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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 14, 2009 15:03:32 GMT -5
Dressed in a gown of deep green silk, I stood outside the bakery waiting for the Prince to arrive. I was eager to see him again and to show him the bakery and all of the things it had to offer.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 17, 2009 0:56:49 GMT -5
The carriage brought me up to the front of the bakery and dropped me off. I had not yet gone for a local wardrobe so I was wearing Ch'n clothing. I kept it simple though, just a pair of ivory colored pants topped with a matching tunic. The tunic was lined with deep red silk thread, sewed so close together that it took the seamstress three days to finish it.
I steped out of the carriage and saw Josette standing there in a rather lovely green gown. I walked up to her with a smile, one fit for a friend but also one fit for dessert with a very lovely companion.
"Greetings Josette," I said, "You are looking very pretty." I took in a small breath of air and said, "it also smells quite lovely, it seemes you choose your bakery's well."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 17, 2009 1:01:51 GMT -5
“Good afternoon, your highness,” I said, smiling. “And thank you.” I glanced back at the bakery and then at him. “The food tastes even better than it smells, shall we go inside?”
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 17, 2009 13:42:29 GMT -5
I nodded and held out my arm for her to take, which seemed to be more customary here than it was for Ch'n. A gesture reserved only for one you were more than just friend's with. I wanted to try and fit in here, at leas a little. Though of course I would still hold onto Ch'n as well.
"I am greatly anticipating the taste that food with that smell would bring. Lead the way."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 17, 2009 14:04:53 GMT -5
Smiling, I took his arm and led him inside. The smells were even more delightful inside. The offered items were arranged for display on the counter and shelves and my mouth was already dancing with anticipation.
“Anything catch your eye?” I asked him.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 17, 2009 15:09:41 GMT -5
Sweets were my weakness and I loved them all. Sweet sticky Nian Gao, mooncakes, rice balls with hidden treasures, and of course lots of sweet fruit. The idea of all of these sweet things at my finger tips made me want to give a little dance, but that would be a bit unseemly, so I did not.
Instead I walked around the bakery and looked at each offered item closely, making sure that I picked the best treats. Since I wanted to try a lot of different things I asked the person working there if I could try a half of some of them. She said that was fine and I pointed out 4 different pastries and three different types of breads, two which where piled with fruit and some kind of sauce.
When my selection was complete I smiled a little apologetically at Josette and asked, "what would you like? Choose anything."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 17, 2009 15:30:29 GMT -5
I watched him as he moved around the bakery, enjoying how much he was enjoying himself.
“It’s alright,” I said, laying my hand on his arm and smiling. “I am glad you like it already.”
My eyes had picked out a few things as I’d watched him and I told the clerk which ones I wanted. She added the three items to the tray with the ones he’d selected.
“Would you like some tea to go with them?” I asked the prince.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 17, 2009 15:58:30 GMT -5
My cravings didn't seem to bother Josette. It wa nice to not have someone frown on you, like most did back home in the castle. I had taken to sneaking out every couple of weeks to enjoy my treats in peace.
"Tea is always welcome," I told her. "I don't know how many kind of tea are available here, but I am open to whatever you think will best compliment our treats."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 17, 2009 16:04:08 GMT -5
I asked the clerk for the selection and then chose one that was mildly flavored so as not to compete with the pastries.
“Let’s go find a table and then they’ll bring everything to us,” I suggested.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 18, 2009 0:02:00 GMT -5
"Sounds good," I said. "is there any place in particular that you prefer to sit?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 18, 2009 2:03:12 GMT -5
“I like to sit outside, but we can stay inside if you prefer,” I answered.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 20, 2009 23:27:00 GMT -5
"Outside sounds great!" I told her and led us in that direction. "It is a nice day out and I will admit that I've always been a bit of a fan of people watching." Though, until the sweets were over I doubt anyone but Josette would get my attention. I was, at least, not so obsessed to ignore my pretty companion.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 20, 2009 23:29:36 GMT -5
Once outside, I pointed to a table out of the way but still with a great view of the street outside shop. “How about there?” I suggested.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 22, 2009 10:13:44 GMT -5
I nodded my in agreement to her selection and walked to the table with her. Though it was not a custom in Ch'n I had observed many men pulling out chairs for their companions so I did as much for Josette.
When she was seated I took my own seat. I was full of questions, still being very new to the area. My natural curiosity was a beast at times. Quickly thinking of what I wanted to ask first I said, "have you lived in Terre d'Ange your whole life?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 22, 2009 14:13:44 GMT -5
“I have,” I answered, smiling. “In fact, I’ve never even traveled outside its borders. I was born in Namarre and except for the time I’ve been here in the City the rest of my life was spent there.”
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Oct 27, 2009 9:59:28 GMT -5
"I can relate a little bit." I said. "Until I came here I had not traveled outside of the Forbbiden City. When I did go out I normally had escorts which made going out a bit of a pain." Though it had come with great opposition I had shed some of those human chains as soon as we arrived. I doubt anyone here would care enough about me to cause me harm. I was not that important back home either... which is part of the reason why I was sent here.
The dessert was brought out and I smiled with great thanks before carefully selecting a piece. I took a small and savory bite. Really enjoying the taste of the food.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Oct 27, 2009 10:18:27 GMT -5
“Do you not have escorts here?” I asked as I poured us each a cup of tea.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 5, 2009 1:26:43 GMT -5
I shrugged slightly and said, "I do, but I do not like being followed constantly. At least here I have more power to tell them to stay home. I will bring them to all of the formal events since it is expected but that may be about it." I ate a few more bites and thought before adding. "I do give them freedom to come and go as long as they are not ignoring their duties. So they are able to see the city for themselves."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Nov 5, 2009 1:29:47 GMT -5
“That’s very kind of you,” I said, smiling and taking a sip of my tea before selecting a pastry to taste.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 7, 2009 15:26:18 GMT -5
I shrugged a little after a bite. "Though I know that not everyone is respectful of their servants. I do find that they work better for you the happier they are. It just seems like the way to do things, everyone wins."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Nov 7, 2009 16:31:29 GMT -5
"Is that a common view in your homeland?" I asked. "I know very little of your culture."
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 8, 2009 0:13:10 GMT -5
"Not really," I said. "In Ch'n our honor is what is most important. Even a servant can bring dishonor to their family. Many of them will just do the minimal work required though. When you have 10 or 15 servants working for you it doesn't really matter so much if they all just do the basics. But, I chose to bring only a few to keep things simple. So I require a little more effort from them."
I paused for a moment and took a bite. "They are also away from their land and families. While our traditions are strong not everyone takes them completely to heart."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Nov 8, 2009 13:51:28 GMT -5
“I think that’s true everywhere though. Not everyone agrees with our basic tenet of ‘love as thou will’ even though it’s what our nation was built on,” I replied after another delicious bite.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 8, 2009 17:06:34 GMT -5
I nodded in agreement. "We don't get to choose where we are born," I said. "One can only hope that they are born in a culture that fits their personality." I ate a few more bites. Taking my time. I was in no hurry to see the treats disappear and I was enjoying my time with Josette.
"I am curious, though." I said, "is it often that one has more than one lover? I will say that to my Ch'n mind it is a bit odd to have a mate but then to spend time with another with their knowledge." I though about how that sounded and quickly added, "while I can't say that it's been a habit of mine, there is a lot of scandal that goes around the palace."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Nov 8, 2009 18:54:43 GMT -5
"I don't know that is as common a thing as it is portrayed in other lands," I answered after a sip of tea. "It all depends on the people involved. d'Angelines can separate love and duty and desire. If one is to marry for duty, then that doesn't mean they should be denied passion. There are different types and levels of love."
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 8, 2009 19:41:17 GMT -5
I thought about what she said for a moment. "It does seem that cultures tend to be lumped together with assumptions about how everyone acts. I am sure there are assumptions about Ch'n as well."
After a slight pause I added. "It does seem unfair that someone would have to give up passion and love for duty. I guess that is why there is so much scandal going on behind closed doors where I come from."
I thought about my father's statement about maybe marrying one of the d'Ageline's royalty. Part of me was hoping that it would not turn out to be true, but if so, it would be easier living here with her instead of back in Ch'n.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Nov 8, 2009 22:29:13 GMT -5
“There’s still scandal here,” I said, shrugging slightly. “I guess there’s always something people will find to be upset about.”
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 9, 2009 0:22:05 GMT -5
I nodded. "It really seems to be a sad state, that people can't seem to find their happiness." I then smiled and said, "I am determined to be happy though. Right now sitting here with these tasty treats and such a lovely woman. Happiness is not something I have to look for."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Nov 9, 2009 0:26:43 GMT -5
I blushed softly at his unexpected compliment. "That is nice to hear," I said, smiling.
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Post by Prince Fu Ying Piao on Nov 13, 2009 14:34:19 GMT -5
"I am sure you hear it often," I said. She was very pretty and I doubt that many ignored that fact.
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