Walking Keaira home

[Alexei Romanov]

I took her arm as we headed back out into the streets.

"I have always found religion to be the subject likely to start arguments - and often wars. It is such a deeply personal matter for so many people that they take any slight, even unintended ones as personal attacks," I told her.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

I smiled when he took my arm. Such a gentleman. "I agree. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the Rebbe's apologetic face. I guess I am much too used to our gods, who are the youngest and therefore show respect to those who came before them."

[Alexei Romanov]

"Our gods and goddess in Ruskovia are very old, though they have not always been Ruskovian. We are a new land with old gods, " I said, smiling.

We turned down a street that had us back in familiar territory for me as I recognized the shops from earlier.

"I had a tutor when I was younger who was supposed to teach my brother and I about all the religions we might encounter. The tutor quit after the second day because of my incessant questions," I told her, chuckling.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

"I always thought that it was good to question religion. Otherwise, you can you make it meaningful for your own life?" I looked at him intently, wondering if he would take my question seriously.

[Alexei Romanov]

"Indeed. I have always thought that questioning was the path to understanding. How is someone supposed to understand and accept something if they are not allowed to question it?" I answered, meeting her gaze.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

I nodded in agreement. "But many don't understand that religion is a deeply personal thing, and believe that their way is the only way, because it works for them."

[Alexei Romanov]

"I think that for some, they must believe that there is only one truth, one way to believe, otherwise they doubt their own beliefs. For some, it is better to believe completely in one thing - even a lie - than to admit they might be wrong," I answered. "Some people are that way about more than their religion too, my father is that way. There can only be one view - his."

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

"Hmm. I am no Gentian, but I forsee the possibility of much strife in Ruskovia if your father can not learn how to bend." I kicked myself again. "I'm sorry, I don't wish to offend."

[Alexei Romanov]

"Do not worry," I said, laying my hand on her arm and smiling. "I am not offended."

"I think strife may come to Ruskovia, but not for many generations. We are still struggling to hold what is ours, and it takes a firm hand. My father is not unkind, just resolute, my brother the same way. They must have that deep belief that what they are doing is right for our nation. So far it has worked, we have made a nation out of the chaos of warring tribes."

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

I was relieved that I hadn't made a complete fool of myself. Then I had to remind myself of recent history, and the fact that Ruskovia was a new nation. "And though warriors often call for battle, I have always been a fan of peace. It was a good thing your family did."

[Alexei Romanov]

"Peace is nice, but I must admit to a fondness for battles. Perhaps it is good I was not the oldest son and heir," I told her, grinning.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

I matched his grin with a raised eyebrow. "You will merely have to find battles of a different sort."

[Alexei Romanov]

"I don't know, it's so peaceful here. I'm not sure anything here could make my blood run like battle," I teased, winking.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

"Is that a challenge Alexei?" I asked with a feline smile. "Perhaps what Terre D'Ange doesn't win through pitched battles, we gain through heat and want."

[Alexei Romanov]

We turned another corner and up a slight rise from us was what I could only assume was the Night Court.

"Ah, but there is always heat and want after a battle. Perhaps I have just not been in Terra d'Ange long enough to find something comparable here," I said, smiling. Though that was far from true, Keaira was beautiful and witty and impossible not to flirt with.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

"Perhaps you have not participated in enough D'Angeline battles then." My voice was light and full of fun.

[Alexei Romanov]

"Perhaps," I said. "I may have to expand my horizons."

I looked away from her for just a moment and back to where we were headed.

"Is this the famed Night Court?" I asked.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

It rose before us, the walled compounds of the different Houses, covered with vines. Right now they weren't in bloom, but over the spring and summer, it was a marvelous sight.

"Yes." I replied simply, then winked at him. "It might be a good place to start."

[Alexei Romanov]

"It would seem a logical starting point. It was so thoughtful of whoever designed it to put them all in one place like this, cuts down on the searching," I said, grinning.

"Which one is yours?"

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

I pointed. "It's the one near the middle. Usually you can follow your ears or your nose, whichever is stronger, as Eglantine houses both musicians and chefs. I think me might drive our neighbours to distraction some days." I said with a grin.

[Alexei Romanov]

"Eglantine is for all arts, right? They make clothing and dance and other arts as well, correct?" I asked her as we started towards the place she had indicated.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

"Yes. Eglantine allows those with great talent to specialize. While all adepts learn how to dance and sing, those at Eglantine can focus on those areas. It can be the start of a long career." I smiled. "And one of our greatest competitors is the Academy. There is a statue of Eisheth that miraculously finds its way from the courtyard in Eglantine to the Academy's courtyard and back, often several times a year. It has become tradition."

[Alexei Romanov]

"So theft and cunning are also arts cultivated at Eglantine," I said, laughing. "How marvelous."

I stopped just outside the walls of her House, looking around.

"I can see what you meant about the music," I told her, listening to the sounds wafting over the wall. "At least it's pleasant music."

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

"We try." I responded with a grin. "Thank you for walking me home. I don't want to keep you any longer from your meeting. But I would love if you could return, as I have enjoyed my time immensely."

[Alexei Romanov]

"Thank you for my introduction to the Night Court. I too have enjoyed our time together. I look forward to getting the time to see you again," I told her.

I took her hand, and bowing over it, kissed the back.

"Take care Keaira," I said, smiling as I turned and headed back to the palace.

[Keaira nó Eglantine]

I watched him go until he dissapeared from view, a hand on the gate. Timothy, who was on duty, watched and laughed.

"That's the first time I've seen you make doe eyes at anyone before Keaira!"

I turned on him, eyes sly. "At a Prince? I should think so."

His mocking smile turned a bit sick with envy, and I brushed past him triumphantly. Now I know how Louvel feels... said the treacherous part of my mind, and I brushed the thought away.