most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Aug 27, 2015 1:49:36 GMT -5
What an absolutely beautiful day it was outside. The sun was high in the sky, shining through puffy white clouds, warm enough to bring comfort in contrast to the breeze the blew just slightly cool. Birdsong filled the air and it was a wonder how anyone could possibly keep themselves inside the palace at this rate. Because Polydeuces most certainly could not. The texts he needed to read and the procedures he needed to practice could wait for later, when the sun had set and it wasn't an absolute crime to be indoors.
But of course, despite the illegal nature of such a thing, he probably wouldn't be granted leave so easily. This is why he simply had to shake himself free of Zeke; he was sorry, he really was, so sorry, but the day was far too sweet to spend in the castle, or even in the garden, or the secret spot outside of the garden or on the balcony or otherwise. No, he needed to be out, around his people, and not the people of the castle, stuffy as most were.
The prince stretched his arms above him as he slipped past the watch of a guard near the gates, immediately ducking behind the outer part of the wall with a mischievous smile on his face. "You all need to lighten up," he breathed, leaning his head back against the fixture behind him and letting out a breath. It was easy, really, just too easy to shake people whose only jobs were to keep him out of trouble. Such a shame. But, well, it wasn't his fault he was so sneaky.
u v u
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Posts: 56
Preferred Name: Scotty
Character Name: Zeke
Main Account: Kyne
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Post by zeke on Aug 27, 2015 2:02:56 GMT -5
Since the day that they'd been introduced, Zeke had been trying to do his best to live up to expectations - both those set by the royal guard, and those he set for himself to just loosen up and feel comfortable around the Prince. The former of the two, of course, was the one that would come easier to him but that didn't mean he wasn't at least trying at the latter. Considering that fact, though, it was no surprise that he noticed quite quickly when Polydeuces had given him a slip in the earlier part of the day, no doubt off to some hidden place or other. Like the previous - if not horribly serious attempt - back in the garden, Zeke had managed to figure out where he went.
Except this time he didn't quite chase after him calling for him to stop. No, this time he just followed. After all - this had seemed to be some sort of challenge to try and keep up with him.
Keeping a trail on the Prince but just watching to see where he was going, Zeke had to admit he enjoyed it a little - as long as there was no immediate danger, what was the harm in sort of having some fun with it. However, when the Prince seemed to be headed right out of the Palace, he quickened his pace, also avoiding the glances of the guard at the gates and turning a corner to catch up to the Prince.
"I thought that I had done quite a good job of lightening up so far, if you would take my thoughts on the matter," he said with an admittedly smug look on his face at the thought of being able to keep up with Polydeuces.
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Aug 27, 2015 2:15:23 GMT -5
Maybe it was too soon to celebrate. He had decided to stop, to take a moment to collect himself after the long stretch of holding his breath and sneaking through the halls of the castle. Stopping was the sort of thing that let people who were potentially after you catch up, though, but it wasn't something he normally had to think about. To be frank, no one could catch up with him. Except, Zeke.
As soon as the words registered, Polydeuces jumped, covering his mouth to stifle a startled gasp and cheeks immediately going red. "Zeke--?!" he choked, very obviously surprised. After another beat, he took note of the smug grin and realized that, unfortunately, he had been bested this time. "W-well, I am inclined to agree with you on that matter, although-- I-- how did you...?" The prince pursed his lips, glancing at Zeke and then around them again.
"You aren't going to make me go back, are you? Oh, please, Zeke, it's so nice out, don't you agree?" He immediately turned doe-eyed, pleading expression on the knight, reaching for one of Zeke's hands with both of his. "I'll stay near you, I promise I will, just don't bring me back inside, not right now." Honestly, Polydeuces was absolutely capable of behaving--if he was given his way. Truth be told, he had no qualms at all with Zeke accompanying him, but duty often preceded fun with all of the knights he'd been assigned.
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Posts: 56
Preferred Name: Scotty
Character Name: Zeke
Main Account: Kyne
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Post by zeke on Aug 27, 2015 2:43:16 GMT -5
There was more than a good amount of satisfaction in the surprise on the Princes face, Zeke had to admit. With the young royal caught up with and not appearing as if he were about to try and make a run for it, he just smiled in response to the brief 'how did you -' but didn't really address that part directly. After all; he didn't really like boasting and all there was to it was that he was actually quite dedicated to this and good at it.
Instead of digging into that, though, Polydeuces immediately redirected himself to puppydog eyes. It was a good thing that Zeke hadn't been planning on trying to convince him to return to the Palace; he really really would have had a hard time turning that down and now that he knew he was capable of that, mentally tried to make a note of how probably definitely. He opened his mouth to say that he hadn't intended on bringing him back right away but then Poly grabbed onto his hand and he caught that look in his eyes. Flustered tinge to his face, he glanced away.
"I -well, there is no need to return right away so long as I am with you. Someone - someone has to keep you safe and so long as we stay out of anywhere dangerous I cannot see a single reason that you should have to return right away," With that, he glanced back, still thrown right off by the pleading look. There might have been reasons for Polydeuces to have been back at the palace, mind you - but Zeke was a Knight and not a Nanny so that wasn't really any of his business, was it? Adding another thing, a tone of seriousness to him stifling the flustered look from before, "I do have to insist that if I say we must leave, though, you listen. This is not nearly so safe as the last place you ran off to."
He didn't honestly think the Prince was foolish enough to deny that but... well, he had tried to sneak out here on his own. Who knew what could happened had he gotten into trouble without Zeke there.
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Aug 27, 2015 2:57:37 GMT -5
Success. Polydeuces' eyes lit up in response to Zeke agreeing that they could stay out for now, and he could have hugged him, really, but he figured that might be a bit too much and decided against it. Instead he just held onto a radiant smile as he beamed up at his knight, hands gripping just a little firmer onto Zeke's. For once, he felt like he had a friend who wanted only to ascertain his well-being, and not some babysitter slash dungeon master willing him to be the perfect prince.
"Of course, you know I trust your judgement," he chimed, still smiling, and also still holding onto the knight's hand. "Please believe me Zeke, I do not wish to make your position difficult, I just want room to breathe, and I'm so very used to people not letting me. It's usually alone or nothing!" Perhaps it wouldn't have to be, if Zeke were so inclined to follow him but let him do (mostly) as he pleased. Polydeuces could handle that -- loose supervision that didn't suffocate him, and company so he didn't have to feel so isolated.
Pulling him along, instead of releasing his hand, the prince let out a light laugh. "This way, then. There is a little bakery that sells the most delicious pastries, you just have to try them. Although they are very sweet, they're absolutely divine! And, on top of that, they come in so many flavors, but the apple tart is my favorite." Polydeuces withdrew one of his hands so that he could place it against his stomach, chewing on his lower lip. He could most definitely go for one of those right now, even though he may or may not have eaten lunch yet. Oops.
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Posts: 56
Preferred Name: Scotty
Character Name: Zeke
Main Account: Kyne
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Post by zeke on Aug 27, 2015 3:17:53 GMT -5
It appeared as if the Prince was intent on pulling Zeke along with him as a tag along rather than a bodyguard. Still, at the statement that it were usually alone or nothing, he offered a much more relaxed smile. "There is no need to be left alone or locked away while I am here; after all, why have a Knight if I am not to be around to protect you?"
As he was pulled along, though, the Prince went on to speak about a bakery he wanted to go to. There may have been a momentary look come across Zeke's face at the thought of sweets. Super sweet foods were a bit of a guilty pleasure of his - one he didn't really go out of his way to indulge in very often, either, seeing as he was more often than not eating with other knights and recruits and meals were more 'how to feed lots of people' than 'pick your favorites'.
"I - - have no objections to that," he said, trying not to sound too excited at the prospect. However, bakery sounded more than safe enough and if Polydeuces had been there before, then that meant it was probably fairly decent of a place.
Zeke kept very near behind Poly, pale eyes watching for absolutely any chance of danger or reason to be suspicious. The Prince knew the way there, and honestly with him holding onto his hand it was much safer to keep his eyes on the crowd and not on the young royal who had plans involving apple tarts. Perhaps it may have seemed a bit paranoid but -well, that was sort of his job, was it not? It was much better for him to assume threat than to assume safety.
"Is this somewhere that you manage to slip away to very often?" He asked, prying a little bit and wondering just how much of a sneak Polydeuces really was.
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Aug 27, 2015 3:33:00 GMT -5
It was more than a little comforting that Zeke had mentioned there being no need to be left alone or locked away--because Polydeuces favored neither. Yes, Zeke was the best sort of knight, Polydeuces was certain of that. If he was going to have to have a shadow, the blond was the most desirable of all other options. In more ways than one, I mean, what?
He was also pleased to not have his sweet tooth denied, and made a mental note of the slight hint of excitement in the knight's voice. Polydeuces would just have to treat Zeke a bit, now wouldn't he? He laughed softly at that, continuing his way toward the bakery, offering cheerful 'hello's to the civilians that otherwise recognized him from outings.
"It is," he responded to Zeke's question, briefly glancing back for looking forward again. "I like to mingle with the people of the kingdom, especially considering we're right here in the middle of the city, anyway. They're all such nice people, you know? But normally, if I visit with my knight, or with guards, I'm forbidden from actually socializing. Gods forbid I contract the curse of peasantry, or something ridiculous like that." He rolled his eyes as he said this, obviously not buying it for a second.
Suddenly straightening, his eyes lit up. "Ah, there we are. Mm, I can smell fresh pies from here. Isn't it such a nice scent?" The prince continued forward, tugging Zeke along through a wooden door attached to a rather simple building, although it had plenty of open windows and the most delicious scents passing through them. Inside, there were plenty of tables for sitting, and the smells were even more abundant.
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Posts: 56
Preferred Name: Scotty
Character Name: Zeke
Main Account: Kyne
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Post by zeke on Aug 28, 2015 0:52:12 GMT -5
Though it was probably not the most proper way for him to keep track of the Prince among the people of the street, Zeke held onto Polydeuces' hand as they walked, not letting him slip away or be stolen away at all. There didn't seem like there would be too much of a threat of that, though - as the young royal greeted a few people who recognized him, Zeke could only see that this was a fairly peaceful place and there was something about the Prince that made him feel... a lot more relaxed right then.
It was no surprise, either, that Polydeuces would be recognized and greeted with cheerfulness - even if he were not royalty, he gave off some sort of air of pleasantness and friendliness and - well, someone like him was extremely hard to miss. Zeke stayed quiet while they walked, watching him with a sort of absent smile between glances around for potential threats. Even though he was fairly relaxed, he wouldn't allow himself to drop his guard, not when protecting Polydeuces was on the line.
The scent of baked goods and fresh bread poked through the air as they walked and the Prince went on to explain that often he would be barred from socializing - which he clearly enjoyed and which, in Zeke's opinion, was nothing but good for everyone involved so long as danger could be kept away. A joke was made, about how clearly he couldn't be cursed with peasantry and Zeke laughed a bit at it, even if there was a touch of uncomfortableness to it. Though he knew that this was just a joke on Poly's end, that he certainly didn't believe such things, he'd been on the less pleasant end of people who did believe such things.
"I think that the only thing you are in danger of being cursed by is that you seem so intent on returning to this bakery," he said in a lighter tone, washing the thought away. "Although - you were not lying about the smell. It seems more like a blessing than anything."
The opening of the bakery door wrapped the two of them in the warm scents, a welcoming feeling pulling them inside and Zeke glanced around taking in everything that there was. He tried not to look too excited - sweets were, however, a much larger guilty pleasure than he'd ever let anyone know - and reminded himself to watch for danger first. However, it was as to be expected - anyone inside the bakery was far too involved in the pleasant feeling it gave to be dangerous or suspicious. From there he glanced at Polydeuces, still more than satisfied with following the Prince's lead (though he mentally made a note that it might be good to also come back here if he found himself with some leisure time or errands in the city to run at any point in the future because everything just seemed far far too delicious).
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Aug 28, 2015 1:45:02 GMT -5
There was a very distinct contrast when comparing the castle to the buildings of the city. Inside the palace, it was all too cold, dark blues and greys and high windows and long hallways. But oh, how the city overflowed with warmth and colors! Much brighter hues, more respectably sized windows, rooms that felt like people were meant to be inhabiting them. Polydeuces took in a deep breath before exhaling with a smile, briefly closing his eyes. "That is a curse I could live with, should I ever have to suffer such a thing," he replied with a lighthearted chuckle, before pulling the knight toward a counter lined with cake displays.
"Good day, Lady Kyrie! I hope the weather has been bringing plenty of sales," the prince chimed, resting his free arm against the counter as he greeted the smaller woman, who immediately turned and placed her hands on her hips.
"Well! If it isn't the good prince. Come for your usual, I take it? You're lucky you come around the same time so I can have some ready for you, you know!"
Polydeuces put on a sheepish grin as the woman disappeared through another door, laughing a bit before he perked up a bit. Turning big blues on Zeke, he offered a heartfelt smile. "Zeke, please have something too! I insist; I would feel absolutely dreadful if you did not leave here with something as well." He gave the knight's hand a squeeze, gaze softening, but an unmistakable hint of no is definitely not an answer lingering there as the baker returned with a small, delicately wrapped tart.
"I'm not one to turn away business opportunities, but I do have to say you seem like your sweet tooth is probably pretty high if you're holding hands with Prince Polydeuces of all people." The woman gave a wink, which promptly brought a red tint to Polydeuces' cheeks--not that he made any moves to let go of Zeke's hand, nope, instead he suddenly found intense interest in the cakes on the counter.
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Posts: 56
Preferred Name: Scotty
Character Name: Zeke
Main Account: Kyne
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Post by zeke on Aug 28, 2015 3:17:01 GMT -5
Zeke followed, a wordless shadow behind Polydeuces as the young Prince approached the counter. He wasn't a cold and stoic shadow, ever watchful and sternly avoiding interactions - rather, he kept in pace with the Prince, moving along with him like the flickering break in light under the branches of a tree in the wind. He echoed the Prince's greeting with just a nod - and a light smile on his face - and made a note of the woman. When she disappeared into the back, the Prince gave his hand a squeeze and insisted that he get something too. Well, he wasn't going to say no... -
"I suppose that I cannot say no to that request," he answered, looking over everything. It wasn't as if he didn't want anything there -no, he could probably pick any of the things and it would be good. So many options. Glancing over his shoulder a moment as someone walked by (no one dangerous, just someone leaving) and then returning to eye up the cakes and sweets, he was interrupted in his thoughts when the woman - Kyrie? - returned. She spoke up immediately, and her words brought a fairly noticeable tinge of red to his cheeks - his whole face, really.
That - that wasn't why they were holding hands!
"It- is - it is easier to keep from getting separated this way," he explained, glancing everywhere in avoidance of the thought. Poly didn't pull his hand away, though, and neither did he - after all, would that not negate his point? Instead he too found the cakes to be incredibly interesting, and as an unintended result of this, actually passed upon something that was simply too good to pass up. White chocolate cake cut into delicate slices with strawberries. Regular chocolate was enough of a treat - but that one caught his eye more than anything else he saw there. "I -" He stopped, clearing his throat. No need to be flustered. He was doing his job nothing more nothing more. "I would like a slice of that white chocolate strawberry cake, if I may."
It wasn't a very Knightly choice, if a choice of pastry or baking could be called knightly at all, but he had already made up his mind. Polydeuces had insisted and therefor he was going to indulge in at least the cake seeing as the Prince himself was off limits woah thought go back where you came from, that wasn't allowed.
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