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Post by dmitri on Jul 11, 2009 17:02:03 GMT -5
Evening in St. Petersburg. The full moon was shining on the river Neva, and the young kitchen boy Dmitri had finished another day of washing dishes in the Palace of Czar Nikolai II. He sighed with relieve that he was finally done, and stroke his brownish hair back in relief.
Phew, thank God I am finally done! One more plate, and I would be a prune....
Dmitri removed his apron and left the kitchen, together with the other Palace workers that didn't LIVE in the castle. He had eaten in the Palace, the cook had been in a good mood, and Dmitri and the other servants were allowed to eat the leftovers from the meals of the rich.
Dmitri looked dreamily up at the sky, where the stars were already burning. Whenever he saw the stars, he felt how small and insignificant he was in the Great Universe. By the riverbank he had a wooden raft, that would bring him home safe. He hopped on it, and with a wooden stake, he started staking his way home to his humble home. It went slowly, since his arms were aching after a day of hard work, but he didn't mind. He started singing towards the sky, one of his favorite songs.
Kalinka (Russian Folk song)
Kalinka Kalinka
Kalinka maja
W sadoe jagada
Malinka Malinka maja
Eeh Kalinka
Kalinka Kalinka maja
W Sadoe jagada
Malinka Malinka maja
Pad sasnojoe, pad zjeljenojoc
Sptj palazhije menja ah
Ah ljoeli ljoeli, aj ljoeli ljoeli
Spatj palazhitje wi menja
Kalinka Kalinka
Kalinka maja
W sadoe jagada
Malinka Malinka maja
Eeh Kalinka
Kalinka Kalinka maja
W Sadoe jagada
Malinka Malinka maja
Krasawitsa, doeska dewitsa
Poljoebi zhe ti menja, ah
Aj ljoeli ljoeli, aj ljoeli ljoeli
Paljoebi zhe ti menja
Kalinka Kalinka
Kalinka maja
W sadoe jagada
Malinka Malinka maja
Eeh Kalinka
Kalinka Kalinka maja
W Sadoe jagada
Malinka Malinka maja
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Post by * anastasia on Jul 11, 2009 17:07:11 GMT -5
Anya sat along the river bank, not quite sure how she got there, or even what she was doing there, but for the time being it didn't matter. She was angry, and upset about what had happened between her and Peter; unfortunatly for him Anya rarely gave anyone a second chance. She sighed, resting her head on her knees, her eyes dry now, but still it was a lot to take in.
Someone downshore was singing. It was an old Russian folksong, everyone knew the words, and the Duchess would have joined in, but she felt too bitter to do so. Assuming it was just another merchant or servant, she sighed and didn't look. Púca, who had been sitting with her all along suddenly glanced up and began to bark loudly towards the direction of the raft. He ran along the shore, wagging his tail furiously and continued barking. |
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Post by dmitri on Jul 11, 2009 17:23:53 GMT -5
While Dmitri staked his raft down the river, he saw someone seated by the river bank. It was a tiny shape, and most certainly had to be a woman, because Russian men were normally larger built. From this distance he couldn't find out who it was, but it was strange for a Russian woman to be out on her own in the evening. When he came closer, he could see the woman was resting her head in her knees, and he could hear a sigh from her. His heart filled with compassion. Dmitri was kind of heart, and could not stand to see a woman suffer. With a deep sigh he staked his raft closer, hoping he would not scare the woman on the river bank.
When he slowly came closer, he heard the barking of a dog near the woman. The source of the barking was too small to be seen from the raft, but already now Dmitri knew he would be in trouble. He was allergic to dogs. The dogs seemed to know this, because EVERY time he was near, they seemed to shed MORE hair than they normally did. The hairs then flew in the air around him until they started landing on his nose, or other parts of him where they could start annoying his sensitive skin or tickle him until he started to sne-e-eze......
"Ah-ah-ah-choo!"
The sound of his sneeze planted itself towards the sky, echoing all over the Neva River, and broke off any opportunity of making an impressive entrance in front of the young woman.
Dmitri gave himself a mental facepalm.
Oh great! Now there isn't a person in all of St. Petersburg who does NOT know I am allergic to dogs.....
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Post by * anastasia on Jul 12, 2009 6:09:14 GMT -5
Someone sneezed very loudly, and the singing stopped, presumably the same person. A small smile crept onto Anya's lips, though it didn't brush off her bad mood none the less. She squinted at the figure on the shoreline. She stood up and brushed off her dress, folding her arms. Hello? She called uncertainly.
Púca yapped delightedly at Dimitri and then turned on his heel and raced back to Anya. He circled her feet and then barked again, jumping up at her dress. Anya pushed him away. Don't! You'll make it dirty. Púca had a snorting sort of noise, before barking again. Anya rolled her eyes, what had got into him today? |
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Post by dmitri on Jul 12, 2009 6:21:42 GMT -5
Drats! She had discovered him! Now he HAD to make his present known. Dmitri took a few moments to blow his nose, and to wash his face and hands in the river. He also ran his fingers through his hair a few times, hoping he wouldn't look TOO miserable when he approached her.
He could still hear the dog bark on the river bank, and wondered if he had something he could use to stuff it with, maybe a sausage or two, so the yapping would silence. Dmitri found a couple sausages in his pocket, he always smuggled out something for the animals he always met on his way. Even if he was allergic, he loved animals.
When he came closer to the river bank and noticed the woman, his eyes widened in surprise. Even the kitchen help would know what Princess Anastasia Romanov, the youngest (and in his eyes most beautiful) daughter of Czar Nikolai II of Russia would look like. As soon as he had arrived on the river bank, he knelt down in front of the Princess, lowering his head in respect and kissed the edge of her skirts, like any good, loyal citizen would do. Since she was royal, he did as all the servants of the castle had been instructed to.
Keep silent until you are spoken to, Dmitri. It is her choice whether or not she wishes to acknowledge your excistence....
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Post by * anastasia on Jul 12, 2009 6:36:50 GMT -5
For a moment, silence. Anya peered into the gloom, then realised that Púca had scampered off. The dog was actually sat a little way away, chewing on the sausages. He was easily comforted. The Duchess blinked, her eyes finding the young man who had been on the raft. And as usual, he knelt at her feet. She was accustomed to it ever since she had been born, but still wasn't quite comfortable with it.
He seemed very familiar to her. You may rise. She spoke softly, watching him curiously. You're from the kitchens aren't you? What's your name? He was quite good looking, very good looking at that. But what was the use? He was a servant, and she would be expected to marry royalty. |
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Post by dmitri on Jul 12, 2009 7:05:03 GMT -5
Dmitri smiled when Púca accepted his gift and walked away from him, as if the dog understood the man was allergic. Púca was a darling dog, and if Dmitri could, he would have petted the dog. Unfortunately he could not do that without risking waking up the rest of Russia with his sneezing.
Still kneeling in front of the princess, he admired her beautiful dress and her shoes. (Palace servants are not allowed to look at the royalties unless they are told to.) Then he heard the beautiful voice of the Princess as she spoke to him. In his ears it was a sound more beautiful than any voice from the angels of heaven. Since she told him to rise, he stood up and turned his gaze to face her.
What he saw was a lovely shine of red hair, falling around the most beautiful and noble female face he had ever seen. From under long, dark eyelashes, her beautiful ice blue eyes were studying him. Dmitri's heart skipped a beat, and his gaze fell for a brief moment to her rosy lips, longing, before he once again met her stare. He offered a shy smile, to indicate that he was harmless, and that she didn't have anything to fear from him.
"Yes, my Princess. I am working as a kitchen boy in the Czar's palace. God bless the Czar," he added with a smile.
He had heard that some of the Russians were whispering about revolution, but Dmitri was not a part of that. His gentle nature did that he disliked bloodshed, unless it was absolutely necessary, like when lives were in danger and he had to fight to survive. But luckily, he had never experienced that.... yet. He was content with working in the kitchen. Yes, the days were long and the payment small, but he often got leftovers he could bring home to his parents, and frankly.... Dmitri had never known another life than that of a servant.
"My name is Dmitri, Princess. Just Dmitri...."
Dmitri didn't have a surname, like so many other servants and workers in Russia in his time. They were considered the property of their owners, and the owners decided EVERYTHING that went down in their lives, including who they were going to marry, or when they were allowed to use the toilet. Dmitri sighed. Maybe a LITTLE revolution wouldn't harm.... as long as nobody got hurt....
Dmitri studied the beautiful face of the Princess again. She seemed.... sad.... in a way. Her eyelashes had teardrops hanging in them, as if she had been.... crying? Dmitri's warm heart filled with compassion, and to his horror he could hear himself ask.
"Is there something wrong, my Princess? You look so sad...."
Please don't kill me, my Princess, it just slipped out of me. I couldn't help it....
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Post by aphrodite on Jul 12, 2009 10:08:29 GMT -5
<*knocks before entering thread* Is this the one that I'm supposed to join in?>
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Maleficent
New Member
You Poor, Simple Fools
Posts: 1
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Post by Maleficent on Jul 12, 2009 10:11:04 GMT -5
(Yes it is *Evil smile* Come on in!  ) |
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Post by * anastasia on Jul 13, 2009 7:10:09 GMT -5
When the servant did stand up to face her, Anya was caught by surprise. A soft gasp escaped her before she smoothed over her complexion into something neutral. He was undoubtedly gorgeous to the extreme, though she would never say this out loud for fear of her status. He had dark hair, a strong jaw and an innocent, yet slightly cheeky smile. He seemed almost nervous, trying to stay on her good side. Anya knew this was because of her reputation, as very few outside the palace knew her as a person.
His name was Dimitri, quite a common name here, but it suited him. She noticed he had been watching her, and wondered whether it was still obvious she was upset. When he spoke, she considered actually using that power she was born into, but then her heart softened as she looked at him. Anya sighed heavily. Family complications. You see, I'm expected to marry into royalty, whether I like it or not. She smiled sadly. |
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Post by dmitri on Jul 13, 2009 7:31:14 GMT -5
Dmitri looked shyly over at the beautiful princess. Yes, he knew that he was staring, and that staring was impolite, especially since she was a royal person, but he couldn't help it. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and his heart beat faster just by looking at her.
Girls had until now never been a part of Dmitri's life. He had his Mother and his younger sisters of course, and he loved them with all his heart, like he loved his Father and his brothers. But romance? Dmitri had never been in love. He had not even had an innocent little fling. He was a kitchen boy, and yes, there were female servants at the palace, but Dmitri considered them friends. He had never thought of any of them in a romantic way. The beautiful princess in front of him, however, turned his life upside down, and Dmitri had to use all he had of self control to not take the beautiful Princess in his strong arms and hold her there for all eternity. The fact that she had been crying only made that urge to hold her, to protect her, stronger.
NO! You are MINE!!!!
Dmitri felt his heart twinge, and then an instant rush of jealousy when Anya told him that she was expected to marry into royalty. His eyes darkened for a moment, and he wanted to hit something. Hard. Preferably the man the Czar wanted Anastasia to marry.
Then his eyes softened, and he looked at the young beautiful Princess with sympathy, and with sadness in his eyes. He knew perfectly well that Princesses don't marry kitchen boys. And yet, she was all he had ever dreamed about... It gave him some comfort that the princess seemed just as sad about the expected marriage as he was. He swallowed hard and looked up at her, trying to offer some sympathy, in spite of the despair he felt inside.
"I..... am sorry to hear that, my Princess. Do.... do you know his name yet?"
He paused for a moment, hesitant, before he lowered his voice and continued.
"You... didn't seem too happy about it. Do you need to talk about it? I know I am only a loyal servant, but even a servant can offer a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on."
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Post by * anastasia on Jul 13, 2009 15:35:18 GMT -5
She blinked, realising she had been staring, and he likewise for a moment or so. Shaking her head she glanced away, this was ridiculous, but her head was spinning. She barely knew this man...yet she never felt like this when she was greeted by one of her many suitors that her father deemed appropriate and had picked out for her. She watched his expression change, and she frowned. Is there something wrong? Anya asked, dropping her arms to her sides.
Her mouth wrenched into a sideways line. High King Peter of Narnia. Anya's face completely darkened then, her mouth twisting into a frown. I'd rather marry a beggar and live on the streets. She said. She glanced up at him. She didn't really know him, but she supposed, it would be nice to talk to someone that might see her point of view. Sit with me? She said, turning and crossing back to her spot on the bank. She sat down, looking around for Púca, then at Dimitri again. |
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Post by aphrodite on Jul 13, 2009 18:03:20 GMT -5
Aphrodite was bored. Lately she’d been following the same old routine in Greece. ”Help me find my true love, make my husband find me attractive again,” etc. etc. The men of Greece were becoming overly pathetic these days too; there was no one worthy left for her to conquer. Where were all the rough and tough brutes and golden haired wonders she used to find? Did such men only exist in the occasional blue moon hero, or in Sparta these days? Of course that thought reminded her of Ares. Do you think he learned any new tricks in the last millennia? No. She needed a change of pace, a change of scenery. A bored goddess was an unhappy goddess and an unhappy goddess was never a good thing because it led to countless troubles for mortals.
Aphrodite was seated at her seashell shaped vanity with a pile of love letters wrapped up in scrolls. She pushed the papyrus aside, kissed the tip of her index finger and pushed it against the glass. It rippled showing an image of Corinth. Continual presses showed various states of Greece and then other areas of the world. One moonlit night caught her eye. A pair of young people who looked like polar opposites of each other were sitting along the edge of a river bank. The boy looked completely dowdy in his attire, while the girl was the epitome of royal beauty. Just one look at the male youth told the goddess that he found the princess to be attractive, while the tears in the other’s eyes told a tale of woe. Raising a glass of ambrosia to her lips (she was on an ambrosia only diet) Aphrodite leaned back and watched the scene unfold.
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Post by dmitri on Jul 14, 2009 4:38:00 GMT -5
Dmitri looked into the beautiful, ice blue eyes of the lovely Princess Anastasia Romanov, drowning himself in her gaze. He was completely lost, and only when she shook her head and glanced away, he came to his senses.... well, at least as much as he could with his heart pounding like a war drum and his head spinning. He had to use all his self dicipline to not pull her into his arms and place a passionate kiss on her lips. He had a sneaky suspicion what the Czar would do to him if he even KNEW what Dmitri felt for his daughter.... Then it wouldn't be easy to be the Czar's little kitchen boy.....
He realized that his jealousy was showing, when he saw a frown on Anastasia's face, before she asked if something was wrong. He gulped, swallowed hard and looked at her, trying to hide his jealousy as well he could. That a stranger, a King who didn't even KNOW the princess would have the right to hold her in his arms, kissing her, even if it was against her will, while Dmitri, who loved her more than life itself, should be doomed to a life with merely washing her dishes, just because he was a.... kitchen boy. Dmitri gave himself a mental face palm.
Down boy.... DOWN! Don't even THINK about it! You don't even have anything to offer her, you clown! Only all your love, devotion and faithful serving of her for as long as you live...... Why would she marry YOU when she can have a KING who gives her all the luxury a woman like her deserves?
His tear-fogged mind returned to reality, and he vaguely remembered she had asked her a question. If everything was fine. He couldn't avoid answering when SHE asked him anything. Trying to hide his pain that she could never be his, he opened his eyes, smiled faintly, and replied in a strained voice.
"Yes, My Princess, everything is fine....."
Dmitri listened to Anastasia whe she started to tell him about one High King Peter of Narnia. It was a comfort to him that she was frowning when she spoke about him. Clearly the Princess did not love this man, and for the first time in his life, Dmitri wished that he was royal, so he could propose to her, and free her from this man she didn't love. But then again, if he had been a prince, he would live in another castle, away from HER. He wouldn't have the honor of helping the cook preparing her meals every morning, or was the plates she had eaten from, or her fork, knowing that her lovely lips had touched the fork he was gently caressing before he washed it clean....... A life without Anya? Unthinkable.....
Dmitri woke up when her sweet, angelic voice offered him to sit with her. Under normal circumstances, he would never have dared taking such liberties in the presence of a royal person, but Dmitri was already lost under her spell. Love-struck. He followed her, sitting down on the place she had offered him. His heart was thudding, and he hoped she would not hear it. He took a deep, trembling breath, and listened when she spoke of this....Peter.
"A beggar? Oh, Princess. Is he THAT bad? You.... have met him? What did the King do to you?"
His voice was soothing and protective at the same time, and the dark color in his eyes gave away that if this... this.... KING had hurt her in any way, Dmitri would get back at him. He had no idea how a kitchen boy can fight a king, but a devilish smirk crossed his face by the thought of it.
I can always hit him over the head with a frying pan when the Czar isn't looking......
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Post by * anastasia on Jul 14, 2009 15:58:40 GMT -5
Of course, being a mere mortal, even if she was royalty, Anya had no idea they were being watched. She gazed up at Dimitri, waiting for him to take his seat. She glanced away, blinking, this was stupid, she was a Princess, for God's sake. Running away with her feelings, as much as she would like to - and that was a lot - would not do her good in the long run. Particularly if the Tzar found out...
She glanced at him, judging. Should she tell him? Of course, he wouldn't tell anyone, but it was still a lot to bestow on someone. You mustn't tell anyone what I'm going to tell you, because I would be in trouble. Anya said. Trouble would be the least of it. She folded her arms round her knees. When my father considered the possibility, I paid no attention. She started. She and her sisters had gotten well used to the various names of suitors thrown up in the household.
It was when he approached me and asked whether I would accompany him for an evening... Her cheeks went a light pink. It was only at a wedding, I found out he had been seeing another girl. Her cheeks had now darkened in anger, though her eyes were glassy with tears. She stared ahead, watching the lights dance on the river's surface. |
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