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Post by Prince Amy O'Connor on Sept 15, 2016 17:08:15 GMT
Prince Amy found him where he often was: the library. During the time he had no active task, Alec was given free access to the old books that decorated the walls of the room, and for months, he had spent every spare moment pouring over an ancient book of war strategy. It depicted every detail and every different tactic utilized by one of the greatest armies of all time: the Romans. Considering his Prince's particular affinity for the books saved from Alexandria, Alec could only assume she preferred the Egyptians and their ways... and he knew that a good retainer would force his focus to his Prince's preference, but he simply could not accept that their - specifically - conflict resolution and combat skills were superior to that of the Roman Empire and it's sentries.
Though Amy had approved the book, after only a few moments of deliberation in fact, he still felt like a naughty child whenever she caught him reading it. Slamming the book closed in a cloud of old dust, Alec sputtered as he attempted a formal greeting. Luckily, the faux paus was quickly swept under the rug, as she needed his assistance in handling "the new riffraff." The irritation that touched her icy tone startled him, but considering the emerald green eyes that watched their every move... It was easy to guess what was going on. Finn, up to his usual antics. Despite himself, the youthful Mage - a human gifted with magic of some kind - chuckled under his breath. He couldn't help but find amusement in the lunatics... fluctuating interests.
Allowing Amy to follow the staircase as proper as she ever did, he bought himself a moment of time, just long enough to mutter to the shadows that OBVIOUSLY weren't shaped like a seven foot tall man, and they TOTALLY didn't have blinking green eyes. "Come on, man. You had to get ME involved this time?" The dry, cartoonish laughter confirmed his suspicions, and Alec bounded after his Prince, glowing with a sense of personal accomplishment. Finn, the wild card, had been nothing but kind and polite to him; he even considered the Malkavian a friend. A good friend. It always brightened his day (or night) to spend a moment, sharing in the madness.
It also made the rather boring conversations where he didn't exist... a little more tolerable. The overly large key ring he kept attached at all times hadn't made a noise in nearly a year, and despite playing idly with the dozens of keys he kept constantly, they did not jingle or jangle. He was just as silent as his Prince...
Well, aside from the nearly nonexistent noises of being human: beating heart, breathing lungs, rustling fabric. He didn't quite have her stealth down, but his mimic was almost uncomfortably accurate. He made Octavian, his good friend, proud, and that was what really mattered to him by the end of the day. Amy, while the center of his loyalty and the Kindred to whom he offered his very life force, but she was predictable and a bit oblivious to the subtleties of daily existence... interaction... the like.
So it came as no surprise when she turned and left him with Avice and Gavin, wordless, and meandered on about her night. The lanky blonde couldn't help but chuckle, that smile - Oh so full of boyish charm - genuine as it spread across his face. It was amusing to him, even if there were times he wanted to point the behavior out to her. Giving a single shake of his head, he turned bright, almost too bright, blue eyes onto the new guest.
"Hey, Avice," he murmured, raising his hand in idle greeting. "Its... Gavin, right?" He offered the stranger a thumbs up before waving for him to follow. Careful not to walk too quickly, Alec began to lead him down the hallway and to the last door on the left, already finding the key amongst the dozens that all looked similar. "M'name's Alec. I serve Prince Amy and her husband; I'm a retainer. She told me to make sure you got set up, so I'm going to take you to my FAVORITE guest room. You look like you could use the luxury."
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Post by Gavin Donnelly on Sept 15, 2016 20:14:24 GMT
<<I told you that you looked like a bum Gav Ha Ha>> >>Well you seem more relaxed Chez. As usual Im guessing you are going to talk shit since she cant hear you?<< Gavin smirked a little as he followed the blonde know as Alec. It was kind of a suprise for Gavin to meet someone his height. He had always stood out, not just for the vision he appeared to be but because of the towering height he commanded. But Gavin was gracious for the opertunity to make a second impression to the Prince. >>I swear Chez, if I ever see that vamp again...<< Gavin refered to the Vampire that had refered him to finding the prince in the first place. Gavin was able to match his environment quite well, however a few things went wrong this time. 1) The vampire in question only told him to find Amy, that she had the resorces to help. 2) The prince had a Malkavian in employ that "saw" him coming. Which lead to: 3) Avice was waiting to bring him from the airport to the Prince immediately. And so, Gavin had shown up before the PRINCE of Nagasaki, dressed as he normally would and having the grime of being stuck on a plane for 8 hours and while some people might not have an issue with this, being 6 foot is very difficult in a plane. Normally his outfit served its purpose. Wearing a nice pair of black pants with a chain to the pocket connected to a wallet, leather belt, and a decent pair of black dress shoes. He wore no shirt but rather a long, thin, black leather duster that went from his shoulders to his ankles. He usually wore this open and exposed his alabaster skin. While it sounds defenseless he had two knives that he kept in the pockets. Finally his flaming red hair that he left down to frame his face, the sunglasses to hide his almost otherworldly bright blue/green eyes, and the slight pull at the right side of his mouth to form a playful smirk. All this came together to make his hunt, both for food and for pleasure, simple. However, to a Prince, and not just any prince but a Virtrue Prince, he was a slob. Nothing more the street trash and may have well been a whore on the corner. <<Aw Gavin its so sweet, you are the Male version of Pretty Woman. Now we just need to find a pretty dress for you to wear and introduce you to your first ball HA HA HA HA>> >>Chez, do me a favor. SHUT THE HELL UP<< Chester continued to laugh as the gentleman known as Alec pulled up to a door and found the key with ease. "Its nice to meet your acquaintance Alec. I must admit that luxery is not a word I know. I feel horrible to have presented myself in front of the Prince the way I did. Is it wrong of me to request your assisstance in making a better first impression? I have a feeling you could be of great assistance." <<Yeah at finding a dress as pretty as hers, although I doubt you could ever be as cold as that woman, I mean my GOD what a...>> Gavins hand went to his head and once again his eyes squinted as he focused on shutting Chester out. >>Again Ches, SHUT... THE HELL... UP.<< Gavin took in a deep breath and released. As his hand lowered he looked at Alec. "Sry about that. I tend to get headaches during points of stress." Did vampires get headaches? He wasnt sure. <<Ha Ha Ha>> |
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Post by Prince Amy O'Connor on Sept 22, 2016 20:50:01 GMT
Alec offered his charming, boyish grin once more, waving off the apology with his free hand. If he knew anything that would cast doubt on what the Ravnos was saying, it didn't show: his face was open and welcoming, trusting, and above all, friendly. Years learning and befriending Octavian O'Connor had made the youthful ghoul immune to the piercing frost of the Prince. Many of her ghouls and retainers had succumbed to the glass-like cold that surrounded Amy, losing pieces of themselves to the unforgiving winter, but not Alec... Oh no. Somehow, his youth, excitememt, and charm had survived, and he had no doubts that the summer breeze that was his best friend had managed to keep him afloat.
"Oh, no. I don't think the term 'luxury' would exist to you, even if it had before. The Prince's sense of luxury has been honed over... hundreds of years... I think she tries to make up for the cold by offering her guests the best amenities she can. Sort of an unspoken apology." He chuckled warmly and gave a shake of his head, turning the key with an audible 'click.' He knew not to say too much about the woman he served, or her husband, but to offer nothing at all would be to isolate the poor neonate... who most likely felt alone enough as was.
Alec shifted carefully to the left side of the thick wooden door, not wanting to block the view of the lush room and deep, crimson carpets. The redwood framed bed sat off to one side, a queen sized mattress resting properly dressed atop, sheets a delicate black silk, with mountains of cased pillows waiting to support whatever patron may come by. An armoire sat open, multiple color-coded suits hanging, wrinkle free, with dress shoes of different sizes lined beneath the pants legs.
To the right of the room was another door, slightly ajar, and leading to the perfectly tiled bathroom and it's deep stone bath. No water was drawn, but the facet waited, dripping idly, a single dribble of water every few seconds. The retainer did not bother to enter the plush room or even bother to try and direct the neonate. He wanted him to admire the delicate curving details carved into every bit of wooden furniture, as well as the brightly colored decorations on the walls, carefully distracting the eye so one may never be overwhelmed. Alec didn't want to interrupt the discovery of luxury.
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Post by Gavin Donnelly on Sept 23, 2016 22:20:27 GMT
Gavin was taken back at first by what Alec had to say reguarding him and luxery. After all his tastes changed a few times and there were plenty of times that he had been, in what he considered, a luxurious environment. There was one woman who was very well off in New York that he had the pleasure to dine with... So to speak.
Her home was outside of the city, which is one reason he chose her. Path way up to the front door had a tunnel of ivy. The solid wood front door opened to a large open room to the right with white carpet. Plenty of cream furniture to seat multiple guests and a brick fireplace set on the wall with to large windows from floor to ceiling. The ceiling itself was not cut flat but arched up and hanging from the vaulted ceiling was a chandelier of mutlple crystals. So large that his head nearly brushed it as he walked underneath. And with many rooms as impressive as the opening area was he thought he knew luxury.
He had no idea...
He walked by Alec smiling at him and then turned his attention to the room. Alec was right. He stood there looking at a room that seemed an embodiment of the word perfection. He didnt know what else to do. Even Chester had nothing to say. Neither had ever experianced anything like this room or this whole palace of a home. While the room itself was unique in its appearance, the feeling of the prestine walkway merged to the room so seamlessly that Gavin felt the task before him daunting.
How on Earth was he going to make a better first impression? At best he would look like a dog that had a bath...
He felt it imperative that he succeed in the opportunity the prince presented him. He took a deep breath and regained his composure. He then turned toward Alec.
"Alec, you are correct. I have never seen anything like this before." he said as he gestured to the room. "I thank Prince Amy for her hospitality as well as you for your assistance. How did you come to be in service of the Prince? If it is ok I ask."
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Post by Prince Amy O'Connor on Sept 24, 2016 15:52:18 GMT
Standing off to the side with his arms casually folded across the small of his back, Alec couldn't help the grin that broke out across his face, ear to ear, and seemed to light up the entire hallway with its radiant glow. His family had ensured he never wanted for anything he couldn't do without, but they couldn't ever show him what existed on the other side of that perfectly painted white picket fence. Instead, he had wandered about with the friends he made, and most happened to be far worse off than his family could ever be. In fact, he remembered two brothers that were so skinny, they struggled to participate in any sort physical activity. As a young one, he hadn't quite realized the reason they never seemed to eat and never, ever gained any weight.
As he got older, he loved taking them both home with him, down the street lined with the many planted maple trees, spaced perfectly, and casting just enough shade to cool the beading sweat that began to gather on their foreheads. Matt and Rich were so completely enthralled by the beauty of the cookie cutter houses that followed every single rule the HAA put in place, it took them nearly an hour to get the brothers up the stairs of the front porch and to the door.
What he saw in those two boys that day had inspired him, truly warmed his soul. He had yet to find something that could drive him forward and keep him going, even when the loneliness sat heavy on his shoulders. He wanted to show the people that everybody forgot about that there really WAS beauty out in the world. He met too many people who had lost the wonder and awe to circumstance, and if he could return it to them for even a moment, he would do whatever it took.
In fact, his deep love for beauty in all its strange and eclectic ways helped to inspire him to work for the woman known far and wide as a nightmare to behold. Alec had stood before her, unflinching, and offered his hand should she need help. With the same easy confidence, he stepped across the very obvious threshold, thankful he had remembered to clean the bottoms of his dress shoes before escaping into the library to study. The youthful retainer knew that those kept on Amy's payroll had overly stringent rules to follow, one of which stated that no employee could even attempt. Once the O'Connor family began the exhaustingly slow and arduous process of becoming what most of their kind were forced to abandon: a real, true family...
Yet, the blonde haired man, barely more than a boy, broke the rule without hesitation, carrying only his own conviction on his shoulders. It was weightless, allowing him to remain straight and upright, eyes gleaming with the same enthusiasm as a young, naive child Christmas morning, waiting for their parents to lumber out of bed. He had every inch of the room he had chosen memorized, down to the depth of each knife carving etched through the wood, but that didn't stop him from appreciating the complete cohesiveness that was luxury... It was so damned pretty!
"Of course I wouldnt mind... Prince O'Connor is a bit difficult to understand, at first, but her mannerisms are all highly patterned, which makes them easy to predict." His chuckle was soft, affectionate, and seemed to add to his already prevalent youth; it was easy to mistake his age, though it never seemed he could be a day over twenty-five. "Why don't you go get a shower? I'll help figure out a good suit for you to wear, and after its all said and done, I'll make sure there is a bath drawn and waiting."
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Post by Gavin Donnelly on Sept 25, 2016 23:24:38 GMT
Gavin didnt know the purpose behind the bath AFTER a shower but he was sure there was a reason behind it. He would make sure to ask Alec after his shower.
<<Maybe you are just that nasty Gav I mean look at this place. Ha ha>>
Gavin didn't even acknowledge Chester's comment. He just wanted to feel the warm water on his cool alabaster skin.
He nodded to Alec and stripped his jacket from his shoulders and folded it over itself and handed it to Alec with care. "Please sir, take care of this for me. It was the last gift I received from my mother before I was turned."
Receiving a nod in return he stretched his arms feeling a little stiff and walked towards the restroom. As he shut the door behind him and turned on the shower, he started to empty his pockets. The two knives he kept, a tin of mints, and lastly the wallet. He opened it to make sure, as always, that the reciept was still there. The ring itself had been lost that night. However, it did help him refocus on why he was here. He looked at himself in the mirror. The flaming red hair standing in bright contrast to his pale skin and yet still his eyes shinning their hypnotic blue/green hue. While he was not bulked in muscle you could tell he was not weak either. Defined muscle from his chest to his waist was the bait for his look. The bait to draw in the honeybees like a beautiful flower.
He stripped down and gratefully stepped in the deep stone bath under the warm water. Instantly he felt relaxed as he soaked his hair under the water. Feeling every drop of the water find its own path through the hills and valleys of his body. As he grew used to the sound of the water he startes to lose himself in the sound of the dripping water.
>>Chez? Do you think this will finally be it? Do you think we will finally have an answer?<<
His mind running in the background the little snapshots of Nora from those days. Her smile, her eyes.... Her kiss... Everything...
<<Gavin, Brav, you gotta let go of that before you get us killed.>>
While Gavin was the one in main control of his body, Chester still had his own thoughts. Sometimes the desperate need the crazy to lead them. Chester was mainly focused on Gavin's survival, and by proxy, his own as well. He knew Gavin would not stop until he found Nora. The sooner he let Gavin get this done and over with, the sooner he could focus on trying to become more involved. Chester would bide his time for now. Gavin's thoughts interupted Chester's.
>>She'll help us Ches. We can finally put this to rest one way or another.<<
Gavin knew he would lose all track of time if he stayed in the water much longer. He turned off the shower and stepped out to dry himselfand tie the towel around his waist then squeezed out his long crimson hair. He gathered his clothes and as he exited the bathroom saw Alec had indeed found an outfit. Gavin had never worn anything like it.
Black suit pants made of fabric his skin had never felt. A dark turquoise shirt nearly the color of his own eyes and a black vest. A pair of dress shoes, already shined up and a black bowtie. All of it looking brand new as if it had never been worn. He felt like a child playing dress up with grown up clothes.
He turned towards Alec who was bringing the jacket that would match the pants and realized that training in being proper would have to start soon if he was going to pull this off.
"Alec, these look incredible." he said gesturing to the clothes laid out. "I was trying to think of the reason but I couldn't. Why do I need a bath after the shower? Am I not clean?"
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Post by Prince Amy O'Connor on Oct 8, 2016 4:22:28 GMT
The entirety of his employ at the O'Connor Manor had carefully prepared him for a moment such as this: some poor unfortunate soul wanders beneath the scrutinizing gaze of the Prince and with very limited time, had to be recrafted to, at the very least, look the part of a proper gentleman or lady. It was easy for him to look the stranger up and down and, almost instinctively, be aware of the appropriate and necessary measurements when fitting him to the formal attire that was, more often than not, expected within the O'Connor Manor. While the suit would not be the absolute perfect fit (that required a tailor and far more time than either of them had), it would be a marvelous match, indeed.
His own personal sense of fashion had led him to slipping out of the room, only to return with the blue-green button-down and the simple, knotted cuff links, the same silver as the accents of the dress shoes he had already chosen. Most likely, the outfit hadn't ever been worn, as was assumed, and Alec secretly looked forward to them getting some use. He couldn't help the feeling of sadness when he saw the nearly endless wardrobe just hanging, lifeless, in whatever closet it had been assigned.
His puerile features were alight in the same mirth that touched his heart and soul. He couldn't help the wide smile, his lips exposing his perfect teeth, or the slight bounce in his step as he approached with the jacket still on its hanger and the cuff links in one hand. He nodded towards a wicker basket that hadn't been there when Gavin had gone to shower. The jacket that had first been handed to him was resting delicately atop it, smoothed out and shown just as much care as any article of clothing Alec had handled. "Your dirties can go in that basket, there, and I'll be sure they are laundered and returned to you by the end of the evening," he purred, as if the idea of washing a stranger's clothes held some sort of appeal.
Pausing at the edge of one of the towers of the four poster bed, he gingerly hung the jacket on the molding. It cascaded across the wood, the rayon lining just peeking through the dark fabric, hinting for but a moment at just how expensive the outfit would be, if priced properly. "The bath is for after your meeting with Prince O'Connor. It's not for the sake of cleanliness, dear chap," he said with a playful laugh and shake of his head. It was easy to find oneself caught up in the charisma and charm that seemed to ooze from the human, to want to make him laugh again once one had heard it. "It's for the sake of relaxation! You're wound up so tight, I figured a nice soak in hot water may help you undo those knots in your shoulders. It is, after all, one of the best ways to end your evening."
Placing the two knotted links on the bed beside the formal clothes, Alec took a few steps back and nodded to the outfit with yet another boyish grin. "Go ahead and dress. I'll step out so you can have privacy, and if you need any sort of assistance, just call for me. I'll be just on the other side of that door."
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Post by Gavin Donnelly on Oct 11, 2016 2:14:54 GMT
Gavin just wasn't sure what to think. He WAS happy that Alec had shown great care to his jacket. When Gavin had been accepted on scholarship to a college of his choice, his mother bought him a nice leather jacket saying he needed to live a little more. It wasnt ment to be mean, after all he knew she just wanted him to be happy. What he didnt know was she was sick... Very sick... She passed away while he was in his sophmore year of college... Shortly after is when he met Nora. He always chalked it up to the death of his mother as to why he didnt notice anything wrong with her.
Since his rebirth he wore it as a symbol of Irony. The jacket designed to help him "live a little more" was worn by an undead seducing poor women... Usually to end their lives.
But now it was time for him to become something he had only played at or hinted towards. It was time to refine, time to be better then he dared, time... to be a gentleman. So with a toss of his clothes in the bin he began to dress.
The socks felt like they were molded for his feet with how well they fit. He then tried on the blue/green shirt and as he buttoned it up he realized it fit just as well. Maybe a little baggy, but a plesent fit. He crossed his arms and found that even his broad shoulders had room. He snickered and wondered how many people Alec would have had to have seen to get his sizes this close from a glance. He then put on the black dress pants and felt amazed by the feel of the fabric against his alabaster skin. He then added the vest feeling nearly complete. He put on the fancy shoes and realized why the socks fit as they did. The shoes were a bit tight but they would do for the night. He then lifted the jacket off the post. His fingers went gently over the fabric knowing just by the touch that he'd never felt it before in his life. With that in mind he pulled the jacket on his frame. Everything fit with no problems. He then grabbed the cuff links off the dresser and drapped the tie around his neck under the coller of the button up shirt. He looked at the outfit with his shirt tucked in, shoes polished up, the vest was a nice touch as well... He didnt know about the bow tie or cuff links and so he decided to ask Alec. He opened the door and stuck his head out to call for him but didnt need to. Just as he said he was right there like a fashionable sentry guarding his post.
"Alec I will need your assistance after all because I am not sure of a few of these items. Im sure you are not suprised I do not know these items." he said as he showed the cufflinks in one hand and pointed to the bowtie with the other.
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Post by Prince Amy O'Connor on Oct 11, 2016 17:15:51 GMT
He slipped across the threshold and closed the door behind himself, planting both feet and gazing out across the hallway with a grin that only widened and eyes that twinkled as if a handful of stars had been plucked free of the very sky itself, even if a single strand of blonde hair managed to escape his otherwise perfect visage. Military training easily settled in deep within the young Alec, and he crossed his arms harmlessly behind his back, asserting a stance that brought him a personal sense of comfort and familiarity. Maintaining parade with relative ease, he turned one human ear towards the door, despite already knowing that he had no chance to hear anything through the reinforced wood.
Still, it brought him great joy, even just to stand there and wait. He could see Gavin already, dressed perfectly and hair delicately brushed, greeting Prince Amy O'Connor with a brisk bow from the waist. The scene was so beautiful as it played out in his mind, Alec couldn't help but chuckle to himself, bouncing forward onto the balls of his dress shoes before falling back into perfect military parade, just in time for the door to swing open behind him.
Alec spun around just as his new friend spoke, still grinning like a child on Christmas morning, and clasped his hands together in front of his chest. It didn't matter that Gavin here didn't know how to tie a proper bowtie... Just as he expected, the hand picked outfit looked marvelous on the ginger, almost as if a last minute tailor or some Mage magic mumbo jumbo had bent herself in all kinds of painful positions.
"Oh, come now!" The blonde chuckled lightly, tossing his head back, as he held out one hand for the beautiful cuff links. Not willing to damage the beautiful curvature of the knot itself.... "I understand not knowing how to tie one of these little buggers... I suppose it's not too common to wear these anymore, huh? Even black tie events aren't exactly black tie." Nimble, graceful fingers easily manipulated the simple piece of black leather into a picture perfect bowtie. Giving each little wing a gentle pat, he stepped back, still holding the cuff links.
Motioning with his free hand, he waited only a moment before gingerly taking Gavin's arm, lifting it to find where they could properly fasten the cufflinks, which were gratefully still in the little plastic box. As he began to finangle it, he continued to speak, the excitement still present despite the focus he had to pay to the sleeve to make sure the silver knot was properly positioned. "Now, when you meet the Prince this go around, she should be a lot more open and personable. Who knows, maybe even Octo-C will be around. He should be getting home soon and he usually takes an interest in the newbies. The moment Octavian walks through that door..." Alec laughed at the very thought of the cold, heartless Amy melting at the very sight of her husband. He had witnessed the event far too many times to even try to deny the hold the neonate had on one of the most powerful Kindred in the world.
"He will walk in, and scary Prince will just be little girl in love again, and that is really adorable. Really. But that doesn't mean you can relax, alright, man? Don't let her see anything but your best that entire meeting, okay? Prince Amy... Her standards are sort of... well, ridiculous." But at least she has a more than pedantic self awareness. That was something he appreciated greatly within the tiny, silver haired woman. Alec was grinning foolishly again as he lightly dusted at the jacket and pants, wanting the Ravnos to look as stunning, as professional, and as Ventrue as possible. "I think you'll do fiiiine."
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Post by Gavin Donnelly on Oct 12, 2016 0:07:32 GMT
As much as Gavin tried to pay attention to learn for future referance, Alec's hands moved with the speed and grace of a vampire. So he still doubted he caught it properly. He would just have to practice for future events with the Prince... That is hoping his second first-impression goes well.
<<Well look at the monkey suit. I must say Gav, you might actually pull this off. But your hair still looks like a wild lion out in the rain.>>
He was sure Chester was right but decided to give him a hard time anyway.
>>Wow Chez... Was that a compliment? I mean my Jesus, Mary and Joeseph will wonders never cease.<<
<<Yeah yeah brav, just dont get us killed, right?>>
"Alec could I get a band or something to pull this back? I think it best that when I bow my hair is not everywhere but rather kept in place."
Apparently Alec agreed because he was off like a shot with a nod. With that Gavin found a brush and brushed out his mane of scarlet hair, cleaned out the brush and loose strands to throw away, and then brushed it back in to a respectable 18th century tail just as Alec came back with a strip of leather designed to tie it up. With some help from Alec it was tied up and ready to go. He watched as Alec looked him up and down. A brush of the hand here, a pat there, and finally with a smile and nod, Gavin figured they were ready.
"Thank you my friend. Lets give this another shot then. Lead the way."
And with that Gavin followed Alec across the threshold of the room, waited as Alec closed and locked the door, and then followed the young man as he prepared for his final chance.
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Post by Prince Amy O'Connor on Oct 18, 2016 7:57:16 GMT
Friend. That simple term was almost enough to shatter Alec's well practiced imitation of perfection; he nearly stumbled as they exited the luxury of the guest room, but managed to catch himself. Almost instantly, his thoughts became a jumbled mess, and it was impossible to process any singular contemplation to its completion. Having worked for Amy most of his life, "friends" had become a rare occurrence indeed. Most of the people he worked with were exceedingly jealous of his special treatment, and those that weren't seemed unwilling to contemplate his existence at all. The first friend he had successfully managed to make, in fact, was Amy's husband, Octavian, and he was still attempting to decide just how much that counted. He gave a shake of his head, trying to clear his mind enough to focus on the thought at hand, and found he had grabbed hold of the key and was just about to lock the door.
Chuckling, mostly to himself, he took a single step back and dropped the massive key ring to his side without bothering to lock the door. "Of course," he murmured quietly, "this room has been offered to you for the duration of your stay here. The doors can be locked from within the room itself, but the staff should never bar your entrance: only Prince Amy herself has that right, now." Alec spoke with the same static disconnect as somebody reiterating a lesson never forgotten, almost robotic in his dissonance. However, as he turned his eyes back to the man who called him friend, that boyish charisma returned to make his eyes glitter and his smile shine. "If you're ever lost, you're staying in the Crimson Room. Any employee should be able to guide you back."
He motioned for the guest to follow, leading the way back to the tea room where he had originally met their Prince. Already, it had been cleaned thoroughly, and as soon as they had exited the guest room, another of the servants had readied the tea for serving. Amy, herself, was not in the room, but the tension that had once existed was gone: in its place, a calmness, a happiness. Even Alec had a bounce in his step that hadn't been there previously.
"The Prince greets most of her guests in the tea room... Either here, or downstairs, in her library." Ever content to play tour guide, the retainer motioned over the railing, back to the foyer and the closed doors promising secrets. "However, there is conflict impending, so I'm certain she and her Court are utilizing the library for a different purpose." He gave a shrug, as if he couldn't be bothered wondering what other purpose, and continued on towards the open room at the end of the hall. "Though, I have an inkling at least one of her Primogen will make an appearance tonight."
His grin only widened as he glanced to the ceiling, catching the shimmer of watchful green eyes once more. Finn had offered privacy while within the guest room and adjoining bathroom, but now that the two men were back in the main area of the manor home?... They were fair game.
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