vasilyofbezukhov

[vasilyofbezukhov]

It was no secret that Vasily was a fan of the drink, so it shouldn't have been a surprise when he came around, drink in his hand, looking for a partner in the act of finishing the bottle and keeping him company. It wasn't that he was a lonely man, but Vasily simply preferred another person around to talk with. It could even be said that second to drinking, talking was his favorite pastime. And while anyone would do as Vasily was well-versed in all manner of conversation (though his favorite topic was often himself and the fairer sex), Vasily preferred as of late the company of his own countrymen. Speaking in his mother tongue was simply easier and a matter of comfort, and no one could drink quite as well as a Russian. Wandering the area gifted to his nation took time, as there were no small company of men, but he managed to come across someone eventually, who had no used the darkening sky as an excuse to retreat to their quarters when the most fun could be had after the sun had set, in his opinion. He could even argue that they day truly started when the night began.

" Just the man I was looking for!" He called to his comrade from several feet down the hallway. It was a lie, of course, as he had been searching for literally anyone, but Nikita would more than do. "My friend -- my brother in this strange land. How happy I am to see one of my own kind after such a long day. Come, share a drink with me." He exclaimed in a manner which would make most thing he was on stage. Was it a bit too much? Yes, but Vasily had a way about him when he wanted something, making it hard to say no. As he closed the gap to Nikita, he threw his arm around his shoulder, his speech confident as his native language was easier to wrap his tongue around. " I would think that I had almost forgotten my own language. The common tongue is so complicated and coarse... is it now? I could cut my tongue winding it around so many unnecessarily difficult words, do you not agree?"

@thebeloveduke​

[vasilyofbezukhov]

ofivna​: 

green hues glanced upon the gentleman carrying the multitude of books in his arm. at first, ivana did not even think much about him. maybe making a comment in her head that he carried too much books and wondered if he was ever going to finish reading all those in one sitting but aside from that, nothing else. the princess had a thing for minding her own business and she planned on doing just that. 

she flinched at voice, clutching her chest to calm herself down. ivana wasn’t sure if he was calling to her or someone else. she stood there momentarily, looking around her. it seemed as though she was the only one around and she was female so who else would he be calling ‘girl’ too. “—oh, you were referring to me,” ivana mumbled surprised blinking to snap out of the confusion. lifting the front of her dress, she walked in a fast pace to pick up the items that had fallen from his pile “y—yes, of course, my lord.” she hesitated for a second, unsure if she should pile and stack them with the others. “you seem to be struggling, my lord. would you like me assist you and help lighten the load? i know i don’t look as strong but i can manage to carry a few books.”

Vasily had few useful skills that could aid him in his day-to-day life, but it was just another reason to be charming. His charm got places often and helped him out of trouble that his ego had gotten him into. Useless with a sword and only mediocre with his wit, Vasily often had to talk his way out of swordplay and game that were meant to challenge the mind, which only served to harness his skill. When coupled with his handsomeness and his acting skill that made him seem harmless and innocent when needed, it was his go-to tactic for everything. And like the more plump, juicy worm dangling out to bait a fish, he had captured the attention of a lovely woman. " Yes, I do, good lady." He confirmed with a soft chuckle. She probably wasn't as young as he addressed her to be, thus her confusion, but in addition to most maidens he found wandering around being younger than him, Vasily had never known a woman who did not enjoy being called young. 

"You are too kind. As kind as you are lovely." He noted as she dipped to retrieve his items. Had he had the day to his own lecherous devices he would have attempted to occupy more of her time, he thought, but the woman seemed to be a product of his luck as she offered it up willingly to him. " Oh -- you are a dear woman; so generous with your time.  I would accept your assistance and your company at the risk of sending you out of your way -- I hear there is a library, but that it is a great deal of footsteps away, and having your help would aid be greatly." He grinned as he gestured with his head to the direction she had just came from. " Oh my dear woman..." He chuckled, a small shake of his head made. " You are not only of the fairer sex, but the stronger. For all the talk of strength men claim to have, it is women who endure a pain in their lives that is unlike any other. One I could never hope to experience." He chuckled as he walked forward, beckoning her to follow. "Does the gentle lady have a name?"

[vasilyofbezukhov]

katrinkc​: 

Restless energy only multiplied when the morning sun filtered through stained-glass chamber windows, when Katherine was too aware of spending a day padded by people. Flocks of ladies-in-waiting, her child’s nursemaids, or guards, all clamoured into shrinking corridors throughout a day’s progression in a foreign land. A far cry from watching Portugal’s beauty unfold without manicured display, positioned as a tableau… she greatly preferred to observe the thriving heartbeat of a place, just as was curious, studious child.  Thus, Kat’s resolve proved unyielding as she slipped away under the wide brim of a cloak - a foolish choice, when she could have readily instructed guardsmen to leave her enough space to explore undisturbed. 

As she approached the corner of Rossio square in the early hours of the day, when scarcely anyone littered the streets and the merchants began to stock their stalls, the princess’s naturally hardened features lifted, softened in an odd peace. Content with the easy silence, knowing full well how excitable this square would shift in a mere hour’s time. Just as she glided round the corner, fingers curled against the velvet of her cloak’s hood, she felt a hand squeeze against her exposed arm. Instinctual scoff at the rude gesture, followed by an unbecoming grunt of a shove (Katrinka was clumsy when flustered, some things never changed) and a sharp curse in choppy English - “Do you greet all ladies in such fashion- or are you searching for a damned brothel, at this hour-” she snapped, only faltering mid spat to notice, “Bezukhov?” Feistiness faltered into familiarity, as she proudly rolled her shoulders and tried to seem more imposing than her tiny form was, offering a slight smile after a beat. “You aren’t alone, thinking how strange it is from our homeland, but - you’re in the square. And you seem like you’re in purgatory.” She paused, immediately relieved it was her that he had ran into, instead of someone else from England. Their countrymen had enough to judge Russian influence– even so much as a slightly rude interaction to the wrong person could further tarnish her reputation. “What have you been up to, since arriving in Lisbon? You don’t seem too well, Vasily.” 

It wasn't something he had prepared for -- homesickness. If Vasily were to be honoest with himself, he hadn't prepared for much of anything for the trip, not even too sure he recalled getting on the boat that faithful day. Possibly drunk, maybe carried aboard by guards, and certainly leaning out a port window feeling sick the first day or being secured by an arm to avoid falling over the side while expelling something vile, packing anything on his own the furthest thing from his mind.  It was just fact that he didn't think ahead when it matter. If he had, he wouldn't have wandered alone in this current state when he knew his sense of direction was severely lacking. Happening across countrymen -- former countrymen? -- was only more of that dumb luck that the prince had been blessed with that kept him alive these nearly forty years. It was only this, he was sure of it as he looked at Katherine, as she was no called.  She had become a lovely woman, adorned so well, he thought. But it was the tone in which she spoke that surprised him the most. The moment was something to keep in mind to joke about later, but she had swiftly adjusted her attitude when she recognized his face.

"And it is also good to see you, Kat-- Princess." He corrected swiftly, though with sarcasm in his town as he offered and equally playful but sarcastic bow her way. She had always been nobility, yes, but Vasily had known her too long to see her as the princess of a nation who deserved to be bowed to over a playful little girl that he would often tease. Even if grabbing her was less-than gentlemanly behavior, it amuse Vasily deeply to see her puff her chest so arrogantly, confident in her status enough to do such a thing now. "  I am surprised to see that you still know my face after such a long time." He smiled, straightening up. " It would appear so -- I have heard only hell is so warm." He joked as he took a step closer. "Surely it is not as strange for you now, as it is for me... I would have though it would be home to you now." He admitted through his crooked grin, hand lifting to curl a knuckle under her chin. " You look like they treat you well enough -- had I not known any better I would think you some English rose bred on their soil and not one of ours." He smiled, dropping his hand and sighing. " I have not gotten the sleep I would desire to have... I fear it had aged me. Tell me, princess, do I appear aged?" He pouted, turning his face for her to observe carefully, obviously hoping to be told he hadn't aged.

[vasilyofbezukhov]

Point Call - July 20th

Starters

0Replies

William

Abuzar

Memes

0

Weekly Total: 20 points

[vasilyofbezukhov]

ON BEHALF OF THE EARL OF LANCASTER, WILLIAM NEVILLE, you are hereby invited to a hunt which will be held on july 18th, 1458 at the palácio de queluz. this event is in honor of the duke of york, john neville, to celebrate his day of birth. william neville and the english court request your presence and extends their warmest welcome.  

*** this is a member-hosted event purchased by elle; your character, vasily bezukhov, is invited to participate. an event announcement will be posted to the crowns circular soon with further details. please let us know if you have any questions  !

[vasilyofbezukhov]

abuzarbeg​: 

Abuzar Beg found no offense in the Prince’s words, only amusement. Most of his contacts from China, as well as the Timurids themselves, have spoken in detail of how the Westerners tended to view their culture. Abuzar thought it fair, as ignorance is not always intended. Often, it is born from lack of understanding, which is hard to acquire if all you’ve known can be counted in one corner of the world. He himself knew little firsthand of the Westerners’ culture, only the few words from his books he could trust.

The shahbanu’s trusted advisor could only nod at the Prince’s advice, taking them freely to be potentially useful in more ways than one. His were fair assumptions, though Abuzar himself knew not to underestimate the wiles of women, the games they play, the cleverness of their methods. Some of his best teachers were, after all, women, and he has personally witnessed the prowess of the shahbanu and the other women in the Timurid court. There is none more clever than myself, however.

At the question, Abuzar found himself doubting the most appropriate of answers. Yes, it was rude to decline a royal offer, no matter what it entails, but his own beliefs might render that truth contextually arguable. Wine, khamr, was more or less, traditionally forbidden for him and his people, especially if made from grapes or dates, though a few contest the innocence of those made from honey, barley, or wheat. Still, Abuzar was representing the shahbanu and he needed his wits about him.

“I am afraid I cannot, your grace, though I wish otherwise.” He offered him an apologetic bow, more of a nod in their current seating arrangement, and made sure to express his disappointment in that truth. “Such is another penance of my birthright.”

While Abuzar truly did not care for the taste of wine, he did care about offending someone of the Prince’s status. He hoped Prince Vasily would take no offense to his refusal of the offer, firstly to avoid any negative implications regarding a potential friendship and secondly because he had grown to appreciate his humor and charm.

Wine and women were Vasily’s hobby and favorite topic, thus the thing he went to instantly, even though he should have had better judgment. It wasn’t the best idea to bare his lecherous habits to those he just met, but the more he drank, the more Vasily tended to be on his worst behavior. Though it was never his intention to offend, h  often did, and seldom realized enough to feel remorse for it. It didn’t help that he often didn’t remember the offense from the night before due to his state. His only saving grace was his charm and good humor, which more often than it should have, excused him from his poor choices.

With his hand still outstretched, Vasily hoping to tempt the man into joining him and keeping company, he listened to the man’s excuse as to why not, failing to be a bad influence and feeling that the man was if strong moral. As much as he wanted to push, Vasily knew he would not get anywhere, at least not without more conversation and familiarity between himself at the man.

“Such an unfortunate birthright.... To deny yourself of the things that bring the most joy... I should think you would go mad without anything to occupy yourself.” Sighing, Vasily gave up for the moment, filling his glass to the brim, a few precious drops spilling over the rim , then set the rest down. He rather carefully brought his goblet to his lips to drink from the top, making it safe enough to hold casually before focusing back on the other man.

“I imagine then, that there must be a great deal to do where you have come from? Something to take up your time, as I am sure that actions of great faith and practicing as a warrior can only take up so much of time... Surely you have a great deal to share abou t your culture and it isn’t all so...devoted...”

[vasilyofbezukhov]

williamoflancaster​: 

“And why should a man die from it when the answer to his struggles is at hand?” William countered as he returned the man’s bow, surprised by the gesture considering that Vasily outranked him. A courtesy gesture perhaps, due to his lack of judgement over the drink? Regardless, William wasn’t any stranger to a bottle and he wasn’t going to shame the man for it because he was hardly in a position to make verdicts upon what was a sin and what wasn’t, but also because quite frankly, he didn’t care about the man sneaking sips of alcohol while he read a book in the middle of the day. It was so mundane, why would it be any concern of his?

While William didn’t have a clear memory of every Russian noble and the way their families interacted, William knew enough to know this wasn’t a Rurik sibling like Katrinka, but if they were on friendly terms, William thought she would like word of him. After All, William was familiar with the sensation of being far from home and being out of place and that was a feeling he wished to soften for her since William doubted he would ever be able to erase it fully. “She deserved nothing less. Every woman should be able to enjoy her wedding day.” And while William wished he could say that the better a wedding was, the better the future of her marriage, he doubted that a nice wedding set the pattern for a series of nice days when it came to her life in England.

“That hasn’t said if it is vodka or something else.” William pointed out as he reached for the bottle as discretely as he could, not concerned about the wisdom of accepting a drink from a stranger consider he’d already witnessed the man drinking from the pouch. It seemed this visit to Portugal was one where William was meant to expand his horizons in terms of drinks, first the tea and now this. Sipping at the drink, William was surprised by the way it burned, his face scrunching at the taste as he offered it back, declaring, “That’s far stronger than what I’m used to, but it’s good.”

“Well said --” Vasily smirked and nodded, still stable on his seat though the few rushed sips he had taken attempted to make him less than graceful as he sat. He was too good at holding his drink to be undone so easily by a few sips, though should his book not hold his attention and the supply last, the prince might end up making a fool of himself unintentionally. Still, it wasn’t something he concerned himself with too much, as luck seemed to find him in discreet places when he was at his most drunken state. Most in his circle knew of his fondness for the drink either way, which was one of the other things that gave Vasily a lack of care when it came to his image. 

But that was back home, where he was allowed to be shameless without fear of how it made his entire country look. Here, there were a great many responsibilities on his shoulders to uphold a standard, and that was why he, in that current moment, was still within his right mind. AT least, enough so to stay upright and speak with elegance expected of him.

“I agree with this, that all should, but it is not always the case. I have seen brides so miserable on such days... It does little to change their fortune, but I believe that how a bride feels on her wedding day...it is foretelling...” He paused, shrugging. “ Sometimes....” He added with a smirk.  He was too drunk to recall the state of the Tsar’s wife on her day, but if he was right, she must have been miserable.

“It is indeed what you think it is.” Vasily admitted with a smirk. “ I would suspect it is... You are used to wine, yes? A fine drink, but sweet, much like the fruit that it comes from. Where I am from, things are not as fair. Our drink must be harsh as our winters. It puts hair on a man’s chest. That hair keeps us warm. At least, that is what my father told me the first time he sat me down for a drink.”

[vasilyofbezukhov]

Point Call - July 13th

Starters

 Ivana

 Henri 

Konstantin 

William 

Yicheng 

Katherine 

(90)

Replies

 Ivana

 Amira

 Yicheng 

William

Apollonia

 Christiano 2

 Henrietta 2

(90)

Memes

1 (5)

Total = 185

[vasilyofbezukhov]

williamoflancaster​: 

Normally, William wouldn’t have stopped simply because of a man reading near a library because there was nothing interesting in that except perhaps what the person chose to read and in this case, William didn’t have any idea what the book was. A flick of his eyes just to take in his surroundings caught the man’s presence, but it was the sight of the man digging one handed inside his clothing that caused William’s gaze to linger.

The way you avoided being stabbed by a hidden blade was by keeping aware of those around you and yet William’s fears were assuaged almost as quickly as they appeared, the presence of a little bottle soon allowing William to realize exactly what the man was doing. More than that, it kept his gaze on the man long enough to realize that he looked familiar and that was what drew William into changing directions, patiently waiting, hovering, until the man realized he was there.

“Of course, and I would never slight you for falling pray to such a base need while doing such thirsty work in nature.” William said dryly, tilting his head as he considered the man. Vasily, if he was recalling correctly. “I believe I know you from Katrinka’s wedding.” Normally William would have referred to her as Katherine, the version of her name given to her by the English, but it felt more sensible to use her original Russian name when addressing Russian nobility.

Taking a step closer, William cast a discreet glance around to see if anyone had taken notice of them before looking back to the man. “I assume that isn’t water… is that the vodka I’ve heard about?”

Giving a sideways glance to the man, Vasily was sober enough to recognize the man, at least some what. He was still terrible with names and faces (most likely due to him being drunk most times he met someone new), but never the less gave the man a polite bow to acknowledge his presence, pausing his hand just in case. “ All men thirst...” He agreed with a knowing smirk before relaxing a bit. It wasn’t, after all a hallowed place where he could be judged for such a thing. Vasily mostly knew it would be mostly unnoticed do to the lack of interest in books by most as well as the lack of knowledge on how to read them. It made such a place useful for seeking solitude without prayer and for other things...

Looking up at the man Vasily perceived as noble, he smiled genuinely. “I believe you would be correct -- it was a sad thing, seeing our darling Katrinka leave us, but the festivities more than made up for it.” He chuckled, knowing that however fond he was or wasn’t of the women mattered little when she was not his to give away and such mattered were important to form bonds and allies. “What a lovely bride she made...few have been lovelier.” He gushed as if she were his own sister, mostly because he hoped to do the same for his own true kin very soon, and that when he did, he would give her the grandest he could to ensure that every word said about her was just as kind.

Brows raised, Vasily was prepared to ask how Katrinka was fairing when the man’s query gave him reason to pause. “ It is a liquid, yes, but water, it is not...” Vasily chuckled, giving a glance around once more before bringing back out the pouch and subtly sliding it across the table towards the man. “ I am curious as to what you have heard, as I am curious to hear or your own curiosity.” Vasily smirked, just as subtle in his offering of a drink to the man before him.

[vasilyofbezukhov]

amiraofcordoba​: 

It took her a few moments to realize that the man before her was drunk - having chalked his demeanor up to other things until he came closer and she could properly survey him. As someone who had never had a drop of alcohol, she found it distasteful, in a way, but she knew better than to react that way, studying him quietly for a moment.

“You do me a great kindness to say so, my Lord,” she demurred, attempting to place the man’s accent as she looked at him - made no easier by how his words slurred. “But I see you must be married, and I should hate to have your wife hear you say such things, if she is nearby. Have you been…. enjoying the festivities?”

As much as he needed a strong, cold wind to render him sober, it might have knocked him down in his current state, Vasily surprised that he had his limits, but considering it a sign of age, drinking more to prove himself and time wrong. The only problem with that was he was almost seeing two of her instead of one. In his mind it was funny, but he held the amusement inside as he addressed her. “I merely speak the truth.” He offered the woman a slight bow of respect, though not too deep least he fall over.

Reached to support himself on a hedge, Vasily found himself plucking leaves from the shrubbery as he assessed the the woman’s features, no doubt native to her country, but such plump lips and dusky tones new and fascinating to Vasily. Of course, his ogling was ruined by her mention of his wife. “ She in fact, is not.” He clarified with a smirk. “Though I am aware of the jealousy of women and how legendary their wrath can be when scorned.” He chuckled. “However I doubt my dear wife would bother much either way...”

[vasilyofbezukhov]

crownedprxncess​: 

- &&. Galas, for the most part, where something Yicheng enjoyed attending, but the current festivals occurring in the Portuguese capital could only be described by the Chinese Princess as overwhelming. Parties of this size were common back in China, however, it was the comforts of home and her language that made them seem so easy. With a distinct language barrier, and few familiar faces, Yicheng was having a hard time keeping up her smiling appearances.

Yicheng had been learning English since arriving, but still had a long way to go. Nobles found her accent difficult to understand, and the mistakes in her phrases often confused meaning for some. In all honesty, Yicheng felt more than a little out of her comfort zone; one could only converse with an interpreter for so long before the conversation felt impersonal. Her ladies were off socialising and enjoying the ball, with Yicheng’s permission. Jianjun was nowhere to be found, likely socialising with other foreign generals. A heavy sigh, but there was still a stroke of optimism, things would get better, eventually. 

 She greeted the stranger with a smile, surprised, but a smile nonetheless, ❝ Please, help yourself my Lord, it would be rude of me now to share with another lone wolf like myself. ❞

“You are far too kind, good lady.” Being given the permission he needed, Vasily was quick , hasty, even, to fill his cup and take a long drink. The wine’s effect took instantly, warming his insides and letting his state keep hold a bit longer, thus extending his fun. “ As kind as you are lovely.” He added between somewhat less-than-graceful gulps. For some, it would have caused problems, but Vasily’s affinity for intoxicants and the amount in which he consumed them regularly gave him somewhat of an immunity, the prince able to drink more and maintain upright longer than most.

With his glad nearly empty, Vasily forced his attention on the foreign woman again, taking in her features carefully and being in awe of them. Her skin like porcelain and unique design were most interesting. To think that such exotic fruit was birthed in places he hadn’t touched was something that excited Vasily, who in addition to enjoying the pleasure that sins brought, found himself thrilled by the idea of a foreign conquest far different than most men though of. Having never seen one like her before, Vasily was far too intrigued to turn away. Gesturing to the seat beside her, he offered a slight bow.

“ May I, my lady? If it would not offer you too much scandal or displeasure, of course.” He said with the most charm in his tone that he could offer. He wasn’t sure as to what was an offense in her nation and in what way ladies were meant to behave, but it was worth the risk on his part.

[vasilyofbezukhov]

codpieceking​: 

“Oh, is that so? I wouldn’t have thought you’d suffer from that.” Cristiano said, tipping his head back in a laugh. He didn’t believe that Vasily was referring to temperature for a moment and yet the idea of Vasily not being able to find a willing body to keep his bed warm seemed odd since usually there was no shortage of available women wishing to be able to say they were good enough for royalty, even if only for a night. “Perhaps that change of scenery will be to your benefit, there isn’t any reason for you not to enjoy the sights, after all.” And really, it wasn’t a secret just what Cristiano meant by ‘enjoy’, now was it?

Since there were so many of them gathered in one pace, it made sense to network and to enjoy various get togethers and parties without needing to bother waiting for invitations to go out and requiring them all to travel, so Cristiano followed along until Vasily mentioned that it wouldn’t be to his taste. “Oh? Are you calling me old and dull, my friend? Won’t you at least tell me what sort of party this is that I won’t be invited to?” He asked, although there wasn’t any sort of rebuke or insult in his tone, just a sort of curiosity of just what Vasily thought he wouldn’t find pleasure in.

Admittedly -- well, not really, as Vasily hardly ever openly admitted to his flaws no matter how petty or insignificant -- Vasily was a bit of a winer. It wasn’t so much that he loved to complain or desired pit or coddling, but that he wanted someone to have to solution to his problems when he did, as living with the slightest bit of discomfort was stressful for the prince. “I’m afraid so... I am far too used to the cold and settling by a fire at night, perhaps under a heavy pelt. I grew too accustomed to the weight on me, but alas, such a heavy covering leaves me to sweat until I remove it, but then I miss the sensation...” He sighed heavily, pouting as though it was the worst thing in the world. “I will take time to get used to things, I suppose....” Vasily shrugged aimlessly. “If anything, your grace, it will keep me entertained. I get bored very easily, I am afraid.” He added with a knowing smirk, wondering if Christiano too, enjoyed such things.

As Vasily reached for a cup to whet his tongue, the King’s comment had his brow cocking in the man’s direction. “No, your grace -- no older or more of a bore than I.” He corrected, suppressing a chuckle.  He assumed, that as it were for most men, they kept their lechery quiet to avoid scandal, at least until proved otherwise. Vasily truly believed that it was the nature of all men to enjoy the pleasures of flesh, but should he happen across on who was as righteous as advertised, he never liked to imply otherwise and offend. “ I simply enjoy the more...animal pleasures, your grace. The ones that are so buried deep within our nature that it is shameful to admit to. It is simply that and nothing more than I meant, your grace. God and country and my wife would see it that I do not do such things, but I am just a man, after all... Surely your grace has much more interesting hobbies than mine...”

[vasilyofbezukhov]

austrianblood​: 

He spoke of manners after approaching with such arrogance as if she were a ripe fruit to be plucked from a branch, a ghost of many a man she once knew. How grateful she was to hold her beloved in her heart and wash her hands of drunks and philanderers. “I am no princess, Your Grace, but I know plenty of princes.” Had her tale reached the Tsardom of Russia? She was doubtful as anonymity had often escaped her. No, she wasn’t a princess but she had a prince of her own some might say. “I am a Lady of Austria. I serve the Holy Roman Empress Apollonia and I believe she’d agree that it is you who has forgotten his manners, as I merely asked with whom I was speaking, a question yet to be answered in full.” Always the stubborn one she would not give up her own name to a stray Russian prince who believed his title told her all she needed to know. “Perhaps, some bread would soak up whatever it is that you’ve drank this evening, yes? I suppose then we might understand one another much better.” Jewel-toned eyes cast him the pointed look of a reproving mother, a fair warning that ego would surely run her off and then he’d have his angel no more. “Tell me, what would you have found a more polite greeting? Were you put off that I did not immediately sink to my knees?” She added, slight amusement tugging at the corners of her mouth. By day she was forced to hold her tongue but when darkness came she could no longer bear to be so disingenuous and this Eastern noble had not encouraged her to mince her words. Henrietta’s best behavior had to be earned. 

The smirk on his face remained in place as the woman spoke with obvious fire in her tone. Such things did little to deter Vasily, who was known for his lack of bravery in the face of a fight, but a woman? No woman would see him cower. “ I’m sure that you do...” He chuckled, her remark far more telling that she probably meant it to be. “ A lady of Austria...serving another woman... Tell me, Lady of Austria, does your queen hold you in the same high regard that you hold yourself, or are you just another subject to her?” He prodded, still grinning as his finger drummed the table. “ And neither have I received a name, my good lady, so we remain strangers to one another. i can promise you that no matter your name or mine, your Queen does not hold dominion over me, and thus your devotion to her falls on deaf, unimpressed ears.”

Reaching for the wine, her request -- or demand, perhaps -- also fell on deaf ears as Vasily drank deeply from it’s glass. “Had I sought bread I would have it-- do forgive my lack of manners, but tonight I seek to hold something else in my hands.” He smiled, taking another drink. As hs set the glass down, Vasily took a staggering half step towards her. While he knew he wasn’t going to lay a hand on her in anger or otherwise, she didn’t have to. He found it best when a woman lived in fear of a man’s rage as they were better to control that way.”Your knees? “ He paused, lips pursed and eyes wandering away for a moment. “ A pleasant image, I must admit, but it is far from what I expected, you being a lady as you claim to be. Were you a common whore... Then my answer would be different.”

[vasilyofbezukhov]

💬 the tsar is ill and like to die

“That--” Vasily paused. “That is nonsense. Who told you this?”  Of course he was curious of the source. He wouldn’t be the first person to know should it be true, but surely he wouldn’t be the last.” He is in perfectly good health.” Vasily lies, unaware of this to be fact himself but never the less, painting the image of a strong leader.  This summit was filled with people who had armies and could pounce at any moment if they saw Russia as weak. For that reason alone, he would do his best to bury said rumors, but deep down, there was a fear. Vasily wanted -- no, he needed the Tsar to be in good health for the sake of his family. The Tsarina was likely barren, and his sister was still young and healthy enough to bare an heir, but only if someone was there to bare an heir for....

[vasilyofbezukhov]

As much as he would have loved to drink and indulge himself in various other pleasures, the prince did have his own tasks to attend to, which meant that on this day he was carrying books, scrolls, and parchment in his arms back to his quarters to read through them, already bored with the duty before he begun. Though he was somewhat strong due to caring too much for his appearance, the books felt heavy in his arms, as though the words within them were weighing them down. Or it could have been that his grasp on them was weak in his laziness. Such was the life of a diplomat, he though with a heavy sigh as he rounded a corner sharply and almost too late, noticed a pillar in his way. 

Though he was no agile swordsman, he managed to avoid a collision, stepping back in time at the sake of his quill and a few parchments. His eyes fell on them for a moment, wondering how he would manage to retrieve them with the least amount of effort when he saw a figure in the distance. “You there, girl!” He called. “ Lovely girl! Do you think you could find it in your sweet heart to assist me? I seem to have dropped something..”

@ofivna​

[vasilyofbezukhov]

Because he hadn’t spent the night in a drunken stupor, Vasily was awake early , a rarity for the prince. He was able to make it top breakfast on time tend to a matter on behalf of his house all before noon had come, which gave him enough pride in himself to call it a day on responsibility and relax. While wine and a nap was usually on the menu for him in such an event, Vasily decided that he was tired of being inside and settled on a ride, both to get time alone to think and to exercise his horse, who was in dire need of it. After a brief distraction of pretty maidens, Vasily had made it to the large stable, the stench of it hitting him as he had not been inside one for a good while and needing a moment to adjust to. Once he had, a stable hand attended to him, fetching his saddle and other items as Vasily lead his horse -- a strong stallion -- out of the crowded stable and to a hitching post, securing the creature and taking his things from the hand to dress his horse.

It was as he set down a brush and moved for his reigns that Vasily notice him approaching -- a man who, though he did not know well enough personally, Vasily could recall due to their countries familiarity with one another. Inhaling sharply, Vasily was actually glad to be sober as it presented a golden opportunity. “King Henri.” He called when the man was within ear short. “I did not expect to run into you here. Fine morning for a ride, is it not?”

@kinghenrioffrance​

[vasilyofbezukhov]

Even though he was enjoying meeting with different people (even more so those who received him well), there was nothing that could compare to his countrymen. It was easier and more of a comfort to speak in his native tongue, likewise to have his habits be understood as they were just part of his culture whereas to others they were strange or even rude. It was the reason why, when called to ride, Vasily accepted the call rather than stay in bed lazily sleeping the day away. 

The day was nice enough, and Vasily was finally learning how to not over-dress for the weather in Libson, so without that discomfort he could be prepared for whatever adventure was planned. Maybe fox hunting or the tracking of some other beast local to Portugal. Maybe it was a ride to a brothel far from the prying eyes where the men could enjoy themselves away from wives and uptight court ladies.... Vasily’s mind was full of ideas, but the more they rode, the more he started to feel like it was just a ride for riding’s sake. That...was not fun.

Heels pressing in on his horse, Vasily caught up to Konstantin, who had been riding ahead a good bit while Vasily had been engaging other riders in conversation with vulgar humor about his expectations, and slipped into a canter to fall in pace with the prince. 

“This ride in long.... Tell me, does our Prince have any clue of the destination of our journey?”

@glorifiedcrown​