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#Post#: 5307--------------------------------------------------
Stag Night
By: Grumbles Date: July 30, 2018, 12:57 pm
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It was just after sunset when the men began to gather in Mikhail
Vladimirovich's courtyard. The stately house's usually carefully
guarded gate was thrown open onto the street as men of the
Varangian Guard who were off duty for the night came streaming
inside. Trestle tables had been arranged in the courtyard with
bowls of wine and cups aplenty, along with a selection of cheese
and breads for while they awaited the arrival of all the party
goers.
Mikhail was finely dressed tonight, not in his court ware, but
he did wear the woven belt of silver and the rest of his silver
jewelry over the top of his finest pair of crimson clothing. He
also wore heavily embroidered boots, exuding the air of a good
if barbaric host. Amongst men of the Guard though, he was one of
their own...especially amongst those he'd first served with.
Moving through the milling crowd, he clasps hands with many of
the men, laughs and jokes with them, keeping those who are early
entertained and fed while the others arrive. Men from the Palace
had been invitee as had the lord Mannix, he'd even hand written
a rather formal sounding invitation to the Lady Svyatoslav
offering her an honored position in the night's festivities.
Mikhail fully expects there will be payback for that last
invitation, but what was life without a little self inflicted
adventure?
#Post#: 5311--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Mannix Date: July 30, 2018, 6:21 pm
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Mannix had showed, dressed well though in his normal manner of
not too flashy. Still the clothing fit well and were of a high
quality though the only jewelry he wore was a ring with his
fathers crest on it. He arrived with a gift of wine . He would
have something better for the day of the wedding.
He joined with the other men, greeting them and making jokes. He
wasn't quite as crass but he was more than willing to fill their
cup and laugh at their jokes. He always had respected the men of
the watch.
"Well hello man of the hour. Hopefully you arent too drunk yet."
#Post#: 5314--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Amaris Date: July 31, 2018, 2:22 pm
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Two figures appeared at the gate. Dark, hooded robes hide their
bodies and faces from sight. All that can be told about them is
that one appears small and slight while the other is much taller
and thicker built.
They do not enter nor speak as other guest pass around them.
They simply stand, waiting for the host to notice them.
#Post#: 5335--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Grumbles Date: August 6, 2018, 8:51 am
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Mikhail had spotted the attractive lord when he entered, but
took some time to make his way through the gathered men. Since
Mannix himself seemed adept at mingelinf amongst the crowd of
hardened soldiers, Mikhail didn't make great haste to greet him.
Once the two men did meet in the already heartily drinking
throng, he grins in that entirely too predatory manner. "my good
Lord Mannix, of course not, how would I look after this lot if I
allowed them to press me with too much wine already?"
Even with that statement, up close the man has the smell of wine
about him, a top note to the warm animalness and steel that
lingers even when he isn't in armor. " Still, he seems well in
control of himself as he offers Mannix his hand in greeting "I
am pleased that you truly could make it to our little party."
Over the lord's shoulder he spots the figures by the gate, robed
and hanging back from entering. "Who is that I wonder, some
surprise from some of the men perhaps? May I trust you to make
yourself at home until the remainder of our night's company
arrive Lord Mannix?"
There is no note of alarm or even true concern, but then even on
this festive night Mikhail was lightly armed with his fighting
dagger...not unlike most of the men around them. Mikhail's eyes
are keenly fixed on the two robbed figures.
#Post#: 5338--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Amaris Date: August 6, 2018, 3:50 pm
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The two figures look at one another then each raise an arm and
beckon him towards them. She reminds herself to be more patient
as the thought of dropping her hood and calling out to him
passes through her mind. ...but under her breath Amaris grumbles
about stubborn Rus men and the seeming lack of urgency in his
greeting people waiting at his gate.
#Post#: 5341--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Mannix Date: August 7, 2018, 1:06 pm
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Mannix smiled at the man kindly. He had been drinking as well
but somehow didnt seem effected at all. He must just have a
wonderful constitution, right? Rich people were known for
drinking.
"I would not miss it for anything. This is a special night, your
special night. I thank you again for inviting me and I have to
say this is a fine bunch of fellows."
He shook the offered hand and nodded when asked.
"Certainly. Hmm, visitors."
He looked again his eyes focusing on the figures at the door and
the he let out a bark of laughter.
"Mikhail, this is your night, why should you bother yourself?
Why not go spend more time with your guests and let me answer
the door. After all, a good host never leaves the party, and my
manners aren't too bad."
Oh, this could be fun.
#Post#: 5345--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Grumbles Date: August 7, 2018, 2:43 pm
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Mikhail doesnt seem to think anything of the man's apparent lack
of inebriation. "They are, especially when there is an enemy at
the gate and blood to be spilled. They are a rowdy lot
otherwise, but nothing is wrong with that."
The handshake, callused and scarred skin against the former
monk's finer skin, was firm but pleasantly so.
At the offer to see to the shadowy guests Mikhail laughs "I
would hardly be a host if I left anxious and shy guests
loitering just outside the festivities...but if you insist you
are welcome to accompany me Lord Mannix. Besides, you seem to
know something I dont about them, for you to find these guests
so amusing." There is a flash of that wolfish smile again as he
starts through the crowd towards the gate.
More men were arriving and he hails them along the way, pointing
them to the tables of wine and food. "Yes Gregory, we will be
off soon for the Houses, patience my friend" he 'chides' one, a
man who towers over himself and looked capable of splintering
the heavy gate of the household with his bare fists.
Soon enough he'd be at the gate with a broad smile for the
mystery guests, amber eyes probing the shadows of their hoods.
#Post#: 5352--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Amaris Date: August 7, 2018, 4:08 pm
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As they approached he would smell the sandalwood and know it was
her. She did not mind him knowing. The grin on Mannix's face
said he already knew. She bowed as they stopped before them,
then stepped forward to speak as quietly as possible to Mikhail
"Do you remember when we spoke of your duty coming first? I need
you to know there is an exception for some. At times, a man must
put aside his duty to take on a larger, more essential, task.
Please keep that in mind as I tell you I have searched since the
day you chose a bride for this... as I thought your wedding
would be incomplete without it. When I learned of your party
tonight, I decided that the time for keeping this secret was
over, as this night is likely more important to you than the
actual wedding...Enjoy your night, my love..."
She raised to her toes and kissed him quickly before turning to
the other robed figure.
"And you as well ... I expect a family man to keep him in
line..."
She grabbed the others robe as she walked away, pulling it from
the larger frame that held it....revealing Justin standing
before him grinning like a fool.
#Post#: 5355--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: Grumbles Date: August 8, 2018, 3:38 pm
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That scent and the slight form beneath the robe made sure he
knew her before she stepped in close. Leaning down to make her
softly spoken words easier on her, he looks sidelong under her
hood with keen interest and his usual amusement.
As she speaks curiosity kindles all the more in his eyes and he
glances repeatedly at the other robed figure. When she rises to
kiss him in this most public forum he returns the kiss, brief
though it be, before straightening. "You are relishing being the
Lady of Mystery tonight I see..." his teeth show in a smile of
half woken desire, or rather it was a look of deeply restrained
desire that some of it leaks through.
Mikhail looks quizzically between the robed pair "a family man,
or a Family man?" Then the robe is pulled aside and Mikhail's
face goes almost completely blank...his shoulders tense and his
fingers clench into fists as something flashes in his eyes.
Standing to his full height he steps towards the grinning roman
as though he would strike him...and then his lips skin back into
a broad grin as instead he embraces him in a bone cracking bear
hug. "My friend! Where on Gods earth have you been?! I thought
surely you were dead!"
#Post#: 5356--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stag Night
By: earthdawn66 Date: August 8, 2018, 3:40 pm
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*he lowered the robe and bowed his head*
A Family emergency came up as my father died and i have become
head of the House.. . . Family caomes before being a Guard. But
i was informed of this event and have been honored to make it in
time
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