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The prince simply nodded at the mention of “suitable clothing”, but internally began to form questions. What was wrong with what he was wearing? Nilo eyed himself up and down where he stood, trying to find some incorrect choice of fashion among his clothing. His shirt was plain white and boasted ruffled sleeves, and his pants were some lighter gray slacks. It certainly wasn’t very fancy, but to be fair the only town he had ever visited was the one a few minutes from the castle. Well, that town and the Royal City of Lions, but the Van Aslan family had moved from that castle once his mother fell ill. Nilo followed her back to their rooms, eyes glued to the tile. Although his head had cleared, fear still ran rampant in his veins. He wanted to talk about the night before, to make up some hopefully believable excuse for his actions, but a bigger part of him was terrified she would call his bluff. Once they reached the rooms Nilo stepped in without a word, shutting the door rather roughly behind him, which had not been his intention. He flinched as it shut rather loudly, glancing back at the ornate wood entrance before walking over to his bed. Nilo cocked a russet brow at the clothing, eyeing it with slight disdain and curiosity. With a sigh, the prince gave in with a shrug and stripped himself of his current clothing. The shirt was odd, it seemed like a sleeveless tunic, but it cut off right at his hips instead of hanging lower, almost too short for the prince. That, and it seemed about a size or two too small, hugging his body rather tightly. Nilo groaned at the way it looked in the mirror, feeling ridiculous. He was at least glad his arms were free, not confined within what would have probably been uncomfortably constraining sleeves. He threw on the belt, which dangled haphazardly at his hips. Nilo rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his reddish colored hair, at least glad to keep that part of him. While he was in the bathroom, he took the time to bandage his hand, even though it was a rather shabby job, Nilo didn’t want to ask Gennadius for help, wanting to try and put the situation behind him. He rubbed his face with his hands, as if trying to conjure some life back into his pale features. With a sigh, he gave up, and went to meet Gennadius in the hall. Leaning against his door, Nilo gazed at her for a moment, eyeing her own outfit. The shirt seemed a little large on her, but he had a feeling she liked her clothes to be that way. His eyes smiled a bit as she had clearly messed up her hair slightly for their facade, finding it humorous that she had put that much effort into her appearance. |
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The female turned when the door opened, her gaze meeting his. The smile in his eyes brought her some relief, the man having not said much since the night before. Clearly her appearance amused him. As for the man, well... Gennadius thought he looked too neat for a commoner but such things would be dealt with along the way. Instead, she simply went to her tiptoes and plopped the hat on his head. "Anyone would recognize you from that hair of yours." Her lips turned down slightly at the right fitting outfit. She could have sworn she grabbed the right size... oh well. Turning, she began to lead him through some of the back halls the servant had shown her earlier. "Since you've never been to the market, I'm going to explain some things. If you look like youre connected to royalty or someone with a lot of money, you will get robbed. Thieves target the easier, unsuspecting rich clients, coming out for a day of fun. Trust me, I..." Gennadius clamped her mouth shut, horrified she had almost revealed that part of her past. Such information would ruin everything. Her shoulders had stiffened for a second before relaxing again. There was no way the prince would discover she had been a thief in her younger years. And a darn good one at that. The only other people who knew were Darius and the market blacksmith, Drusus, who she did plan on seeing. He owed her a favor for once and she planned on cashing it in. Once outside, Gennadius stopped down and picked up a handful of dust, flinging it onto the prince before he could react. "You looked too clean for a poor servant." A cool breeze blew across the open area as the sun warmed her. Fall was arriving and with it, chillier weather and the turning of colors. "Anyway," she waved him forward, ignoring whatever looks or protests he may have had. "I noticed the beautiful tapestries outside the dining hall. The dragon was stunning. Do you know where they were gotten?" Ever since she had seen it, Gennadius found herself interested in getting one. It would be a nice project for her to save up for. That and she found herself simply fascinated by the idea of a dragon. She had heard many tales and myths about them but never had she seen anything so majestic as the one on the banner. Slowing her steps so she strolled beside the prince, Gennadius waited expectantly for a reply. Her dark blue eyes showed curiosity and intrigue, a deep emotion that she often didn't show, afraid people would use it against her. The female hungered to learn new things and discover everything she could. And, in being a servant girl, she was free to show her interest, unlike the stony stare she had to carry as a guard. |
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The growl that escaped Nilo when the hat was placed atop his head was instinctive, a defensive maneuver if you may. But it echoed off the walls of the castle and he couldn’t even pass it off as a cough if he tried. An embarrassed flush went to his cheeks, tainting them a gentle pink. Immediately, he cleared his throat, throwing an apologetic glance her way. He adjusted his hat, fidgeting uncomfortably for a moment before following her down the hall. You barely speak all morning, then growl at her like some sexual deviant? By the Gods Van Alsan, you are a mess. Nilo nodded along as she spoke to him as they moved through the castle, noticing as she abruptly cut herself off, but decided not to mention it. It was best if he didn’t press her for details, especially when she just seemed to be warming up to him. The time for delving into her life would come later, if they ever even got to that point in their oddly budding friendship. When Gennadius threw dirt at him he recoiled upon impact, a hiss escaping him, as he cast her a dramatic look laced with betrayal. It was rather funny, the large man gazing at the smaller blonde woman like a kicked puppy. The way Nilo's face drooped in mock sadness, and a scowl painted his sculpted features. With a faint groan, he wiped the dust from his face, casting a subtle glare before a smile ghosted his lips. The prince couldn’t help but cock a brow when she immediately dismissed the subject, as if she hadn’t just thrown dirt at the heir to the throne. Nilo rolled his eyes at the guard, falling into step beside her. “Apparently, the queen of silence is no longer fond of it.” He commented, messing with his hat again. It was rather itchy. For a few moments Nilo didn’t answer, as if making her wait. Perhaps he was, maybe that was his silent revenge for the dirt. In fact, he would probably openly admit that it was, owning his own immaturity if asked. People did not like dust hurled at their bodies, especially when they had just been clean moments before. “My grandmother was a seamstress. She enjoyed creating creatures of legends and scenery. She created a series of them while her husband was off demanding the respect of his subjects. She taught my mother how, I’ll have her make one for you if she has it in her. I’m not sure how she’s doing nowadays, it’s been awhile.” Truth be told, Nilo would probably just take it down off the wall and gift it to the guard. Nobody would tell him no. No one even cared about the old tapestries any longer, even though they should, the late queen had been a wonderful woman, standing by a man who only seemed to preach fire and brimstone. “My favorite one is the one she made of flowers that filled the gardens in the Castle of Lions, the one that’s in the royal city.” Nilo explained, “It’s gorgeous, with all kinds of different flowers, like roses, camelias, and my personal favorite, morning glories.” Nilo explained, pale eyes shining with the memories of the old castle that now sat stagnant, practically abandoned. “I should take you one day, I do have access after all, and someone once told me that women like flowers.” |
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Gennadius cast an interested glance at him again. His grandmother had made it? The young guard felt a slight twinge of sadness that she never got to meet the woman. The beautiful banner told so much more about her than what any person could tell. "I appreciate the offer but I wouldn't want to burden the queen. From what I've heard, she needs her rest." The guard knew any hopes of obtaining one for herself had vanished but it was simply an item. She would have the chance to see it every time the prince went to eat. Returning her attention to the prince, she listened to him with avid intrest. Again, she had only heard stories about the original castle. To see it would be amazing. "The queen would most likely appreciate flowers," the female corrected. The young guard had vague memories of getting flowers as a young child but they were tainted and mostly forgotten. Besides, what made her think the man would go as far as to get her some? She was simply his guard. As they weaved through different alley ways between taverns, the loud noise could be heard, echoing from the market. "Welcome to your people, Majesy," she said softly as they emerged into the bright colors and bustling nature of the shops. Citizens shouted at each other while other argued with vendors. Children ran through the streets chasing after stray dogs or drooling over the little toys hanging up in different shops. With a smile, she took the prince's arm and pulled him into the crowd. "Stay close." If she lost him, it would be near impossible to find him again. "I have one stop to make before we can meander through and let you see what there is." The young guard easily wove between people, being sure to make sure the prince was close behind. Just ahead lay the blacksmith's shop. Once in front of it, she paused, glancing around, before making a turn and pulling him around in through the back. A group of large sweaty men, narrowed their eyes at the intrusion until a darker blacksmith stepped up. "Gennad! Well if it isnt you?! What brings you here? Ready to cash in that favor I owe you?" The woman was unable to escape the thundering clap against her back though she took rather well, despite a slight wince. "And who is this?" he asked, gaze narrowing on the prince. "He is a new guard at the palace. I thought I'd bring him along. And yes, Drusus, I do want to cash in that favor." Gennadius grinned and pulled the large blacksmith to the side, out of earshot of the prince. "I want a shield." The man's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Not one of those steel things. It needs to be fancy. I'm think deep oak wood with the steel around the edges and in the middle. Do you think you can do that?" "Of course. But that is one of the easier ones to make. You sure you dont want something else?" The man's voice rumbled deeply. "We have some nice swords." "One other thing." She unlatched the shard pouch and handed it to him. "Can you have your glassman overlay it and add these? I have extra coins to make up the difference." Gennadius started to pull out that pouch. "No, no. This is on me. I can have it done and to you, let's say two days?" "Sounds perfect." She grinned and gave the man a hardy handshake before turning to meet with the prince again. "Alright, lead the way to where you want to go." Her dark eyes showed the excitement she felt to be back in the rush of people. This was her first home after all. |
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Nilo followed Gennadius through the town dumbly, stumbling after the guard her moved through the people as if it were a second nature. Long accustomed to life on the countryside, the new smells and noises were smack in the face to the young prince, nervous eyes wide as they maneuvered the crowd. The market was completely new to him, it was apart of a larger village he had never visited on the eastern section of the king’s lands, as he had always gravitated towards the west. After what felt like forever, they stopped, and Nilo nearly connected with a wooden beam, barely catching himself before experiencing what would have been a painful embarrassment. While Gennadius spoke to man who seemed only to speak in a warm bellow, he took the time to look around. People were packed so closely as they fought to reach destinations, yet they moved with a grace that eluded to experience. Nilo on the other hand, looked like a wounded animal as he had woven through the peasants, running into several people along the way. Buildings were shoved tightly together, no room to breathe. Although they seemed to have haphazard structures, the properties seemed to be rather stable. Faded banners hung here and there, laundry lay drying on windowsills. Children played, avoiding the people with more elegance than the prince could ever hope to have in that town, flashing toothy grins at one another. Nilo had been used to hordes of people within the royal city, but it seemed this place thrived on its controlled, unusual chaos. Eventually his guard returned to his side, much to his relief, feeling much more confident among the commoners than Nilo did, feeling at home among the hustle and bustle. He swallowed, silently fearing reentry into the crowds. It was quite comical. A prince, who had the world within the palm of his hands, was anxious towards the herds of his own people? Nilo’s head snapped up as Gennadius spoke to him, asking him where he would like to go. “Errrr,” The prince paused glancing around, “I’m not sure.” He scanned the area around him, standing on his toes to see above the throng of peasants. He was unfamiliar with the area as well as what people usually did within the markets. “Is there anywhere that you know of here that might have anything interesting? I’m obviously new here.” He spoke, still eyeing the shops that surrounded the blacksmiths. Nothing stood out to him, what Nilo was well aware that any one of those places could be hidden gems. |
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Gennadius' grin widened as she noticed his unease, the man clearly having been sheltered from the world outside his royal halls. It was a very good thing she had dressed him as a common slave. No telling what the poor prince would have gotten himself into had he been allowed to roam as himself. Every robber that side of the kingdom would want to get their hands on a token to prove just how good they were. Had she not done the same? A cool breeze wove through the hot sweaty crowd, bringing with it small relief. The people were packed on the sides of the streets, shouting and yelling, hands waving after the parade of horses, royal banners draped over their flanks. The king and queen waved to their people, their guards keeping a tight protective circle around them. No one dared get too close. Ah, no one but a homeless peasant with a taste for adventure. But it was not jewelry or money she was after. No, it was a small book the page edges trimmed with gold. It sat enticingly in the queen's saddle bag, almost asking her to take it into her own hands. With more daring than a hardened thief, she expertly wove through the crowd, searching for her opening. It came soon enough. The queen's horse let out a snort and pranced side ways when a dog darted past. Taking the opportunity, Gennadius stumbled into the straight, feigning fright. She allowed the horse to come close enough to look as if it were to trample her, though she kept a few inches out of reach. Her fingers had easily wrapped around the book as she acted disoriented, slipping it into the folds of her tunic. "Is she alright?" the gentle voice had asked as the guards moved thr young girl from the royal's path. But before the queen could find out, Gennadius had vanished, holding her treasured prize close. Only a few minutes later, a rough hand had grabbed hold of her arm, yanking her down a street. That was her first meeting with Darius. The older man had never found the book, and therefore didn't have proof. But he admired the girl's gall. Gennadius gently led the prince through the thinning crowd, the morning rush nearly over. Did she still have the book? Yes... she did, though she had never opened it, feeling guilty from having stolen from the gentle woman. Perhaps someday soon she would return it. As of now, it was neatly tucked within the pile of her other books, hidden under her bed. "I know you just ate but I think you'd like the baker's. They make some of the most amazing bread and pastries there. I bet they even out bake your high strung chefs," she challenged in good humor. The experienced female brought him to the large stall before placing some of her coins in his hand. "Choose what you'd like to try." |
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Nilo stumbled after his guard, clinging to her side like a scared child. It was clear who had the power out of the two at that moment, and it sure wasn’t the heir to the throne. It took all of his willpower to not reach for one of her slender arms, afraid of losing her in the controlled chaos. For if she vanished within the crowd, there was no doubt that he would be swallowed whole by the throngs of civilians, with no mercy at that. It was evident that Nilo’s guard was enjoying his discomfort at the bustling market, seen in the way her eyes sparkled with amusement at his apprehension, a grin at his awkward fidgets. For once he was the one outside his comfort zone, while she on the other hand was in her element. There was a time when she was one of the people who roamed those streets, before she became a guard. Nilo had his own inquiries regarding the young woman before him, some about her present life, and some about who she once was. But afraid of pushing the wrong buttons, or asking the wrong question, he kept them internal, not wanting to sever the beginnings of their unlikely friendship. They arrived at what could best be described as a temporary bakery. It was a large stand, clad in all kinds of baked goods, from familiar foods to things that seemed exotic, even to him. It was a dusty, homey looking setup, much less intimidating then some of the other stalls he had seen. Nilo glanced around it in silence, analyzing the spread before him in an almost comical manner. After several moments of awkward silence, he settled on a flaky looking pastry, pulling a few of his own coins out of his pocket to pay. Nilo was aware Gennadius had been prepared to purchase the treat for him, but couldn’t bring himself to accept the offer. As nice as it was, the prince could definitely pay for his own food. “Here.” He murmured, sliding the coins back into her palm with a soft “clink”, and turning back to the tanned merchant before him. Nilo grabbed the small paper bag delicately from the man’s calloused hands, giving him a polite smile in return. He cast the vendor a soft thank you as his gaze returned to his companion, light eyes meeting dark ones. “Is there anything you would like, Gennadius?” He questioned, head slightly tilted as he looked down at her. |
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Honestly, the female had been relieved when the prince bought his own food. Gennadius hoped to save as much as she possibly could now that she wouldn't be able to earn extra money on the side. Looking back at the baker, the guard cast a glance around the pastries, eyes landing on something that caused her to smile. "I'll take that one," she told the man, pointing the a twisted pastry with dark pink oozing from it. It had always been her favorite. Taking the wrapped pastry from the man, she handed him the coins. Sliding it into a loose hidden fold, she turned to the prince with a smile. "I have the perfect place for us to enjoy these. Somewhere a little less crowded." Wrapping her arm around his, she nimbly slid between people as she made her way through the bustling streets. Sensing how uncomfortable the man was, she turned to an ally. "This is a quicker less crowded way. But keep your eyes and ears open." The young woman had no fear of the dark passage, having found safety and friendship in it for many years. But the inexperienced prince may find himself unprepared for what hid in the shadows. Winding through the narrow way, Gennadius led, eyes darting in every direction, keeping track for any sounds. Then she stopped. No sound could be heard. "Down!" She snapped to the prince, using her fu weight to shove him to the ground as she yanked out the hidden dagger. Sparks flew through the ally way as two dagger blades struck. Gennadius shoved her foot into a chest before she spun around and elbowed another man across the throat. Choking could be heard as a figure dropped and she grabbed hold of a third man. They tussled for a few moments before she had him pinned down, dagger resting underneath his chin. "First person to move cleans up his blood," she hissed. Laughter came from her victim. "Well if it isnt the devil come back to join us. Back off boys. Gennad means what she says..." The guard released the figure and shoved him back with an irritated snort. "Go pick on someone your own size Dorian. Leave the peasants alone." Her dark gaze held a hint of humor despite her just trying to kill the man. "Of course darling. But of all the people you ought know this is my domain. Here, I take what I want." His raspy voice joked as his dark green eyes landed on the prince. "Who is this guy?" Gennadius stepped between, holding her dagger threateningly to make a point. "A friend. We are heading the old apartments. Can you give us safe passage." Her gaze landed back on her dagger as she turned in her hand, inspecting it, before looking back. Dorian read the message loud and clear and nodded. "Of course we can. Take the old paths and we'll keep the way clear. But after this, you owe us." Gennadius rolled her eyes quickly grabbing the prince by the arm and leading him away. "Whatever you say." Being sure to move as quickly as possible, Gennadius lead him down a few more winding alleys before bring him up the stairs of an old building. After a few floors, she ducked under an archway into the bright morning light. From the top of the apartments, the entire market could be seen. Sitting down on the edge, she pulled out the wrapped and somewhat squished pastry. It would do... now she just waited for the questions that were sure to come. |
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Nilo followed her without suspicion, not even questioning the detour. That was his first mistake. He threw him to the ground, her smaller body clearly making an effort to topple his larger one. He gave in as soon as he realized her efforts, slumping against one of the grimy walls and allowing her to take charge. Nilo would be useless in a fight, because although brawny, he was inexperienced. Nilo watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, his brows raising at the twos familiarity. She knew these people? Gennadius was a guard, why would she be affiliated with such people? If Nilo had been alone, or had Gennadius not been a trained fighter, he had no doubt the two of them would have been killed in that very alleyway. Suddenly, the world seemed much more real. No wonder his guard had been so closed off, so wary. If she dealt with people like that on the regular, which it was clear she did, the woman would have to be cautious to survive. A wrong move would have her dead. As the man’s eyes landed on him, Nilo instinctively pulled down his hat, covering his telltale russet hair. Luckily, with Gennadius’s quick defense and general disinterest, his identity was kept safe. Nilo couldn’t even imagine what they would do to him. It was only seconds more before Nilo was dragged to his feet, his guards golden-topped head bobbing before him as she led him through the alleyways nimbly, a newfound swiftness to her gait. He followed in silence, still stunned by the events that had just occurred. That, and he figured it would be better to let her focus, considering that there could be more men hiding in the alleyways. Eventually they arrived at an abandoned building, the pair clambering up its rickety stairs before reaching a rooftop. It was rather peaceful, safe from the lumbering crowds and their loudness. Although they could still be heard from up there, it was much better than being in the middle of it all. It would have been a nice change of scene, if not for his next outburst. “Gennadius!” Nilo called breathlessly, coming up a few feet behind her, “Are you okay? What is the God’s was that? How do you even know that man?” The questions were firm and rapidfire, riding the breeze that ran over the rooftops. He pulled his hat off his head, using it to wipe some of the sweat from his brow. |
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Gennadius took the terse words with dignity, keeping her back to him and head held high. "Sit highness. Sit and look down on your people." Her tone was calm as she beckoned him beside her, dark gaze fixed on the throng of people. She easily picked out the beggars, the rich merchants, the slaves, and the thieves. "What you see is the real world. It is harsh and cold at times, though one can find it full of beauty and light. It would behoove you to get to know it." She turned to face him, her eyes revealing a deep wisdom and cool iron will that spoke of a life harder than that of a simple guard. "When you've come from a place such as this, you make alliances in every dark corner." And as quickly as the truth had been revealed, it vanished behind the a playful smirk. She had said what she would. Looking back out, Gennadius took a bite of her pastry, savoring the flavorful filling. "And put your hat back on. Just because we're higher doesn't mean we're safer." She scooted closer to the edge, letting her legs dangle over the side. The female knew she could easily fall but perhaps that was the allure of sitting there. She was sitting against death. A sudden longing rose within her. How she missed the market place and the dark alleys. It was nice having an honest living but... but there was no freedom. Life was choked from you. Out there, out there every day carried a new challenge. Every step was a risk. Every breath was a blessing. And out there you could watch the world thrive in it's normal run of things. She missed it, deeply. "When you finish, we should get you back to the castle," Gebnadius spoke as she wiped the crumbs from her mouth. The cool breeze blew her hair back and she sucked in a deep breath of the air. She could taste the smells, the tensions, the chaos. And she savored it. The female was respected here. She was a legend and if one dug deep enough, they could find her past in the tales told by the thieves, the uncomfortable gossips of the merchants, and the awed expressions of the poor youth. But this was no longer her life. She was royal guard to the prince himself. And that seemed more treacherous than all the thieves in the world. Standing up on the ledge, she swayed for a moment with the breeze before stepping back, looking at the prince with a raised brow. |
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Spring Month: 2 
Night Weather: 
Clear Moon: 
