Choice of Romance Reboot

[julia]

Always open!
The OoC

Don Anthony de Rivera sat patiently, riding in the carriage his uncle owned and waiting for the long and seemingly endless ride to draw to a close. His brown hair had been neatly cleaned and cut, and his blue eyes watched the cloudless sky that accented the view from the carriage window, trying to ignore the excited chatter of Mageladena was spewing from her excitable 17 year old mouth.

"Anthony! Isn't it so wonderful? The city?! What kind of people can you find in the city, I wonder? And the parties and socials... Oh my goodness!" Maggie giggled. Anthony sighed and laid his hand over Maggie's mouth and smiled. He held it firmly there until they arrived at their uncle's manor, to prevent a headache or a sudden unpleasant ulcer.

"No more chatter Maggie," Anthony told her with a grin then carried his clothes and adornments inside. He smiled and quietly watched the sunset from his large bedroom window and then changed his clothes to a more public and classy dress that was suitable for the small social that they would be attending this evening than that of what he had worn for the extensive and tiring carriage ride.

After cleaning himself up and choosing the correct adornments for his chosen coat and attire, he heard a rap at the door. It was Maggie, calling him down to leave for the social. Anthony checked himself once more in the mirror, nodding at his appearance. He rather looked good in a smokey gray coat with green jewels about his cuffs. He smiled and walked downstairs, climbing into the carriage and seeing a young boy light the lanterns in the streets.

Proudly, Anthony stepped out of the carriage and walked with diginified steps into the large foyer where the social was being held. He noticed many eyes turn to him and his younger sister Maggie, and he need not wonder why their eyes were turned. Maggie looked wonderful, in a simple blue gown with her dark brown hair in a bun. They were new to the courts as well, and it would be Maggie's first year. Anthony so hoped that she would find someone, preferably with money.

[Major Ursa]

There was a soft giggle beside him, and Cecilio could only vaguely wonder if he had fallen asleep beside a client again. Opening his blue eyes, he automatically smirked, then switched over to a confused expression. He was in a carriage, ‘Ah, yes, its all coming back to me now…’ He sat up, the carriage was a surprisingly comfortable one. A large one, drawn by four horses, painted a bright red so people would know it was the Courtesan Quarter’s. The inside interior was filled and padded with cushions, so it would be comfortable enough to service clients in, kept with the red theme too. This courtesan who rode with him today was outfitted in a red gown, and was a high class high pay one as well, who wore a red veil over her head. The whole red veil thing, it wasn’t a normal courtesan thing, it was just particular to this one who was originally a “harem girl” from a foreign country.

Recently courtesan were required to travel in twos, since one of them was murder recently, their corpse found split open in the gutters. This courtesan had been invited as a well dressed extra for the King’s social, though Cecilio just came to make sure she’d return at the end of the night...or the early light of the morning. He had also been required to dress up, his outfit chosen was formfitting, and a bright peacock blue. In fact, he was wear just as much ribbons and gems as the female courtesan he was travelling with, just in case he could pick up a client tonight.

“Awoken…haven’t you, Cecilio?” the courtesan spoke quietly, whilst staring out at the passing buildings.

Cecilio ran a hand through his hair, making sure it was still in a good condition, “Yes, I’m fine, I’m awake.” The quiet courtesan merely nodded at this. A few moments later, the carriage made a stop at the large hall. The wealthy Dons and Doñas were gathering in their groups as they entered, the other courtesan left to find her client, leaving Cecilio to do as he pleased.

He decided to entertain the guests, maybe attract a paying customer? He recognized some of his older clients, and initiated some small talk amongst them. “Fair Doñas, have any tricks you want to request?” He smiled coyly, and raised his brows at the gathered guests. One held out a metal needle, more expensive than a bone needle, but a metal one was indeed required for the trick. Must have known that he was coming. Cecilio gave a light chuckle and nodded, taking the needle in his hand, he pricked himself on his index finger and showed the guests the blood that had been drawn. Then, he stuck out his tongue and placed the needle atop it, drawing it back into his mouth.

For a few seconds he struggled with the needle in his mouth, shaping it into something interesting, though he really just needed to bend it a few times for the trick to be a success. The guests stared at him either in wonder, knowing the trick, or in confusion. He pulled the final product out of his mouth, the needle had been bent to resemble a crude sun…and the guests applauded at the demonstration. Women swooned, and some men as well…who didn’t love a man with a talented tongue? He spat on the floor immediately afterwards, demonstrating that he had been careful enough that he hadn’t pricked his tongue on the needle point. ‘Hopefully…long wire next time. A single needle didn’t give me much to work with…’

[TeenageDirtbag]

Sienna was riding alongside her older brother Luis and her father to the social they would be attending.

'Your a vision.' her father smiled at Sienna who was wearing a long, golden coloured gown. It complimented her skin tone well and the skirt of the dress was embedded with lots of sparkling diamonds. That, and the string of pearls around her kneck showed off her wealth. Her dark hair was left loose, in breast length chocolate colours. She smoothed down her dress and adjusted her hair, pride radiating from her.

Luis had scrubbed up well also. His hair which was normally left wild and untamed in very sexy way was slicked back making him appear older than 21. His simple black suit was tailored perfectly to his fit. Nice but not over flashy. The only downside was his eyes where bloodshot and glazed over, an hint that he'd spend the majority of his day drinking and his father glanced at him every know and then with disgust.

'a true beauty.' Luis agreed with his father, admiring his little sister 'I will only ever let the best anywhere near you.'

[Valkyrie]

Juliet was sat in her carriage, on her way to a social event. She was wearing a dark red gown that contrasted her pale skin. It was perfectly form-fitting, accentuating her curves. It was perhaps a bit risqué for such an event, but Juliet did not care. She would enjoy the attention that her attire would garner, even if it might not be positive attention from some of the more conservative members attending. Juliet glanced down at the wedding ring that adorned her finger. It was an impressive piece of jewellery to be certain, but it carried many unhappy memories for Juliet. She shook her head and looked up from her hand.

She arrived and stepped out of her carriage, At first nobody paid her any mind, but she soon started to turn heads. As predicted, she drew mixed reactions. Most of the older members in attendance gave her scornful, disapproving looks, while the younger females seemed intimidated by Juliet and the younger males were notably pleased by Juliet’s appearance. Despite the dress putting her sexuality on display, it was not particularly flashy by any means, in fact it was very plain, especially when compared to the dresses that other women were wearing.

Making her way through the crowds, Juliet saw a young, attractive male bending a needle with his tongue into the rough shape of the sun. Her eyebrows raised, intrigued and impressed by what the man had done, but she did not linger or stop to introduce herself. He was already surrounded by a number of people and Juliet was not in the mood to mingle in such large crowds as that. Instead she moved further into the hall where she was approached by a few other nobles who she exchanged pleasantries with.

[Whimsical]

The carriage bumped roughly down the dirt road, bouncing Anatolii slightly in the back as he fought to keep his place. Thank goodness he doesn't get motion sick... With a sigh, Anatolli leaned into a back corner of the obscenely roomy carriage, moving his gaze out the window as he pulled back the satin curtain. Watching as they passed by luscious fields and poor farmers hard at work, Anatolli began to feel quick ill; and it certainly wasn't the motion. He was never a very flashy man, and to have such an extravagant piece of transportation carry him through poor, rural Spain... he felt guilty. Though, wither way he had to be thankful; as far as his understanding was, the King arranged for his transport. Apparently it wasn't often they had prestigious visitors from the Motherland. Even though the carriage sent for him was not the flashiest, he certainly felt it a bit over the top regardless. The structure was made up of a fine cherry wood, lacquered smooth, with beautiful carvings along the edges painted gold. The windows were covered by red satin curtains, adding an unnecessary atmosphere of privacy. Decor aside, the carriage was drawn by two beautifully spotted horses. Lovely creatures... He'd given them both some carrots from his garden as thanks for pulling such a heavy load.

Watching as the farmers took eye of his leave, wiping sweat from their sun-damaged brow, Anatolii suddenly became aware of how hot he'd become. When he'd traveled to Spain, he hadn't given much thought about the change in climate, unfortunately. Therefore, his traditional wardrobe isn't quite fit for such weather. Like many of his other possessions, his chosen clothing was none too flashy. He wore a traditional jacket, thinner than usual for summer conditions, with a high collar. The jacket was made up of a flat, black material, rigid collar reaching just below his ears, the lower trim reaching mid-thigh. The entire jacket was trimmed with a thin, golden silk, cuffs also golden. Six golden button straps ran across his upper chest, ending at the red cloth elegantly wrapped around his waist. Rather plain, black pants were tucked into dark brown leather boots, which stopped just below his knees. Beneath his jacket, he wore a very simple red and cream kosovorotka, simply adding to the heat. For quite a while, he considered removing the jacket, but he would look quite ridiculous; that would simply defeat the purpose of this. To keep up appearances, right?

As they began to approach the city, roads smoothed somewhat into an oddly elegant cobble, relaxing the bouncing considerably. Staring out the window as he observed the growing amount of pedestrians, he couldn't help but to feel slightly anxious. He'd truly only accepted the invitation because it is his duty, but perhaps something could come of it? His parents certainly must not be happy, watching over him now. Yes, he's done well with what they left him, but unmarried and without a child at 25? Life was becoming steadily shorter by the day, yet he never made much of an attempt to meet a woman. True, it was becoming lonely, but perhaps that's for the best? No, he can't just let the namesake of his parents be bought away once he's gone. Sighing, he tore his eyes from the passing builds, adjusting his jacket and the like. It wouldn't be much longer until they arrived, and he had to be certain he was presentable.

But a few moments later, the carriage came to a gentle stop, the door being opened for him by a man who'd obviously been placed to greet them all. Offering a barely visible smile, he nodded his head gently towards the servant whom had opened his door, receiving a rather deep yet rigid bow in response. Stepping stiffly from the carriage, he moved to the front, offering his driver a thanks in the language of the Motherland, his voice gruff and slurred with his thick accent. Stopping once more to offer each of the horses a quick pat, he soon followed the direction in which the servant's outstretched arm had directed him, peeking behind him momentarily as the horses trotted off gently, carriage in tow. Quickly wiping the sweat from his brow, attempting to make it unnoticeable, Anatolii quickly worked his way into the crowd. Unfortunately, he stuck out more than he would have liked; as he should have expected, he was the only one dressed as he was.

Choosing not too make much more of a spectacle of himself, Anatolii folded his hands behind his back, standing shockingly straight as he observed the crowd around him, his abnormal height offering him more than a good view of everyone. He soon realized how old he was becoming... so many of these girls were so very young. Though, having never been much of a 'party person', per say, Anatolii chose to observe for the time being. Surely there was something... or someone of interest he could find. The King would be disappointed if it seemed he was not having fun through any of the court events.

[julia]

Maggie walked over, seeing a young man put a needle in his mouth then bent it with his tongue. Attempting to see better what the man was doing and feeling herself bite her lip with obvious attraction to this man, Magdelena then felt her balance give way and she fell into this man. Her heart seemed to jump into her throat and she couldnt help but let out a squeak of shock.
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Anthony noticed a rather beautiful young woman, obviously not of Spanish decent, work through the crowd. He put on a smile and approached the woman, lightly tapping he shoulder and cleared his throat. "Excuse me ma'am, may I have a dance this evening? I am Don Anthony de Rivera, and I couldn't help but notice you from across the room." He told her, hoping she would turn and respond.

[Major Ursa]

Cecilio was surprised when the girl had tripped over and fallen into him, he was more used to this sort of thing from his clients with the intent made obvious, this was obviously an accident. He quickly pulled her up, making sure she found her footing, though he lowered himself to her level to have a better look at her. They were almost face to face, but he pulled her closer still to his left, to whisper in her ear almost teasingly, "That...is just the right amount of clumsiness that aggressive men love, for you see, they love to see women helpless in situations...” He paused, his breath in her ear for a second more, “Still, be careful next time, I'd be terribly saddened if you gone and hurt yourself..."

He let her go to stand on her own and smiled at her flustered face, almost chuckling. This girl had a cute, youthful charm to her…so innocent. He couldn’t help but check out what she was dressed in, a nice blue dress for a special occasion…but still of a lower quality, something courtesan’s eyes were trained to pick up on. Having never met her before, even if she wasn’t up there in the high end of the social statuses, he’d be polite anyway. He bowed lightly, taking her hand in his, he kissed it lightly and introduced himself with a smile, “My name is Cecilio, fair and youthful Doña…might I ask your name? I have not seen your face before, so, I can only assume this is your first year in courting…?”

[Valkyrie]

Juliet had been caught by a particularly boring Don and Doña who were talking incessantly about something that Juliet cared nothing for. So she was happy when someone patted her on the shoulder. She was even happier when she found herself face to face with an extremely handsome Don. She took his hand and led him to the dance floor, not even taking the time to excuse herself from her previous company. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Don. I am Duchess Juliet Elizabeth Harrington. As I’m sure you can tell, I’m not from Spain.” She noticed the difference in skin tone between them while her hand was in his. “I am originally from England…” She glanced at her wedding ring quickly, but her eyes moved almost straight back to the Dons face. “Tell me something interesting about yourself Don.” She said with a flirtatious smile.

[julia]

Maggie felt the man stand her back up, unsure as to why he had done this. She then looked into his face, finding him exceptionally handsome and attractive. When he had whispered in her ear, she felt her eyes slide shut and her hairs stand on end. She then swallowed hard and watched as he placed a kiss on her hand and continued to talk to her.

"Magdelena, but everyone calls me Maggie..." she told him and curtsied gracefully, as her mother had taught. "It is indeed my first year at the courts, and I must say I am very lucky to find a gentleman such as yourself on my first night here." She told him, her face decorated with a blush, accenting her innocence.
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Anthony smiled at the woman, liking her accent and feeling that she had a bit of a backstory to tell. She was a bit younger than Anthony, but was very attractive and it left Anthony to wonder why she wasn't already married. As they danced, she asked him to tell her something that was interesting. He had to think for a second.

"I am an artist, and I paint with very much passion. And please, call me Anthony." He told her and danced the graceful way he knew how to. Her skin was almost the color of paper, and Anthony found her hands to be wonderfully soft and small compared to his. "And you, my beautiful Juliet? What is interesting about you, besides the obvious charm and attraction that you radiate?"

[Major Ursa]

Cecilio turned his head slightly in his confusion. She didn’t seem to take his...'sexually stimulating' entertainment, nor his form fitting garb as an indicator that he was a courtesan…in fact, she called him a ‘gentleman’. She was definitely not from a large city. Smiling gently at her, she was just too innocent, just too vulnerable. Chucking his bent needle sun over his shoulder, and indicating to the others that he was done entertaining, he steered her away from the rest of the crowd to a more empty side of the hall. He smiled charmingly down at her again, to ease some of her obvious anxiety…and decided to feed his curiosity.

“Always a pleasure to meet someone new in court, Doña Magdalena. I’m afraid that, I, however, am not here for the courting. Rather…I’m here to accompany a friend. It is such a pity, though...with all the fair Doñas present, especially ones such as yourself. Please, tell me a little bit about...you.” Cecilio tilted his head, and smiled a bit more brightly. He couldn’t help but flirt and compliment in most of the conversation, since he was taught diligently by the other courtesans to do so. With his knowledge of most of the people here, through the courtesan information grapevine, new people in court were always something to take general interest in.