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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 22, 2007 11:03:05 GMT -5
It had taken a long time, to get as far as Palace Romanov, and I had been rather relieved when we had at last set our baggage at the Tsovoi Majtika, the local tavern, for I knew at least, for a month, there would be no more traveling.
It was the end of fall, and I had marveled at the myriad fiery colors of the trees on the side of the road, turning to empty upturned brooms as time wore on. Our clothes soon proved insufficient, and so my party and I donned that of the locals, furs of mink, fox, and other beasts, and there was much teasing about the faces our attire would have conjured back home.
It was close, close to Palace Ruska, but not quite yet, and the sun set on us as we made for an inn. The owner found us rooms, and so we settled after a great deal of haggling, and I sat in the foyer, resting.
The owner spoke some Ephesi, and with what I had picked up of his tongue on the six months trek to get there, we chatted some, my information gathering telling me several things, an interesting one, that the Tsar’s sons did come here after the hunt at times. Reassured on the quality of my temporary dwelling, I settled at a table of the inn, and dictated my letter to the Ruskovian Scribe I had hired for the occasion.
Satisfied, I sat back, thinking on the experiences I had so far lived, and looking at the snow outside, finding it marvelously white.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 22, 2007 17:41:38 GMT -5
In a glorious mood, I tossed the reins of my mount to the stable boy and swung down. The hunt had been a roaring success, with enough midvyét' taken to last through the winter. They were all fat and lush in preparation for the winter sleep and it took fewer to meet the needs now than if we waited.
Flush with the success of the hunt and the signs of a good winter approaching, I strode into the tavern.
"Drinks for everyone!" I called to the innkeeper. "Svaros smiled on us today, and we celebrate in his name!"
There was a roar of happiness and much pounding of mugs on wood as I took a seat at the bar.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 22, 2007 18:26:42 GMT -5
I smiled, because that was one happy man, and before I knew it, a glass of transparent liquid was set before me.
What? They served water rounds here? Even the Akkadians - I repressed the urge to spit at the thought - even those dogs had something to offer. Arwa! They had made my camel drunk on it, just to spite me !
I noted the way they all downed the water, and as they did, though I could not repress a shudder of horror as the liquid filled my mouth, tasting of fermented mushrooms. Not wanting to be impolite to the generous hunter, I swallowed, a grimace distorting my face as the burning liquor made its way down my throat.
Wallah! They had the most horrible liquor I'd ever drunk, though I still spared a thankful smile to my host, out of sheer politeness.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 23, 2007 11:42:24 GMT -5
After downing my vodka I looked around the room only to have my gaze settle on an obvious stranger. Even if I hadn't known everyone within visiting distance of the tavern, I would have known this man out of place. The cast of his skin and the shape of his nose spoke of lands far to the south of here.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the look on his face, the obvious signs of a first encounter with vodka there. I inclined my chin in reply to his smile and then returned to my sweep of the room. I was curious as to who he was, but I knew I could find out without having to confront him if I didn't want.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 23, 2007 18:21:17 GMT -5
My smile was returned, and nothing more. It mattered little - I was busy studying this place, the people, their behaviors. I had plenty of time.
A look from the innkeep gave me a warning that this was no ordinary hunter. Indeed, once the warning was heeded, I realized that his furs were indeed finer than most. The mental note was made, and I resumed my travel notes.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 23, 2007 19:07:35 GMT -5
The owner, Markov, came over, poured me another shot, and in a low voice told me the stranger had been making inquiries about my family. I nodded slightly and glanced at the new face again as I sipped from the small glass.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 24, 2007 3:50:30 GMT -5
A glance, and a hushed conversation. Not good - if by any standards. That people speak of me, if they knew who I was, had great advantages, and I did not refuse them. However, in my exhaustion, I had not quite declined my station, rather letting them assume what they would. It was visible that I was the head of a party, and a party of men, all foreign, and.... Arwa! Would I be mistaken for an enemy? It would be the most awful thing ever, would it not. My note had been penned, and so I gestured to the innkeep, begging that it be sent to the Tsar as soon as possible. In the meantime, I tried to keep a relaxed demeanor - I feared not - I had enough men to keep me safe, along with my own skill. But I despised war, and more so at the onset of my stay in a new realm. May a thousand suns shine on the Tsar of Ruskovia. May He-Who-Has-No-Name grace the reign of the Ruler of this land.
I have arrived at the gates of your city, and hope you have received my previous word. The night cut short our travels, and I find myself and my escort settled at the Tsovoi Majtika, on the edge of your city.
I come before you, begging for an audience, pertaining to matters of stately importance.
Until your august presence is made known to me, may the Barakha and the Bogs of Ruskovia keep you.
قدير قاسم مسعود وحيد حبيب وليد Walid Habib Mas’ud bin Kaseem El Kadar Al-Wahed, Amir Al-Sa’ud, Prince of Umaiyyatt
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 24, 2007 10:53:39 GMT -5
Markov went and retrieved what looked to be a letter from the stranger, walked over and handed it to me.
I glanced at it, it was addressed to my father but only by title. Curious, I cracked the seal and read the letter. I had been right, these missive got directed to me anyway. Neither father not Vlad believed anyone who didn't know them got to see them on the first try. Prince or not, this foreigner was by burden first.
Ah well, on the morrow I would send him a reply. I finished my shot and called for another.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 24, 2007 13:15:25 GMT -5
I hadn't missed the fact that my letter was delivered to the hunter. Either he was of Court, or the innkeep had betrayed my trust.
I wasn't sure what to make of it, but there was little I could do.
Mutedly annoyed at the situation, but not seeing what other options were acceptable, I paid my tab and went to bed.
Besides, I was exhausted.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 25, 2007 20:50:27 GMT -5
The next day I penned a note and had it delivered to the inn.
Walid Habib Mas’ud bin Kaseem El Kadar Al-Wahed, Amir Al-Sa’ud, Prince of Umaiyyatt
If you would like to seek audience with my father, your matter must first be discussed with me. I am at the Palace whenever you should like to visit.
Knjaz Alexei Sacha Boleslava Romanov, Prince of Ruskovia
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 26, 2007 7:02:21 GMT -5
The note found me having breakfast. It was hearty, but how I missed the perky dishes of home! Sighing, I read the note, and penned one in return. The last thing I wanted to do was make another blunder. I'd heard that the Romanov family had three daughters, all of age. It was promising, if anything. Knjaz Alexei Sacha Boleslava Romanov, Prince of Ruskovia,
May chance rain on you profusely.
I thank you for your missive, and pray that you will advise me of the best moment to visit you in your palatial home.
Please forgive any breach of protocol I may have incurred.
Hoping our cultural differences may soon be no longer an obstacle, but rather riches,
Walid Habib Mas’ud bin Kaseem El Kadar Al-Wahed, Amir Al-Sa’ud, Prince of Umaiyyatt [/i] I had the note delivered deftly, and waited for a reply.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 26, 2007 21:21:16 GMT -5
I read the note and sighed. Honestly, some of these foreign lands spend decades just thinking up social protocol. I penned a reply and had it delivered.
Walid Habib Mas’ud bin Kaseem El Kadar Al-Wahed, Amir Al-Sa’ud, Prince of Umaiyyatt
Today at noon would be the best moment.
Knjaz Alexei Sacha Boleslava Romanov, Prince of Ruskovia
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 28, 2007 0:36:09 GMT -5
In my best finery, I presented myself at the Palace, with an escort of four men draped in their best garb. A coffer was held by each, holding a present to the crown, one a necklace of gold, another some incense, another some myrrh, and the last a diamond, encased in a box of velvet.
I gave my name to the marshall, and waited.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 28, 2007 19:01:04 GMT -5
Sitting in my formal receiving room, I was going over some figures regarding the stores this year when I was told the foreigner was here.
I put the papers in a drawer and went to stand on the far side of the desk.
"Show him in," I told the servant.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 29, 2007 8:42:18 GMT -5
I was ushered in, ordering at the marshall's look that my escort wait. They could be called, in opportune time.
I had made the effort to wear my Ummaiyyatti ceremonial garb, the long robe of white, the turban entwined in gold yarn, the belt of worked leather, whose sheath was empty of the scimitar I had left at the door as a sign of trust.
I looked at the man standing there. The Hunter - of course - the thought had crossed my mind, but I hated to make assumptions of that nature.
I bowed, low and deep, in the fashion of Ummayyatt, and said the blessings. When it was done, I waited for him to speak. In his court, the word was his to take.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 29, 2007 10:44:18 GMT -5
"Welcome to Ruskovia, Prince of Umaiyyatt," I said in Ruskovian, wondering how much he knew of our language.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 30, 2007 2:39:25 GMT -5
"Many thanks, Prince of Ruskovia," I replied in accented Ruskovian. It had taken a long time, to get there - a long six months of traveling, with Illyrian sailors that had nothing better to do than play dice on the bridge, and then a caravan of traders that was going all the way up to Ruska. I had had plenty of time to learn their tongue, though it wasn't perfect, far from it.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 30, 2007 19:48:25 GMT -5
I motioned to a chair for him to sit.
"You've traveled a very long way, this matter of state must be very important."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 31, 2007 1:56:55 GMT -5
"Utmostly so, Knazj," I replied, hesitating over the next words. "The sultan of Ummaiyyatt sends me on a quest, to find a bride. The rumored beauty and wisdom of the daughters of House Romanov have traveled as far as Ephesus, and so I have come, to ask for a chance to verify that rumor with my own eyes."
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Aug 31, 2007 20:12:18 GMT -5
I should have known.
"So you've come to see if one of my sisters is worthy enough to cart off to the heat and sands never to be seen by her family again?" I asked, my voice polite if thinly edged.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 1, 2007 4:26:35 GMT -5
"Now that you put it that way..." I paused.
"I doubt that I would cart off one of your sisters, not so. Rather, she would be traveling like a queen, worshiped, even, for she would be the next Sultana. As for the heat and the sand, I have little control over the desert - Ry'ad, however, is set by the sea, and a cool breeze blows, rendering it lovely. This is also an offer for an alliance, Knazj, thus I would never require that family be forsaken."
I had spoke politely, patiently. The snow prince didn't seem to care much Ummaiyyatt - and I wondered how much he knew of the Sultanate.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Sept 2, 2007 11:35:21 GMT -5
A small smile touched my lips. I liked how he had answered and not risen to the bait immediately, a point in his favor.
"So tell me, Prince, why should I consider taking your case to my father. He will trust my judgment on this. Convince me so that I might consider convincing him."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 2, 2007 11:54:10 GMT -5
I smiled. This was already more favorable than expected.
"Well... for one, the groom would be a good man, of some title, who would treat his wife well," I started, stating it lightly. Ruskovian women were rumored to be obedient and wise, and that made it all the more an easy promise to keep, if it were fulfilled. "Second, this conjures an alliance with a kingdom of the sands, one that has a mighty army, sound coffers, and a seaport to Ch'n."
I left it at that - I had a great deal more to say, but I wanted, truly, to give him a chance to pick his battle.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Sept 2, 2007 20:38:06 GMT -5
"I think the distance between our lands negates the effectiveness of offering your army to help us, does it not?" I asked.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 3, 2007 9:23:54 GMT -5
I raised a quizzical eyebrow, "Do you need it? I didn't believe so, for your lands seems at peace. Yet, my father could be convinced of sending you some men, if you wished for them to be lent so. After all, I made it here, did I not?"
He had a point - but nevertheless... there was still more to offer.
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Sept 3, 2007 15:22:18 GMT -5
"I did not say we needed it, just that is not really a benefit to be included in a marriage proposal," I countered. "Perhaps there is something else to take the place of military support in your offer?"
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 3, 2007 16:11:00 GMT -5
"Access to the port of Ry'ad, and to the seas of Ch'n," I offered quietly. "How long does it take you to get to Ch'n from here?"
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Sept 3, 2007 22:07:10 GMT -5
"We don't traffic much Ch'n, as yet anyway," I told him.
I went to a bell pull in the corner and tugged it, summoning a servant. I ordered tea and the servant hurried off to oblige.
"So," I said, turning back to Walid. "Tell me about the prospective groom, how do I know you will treat my sister well?"
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 4, 2007 7:36:24 GMT -5
I gave him the simplest answer I could.
"I love my mother."
To me, it was the simplest answer. Women were meant to be taken care of by men, and we did so in recollection of our mothers. As long as they treated us with respect, we did the same, and more.
"Women, in my culture, are expected to be good wives and mothers, and are revered for it," I explained calmly. "I am no exception."
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Alexei Romanov
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Sept 4, 2007 12:16:45 GMT -5
"And yet, no woman in your own land is worthy of becoming your wife?" I asked, my brow raising slightly.
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