Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 14, 2006 18:40:25 GMT -5
I made my way out of the palace without anyone stopping me, something that I rather enjoyed. At home there would have been people to inform, and duty to follow. Being able to just leave suited me well.
I looked back, taking note of the area so I could find my way back without having to ask. This was a well planned city, I would not get lost.
Smiling, the thought of even this minor adventure into something new making my pulse speed up a little, I made my way into the shopping district.
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 10:11:06 GMT -5
Had I not been so used to having a large family swarming around me at home, I might have been overwhelmed by the city. The flow of people as the moved about their business was like a well orchestrated dance. Everyone going here and there, just missing collisions and run ins. It was rather impressive.
I had been taking my time, slowly working around the edges of the flow until I learned the dance. I had occasionally stopped to look in a store window or at a stall, but nothing had really caught my eye yet.
Until now, that is.
I stood outside a store with a large display of beautiful, if somewhat skimpy, dresses. My mind immediately went to how Sabrina would look in them, and out of them. I chuckled, shaking my head slightly at my inability to distract myself for long.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 13:34:28 GMT -5
The air was brisk and perfect for shopping. Well, not really shopping, as all my money had gone towards my marque like any good adept, but I could still look. And look I did, going into my favourite clothiers shop. The shopkeeper, Jane, rolled her eyes with a smile when I came in, used to my presence.
It was a matter of will, not to let myself try anything on. And to leave without a package.
But I did, stepping out into the brisk air again with a goodbye to Jane. Turning around, I found a very tall man peering into the window at the revealing dresses.
“Oh yes, it’s completely your style.” I told him, a smile showing I was teasing. “Though you might have to have one made specially for you. You’re a bit big to fit into any of the ones in the window.”
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 14:24:59 GMT -5
I looked up as a very pretty girl came out of the store. Her hair was such a dark black it set off her blue eyes very well.
"I think the blue," I said, indicating one on the right. "It will go with my eyes."
I smiled and pointed to another one.
"Though the black is nice, and black looks good year round," I commented.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 14:48:32 GMT -5
His accent pointed him out as on from the flatlands, and his manner of speech as a noble. Interested, I continued. "Black is always classic. And I also might point out the dark red in the corner. Not on you, for it would wash out your lovely features, its just not the right shade, but I happen to be a big fan of the design."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 14:54:01 GMT -5
I tilted my head and at the dress she indicated.
"It is a lovely design," I said, smiling and looking back at her. "Though I think perhaps I don't have the legs for it."
I looked at her again and noticed she didn't have any purchases with her even though she had just left the store.
"You did not buy anything?" I asked
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 14:59:27 GMT -5
I laughed softly. "If I let myself into that store with the intention of purchasing something, I would spend more money than I possess." Ah, the assumptions of the rich. I wish I had that freedom. "Plus Jane would probably die of shock. I have been a regular in her store for years, but so far I have yet to purchase one of her gowns."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 15:04:32 GMT -5
"it is good that she lets you look without buying, there are many business people who are not so kind," I said. "Then again perhaps she enjoys your company, I can understand that."
I looked up the street in the direction I had been heading.
"Are there any other stores along here who's wares you favor? This is my first time in the city and I don't know where to look first," I told her.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 15:24:19 GMT -5
"Are you looking for dresses, or just looking?" I linked my arm in his and started down the street in the direction of his look. "I am Keaira nó Eglantine, since it seems we might be spending a bit of time with one another."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 15:28:21 GMT -5
I was a little surprised when she took my arm, but not so much as to react outwardly.
"Alexei Romanov," I said, not feeling the need for titles. "I am just looking, getting a feel for the city."
I smiled looking at her.
"Eglantine? You are an adept?" I asked.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 15:35:23 GMT -5
I looked at him shrewdly. It had been a while since I had spoken to the bard out of the flatlands, but I remembered the name Romanov. "Yes my lord. I am a musician."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 15:40:21 GMT -5
"A musician," I said, nodding slightly. "You are the first adept I have met since being here, but then again I haven't been out much."
I stopped in front of another store, looking at a display of wrought metal bracelets.
"And please, just call me Alexei," I told. "What do you think of those?"
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 15:46:18 GMT -5
"You mean I shouldn't start 'my lord prince'-ing you." I said, teasing. I was fairly sure my assumption was correct. "They're nice, though a bit too delicate for your frame." I winked. "That one there in the corner was made my the apprentice," I said pointing. "It is his first work that his master has let him put in the window."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 15:50:23 GMT -5
"How can you tell?" I asked, curiously.
They were all very nice, though there was one - not the one she mentioned - that caught my eye. It was gold and had a ruby that matched the ones in the anklet I had given Sabrina.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 15:55:03 GMT -5
I wondered whether he meant the bracelet or his title, and decided on the innocent answer. "The apprentice told me. But then, he was so proud, he would have told anyone. Would you like to go in?" I asked, noticing he was eying one in particular.
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 16:02:08 GMT -5
"It is good to be proud of your work," I said, looking back at her. "I hope he does well."
"I think I shall pass on going in just yet, but it is someplace I may come back to," I told her, starting us walking again.
"And yes, back to the name, please no titles. I just want to look around, not stand out."
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 16:09:15 GMT -5
I felt the satisfaction of a correct guess. "Of course Alexei." We moved down the street some more, and I indicated a tiny shop, its sole window showing a group of candles on faded velvet that was once a rich purple. "Now here is the best place in the City for candles. Plain, scented, tall, squat. The lady has been at it for years. Though she doesn't sell large orders to the palace or anything, she does do specialty orders, and can make you whatever you wish."
Then I nodded to the other side of the street. "And that is the worst cafe I have ever patroned. The coffee is like sludge, and the tea isn't much better." I shuddered. "Never again."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 16:12:49 GMT -5
I looked at the candles, amazed at the variety and that someone could make such a living here. Ruskovia had a long way to go until someone could survive doing nothing more than making candles.
I laughed as I looked across to the café.
"Noted, thank you. I will make sure to avoid it. Though I find it hard to believe anything in your land could be truly awful," I told her.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 16:22:18 GMT -5
"So you say, and you are welcome to try." I shuddered again. "I just wouldn't recomend it."
We came to an intersection. "Now, we have a choice. To the left is the seedier part of town. A lot of fun, but not to everyone's tastes. Straight we have more of the same, a variety of shops. And to the right it starts to become higher end." I looked up at him, a nice change, to read his expression on his sharp features.
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 16:43:55 GMT -5
I looked in each direction she mentioned, wondering which way I really wanted to go.
"That way," I said, pointing left. "I have seen the best parts of your city, I am interested in what as seen as some of the worst. Unless you would rather not, I don't want you to go somewhere you feel uncomfortable."
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 16:52:45 GMT -5
"Let us just say that I was not born in the countryside. And if it is your wish, that is where we shall go." My voice was cheery as we started down the street. I knew the first block or so was more of the same. "If we are not distracted on our way, there is a wonderful tavern near here. If you feel a need to wet your whistle. But I shouldn't neglect my duties as a guide..." I continued to describe the shops that I knew, even if by repute, as we wandered down the street.
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 16:59:49 GMT -5
I smiled, listening to her descriptions as we walked. She had a very pleasant voice, I wondered if she was a singer too or just a musician. The city was interesting, but I was more interested in her and her life as an adept to be honest.
"How often do you get the chance to visit the shops and such?" I asked her.
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 17:07:44 GMT -5
I had finished describing a carpenters shop when he asked, and grinned wryly. "It all depends on your station inside your House, how many patrons you've taken lately, and if the Dowayne or their Second likes you. Generally you receive at least a day off per week, but often there are chores to catch up on and the like. Adepts live at the call of patrons, so one has a fairly fluid schedule, unless you specifically ask for a day off."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 17:11:20 GMT -5
"Ah," I said, nodding and suddenly getting a much clearer picture of the Night Court. "Do you like being an adept? If you don't mind me asking."
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 17:20:42 GMT -5
"No one serves Naamah against their will. But if I had to do it over again... I don't know. I love singing, I love learning new songs and intruments, but I could do that at the Academy. It's not quite the same quality education, but I would not be indentured." I smiled. "No one has asked me that question before Alexei. Mostly, I don't mind taking patrons, I even love some of them, but I often get little choice."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 17:30:17 GMT -5
I stopped, looking down into her very blue eyes.
"Did you choose to become an adept? Please," I said, laying my other hand on her arm, "if you mind any of these questions just tell me. We know so little of the what being an adept is really like I am just curious."
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 20:40:54 GMT -5
"No, its fine. I was born and raised in the Night Court. I went in with eyes wide open, and the desire to become an adept. It was after that I realized that there were other things in the world." I smiled. "I was cloaked in innocence, and blissfully happy. I am happy still, just chafing at my bonds."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 20:47:53 GMT -5
"You get to leave though, when your…marque is done," I said, trying to remember their word for it. "Does it take long to complete?"
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Post by Keaira nó Eglantine on May 18, 2006 22:57:05 GMT -5
"Long enough. After you are trained and deemed fit, usually around the age of sixteen, you can begin to take patrons. It takes some longer than others, as it all depends on your patron gifts. But if you are successful, you can usually make your marque by about twenty." I smiled at the length it took to answer such a simple question. "And then, yes, you may choose to leave your House, or stay and tithe a portion for your upkeep."
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Alexei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness the Prince of Ruskovia; House Romanov
Posts: 3,550
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Post by Alexei Romanov on May 18, 2006 23:04:04 GMT -5
I started us walking again.
"It sounds complicated, but like they have made an effort to keep things uniform. That is good. It keeps people from exploiting others," I said, smiling.
"And what do you plan to do when you have finished your marque? How far do you have to go?" I asked her.
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