Voivode Court of Moldavia-Wallachia

[AugCaesar]

Gilles beamed as Ostrov spoke so eloquently of his homeland and the visions in Gilles mind were glorious though he thought they could do this place Ostrov talked about no honor. Finally as Ostrov was finishing Gilles noticed the emotion washing over him and spoke softly.

"No excuse is needed, a man with such love for his home is noble indeed and need no justification." Gilles sipped from his brandy and talked to the others around him for a bit about minor matters. The food, the drink, other people of import at the table and generally enjoyed the company. As a lull came to his conversation and he still awaited the next course he turned again to Ostrov.

"So tell me what brings you here to Iasi?"

 

[von Streusser]

Stefan chuckled. "Why should it amaze you that Maia, such a slight young woman, would be able to joust well? Have you never seen her wield a weapon? She is the youngest of my siblings, and yet I bet if you asked any of my brothers which child of Alexandru they feared the most, it was Maia. She is...shall we say, feisty? Full of fire, and whenever one of us vexed her as youths, she would take it out of our hide." Both Voivodes laughed heartily at this.

Ilias picked up. "In fact, it took many years for our mother to turn her into a proper lady...but growing up with four brothers didn't make that any easier, I'm certain. It will be good to have her home, for all of us, I think." The two Voivodes shared a smile, for once their twin faces reflecting each in the other perfectly. Stefan waved to a servant indicating it was time for the next course to be brought out. While the food was fetched, the twins listened intently to the two men speaking of their homes.

Several servants brought out the next course and laid fresh plates before the guests. Each contained a hefty lamb chop, garnished with basil and mint, with a hash of potatoes and "patricieni", grilled minced meat, served beside. Plum brandy was still made available to those who wanted it, but Moldavian wine was coming out as well now. A light salad of cucumbers and tomatoes was also brought out beside the lamb.

Ilias breathed the aromas of the plate before him in deeply, smiling broadly as he did so. "Ahhhh, I have always loved this dish..."

 

[N Katsyev]

Ostrov was absolutely delighted at the new dish being brought out. It reminded him very much of something he may have had home. Ivan smiled at Ilias and listened to the two brothers and their admiration of their sister. Ostrov had to admit, he could hardly see the Lady Maia riding a horse in a tourney much more than any other lady... but for some reason it didn't surprise him either.

He started pressing some of his hash onto a roll when Gilles asked him of what brought him to Iasi, he finished his task so as to be quicker to eat it when done speaking, "Im here to represent the Republics of Pskov and Veliky Novgorod in the name of the Grand Princess Mina Andreyevna Polotovskaya the Blessed. However... I was originally sent here by the Grand Prince Pavyel Polotovski... " Ostrov stopped to take a bite, that he washed down with the brandy, not caring to move onto the wine yet. He thought to himself his last sentence might be misleading... "You see, Mina is Pavyel's younger sister. The Grand Prince Pavyel abdicating not too too long after my arrival here. He was a good man... but... well that's another story entirely. Unlike in the west, in Pskov heirs are not by father to son, but to the next oldest immediate relative. Usually male, but Pavyel made an exception with Mina... To say she is an exceptional leader I think would be to not due her justice, Pavyel obviously found it in Pskov's better interests to be ruled by Mina and not Prince Andrei, the next in line." Ostrov paused, catching himself, not wanting to ramble on too long.

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles ripped into the lamb before him as Ostrov spoke about his Princess. He equated her with Maia, women of strength, and from the light in Ostrov's eyes when he spoke of Mina, beauty as well. Gilles poured his last bit of brandy down his throat before he took a sip of the wine that was poured. He took a small sip and swished it around in mouth a bit.

"Worth of any French vineyard," he said aloud forgetting himself. He apologized to Ostrov who was midsentence and continued listening intently hold the wine to the side of his face gracefully. The niceties of French nobility die hard he thought to himself. When Ostrov finished Gilles was still listening intently, forgetting his food, as the liqour began to cloud his brain. "Perhaps it is better that the most able rule above the first born. I could imagine a different world if that were the case in all places. Pskov," Gilles said, butchering the pronunciation, " sounds like an intriguing place I shall have to visit in someday if ever I can."

The conversation ended and Ostrov digging into his food Gilles remembered his own plate before him and proceeded to take a large bite of the lamb. He ate silent for a bit before he turned back to the Voivodes and spoke again.

"She is a proper lady indeed, and a credit to the Litovois," Gilles spoke of Maia before stopping himself. Certainly the drinks had gone to his head and he thought it better to not speak of his friends sister in such a state.

"This certainly is a fine meal my Lords," He toasted his glass again to Ilias and Stefan and continued eating.

 

[N Katsyev]

Ostrov had grown quiet, not out of sadness, but out of reverence. He happily chewed the lamb, drank the brandy and listened to the pleasant conversation about him. His hold on the Romanian tongue was getting rather strong, and he could even gather most of what was said when they were talking quickly. This Gilles fellow was decidedly a good sort. Maybe a little odd, but then all outlanders were a little odd.

 

[von Streusser]

"Thank you for your compliments to both our house and our chefs" said Ilias with a grin. He surveyed the table, then dug into his lamb chap. Each tender bite brought a broad grin to his face as he closed his eyes to better focus on the flavors rolling over his tongue. "Magnificent..."

Stefan chuckled. He ate a bit of his lamb as well, but mostly surveyed those present and smiled. Regardless of what threats may lurk outside, at least all was warm and friendly within these walls. He sighed. This retreat, this sanctuary...how long it would last, he couldn't say. But he hoped for just a little longer...

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles had eaten ravenously throughout the meal and that combined with the brandy and wine was starting to turn tricks in his stomach. He had not eaten like this in sometime and he had not tasted liqour in forever. Feeling sick he begged leave of the Voivodes and Ostrov and retired up to his room. He stumbled into the room and fell face first down on the bed. As he lay there his head began to spin and twirl as if he were falling from the heavens and he felt as if he were about to be sick. Quickly he sprung to his feet and heaved himself out the window jettisoning a trail of vomit before him and unto the courtyard below. He wiped his hand across his face and breathed heavily tears in his eye as his body heaved uncontrollably, freeing itself of the overabundance Gilles had stuffed in it. He remained there for sometime sick and incapacitated before finally he came to and found himslef lying on the ground before the window.

Nobody had discovered him as of yet so he rose and went over to the bed and lied down. He pulled on the rope next to his bed and awaited the servant. When he finally did come Gilles rose and wiping his eyes looked groggily towards him.

"Could you fetch me some water please and a bit of bread." The servant returned after some time and Gilles thanked him graciously. He drank a glass of water quickly and refilled his cup from the pitcher the servant had brought. He slowly ate the bread which calmed his stomach and after some time he was feeling himself again. Finally after he felt ready to walk again he made his way out of the room to see if the festivities were continuing.

 

[N Katsyev]

Ostrov nodded respectfully as Gilles left the table. Ivan thought the man looked rather ill... maybe just the difference in food. Ostrov had to admit, he didn't know much of what they ate in france, aside from wine, bread and cheese. No matter what they ate their however, Ostrov was more than happy to be partaking in his lamb and enjoying still the taste of the fine plum brandy. He wondered when the dancing would begin, what good feast as such was good without a good dance afterward anyway? His eyes looked about the table... and the courtiers of the room. Looking for potential, young, pretty dancing partners. It had been such a long time since Ostrov had danced, if he had to go out and maybe fight and die tomorrow, he might as well dance tonight...

 

[von Streusser]

"I think Gilles has been too long without a good stiff drink..." chuckled Ilias as the knight left the table. "Very well then...perhaps we should have a bite of dessert?" Ilias waved to a servant, who cleared the now empty dishes, and brought out a rich cheesecake, as well as several steaming kettles. A delicate cup was placed at each setting, and the kettles poured out a hot dark liquid...tea.

"Courtesy of our friends the Genovese." said Stefan as his guests sampled the drink. "I'd rather imagine some of this would perk Gilles right up. Perhaps we should track him down?"

Ilias laughed again. "No, let's have our dessert, start a little dance, and he will find his way back. Save some tea for him, he may need it. Domn Ostrov, are you a dancing man? I find it quite invigorating...perhaps some of the ladies here would be able to show you a few steps?" He gestured to a few of the minor Moldavian female dignitaries in attendance that night, several of whom gave a smile and batted an eyelash at Ivan.

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles certainly did not find his way back to the dinner as he found himself in the cool spring air. He walked out on the ramparts and rested his shoulders on the catles walls. Looking out at the city he felt twinges of pride in his heart and took possession of it. 'This is my home, my land,' he thought to himself as he sat there slowly recovering from his stupor. Slowly the sky turned dark, despite the radiant moon in the distance and he thought of Maia. He remembered the letter he had wrote to her so long ago, particularly its last words,

"I shall care for you always and if nothing else remember your beauty when everything else has turned to dark". Thinking of his ordeals on the pirate ships and what brought him to Iasi he eventually smiled and said aloud, " So it was you that gave me strength..my words were true.." He stood and looked through the cool breeze out over the Moldavian countryside and enjoyed the land as the memories of Maia occupied his mind. Eventuallly with the thoughts of Maia and a smile still overcoming him he strode into the castle and spotted Ostrov dancing joyously amongst a crowd of women.

 

[N Katsyev]

Ivan was quite delighted to see his nearly cleaned plate taken away and replaced with such a delectable looking desert. Ostrov looked to Ilias with his drink comment, "It certainly seems so your grace. Good sort though, i'm sure he'll be back." Ostrov had taken his first bite of the cheesecake... delicious he thought, when the steaming kettles were brought around.

Ostrov's face contorted slightly, what was this about? A cup of the strange new liquid was poured for him. Ostrov peered over the lip of his cup at the odd-looking drink, then looked up and around him as if looking for instruction. Ostrov was about to resign himself to trying the beverage when Ilias addressed him as to the dancing, Ostrov turned to him with a smile, "Dancing man am I your Grace? By nature of course, nature of being a man of the Rus. However a man is only as good as his partner..." Ostrov looked to one of the young digniatries... He thought he had recognized her, a young lady he had spoken too every so briefly one day many months ago. She had seemed sweet enough at the time, and not a bad looking girl either. She was no russian beauty, but he could appreciate her dark attractiveness all the same... Now however, first things first... this tea...

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles stared with a smile amongst the crowd of dancers then stumbled back taking a seat in the hall. He looked about and saw the portraits and sculptures of the great men of Moldavia. How couldhe ever be one he thought to himself as he burried his head in his hands. His heart and soul turned to Maia, and all he could think of was here beauty and her voice as he made his way to his room and set down. Once again he stroked the armor of Moldavia and a looked upon it.

" My Love, My Princess....," He sat down and stared at the armor and after some while walked towards the Grand Hall of Moldavia, the sun was still not risen and someone was bound to be awake to receive him.

 

[von Streusser]

Stefan sipped delicately at his tea...something about the beverage just suited him, he had decided. He had become quite enamored of it recently since the Genovese had started bringing the stuff in. It was especially wonderful on cold winter nights, warmed the soul. Ilias would drink anything you poured down his face though, thought Stefan with a hint of a laugh.

Stefan ate slowly while Ilias wolfed down his slice of cake. Some of the other people present were beginning to rise and move to the open spot on the floor and dance. The minstrels nearby picked up the tunes quickly, and a merry reverie soon began. Ilias sought out an attractive young noble-lady and danced, and all the while Stefan sat sipping at his tea and watching the goings on.

"Tomorrow we may die..." he thought to himself. "But tonight we celebrate the fact that we have not done so yet."

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles made his way across the way sober and on his path stopped embrace his Lord Ilias who danced with some woman and smiled broadly as they spoke together. Envetually he came to Lord Stefan's side and the palor which occupied hims mind betook his words.

" Lord Stefan, it is not hard to see you veil you anguish in happiness. For what duty do you call upon myself and all of the knights of Romania?" Gilles was setting at Stefan's side as a guest but addressed him properly as a servant and looked into his eyes loyally, as a man who would do as he was commanded. Behind his eye hid thoughts of Lady Maia, and his future, he hoped he could see before he had to lay his life down for his Lords, the Warlords of Moldavia.

 

[N Katsyev]

Ostrov leaned over his "tea" once more. He inhaled its aroma and gave himself an all-over body shiver in the process. Put his eyes wide open enough however, all the well. He saw Ilias stand to go dance and decided that with his cheesecake devoured, nothing was stopping him from doing the same.

The Russian with the slightly greying beard stood up with a smile and nodded to Stefan. He pushed his chair in and walked to where the dancing had begun. Not many had joined the rhythem yet, and Ostrov decided he wouldn't let Ilias steal the show quite so easily. These Moldavians could move he thought, it would be a waste if he didn't show them a Russian move or two. He bowed to one of the dark-haired young beautys present and took her hand, kissing it in a most gentle and noble way, "I would be most honored if you would grace me in this dance tonight."

 

[von Streusser]

Stefan did not turn to address Gilles, nor did he remove his eyes from the revelers on the dance floor nearby. His mood had instantly melted into a somber, emotionless expression that he so often wore.

"Gilles, I veil my anguish in nothing. A man without happiness can veil nothing in it. But for now, I call on you to enjoy yourself. Here, have some tea. There will be far less pleasant duties ahead, I assure you. Take the time now to accept one that you may take pleasure in. My sister likes to dance...perhaps you should learn a few native moves before she returns."

 

[AugCaesar]

"Perhaps you are right," Gilles respondes as his heart anguised. He wished nothing more than to see and be with Maia yet again, though he followed his leader and took to learning the Eastern dances. After a bit he forgot his sorrow and enmeshed himself in his learning. If she did retrun he would be a proper knight of Romania for her. He dreamed of her return to Iasi in his head as he thought of the future and his mind and heart were sick of Maia, he could do nothing but await her arrival though he hid it under a veil of valor and obedience,

 

[N Katsyev]

Doamna Antoaneta Valasecu looked with a smile to a lady she had been standing, chatting with only moments before. Now this outlander was holding her small hand in his, pressing his lips to it. Antoaneta smiled and gave her companion a knowing look with her eyes before flashing them back to the slightly greying Russian, "It would be my pleasure of course... Prince?"

Ostrov smiled back at her, he holding onto her hand in his palm as he led her out onto the floor he turned to face her, his hazel eyes taking her in, "Ostrov... Doamna?" Ostrov would not give her the moment to reply right off however. He beat his heels against the floor quickly and deftly and circled her his arms stretched out.

Antoaneta smiled despite herself, this man looked almost ridiculous she thought at first. However she was here to have fun, it had been much too long since she had done thus. She spun in the circle that Ostrov made with his body, clicking her heels against the floor when appropriate. She turned to look at him once over her shoulder, her dark hair flying about her as she made the head movement, "Valasecu."

Antoaneta and Ostrov hooked arms now and spun in a circle. They exchanged smiles Ostrov said between breaths, "Completely my pleasure Doamna Valasecu." He admired the way she moved, he especially loved to watch her hair as she danced. Wild and free it almost looked, yet ever so beautiful, reminding him very much of this country he now found himself...

 

[AugCaesar]

The feast and dance continued as Gilles made his way far from the dignitaries at the castle, and the Voivoides. Walking aimlessly in the dark he eventuallly found himself in the dark and alone. He drew his sabre forth and slashed it before him landing firmly on his foot, testing its firmness, he found himself in the company of a group of soldiers. Confident that he could again fight, Gillles stroked gracefully through the night whisping his sword through the air and raising it in defense when it seemed necessary. He twirled through the air whipping his sword in a way his men had never seen as he trained with them. "Together we shall train, and I shall learn much of the spear, and you of the sword." He looked out across the men and smiled, do not think of where I am from or the tactics I speak, know only that I serve your Lords as I due and wish to restore their glory." With that Gilles looked at the man and began to swing his blade in a way they had never seen.

 

[N Katsyev]

As the first dance ended Ostrov bowed and kissed Antoaneta's hand once more delicately. He backed away from her now as another man came to dance with her. He felt he should catch his breath during this dance. Better to lose one, than to dance one badly he thought. He stepped over to the side of the floor, looking about him. Ilias was still in it, vigorous and having a good time of himself it seemed. He wondered where the good Gilles was, he had not really seen him since he had left ill, he hoped he was okay...

As much as he was trying to concentrate on his surroundings, his eyes kept falling back to the graceful Antoaneta Valaescu. The first woman he had really much contact with since his arrival from Pskov all too long ago. She reminded him slightly of the gypsy girls that he and his friends would gawk at in their youth. Yet she was different, noble, more refined, yet posessing the same dark beauties and allures and of course grace.

This next dance had ended and Ostrov walked back to the floor, approaching Antoaneta. He bowed his head to her, she smiled at another man as well who had come to seek her dance. Her eyes met Ostrovs and she thought to herself "Persistant this one..." She spoke to the other man, "Maybe in a while, I have promised this dance to the good Prince Ostrov." The man smiled and nodded his head, looking for another partner.

This all did not go unnoticed by Ostrov, very pleased he took her hand once more kissing it. His eyes met hers, "Ivan, Mikhailivitch."

She smiled, "A pleasure, Antoaneta. You speek Romanian well for an outsider."

Ostrov grinned as the music began again, slipping in with "Only this night to impress you." Soon the rythems of the dance were controlling their actions once more. The blissful forgetfulness of a perfect eve was overtaking both.