More Than a Title

These women are often underestimated, but they will show the world that is a big mistake. ~ A RP blog for Glass Palaces RPG~

[morethanatitle]

buonoroberto​:

“Agh” Robbie signed with sadness and shock. Sure, they had talked about it and yet he was so excited about the proposal of staying in Italy that he somehow included her into his world. “Sorry” he smiled sadly, but his own imagination was running vividly. He was already dreaming of seeing his home, his nieces and nephews, his siblings and there was the prospect of possibility to redeem himself. To help Italy to win the war. 

“Well you are always welcome at my place, once I settle down.” He offered. Robbie still had no idea where his journey would take him. Sure, Naples first and then he was determined to join the resistance fight. His plan was already forming, Corsica seemed like an ideal place, but he still had a long way to go. “You can open a shop everywhere or perhaps my sister will love your work and employ you if they are not gonna cherish you in England.” 

She chuckled at his reaction to her answer. Still, it had been a long time since she had a true friend. That’s what this felt like to her. He was a friend to her, and he seemed truly saddened to hear that she would not be staying in Italy with him. It was a nice change to actually have a friend, not too mention one who cared that much. Still, it was nice to see him so happy. He was much happier than she saw him when they first met.

“That is very kind of you. I will make sure to remember that.” She had no idea what will be next in all of this. She was worried about what the verdict would be when she arrived back in England, but at least there was a place where she would be welcomed. His sister...the queen? She had never met his sister, but maybe he was hoping to get her in on a good recommendation. “Well, if they decide not to have me, I would be happy to go back to Italy and settle down there.”

[morethanatitle]

buonoroberto​:

“Why would you do that?” He asked though he realised it was probably meant as a joke. Still, he had long forgotten how to be a king. He took his own luggage and carried it on the way. 

As they were dragging their few things around the halls, looking for a place to settle in, Robbie took in the smell of salt, water, vomit and rot. He almost gagged but he knew he had to get used to it. Sea travel, Robbie was never a fan though he had already had some sea journeys behind him. As they finally reached a relatively decent room (because it did not seem like their golden ticket would guarantee them better treatment as they were soon left to their own devices) he sat happily on the bed. 

“I can´t wait to be back home. I would have never guessed I would miss it, but I do. Still, it will never be the same, but aghhh” he stretched himself on dirty sheets filled with fleas “it will be home.” he smiled to himself. “What are you going to do when you are in Italy? You must taste our food of course, but apart from that? Are you planning to open your own shop?” He turned on the back to face her. 

She shrugged. “I was just trying to be nice and offer help if you need it.” It was nice to see that there isn’t much for him to bring along. The crew was not too kind that she had an additional person, so at least he didn’t bring too much that they had to store along with it.

She was about to leave him be when he started talking to her. It seemed like he wanted her to stay. When asked about her plans in Italy, she looked at him in confusion. Had he forgotten everything they had talked about when they met a few hours before? Her plans and purpose for travel were clearly explained. Still, she tried not to be too upset about it all. Her situation was unique and ever changing. It was easy to forget.

“I-I am not staying in Italy. The ship is merely stopping in Italy to gather supplies before we go onto France. I told them you are stopping there to deliver some garments to a merchant, which is why you are not joining us for the rest of the journey. I have a commission in France before travelling to England to receive my fate from my King. I maybe kept at court or asked to continue travelling or I might be dismissed at court. If I am no longer needed at court, I am not sure where I will go. I will probably try to set up a shop somewhere in the world, but I am not sure about that part yet.”

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buonoroberto​:

A silent pact was made between the two of them. Gone was the judgement, both of them ready to start new chapters of their lives. He could only hope others were not that good with their memories to recognize him and his beard would grow just a bit more to cover his face enough. His skin was already getting tanned by the sun and as he was heading towards his camp to say goodbye to his comrades and taking one or two with him, as there were other volunteers to join the Italian Resistance while still working for the French Army, packing was nothing but bittersweet. He had grown to love this place, as much as one could love the place of pain, screams and death. But as always the closer to death you are, the more aware of what a gift life is, you are. 

Still, Robbie (or as he called himself, now Vito) woke up from his nap quite soon, anticipating the new adventure and he found the ship quickly. Guided by the hand of God or perhaps by impatience and the sound of the familiar language. He was heading home. 

It was easy to find Alina. The blonde hair among many of those who had long forgotten how to care about their looks. She looked like a blossoming flower in the slums of docks where beggars tested the mercy of rich merchants and drunk sailors. It was a smelly place and he thanked God that no sailor was yet drunk enough to make his way. “Alina” he yelled at her, accompanying his cry with help. He and two of his friends were standing next to the ship. “So, we have made it.” He smiled. “The new adventure is beginning.” And despite everything he had been through, there was still optimism. It was then, that the letter announcing his sister´s wedding reached him. She had to have spies and his adventure took a bigger turn than he had hoped to. After all, he didn´t need to look for the leader of the Resistance, he was going to be his brother-in-law. 

Between losing everything from her childhood in a fire and all the travel for the Queen Mother, she didn’t have much in terms of belongings. She had a few gowns of her own, her sewing and designing materials, and her own collection of personal drawings that she did in her free time. That meant it was easy for her to pack her things and prepare everything to go. It had been a while since she had found a place to call home. Even English court never truly felt like home to her, despite it being where she lived for over 10 years. It made her realize it was truly about home being a place with people you cared about more than a place you live. Nothing taught her that more since her parents’ death.

As she went to the docks, she thought about what he said about the next chapter. His comment resonated with her in a new way. This next adventure might help her find the home she had been missing or so long. A home. A place that she felt that someone cared whether or not she was there. Perhaps she would even be lucky to find love somewhere. Suddenly, she was looking forward to this trip knowing the possibilities it might hold for her.

Hearing her name, she turned to see him and smiled back. It was nice to see a friendly face amidst all the drunks and scum of the world that they were there.  She nodded. “Yes. We are ready to begin our next adventure. My belongings are already on the ship, and they showed me what chambers you would be sharing as well. They are beside mine.” Neither of them were able to get their own chambers. They would be sharing chambers with several other people, but it was still nice enough. “Would you like me to help bring your things to your chambers?” she asked.

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buonoroberto​:

It was nice to be understood, to not be judged. ‘Well, that is all behind me now. I am ready to start a new chapter. I hope you will find your peace as well’ He admitted. 'When is the ship leaving?’ The real question was still hanging in the air. He still thought about all the possibilities of her betraying him, but he knew he had to take this opportunity. 

She nodded. “It looks as if we are both starting new chapters here.” Alina looked back at the paper to remind herself. “At sunset.” Her eyes went to the sun. “That will be soon, but it seems we will have enough time to gather anything you would like to bring with you.”

[morethanatitle]

buonoroberto​:

He understood. There was no reason for her to know where her life was going. Not everyone had an aim, though once a heart knew what it wanted, making life decisions was easier. Robbie had never had a plan. Not until now. ‘I have never thought about it that way.’ He admitted, ashamed of himself. Sure, now he was nothing but a useless medic but he wasn`t he once one of them? Privileged? Taking everything for granted? But he was an ambassador, he lived among the Native Amazoniens. He knew what it meant being careful about your every word because it could cause you your head or didn`t he? He was a prince, a king, who would dare killing him?  ‘You are right. Maybe you could settle down in Italy. It is really lovely there, I promise and they have a really good queen since their useless king abdicated.’ 

She smiled and nodded. “Considering your life until now, I understand why you  have never thought about life without a plan.” Her tone was sincere and free of judgement. She knew from her time at court that a royal’s life is planned and defined by birth. The next steps were made from those other than themselves until they were trained to believe the same practices. How would they know about a life with spontaneity? She didn’t blame him at all for not seeing that perspective until now.

“Perhaps. Italy has been wonderful, but there has been nothing specific that has happened here to keep me.” She dropped her smile. “I didn’t think he was a useless king.”

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crwnsown​:

“you are not only a guest you are my friend,” he said with a smile. “i am sure she will be back on your side soon,” he said taking some of the food for himself. “babies tend to absorb all of the conversation.” he sighed. “but on to more happy topics. i was thinking of having a small dance this weekend. just the small court, some dancing, and bands, a small meal. nothing major, but i think it could be a nice evening. what do you think?” 

“Thank you, Otto. I consider you a dear friend of mine as well.” She sighed at the mention. “I hope so, but to be a friend, you must attempt to make an equal effort to maintain the friendship with the other. We can be friends again when she makes any effort to be my friend.”  Her face lit up at the idea of a dance. “That sounds wonderful. I think a happy celebration for others to look forward to is something that everyone needs. Could I help organize it in any way?”

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crwnsown​:

“it sounds like a delight. the sheer silliness of it all. though i must warn you he will probably try to chew through the costum. he will do it pretty quickly too i bet.”

“I will make sure the seams are twice as secure and perhaps not use the most expensive fabric.” Her eyebrows shot up as she thought of something. “Does he have certain fabrics he enjoys resting on? Perhaps a favorite blanket he sleeps on or dresses of yours that he seems to enjoy the feel of?”

[morethanatitle]

buonoroberto​:

He was not surprised that the vanity of the kings and queens could not be stopped even by war. People could be dying, their clothes and armours soaked in blood and yet the royalty still wanted to pretend that nothing was going on. The balls, the music. He stopped himself to check his feelings…no, he was sure he did not miss that hypocrisy.  Her life seemed like an opened book, just like his. ‘What will you do if you don`t go back to court life?’ He asked curious about his new friend. What an unlikely friendship. 

At his question, all she could do was shrug. “I am not sure,” she admitted honestly. “I have spent so many years at court, but I have enjoyed the freedom of not being at court. When you are a servant there, you are always worried you will say the wrong thing or meet a royal in a foul mood who will be mad at you for no reason at all.” Her memory faded to the images of her childhood. “Perhaps it is time for me to return to a simple life away from court and offer my services to others. For now, I am simply waiting to see what happens. Something could happen in an instant that will change where I want to go in my life.”

[morethanatitle]

buonoroberto‌:

It was a great risk to trust her but he had made his decision. He was going to Italy and joining the Resistance. He was surprised but also pleased that she had not heard about the Resistance movement. Meant that they were doing something well. ‘The centre of Resistance contra the Norwegian invaders is there. I want to try and help my country since I obviously got us in that mess. But, please, let me ask you. Where is your destination? And why are you not in England?’ 

She nodded as he talked about the Resistance. For all she knew, Italy had joined the Norwegian empire. Now she understood that they were fighting against it just like England was trying to do, but their attempts were more active and discreet at the same time. “For the last two years, the Queen Mother has been sending me to different royal courts to provide custom gowns for royals and nobility for a significantly smaller price than it would normally cost. I had been delayed in Germany for some time, and with everything that has happened with Norway recently, she asked me to finish my appointments she had already given and then to return to England. France is my last one, and once I return to England, the King will determine if we are able to continue this. If he says we cannot, I don’t think I will stay at court.”

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buonoroberto‌:

The conversation was lovely but he knew that time was pressing him and then when she mentioned she recognised him, it scared him, frustrated him even he did his best in his disguise as a nurse on the battlefield. He lived more or less like a pilgrim. He had to admit that he was easily irritated and he immediately felt ashamed for taking it out on her. His expression and tone filled with anger and frustration changed to apologetic. ‘Sorry, I was just hoping no one would recognise me, but you must have a very good eye.’ He smiled sadly, his head down. Yet her offer was tempting, though risky. ‘Where does your ship stop? Because I do need to get to Naples as fast as I can. Either I have to travel through Europe which would be safer in a sense that people would not recognise me in Switzerland and Austria or through Corsica, Sardinia and then Naples. Your offer is very generous and pardon me for being so frank and perhaps ungrateful but the matter is just stressing me out. ‘ He tried to explain. Perhaps he was a fool for trusting her so much, but they had met right? And he had to trust God in that matter, he sent her his way and not just for nothing. 

Alina understood his situation, at least partly. It would make sense that he would be seen as a risk for being back in near Rome. It could be seen as him wanting to come back as king. Luckily her time at court had taught her a lot about international issues like this. Still, she was hoping that she could help. She knew that France was far from here. They were sure to pass by Italy, but whether they would stop was another matter.

Her eyes went back down to the Queen Mother’s request for the ship’s journey. “You are in luck. It says that we are to stop in Italy halfway through our journey in case we need to stop for supplies. We are allowed to enter a port in....” Her eyes widened as a smile appeared on her face. “...in Naples. This would be the best option for you. No one will recognize you on the ship, and when we dock in Naples, I will say the Queen Mother wanted you to land in Naples to search for new materials and spices to bring back to England.” She looked at him curiously. “Can I ask why you are in such a urgent need to go to Naples, sire?”

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buonoroberto‌:

He was surprised that the girl that had been so sure that love existed in many forms was now denying so cynically that love would be about anything else but simply …love. ‘Are dowry and status the most important things?’ he smiled sarcastically 'I have thought love and love is always number one.'  So she remembered him? If she did, how easily recognizable was he? How much quicker did she have to find the resistance group before someone else might recognize him. ‘I wish you remembered less, my lady.’ His expression changed, filled with worry and anger at his own stupidity. He had to run before his own countrymen would kill him for treason or for whatever reason they would find fitting. He was the cowardly king and nobody liked that. ‘I am sorry for that.’ He said before his mind completely blocked any light-hearted talk. ‘Can I ask you, which way did you enter the country? How were the borders?’ Now it was clear he could not stay in Italy anymore. His disguise was not good enough, coming back to Germany and then contacting someone from there would be much easier but how ? And which way was the best?

She chuckled. “I still dream of finding love, my lord, but I also need to be realistic. Perhaps I will get lucky and find love with someone who doesn’t need much in means of a dowry or status. Please don’t misunderstand my milord, I don’t need money or power. Just a small amount to have a home and feed myself. I would rather marry a man for love and be poor than be the Queen and be in a loveless marriage.” She blushed and brushed her hair away. “Forgive me, my mouth has run away with me.”

She saw how nervous he had become. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Of course. He abdicated his own throne. Well, it seemed that timing was on his side. “Or perhaps it is best that I remembered as much as I do...” she whispered. “I am actually taking a boat to France tonight.” She pulled out the commission from the English Queen Mother. “This is my permission to go on board the French ship. It does not specify if I will be travelling alone. I can say the Queen Mother had you join my travels.” She cleared her throat. Maybe she had gotten carried away again with her rambling and misread the situation. “I apologize if I sound too eager, but it seems that you need to leave Italy without being seen. Was I correct?”

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buonoroberto‌:

‘oh, why, oh why. Every woman is a lady, despite her birth unless she had done something despicable that would make her not deserve that title which I assume you had not.’ Not to mention they were at war and at war, it did not matter whether they were of noble birth or not, Death was not picky, it took them all. 'I don`t see a ring on your finger but I hope you will find the true love of your life. I have a strange feeling that we have met, my Lady, have we not?’ He tested his memory, there was certain familiarity in her face but not too distant. Someone he had met but was not close to. He wondered whether she could remember him but would not be surprised if not. People came and left.

“Very well. I suppose I shall accept the title then, milord,” she replied with a chuckle. As he continued to make assumptions, she tried to keep herself from blushing too much. “Thank you sir. I am not married, and I am not sure if that will happen. My parents were killed in a plague several years ago, and so I don’t have much in terms of power or station or even a dowry. Do you have love in your life, sir?” At his question, she chuckled and nodded. “Yes we did. We met when you were still a king. Back in England, you came into my shop and commissioned gowns for your sister and your nieces. I hope the dresses were to their satisfaction. I made you hug the model I use for dresses to get the correct size? I am surprised you don’t remember that much.”

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buonoroberto‌:

Her response actually made him smile. She was right. There was more to love than just broken hearts and romantic gestures. Robbie had always been a bit of a Werther of his times. Constantly heartbroken, but finally his age had been catching up with him and one would dare to say he was growing up from his fantasies of the never-ending bliss? At least he thought so and it made him proud. 

‘You are right. I do believe that love has many forms. Strange that it does not seem enough for us and we still seek that one love of our lives, yet it would be nicer if she just stopped searching and appreciated what we have. What about you, My Lady? Have you found the love your life?’ 

She was happy to see he wasn’t some cynic who believe that falling in love was for fools. That was an argument she had heard time and time again. Love was something she thought she would be able to have, but after losing her dowry, she would be lucky to find a match at all, so love seemed to be foolish at some point.

“I am glad we seem to agree.” She shrugged. “The best things in life are worth fighting for and aren’t easy to find. If it was easy, everyone would have it, wouldn’t they?” His question made her blush awkwardly. “I am no lady, sir. I am nothing but a humble servant, and no I am afraid that love may not be possible for someone in my particular situation.”

[morethanatitle]

After Alina had been back in England for a few days, she got a message from the Queen Mother. She wanted to send Alina to Scotland to check in with the Queen. In her bag was a letter from the Queen Mother offering Alina’s services to provide outfits for the crown prince as he continues to grow. This made the seamstress wonder how long she would be there. Maybe if she did her job right, she would end up in Scotland long term. The only problem was that she found herself lost somewhere on Scottish soil. With all the guards at the borders, she had to travel to Scotland discretely, so she volunteered to be dropped off at the border and to walk the rest of the way to the castle. She had a vague memory of seeing that that Scottish court was close to the Scotland-England border. Turns out there were multiple castles near the border, causing her to get herself lost. The last castle she went up to had people nice enough to give her directions to the write place, but following the vague directions led her somewhere in the Scottish countryside with no distinguishable landmarks. How long had she been wandering here? Hopefully it wouldn’t be dark before she found some sense of a path.

@ofscottishknight​

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buonoroberto‌:

He was once one of those who could not choose to marry but he had to remind himself that now, he was nothing but a stranger of the streets. ‘Do you believe in all that? Love and such?’ He also used to be one of those who believed in love but how things could change in just a minute. 

“Of course,” she replied with full confidence. “Love comes in many forms. The love of a parent or sibling, for your country, a child, a friend, and yes love in a romantic sense. I have seen them all, and the only explanation could be love. Do you not believe in such things, sir?”

[morethanatitle]

❝ Is that very vain of me? I think it is rather vain. ❞ (any muse)

Vain is one of the words I would use to describe you. Elizabeth bit her tongue as she simply took her breath. “Perhaps it does seem a little vain. If you think doing something like that was so vain, why did you do it?”

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buonoroberto‌:

‘It was more of a rhetorical question but yes, arranged marriages are the usual go. Unless you are a die-hard romantic which is an unfortunate thing to be. Better be a realist in this world and count your lucks, don`t you think?’ 

She nodded that she said it was rhetorical, but it did not seem that way. Still, she continued. “It is important to be a realist, but even in this world, love does happen. My parents were very much in love, and they fought very hard to be together. So love is a fortunate if it happens, but that does not make it a foolish fantasy to hope for such a thing.”