of horse hooves pounding down against the dry soil of the dirt roads. By the sound of it, Diego concluded it was likely a carriage being pulled by a pair of horses that stopped just outside the front gate of the court yard. As the wooden gate swung open Alejandro's figure became visible. The servant, Bernardo followed closely behind carrying a bag of flour. Setting aside his guitar, Diego stood up to greet them. "Ah father, how was the trip into town? I assume you were able to successful negotiate the purchase of some of our cattle." Pausing so he could point at Bernardo, he added, "I see you also picked up some supplies as well."
After Alejandro made his way over to Diego he answered, "It was very profitable Diego. I sold over a hundred head of cattle and I also met a new neighbor of ours. As you have heard, a family from Spain has bought up a large amount of land around Los Angeles. I had the privileged to meet Don Sandoval, the head of the family while I was in town." Turning around, Alejandro motioned to Bernardo to go a head and start taking things inside. After looking back to Diego, he smiled and added, "Well out of generosity I invited him and his family over here tonight to hold a small welcoming party in their honor. There is also a treat for you as well Diego. Don Sandoval informed me he had a beautiful daughter around your age. It would be nice if you get to know her, she is of good blood after all."
Diego listened intently to his father's depiction of his trip into town, letting a smile slip across his face when his father mentioned the daughter. "Father, truly you jest. We have not even met the girl and you are already pushing me to get to know her. You always say this whenever you have the chance to present me to another one of the wealthy land owner's marriageable daughters. I believe this is the twelfth time since I have come back from Spain," Diego replied laughing slightly. He knew his father always liked to joke about him marrying another one of the neighboring Don's daughters, but with the frequency of Alejandro's suggestions, Diego began to believe his father trying to get him to settle down one of these days.
"Anyway Diego, take Bernardo and ride to Los Angeles. I told Don Sandoval that I would be sending you back to town to so that you could escort his family to our home. Now get ready and go meet them, you wouldn't want to be late and set a bad impression," Alejandro said as he waved Diego off.
Mounting a horse, Diego waited for Bernardo before the two headed off to Los Angeles. It was a rather long trip by horse back as it took about an hour to ride leniently across the hot plains to get to Los Angeles from the ranch. Before he knew it, Diego and Bernardo arrived in the central plaza of Los Angeles. Diego looked about from the back of his horse to try and pick out someone who would fit his father's description of Don Sandoval. Whispering to Bernardo, so that no one would see him talking to his supposedly deaf, mute servant he asked, "So Bernardo, do you see Don Sandoval?"
gpt
Don Miguel Sandoval was not too pleased to leave Spain to a no man's land full of unbaptized savages, but he didn't have much of a choice. His daughter, Daniela, had been a bit too much of a handful to leave her free in Spain. She had been studying more than any respectable woman should, things like mathematics, alchemy, medicine, instead of more profitable things like art, knitting, and languages. She had been escaping at nights, doing Dios sabe qu, always ending with her dresses dirty and torn. A change of scenery and a change of space, and putting a limit to her resources, would be good for the girl.
Don Miguel was tall, standing well ove 6 feet, and imposing, his eyes so dark they looked black itself, his hair always perfectly straight back, and always dressed in the best clothes one could buy in Spain. Everything about him was meticulous, specially since his wife had died years ago, leaving him to be a single father. To him, his Danielita was everything, and he would buy a whole colony if it meant keeping her safe. Daniela was everything his anal persona was not, she was carefree, rebellious, but also quite loving with him. The only reason the girl agreed to it was because of him, he was sure of that much.
As he walked through the center square of town, Don Miguel caught everyone's eyes, a man with such clothes, such a strong look in his eyes, was walking side by side with such a lady. Behind him, in clothes more comfortable than elegant, was hisDaniela, a young woman of only inches over 5 feet. Her long chocolate hair was free to move about with the wing, the only decoration a white feather. Her corset, not nearly as tight as those most women her age wore, lifted her large and plentiful breasts, quite unlike most women in town. Even her skirt seemed to emphasize her curves, wide motherly hips in a face so young still. Even without makeup, her lips were smooth and her cheeks rosy, her large eyes curious to the world around her. She was also calling the town's attention for entirely different reasons.
Were it not for his daughter, Don Sandoval'd be getting quite impatient. His sons, already each old enough to have their own wives and family, within but outside his estate, were happily courting their wives, their giggles causing him to furrow his brow. As much as he disliked those easily amused women, he couldn't help but wish his daughter was a bit more like them. Daniela was curious, looking around, amused with the peasants and the Indians, not really caring for what she should. At her ripe age, she needed a man, a husband to take care of her, and she cared more about how these barbarians were treated than about the men she waas courted by. Such a handful. He hoped the De La Vega boy would be here soon.
human
Nodding to Diego's question, Bernardo raised his hand and pointed to the lavishly dressed and very tall man that was walking across the center of the plaza. By then, Diego had already spotted Don Sandoval by himself. The man definitely stood out among the peasants and merchants that made up the bulk of the population in the plaza. Sliding off of his horse's back, Diego secured the horse to a hitching post before walking over to the center of the plaza with Bernardo following closely behind.
After approaching Don Sandoval, Diego noticed just how tall the man really was. Being just under six feet himself, Diego was used to being the tallest person in the room. Don Sandoval, however, was several inches taller than him. The man's height was not the only characteristic that was enhanced as he drew closer. Clothing aside, Don Sandoval also emitted a presence of pride, nobility and authority. Diego was certain that he would have to word this encounter carefully as to not make a bad first impression.
Taking a deep breath as he walked over to the man, Diego announced, "Ah, Don Sandoval I hope you have not wai-" Diego paused briefly because something really caught his attention. It was the woman hidden from his view behind the man until just now. She was absolutely stunning and impossibly beautiful. A perfect combination of flawless skin, a voluptuous body, and an innocent face with eyes full of curiosity and wonder. Upon realizing that he was mid sentence, Diego tried to cover up his pause by pretending to cough. "I apologize, so please allow me to continue. I hope I have not caused you to wait too long. My name is Diego De La Vega and my father, Don Alejandro, sent me off with Bernardo to come here as soon as he arrived home. As soon as you are ready we may depart."
Turning his body slightly, Diego gave a sharp smile as he looked upon the woman who made him speechless moments before. "You must be Don Sandoval's daughter. My father mentioned there was a beautiful young woman traveling with your father. I am sure he was referring to you, seorita. May you give me the pleasure of knowing your name?" Diego then raised his right hand in front of him with the palm facing upwards. Therefore, if the woman so choose, she could place her hand in his and he would kiss the back of her hand.
gpt
Don Sandoval noticed a young man approaching him, by his confidence and attire from a good family. This must be De La Vega's son, he thought to himself. The young man did seem to be carrying himself rather well; a strong gate, but respectful, if not too observant. Of course, the young man would deny his words had been caught short because he saw Daniela. He was used to his daughter being the center of attention for men, and despite his best attempts, the young man before him could not hide his interest.
"Un placer, Don Diego," Miguel Sandoval said with a court bow. "You were quite quick to get here, my sons with their wives made me wait more than you. I swear, I need someone responsible to inherit my estate, not those who are so easily influenced by their wives. With their management, everything I achieved in this lifetime they would plummet in a year..." This was, of course, a hint to the young man. He'd heard about him in Spain, about his studies in the University in La madre patria, and hoped he'd be able to saddle the indomitable spirit that was his daughter. An academic and a businessman would do her good. Plus, he came from good blood, unlike everything the girl seemed to be interested in.
Daniela smiled at the man who approached them, probably another suitor form her father's part. She would once again feign interest, but blow him off. The least she had on her mind was finding a man, it was social justice that filled her. However, one must always be polite. "Nice to meet you, don Diego, you may call me Daniela Sandoval Cardona" she said with a curt bow. She did not take his hand, her quiet little rejection. "It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
"I shall go look for my boys, their wives must have dragged them yet again to some or another shop," said Don Miguel, bowing respectfully. "If you don't mind, I shall leave my Danielita in your care momentarily."
human
The very formal bow Miguel Sandoval gave Diego, slightly surprised him. Though he had lived in Espaa for several years, he was still far more used to life in California. As such, he was not used to the rigid courtly gestures that Miguel was fond of and instead expressed greetings with hugs or pats on the back. Trying to not seem rude, Diego gave Don Sandoval a bow as well.
Listening to what Don Sandoval had to say after their initial greetings, Diego was caught off guard by the heavy handed hints the man was giving off to Diego about how he saw him as a potential suitor for his daughter, due to the lack of confidence in his sons running the estate. Though, Diego was interested by this proposition, he knew better than to get too enamored, too quickly. Instead, Diego feigned disinterest by replying, "Oh I am sure, once your sons have had a hard da de trabajan in the hot California sun, they will toughen up and become more dependable." Diego added a slight chuckle with his words to show the light hearted manner of his statement.
Daniela's behavior was oddly refreshing for Diego. Despite her polite act, Diego was able to note her rejection. Considering the hints her father had been dropping on him, Diego assumed Daniela likely though he was another one of her father's suitors come to try and whisk her off her feet. Though he was attracted to her, becoming a suitor for Daniela was not what Diego wanted to do, at least not now.
After Don Miguel left to go gather up his sons and their wives, Diego found himself alone with Daniela, or with her "momentarily in his care" as her father put it. In order to lighten the mood Diego said, "Seems like we already have something in common. Your father seems just as impatient to make you settle down as my father is of me. When my father sent me here to pick your family up, he made sure to mention that Don Sandoval had a beautiful daughter." Giving her a smile and a small chuckle he added, "I swear, this must have been the dozenth time he has said something like that since I came home from university. I am sure you have had a similar experience with your father."