CitrusArms
Potter
FourtyTwo
Conscripts
PapaOso
Tpartywithzombi
Xaltwind
TokyoPewPew
RemramCharlotte & Roman
A chance meeting
A chance meeting
Roman had elected to wander the town after the earlier events of the day. He had given his report detailing everything to Erik, who for the first time in a long time was equally confused and concerned about the whole ordeal. Then he changed his bandages, his clothes, and put an order in to have a few new tables and chairs sent to the tough tavern to repay damages done. With that last bit off his conscience he needed to clear his head and a walk was the best thing he could think of.
His evening wanderings eventually led him to the sights, sounds, and smells of the local circus. Roman opted to wear some simple comfortable clothes for the evening, a simple lighter green cotton shirt and tan-colored loose pants covered with a dark green cloak. The dagger on his belt and his tan wool suit vest being the most elegant pieces of his attire. Matching what he found to be similar to clothing worn by merchants of the area. The turkey leg vendor was the first thing that caught his eye.
Off from to the side of Roman, Charlotte approached, her raven-black hair cascading behind her in loose waves, partially secured by a delicate blue ribbon. She gathered the skirt of her dress as she hurried toward Roman. "Lord Ravenwood, She greeted as she drew closer. "...Good evening! I didn't expect to see you here," she said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “I had been hoping to catch you today.”
She glanced at the turkey leg vendor that had caught his attention and then back at him, "Hungry, I see?... It's wonderful to see you out and about… How are you feeling?"
The sudden call of his name brought Roman out of his thoughts and towards the sight of a beautiful young lady with long black hair and a blue ribbon. The sight of a familiar face was enough to make him smile. “Lady Vikena, a pleasure as always.” There was something about her that always made him relax, which he always found strange with her family’s penchant for finding trouble.
“Ahh yes, I had some things on my mind and I seemed to end up here. Maybe it was the food.” Moving to offer her a place next to him in line at the cart. “I'm feeling fine, just a little sore. Right now I'm more interested in why a beauty like you would be looking for an old man like me.” He said with a teasing tone.
She strolled beside him and smiled, “You’re certainly not old, Lord Ravenwood.” Charlotte said. “Truth be told, you’ve been on my mind today. Seeing your name in that dreadful paper this morning troubled me. I wanted to make sure you were alright and I am delighted to see that seems to be the case.”
The short line moved closer towards the wonderful smelling comically large bird legs pulling the duo closer. Roman smiled and couldn't help but let out a small giggle at the mention of the newspaper. “Oh I'm not worried, in fact I like being in that paper. It means that my guise of being a..” He gestured with his hands in a circular fashion as he found the words, “Muscle bound mindless brute is working.” Quickly he scanned their surroundings and leaned in close to whisper, “I would hope that you wouldn't fall for this, but I like catching people off guard with my intelligence despite my animalistic nature.” Standing back up straight, stretching his shoulder, “Oh.” He said as if he just remembered something, “You don't have to address me by my title. I do consider you a friend after all.”
“I can relate in a sense, though not sure I enjoy the paper’s representation of me just yet… What’s important is we know who we are at the end day. ” Charlotte replied thoughtfully. “Hope your ceremony went well despite any intrusions.” There were certainly more questions given the nature of what had been written about him, but as long as he was alright in the most important sense then she would mind her business.
“ Of course neither do you, Roman. Lottie suits me just fine.” She told him with a smile that faltered ever so slightly as she recalled there had been something she wanted to bring up to him. However they reached the front of the cart and the man at the vendor asked, “What can I get for you?”
“Well Lottie.” Pronouncing the shortening of her name with a smile, “It's a pleasure to meet you as always.” he phrased it like it was the first time they had met. In truth he didn't think he had ever referred to her by that name. Before he could answer her question the vendor asked what they would like and he was quick to answer. “Evening good sir, I'll have Three of those magnificent legs.” placing a few more coins on the counter to pay for the food than was needed, obviously intended as a tip.
“As for the ceremony?” looking back at his friend with a shrug. “No idea, I don't remember… much. Don't think anyone died so that's good. Messed up my shoulder and my arm though.” Reflexively rolling his shoulder at its discomfort. It was the truth, the drink he took did affect his memory slightly but the magic was also to blame. He could only guess as to the lasting consequences of that ritual. That thought made him smile. “What about you? I heard you went to that party with all the politics or masks? I guess It's the same thing.” he was assuming she had gone to it, why else ask about the ceremony.
Charlotte’s brow raised subtly at Roman’s choice of remark, but his next statement made her frown with worry. “Is your arm quite alright? When you get home tonight, perhaps try a warm compress to relax the muscles. If it’s inflamed turmeric or ginger could possibly help…” She drew off thoughtfully, “I’m sure a massage at the spa could also do wonders, but of course, if the discomfort persists, please do see a doctor. “
She clasped her hands together in front of her as he inquired about the party. “Yes, I attended Count Damien’s Masquerade.” Charlotte confirmed, her voice soft and thoughtful. She hesitated for a moment before continuing, “...It was quite lovely, I must admit. It’s always rather a treat to dress up in a pretty gown and feel like a princess for a night…However, there was an unfortunate incident—Lord Smithwood’s watch was stolen. I promised to help him find it, but I’ve had no such luck so far. It weighs on me, and I do hope to speak to him about it soon..”
His smile grew as she spoke about remedies and concoctions he could use on his shoulder. “You know, that's one thing I've always liked about you.” Shifting his posture to face her, “You're always looking out for the people around you. It's one of the traits I admire in you.” He stated, then sighed content in his words. “Just try not to get too caught up in it. Trying to keep up with my antics is a big ask. Wouldn't want to give that newspaper the wrong idea.” Again a tease but also a small test. Watching her facial features to see if there was anything peculiar in her reaction.
Charlotte's smile brightened at his compliment. “Looking out for each other is simply what should be done. It’s no big ask for me to check up on you. ” she replied, her voice gentle yet firm.
He couldn't help himself but give a quiet laugh and a smile when she spoke of Leo’s misfortunes. “Ahh Lord Leo Smithwood, he is becoming quite the character.” The last few interactions he had with the man were in passing and it would be unfair to judge him based on them. Still, he was unlucky and unlucky Varian nobles tended to find trouble. Making the jobs of his people just a tad bit complicated sometimes. “Knowing his luck I'm sure it will pop up somewhere.” He guessed but it was likely true, they would probably find it in the window of a back alley shop.
“I certainly hope so.”
His attention turned back to the vendor who handed him the large juicy looking turkey legs. “Thank you.” His mouth watering slightly at the sight of the three legs. He had every intention of eating all three but being the gentleman he is. Roman held one out towards Charlotte, offering her the food. “With the right suitor, you could feel like a princess every night.”
Her brows lifted in surprise, and she hesitated before taking it. "Why, thank you. I appreciate this very much," Charlotte said, holding the turkey leg in her grasp and gazing over its massive size. She could almost hear her mother chastising her for being unladylike by eating something like this in public. Her gaze shifted back to Roman at his final comment, and she replied with a hint of humor, “A girl can dream.”
Charlotte took a tentative bite, her teeth sinking into the succulent meat. The smoky, savory flavor exploded in her mouth, and she couldn’t help but let out a small, delighted hum. The meat was tender, almost melting against her tongue. She took another bite, savoring the rich taste. “It’s so good!” She enthusiastically told him. After dabbing at her lips with a handkerchief briefly, she spoke again. "Roman," she began softly, "...I was wondering… if I might ask for your advice on something."
He took a few bites of the delicious meat. The small meal was sure to hold him over till the next food cart caught his eye. Eating these kinds of food likely wasn’t the best way to cope with his current mood but it felt better than drowning in a mug of ale. At least Charlotte’s reaction gave him a quick snicker. “You're welcome.” He muttered between bites of the turkey leg. It wasn't very gentleman-like to speak with your mouth full but he was long past caring about manners.
Walking slowly while enjoying the food, it was well roasted and taken care of. Either a testament to the skill or the new cooking techniques and technology that continued to flood the market. Spotting a bench that was out of the way but not out of sight of the carnival goer’s seemed to be a good place to sit and talk. “Oh?” He asked, casually tossing a leg bone in a nearby bin.
“What kind of wisdom are you searching for tonight Lottie?” Quirking an eyebrow, “Could it be dark and dastardly? Maybe some ancient mystery? A lovers quarrel?” he teased but still had a welcoming tone to his words. “Though I might tease you, trust is not earned, it's given. Anything you ask I'll keep between us.”
Charlotte sat beside him and giggled at his suggestions, “Fortunately nothing of that sort… I…” She rubbed her arm and smiled sheepishly.
Her gaze dropped as she collected her thoughts. “I don’t want to make any assumptions, but I know you have a large family. I was hoping you could advise me on how to become someone who can better protect those I care about.”
Not the question he was expecting. Shifting on the bench slightly allowed him to prop an arm up on the back of the bench, “Ahh, an important question.” The tone of his voice lost the teasing that it held earlier, replaced with a genuine sense of solemn thoughtfulness. “I have sixteen brothers and sisters, a number that pales in comparison to the numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and the odd niece or nephew here or there.”
The smile on his face disappeared for a moment, his eyes locked onto something in the distance that only he could see. “I'm the oldest, it's my job to protect them right?” He wasn't expecting an answer, just a short pause before he continued. “Four of my siblings have passed away… Iduna, Reka, Sven, and Egor. I could have saved three of them. I could have done a lot of things to save them.” Taking a deep breath, Roman turned to refocus his attention on her.
His eyes held pain, a glimmer building in them threatened to run down his face. “It would have done little, the skain of our lives were woven a long time ago and our doom is set.” Blinking away the moisture that threatened to pull his night in the same direction of the earlier events of the day, he pushed on. “I would love to tell you exactly how to protect the people you love, to keep them safe forever. But that will only pull you down into darkness few can escape.”
In this moment of vulnerability with a topic he clearly struggled with himself, Roman kept talking. His subtle smile returned as he looked into her eyes, “So my advice… What i do? I tell them the truth… The truth about the darkness that awaits them in this world. I tell them and teach them how to fight it. Mind, soul, and body. The more you know the danger, the enemy, and yourself the better your odds.”
Charlotte’s heart ached for Roman as she listened to his words, feeling the weight of his loss and the burden he carried. “Roman, I am so sorry for bringing up such a sensitive topic, and I am sorry for your losses,” she said softly, her eyes reflecting her worry. “Your pain is palpable, and I wish there were words to ease it.” She reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm. “Thank you for sharing this with me… You’ve given me much to ponder.
Her words were comforting and her touch of his arm was unexpected, giving her a somber smile in return. “I appreciate your kind words. Death is a common occurrence in the north, everything is more dangerous. So we focus on the good, on their reputation.” Letting his hand drop the untouched turkey leg next to him and place his hand on hers.
“Reka passed away very young. Iduna was kind, like you, she knew of the dangers of this world but it did not stop her from helping. Egor was a trickster and never had the best timing with his jokes, but they could always make everyone laugh and was very good at taking care of the younger children." The smile on his face grew the usual upbeat personality of the giant swiftly returning with fond memories. “And Sven was curious beyond measure about everything and everyone, although sometimes he could get on your nerves he could answer almost any question you asked him.”
“So thank you, I've had an off day and remembering them really helps.” A deep sigh followed his words, “So Lottie, is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Oh, goodness, they sound absolutely delightful…” Charlotte commented dreamily, momentarily lost in her imagination. “They remind me of my nieces and nephews. They all have such distinct personalities like your darlings. My dear Aunt Diana has two children of her own, yet she also adopts orphaned Krasivaya children… “ She paused, a soft giggle escaping her lips as she continued, “She always says she feels like she’s herding cats!”
Her eyes lowered, a tender smile playing on her lips as she added, almost to herself, “You may know her as Countess Diana Crisitian, but to me, she’s always just my Auntie.”
It took her a moment to recall he had questioned her and she quickly shook her head as she told him, “Oh. No dear, that was my only question. Thank you so much. ”
Nodding his head with a smile, “Well I'm glad I could help.” Trailing off for a moment. His eyes looking back out to the other people enjoying the evening air. “Just remember, don't shoulder the burden alone. Find someone that you trust to confide these worries in, someone to share the burden. Not even I can carry the world on my shoulders.” He said with a snicker, “If you ever need any help all you have to do is ask and I'll do what I can. If you can't find me, just let one of my merchants around the city know and I'll know shortly after.” He was sincere about his words to what end and what kind of trouble that would bring him? Well, at least it would be fun in some respect.
She held his gaze thoughtfully before replying, “ Thank you, Roman… The same goes for you. Whenever you need help, I will always do my best for you.” Charlotte rose from the bench and she smiled at him. “I must return to the two ladies who are currently accompanying me here tonight, but it was truly wonderful to chat and thank you again for the turkey leg.”
"Anytime Lottie. I do hope you have a lovely evening with your friends." He said with a smile. Eyeing Olivia and Zarai that he just noticed were watching them, "Do tell your friends they look fabulous tonight." Speaking up for her to hear and giving the duo a wave and a smile. He sank back into the chair to relax, ponder the conversation they just had, and watch the people coming and going around him.
