Choice of Romance Reboot

[julia]

Welcome to the King Alquilar's courts, where the courting, drama, romance, deceit, and secrets hang in the air, as well as lay around every corner and under every rock.

You arrive with excitement brimming, and ambitions for this season at the courts. A few days after you arrive, you attend a lavish banquet in honor of the newly-arrived Ambassador from France, who wishes to speak with the King and Queen about an alliance. Everyone of the courts is going to make an appearance and partake in the exquisite and delectable food of the feast. The sky is cloudless, and every star is visible and clearly seen. A young boy is lighting the lanterns that light the street, his clothes dirty and patched.

Prince Ludwig was one of the first bachelors to arrive. He walked quietly, his light brown tail coat accenting his hair and blue eyes nicely. He bent down and rubbed a scuff out of his shoe before walking out to meet the next arrivals and maybe get a little bit of conversation going. It would be a little while before the monarchs and the ambassador would make their appearance.

[Padriac Muldoon]

The Cardinal was upset. He was very stressed from the affairs at court. "Driver, stop." Cardinal Padriac had arrived, his personal coach dropped him off at the gate. He and his two bodyguards exited the coach, his blood red cape fluttered over top his red robes. They began to approach the entrance. "Look sharp for his majesty, men."

[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…’

[Padriac Muldoon]

A guard opened the massive door to the room, where a man was performing strange feats with merely his mouth and a needle. "Fascinating." The Cardinal said, sarcasm flooding his voice.He crossed the room to the people huddling around the man. (BTW I hate to sound dumb but what the devil is a courtesan?) Cardinal Padriac stood there, his hands neatly folded in front of him.

[dreamingflowers]

The horses slowly came to a halt as the driver reigned them in carefully.
Katerina arrived in a carriage of which the blinds were drawn closed.
When she heard the driver descend his seat she peaked through the curtains. There were already people waiting at the entrance dressed in a finery. They could be in the service of the court but from the looks of it Katerina presumed they were all nobility of sorts. A small stool got placed under the entrance of the carriage to assist the ladies in stepping out of the vehicle. The driver assisted her hand maid as she left the vehicle. She brushed off her dress and held out her hand signaling Katerina to exit.



Katerina got out of the carriage with grace as she had lots and lots of practice. The dress she was wearing was picked out by her fathers spouse. It had an overall feminine design showing skin in the appropriate areas with a volumnious bottom. Separate from the bodice but attached to the dress was a vest with long sleeves that puffed slightly at the ends. The edges of the vest were traced with white lace which matched the overall cream and lilac scheme of the dress. Her long curly hair was elegantly done up with a few strands left loose to frame her small face and a dainty hat adorned her head. Expensive jewelry dangled from her ears and neck.

Her handmaid started to fiddle with her dress smoothing out any wrinkles and adjusting where needed.
There was a young man who was still standing at the entrance, he was looking at the crowd in anticpation.
Katerina glanced at him and he looked back at her, a look of curiousity on his face. She feigned shyness and looked down as he kept his gaze on her. He descended the stairs with a slight bounce to his step a polite smile on his face.
“You must be Miss Petrova” he had his hands behind his back and bowed down slightly.
Katerina extended her gloved hand, he took it hesitantly.
“Please….” She held her dress and bowed down politely “Call me Katerina”

[Nallore]

((A courtesan is basically a mistress or a prostitute for a better term.))

Victoria was riding in the back of her carriage she wore a very elegant long red dress with a golden flower pattern on it, when the carriage came to a stop Victoria opened the door and was helped out of it by some men who were waiting outside. She looked at the large building before her and started making her way up the stairs and opened the doors and stood next to the other Dons and Doñas near her age standing there quietly and smiled and nodded to a few of them.

[julia]

Ludwig lightly kissed Miss Petrova's gloved knuckles, smiling at her. "Katerina?" he purred, his German accent noticeable, but it didn't make his words hard to understand. "I am Prince Ludwig Van Muench, but you may call me Ludwig," he told her, then stood back up. There was something about this young woman that Ludwig found... rather enjoyable. She was a beautiful young woman, and although she was decorated nicely, she seemed to be a pleasant young girl.

"May I escort you inside. Katerina?" he asked, charm dribbling from his lips and his smile. He knew that he was a pretty piece of flesh, and while he knew how to flaunt it, he would simply accent his better features.

[dreamingflowers]

"I'd be honored Prince Ludwig" she smiled mischeviously.
It was uncommon for one not of noble background to call nobility by their name. Katerina however did. For some reason she had always gotten away with at most an intrigued look or odd stare.
While she watched her tongue around the older nobility she felt like she could afford this novelty with the young prince. He didn't look like he was beyond her years. Maybe he was her junior, wouldn't that be interesting. For one thing he knew how to be charming. Then again didn't all the court men possess that talent?

She followed him inside the grand mansion taking note of the people already inside. The acquaintance she was supposed to meet had not arrived yet. Her fingers brushed the beaded purse around her wrist making sure the contents were still present. The courtroom was beautifully decorated with lavish curtains, large china filled with beautiful flowers and wall sized pieces of art. There were not as many people as she had expected. Perhaps she was early. She didn't really attempt to capture the attention of the prince, instead she kept a watchful eye on the empty table at the back entrance. Tonight business would be booming.

[Padriac Muldoon]

While observing the small magic show, The Cardinal happened to turn his head and see Prince Ludwig, with a stranger. He frowned slightly, as he was just one more person to contend with for the crown. Though he couldn't get it by blood, If something were to happen to The King, and the successor wasn't of age yet, he would 'advise' them. Just like he did for King Alquilar. But Alquilar grew older, and wiser. Cardinal Padriac lost some of his political power. "Oh, hello Prince Ludwig..." he said cheerfully. Though inside he was boiling. With that he turned back to the courtesan's little performance.

[Major Ursa]

After moulding the needle into the shape of a sun, some people continued on their way to speak with other nobles, briefly speaking with Cecilio for a time or two. The man was gracious and thanked them humbly for their time and attentions before noticing a certain man, someone whom he had never seen previously at gatherings such as this. A man of faith, the way he dressed and held himself was the main indicator, something a courtesan was trained to take notice of. Striding forward slowly, carefully, deliberately…Cecilio boldly made his way to the man, but kept his head down reverently and listened to what the people mumbled and whispered around him as he went. Catching the title ‘Cardinal’ and the name ‘Padriac’, the courtesan bowed respectfully, “Greetings Cardinal Padriac. Thank you for watching the performance of this humble Courtesan.”
-----
Moving closer to the man without looking into his eyes, Cecilio leaned forward and took the bent needle to the front of the Cardinal’s clothing, carefully pinning it on before stepping back. Lifting his head to finally look the man in the eyes, the courtesan mouth curled into a confident smirk. Parting his lips to speak, his voice was soft, so only the two of them could hear, “See how these people gather before me? You and I are no different…only, you bring peace to the people’s stressed minds and souls, and I bring peace to the people’s stressed…bodies. Wear this sun on your person, it looks good on you.” With this, the courtesan gave the Cardinal a wink, and turned back to merge into a crowd of party goers.