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Post by Olga Romanova on Mar 28, 2008 14:34:58 GMT -5
"Thank you indeed," I replied with a light laugh. "You know us too well, to understand how we'd appreciate such a gift. How long is it until we'll reach the inn, and after that, the City? I know almost everyone has been anxious to see such things as we've heard described."
Inwardly I wondered if there would be much to learn to surviving here, if we were to find husbands of standing or were simply visiting; none of it had been made particularly clear, and I doubted it would be bought up before the others. Alexei was the eldest male- the ordering of our lives would fall to his rule.
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Fydor Romanov
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His Highness, Prince of Ruskovia, House Romanov *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Husband to Lessandrie de Mereliot; youngest child of Nikolai and Ivana Romanov
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Post by Fydor Romanov on Mar 28, 2008 14:50:48 GMT -5
"Especially those soft beds," I added with a grin. Gods, to have my feet in this soft earth and away from Father and his unrelenting glare... It was a sweet feeling. And I even had the most cherished of my family here to keep me from being homesick. Well, I would miss Mother and some of my friends, but the temporary loss was worth 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 Mar 28, 2008 16:03:19 GMT -5
“Less than half an hour to the inn, and around two and a half days to the City,” I answered Olga as I began herding them gently in the direction of the carriage.
“And I’ve been promised they are the softest beds coin can buy for a day’s ride in any direction,” I sad with a chuckle, giving Fydor a wink. “Not to mention the beautiful girls who work at the inn.”
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Svetlana Romanova
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Kzajina of Ruskovia
Dearer to me than a host of base truths is the illusion that exalts.
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Post by Svetlana Romanova on Mar 28, 2008 20:52:02 GMT -5
Gently I followed Alexei’s lead, my mind half-absorbed by the sight of the blooming trees yonder, and the soft woosh of the ocean’s wave. During our travel, it had become as familiar as a friend’s lullaby, and I would miss it a little, as I missed everything I learned to leave behind.
I was mindful not to rush, or to cut my brothers and sisters, strolling leisurely to the carriage and letting things fall as they would. I didn’t resist the change, but didn’t force it either. Besides, the boys would be eager enough, and I knew my sisters probably ached for a nice rest as well.
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Sergei Romanov
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His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Mar 31, 2008 22:56:03 GMT -5
My grin stayed on my face even through the slow slosh of my stomach; it was calming, at least. Just not fast enough. When the girls arrived I stepped out of the way and let them greet Alexei without impeding, then headed towards the carriage as he began hustling us. It was a beautiful thing, sturdy and graceful, and I admit I was grateful once I was settled on one of the cushioned seats. The sweet smell of grass and trees was in the air again, and I was more than ready to leave the tang of the salt behind.
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 1, 2008 20:06:02 GMT -5
Serene and poised though Alexei's description caused me both to smile indulgently and sigh at my brother's antics I let him lead me toward the carriage, which was both luxurious and steady. "I know I will appreciate the rest as well, brother," I admitted. "If it won't offend too terribly, is it possible I could speak to you of our voyage before we sleep for the night?" I gave him a slight look, indicating this discussion may be best in private, for I carried messages that had been intended for his ears alone.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 1, 2008 20:42:51 GMT -5
“Of course, sister,” I said with a smile that indicated I had understood the meaning of her look. “I am at your service.”
I offered her my hand as we reached the carriage, my smile softening to one of deep brotherly fondness. Of all my siblings, I was certain this trip and change of location would be hardest on Olga. There was music and beauty to distract Salia and Lana. Horses and freedom for Sergei and Fydor. For Olga, there was only what there had been for me when I arrived, duty and longing for home.
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Fydor Romanov
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His Highness, Prince of Ruskovia, House Romanov *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Husband to Lessandrie de Mereliot; youngest child of Nikolai and Ivana Romanov
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Post by Fydor Romanov on Apr 2, 2008 13:00:27 GMT -5
I gave my younger sisters a hand up, not resenting Sergei’s lack of thoughtfulness. He had been miserable for the entire trip and was obviously very relieved to be back on solid ground. Once everyone else was in I followed, but only after one last look at the sea. I settled by the window, watching this new land as it began to pass on our way to the inn.
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 3, 2008 18:17:13 GMT -5
Smiling demurely though with a bit more happiness I took Alexei's hand and stepped up into the carriage, making my way to the far side so everyone could get in easily. Truly, I was glad to see that my elder brother had adjusted well, and that everyone else seemed happy to be in this land- but that didn't ease my personal apprehensions terribly much. Already it was far too hot and green here, and I knew it could only get worse before it got better. Still, I resolutely refused to show my discomfort and held my head high as I waited for everyone else to board.
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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 Apr 6, 2008 12:36:30 GMT -5
We all settled into the carriage and it began its trek to the inn.
“So, how was the journey?” I asked to the group in general. “Any problems?”
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Sergei Romanov
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 7, 2008 20:48:10 GMT -5
I felt miserable as I watched Fydor help our sisters into the carriage, and I realized that I was by far too focused on my ill feelings. Swallowing down the bitter taste of bile leftover from the voyage, I gave them all a slightly rueful smile, then focused on Alexeis question.
"Oh, no problems at all," I said, jesting with a slightly lopsided grin. "The food was excellent, the staff hospitable, and the rocking helped me fall asleep like a babe every night."
Well.. One out of three was right, anway.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 8, 2008 0:41:21 GMT -5
I laughed and reached over, squeezing Sergei’s shoulder. “You’ve lost you ability to lie smoothly on the trip,” I said.
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Fydor Romanov
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Post by Fydor Romanov on Apr 10, 2008 11:31:12 GMT -5
"He also lost just about every meal," I quipped with a grin, turning back from gazing out the window at all the greenery. Dear gods I was excited to be here. Actually here.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 10, 2008 11:37:59 GMT -5
I couldn’t help but laugh deeply, casting an apologetic look at Sergei.
“Well, at least the food here is plentiful and varied. I’m sure our brother will put back on the weight he lost during the journey,” I said, still chuckling. “Though I am looking forward to some more traditional fare. I have missed the foods of home.”
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Sergei Romanov
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 11, 2008 10:06:46 GMT -5
I blanched a little at remembering, and knocked my boot into Fydors good-naturedly. "I'd like to forget, brother," I said, grinning at him and Alexei. "I'm just glad to be on land again. Where it doesn't rock, and pitch, and crash against your lodgings even when there is no storm raging."
I cast a smile to the girls, who were being very quiet, before looking at Alexei again. "I'm eager to try anything at this point," I said, grinning.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 11, 2008 10:43:46 GMT -5
“There’s that Ruskovian spirit,” I said with a chuckle.
I looked out the window, the inn we were headed for visible in the mid-distance. “Not too much longer until we are there.”
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Fydor Romanov
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His Highness, Prince of Ruskovia, House Romanov *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Husband to Lessandrie de Mereliot; youngest child of Nikolai and Ivana Romanov
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Post by Fydor Romanov on Apr 13, 2008 12:21:36 GMT -5
I chuckled when Sergei mock kicked me, looking back out the window again at Alexei's last comment. "You've probably been sorely missing that, haven't you brother?" I asked with a grin. "That and Olga's cooking. And really, who wouldn't miss that?"
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 13, 2008 15:36:25 GMT -5
"My brothers are most kind to say so," I replied with a smile and a soft tone of affection. "I only hope I continue to do so well until I have the cook we brought with us settled in and some assistants trained for her."
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 13, 2008 22:10:50 GMT -5
“Which cook did you bring?” I asked Olga. “Depending on which one it is, you may go through several groups of assistants before you find ones that can handle Ruskovian management.”
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Svetlana Romanova
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Kzajina of Ruskovia
Dearer to me than a host of base truths is the illusion that exalts.
Posts: 106
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Post by Svetlana Romanova on Apr 14, 2008 9:33:03 GMT -5
As my brothers bantered, I looked out the window, trying to take in the view, but soon found I was more interested by the spectacle of their moving faces and happy smiles. I turned towards them, and silent still, I followed the exchange with quiet mirth and a vast measure of interest.
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 14, 2008 23:05:20 GMT -5
"Natalia came with us," I assured him; she was near our mother's age, married to one of the retainers we'd also brought with us and quiet in a serene way, though she ran her kitchen calmly and efficiently. "I don't think there should be much of a problem, provided we attract good servants rather than poor ones that have to be weeded through, brother."
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 15, 2008 1:20:28 GMT -5
“No worries, dear sister. I will not let you have to weed through second rate servants, I promise,” I said with a smile. The carriage swayed slightly as it turned into the foreyard of the inn.
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Fydor Romanov
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His Highness, Prince of Ruskovia, House Romanov *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Husband to Lessandrie de Mereliot; youngest child of Nikolai and Ivana Romanov
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Post by Fydor Romanov on Apr 19, 2008 1:24:17 GMT -5
The inn came into sight before the carriage, and my entire body rejoiced at the thought of a soft bed. Life at sea had been very amusing, except for the sleeping accommodations. I stayed quiet as pulled right to the front of the inn, not wanting to interrupt household talk.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 23, 2008 18:27:47 GMT -5
Before Olga replied, the carriage came to a stop and there was a rush of activity outside followed by the opening of the door. I stepped out and waited for the others to follow as bags were beginning to be sorted and unloaded.
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 23, 2008 20:34:17 GMT -5
Alexei's words had made me smile and I sat patiently until Alexei stepped out, then demurely followed him and trusted our siblings to do so as well. "You take very good care of us," I told my elder brother sincerely in our mother-tongue as we waited for the others.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 23, 2008 22:18:00 GMT -5
Smiling at Olga, I let my hand rest companionly on the small of her back. “I try,” I said in the same tongue. “I really am so glad you came.”
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 24, 2008 20:21:58 GMT -5
Smiling slightly I turned my head to watch the chattering footmen take a few of the chests down off of the carriage, then sighed. The longer we stood outside the more oppressive the heat became, though I was loathe to show it. "I am glad to come- but is there anything familiar here?" I asked Alexei finally, my tone curious though likely he knew me well enough to see it would take me some time to adjust to this new place.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 24, 2008 21:36:52 GMT -5
“The sun and the moon,” I answered softly, my heart going out to Olga. “Everything else seems different at first. But it’s not all bad, there are things to love here.”
Leaning in, I kissed Olga’s forehead softly. “Why don’t you wait inside out of the sun sister while I herd the others inside. Then while they settle in we can talk.”
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Post by Olga Romanova on Apr 25, 2008 15:13:22 GMT -5
Nodding gratefully, I kissed Alexei's cheek lightly and smiled, then turned to do as he suggested, walking inside with my head held high and features poised as I thought on his words.
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Alexei Romanov
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Post by Alexei Romanov on Apr 25, 2008 17:49:14 GMT -5
I watched Olga for a moment and then turned to the others. “Come on now,” I called with a laugh. “Let’s get you all inside before you melt.”
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