The Prince and the Paupette

Subject: The Prince and the Paupette Tue Aug 27, 2013 4:10 am

The year is 684. My name is Colin O'Brien. The O'Brien family has ruled this land for generations. I am the son of the King. I will inherit this land when he dies. But I do not want to be King. I do not want to be a nobleman. I hate the system of classes that has been around longer than anyone can remember. I want to be able to talk to anyone, be friends with anyone, go anywhere, and marry the woman I love. But this is not the case. I am a prince. And I must follow my duties whether I like it or not.

The sun rose to a beautiful spring day. There was not a cloud in the sky. I awoke to birds chirping and the soft sunlight kissing my face. I sat up in bed and sighed. "Another day, another repetition of the same, boring old schedule." But then something new happened. My door opened. My door never opened this early. Who was opening my door? A girl walked in who I had never seen before. She was carrying a tray with bread, meat, cheese, and a piece of fruit. Breakfast. A servant girl was bringing breakfast to my room. "Excuse me, but who are you?"

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:06 am

~Ivyna (Eye-Vee-Nuh) "Ivy" Rutherford~

The Prince and the Paupette Tumblr_ll90edvJzd1qa00kvo1_500_large

Damnations damnations damnations!

I tried everything I possibly could and it still didn't work! First, before I even got the opportunity to waltz into Your Grace's room, I fussed and fussed at my maiden Bessa. She was the one who informed me that I was to be servant to Prince O'Brien; to tend to his every whim and need. Of course I thought it an honor, but come on! She has gotten to be kidding me! The Prince never showed his face outside the castle except to greet the neighboring land, and if so, he wasn't out for a very long time! I think I may have seen his face, what, once or twice in the past decade?! To be a servant to him was to mean to go into his chambers...with him in there! Annnnd, of course, that is exactly what she expected me to do, starting with breakfast.

Okay, so I had to bring the breakfast in. No big deal. He could have been sleeping or not even the room for all I knew! It was going to be a piece of cake! I felt my confidence rise up a couple of meters from 0 while I straightned out my plum dress. Taking in a deep breath that pushed a stray of black hair from my eyes, I quietly slid into the room... to find him staring at me.

The first thing I said was nothing, because my voice was interrupted by the plate I was holding clattering to the ground, cascading his breakfast everywhere.

"I... Uh... I d-didn... Um..." Oh, damnations, damnations, damnations!

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:16 am

I asked her "Who are you?" and she dropped my breakfast all over the floor. I was a little annoyed, but then I saw her face. She looked terrified. She probably expected me to go on a screaming rant at her. There was no way she could know what kind of a person I am. I never leave the castle. I got up from my bed and walked over to her. I bent over, picked up the tray, and started getting the food off the ground. "Sorry about that. I probably scared you. I'm Colin. What's your name?"

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Wed Aug 28, 2013 2:13 am

It took me a couple of seconds to realize that the boy I was staring at was Prince Colin O'Brien. It stunned me to realize that he wasn't much older than I was, maybe by a year or two. His brown hair was matted over his head from just waking up. Any other time it would be parted and brushed neatly, not a strand in sight. To see him the way he was, his shirt lifted above the left side of his stomach, it was fair reason for me to lose my wits! Jaw dropping a little bit more when he rose, I did my best to keep my eyes trained to his and his ownly. They were mysterious pools of brown, completely the opposite of my hazel-green ones. Still, it was a sign of respect to keep eye contact with royalty.

But why was it so hard to do with him!?

"I'm... Ivyna. Ivyna Rutherford, daught...d-daughter of Jenis Ruterford, Rider of Brixxtion," I stammered, struggling to settle my dress into a curtsy. I didn't get my body halfway to the ground until I noticed Prince O'Brien kneeling to pick of food! Kneeling! To pick up the food that I dropped! Fighting back a squeal of fear, I shot my hands outwards, waving them close enough for him to see, but not directly in his face.

"N-no! Please, Your Grace, allow me. I... It was my mistake and I should handle it accordingly! Pl-Please, don't kneel..." I internally cursed myself for being a stuttering fool, reaching down to gather the remnants of his breakfast into my slender fingers. This was turning out to be quite the first day on the job.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Wed Aug 28, 2013 10:38 am

I finish picking up the food off the floor, despite her frantic attempts to stop me. I didn't care if this was "servant's work" or not. I at least had the right to keep my own room clean if it was dirtied with me in it. I replace the food on the tray and stand up. "Ivyna, huh? Good name. If I may ask, why were you bringing me breakfast in the first place? No one ever brings me breakfast."

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Aug 29, 2013 1:14 am

"I... Yes, well, I have become your servant." When the message didn't click to him, I formally bowed one more time as an apology for the mess, folding my hands neatly across my lap as I stood. Now was the time to show him that I wasn't a complete and utter klutz! "My family has been out of a job going on some months now... Our market was burned to the ground from the raid attacks which I'm sure you've heard of. My father has been trying oh so desperately to find another job, but it has not been good. So, my mother put me up for servancy. She respected me enough to honor the family by beign a servant to whomever shall need my assistance, and... well..."

My voice trailed off because I didn't want to tell him the conversation between the Queen and my mother. The Queen did not want Prince O'Brien to ever be out and about, because the castle life will prepare him to be the next King. However, his curiosity got the best of him at more times than one, so she hired me to do all of the Prince's bidding so he would never have to leave his quarters or the castle. The thought was mind numbing, but I still held a smile for Prince O'Brien. I will not let the kingdom down.

"Yes, so you will be getting your meals promptly from my hands now on," I added with a short smile.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Aug 29, 2013 1:38 am

My heart sinks when I hear her say she's my servant. I don't want a servant. I do just fine on my own. I have a routine. I've gotten into somewhat of a rut recently but this is not the way to change things up. However, I have to act as expected. I have duties to uphold, whether I like them or not.

"So, mother and father have assigned you as my servant. I think this will work just fine. Let me just tell you, up until today I've followed somewhat of a routine, and it may prove hard to differ from that. Please forgive me if I do something myself that you were supposed to do for me. I've always done things for myself simply because it seemed healthier than being lazy and spoiled."

I won't be using Ivyna very much as a servant. I don't need a servant or want one. What I do want is a friend, and that's precisely what she is going to be for me. The only problem is introducing the idea in a way that won't be jarring to her. She's supposed to cater to my every whim, not be an equal for me. This is going to be tricky, but worth it in the end.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Aug 29, 2013 2:35 am

My head tilted ever so slightly to the left as he gave his speech. It was very unbecoming for a Prince to be so formal with a peasant such as myself, but I couldn't just stop him in the middle of his talking! The King and Queen would have my head! However, his words struck me in the strangest of ways. He claimed he had a routine which I had already assumed. Princes have their duties to the kingdom, but why must those routines be told to me? Did he fear I would mess them up or get int he way of his duties! My body started to tremble slightly with fear until his final sentence, which made me giggle.

"Oh, Prince O'Brien! Such a thing to say of yourself!" Bowing for the umpteenth time that morning, I gracefully took the massacred breakfast and platter from his hands and held them at my stomach, waiting for his next orders. "So, what is it you need me to do now, Your Grace? I could always fetch you some more breakfast if you so desired."

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Aug 29, 2013 2:47 am

I would like some more breakfast, but I would prefer to get it myself. Ironically, being placed in a position to be able to tell someone to get me food or whatever else I need has made me want to do it myself that much more.

"No, that won't be necessary. What I would like is for you to follow me downstairs to the kitchens. if you are going to bring me breakfast each day before I have the chance to get it myself, I would like to show you what I normally eat. Also, since you are my personal servant, there will be times where we are alone together for whatever reason. During these times, and these times only, I give you permission to call me by my given name, Colin. You don't have to call me Your Grace or Prince O'Brien. I find those too formal for the position you've been given. Now if you'll follow me."

I walk past you and down the hall, making sure you are following me. The instructions I gave are sure to be unexpected and possibly foreign to her. I'm not sure how well she will cope with treating me as an equal but my name is the best place to start. I just hope she doesn't tell my mother and father what I've been saying.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Aug 29, 2013 3:11 am

I decided to take everything in stride, though it was a lot to take. I had no idea he was so...becoming of himself. He spoke as if he had not a care in the world about anything that was around him. He lived for himself and he wanted to see that everyone around him understood that. For a split second, when his lip upturned at my formal name given to him, he look disgusted! As the Prince, I expected him to be used to this sort of pampering, especially having been living inside the castle walls for so long! There was so much about him that I wanted to learn, but in the mean time, I had to learn my place. I was Ivy, true, but I was still Ivyna, the Servant to the Prince.

We walked down the hall together, my head nodding once or twice whenever he spoke. I made sure to walk in pace with him, to show him that I can keep in stride with him and he need not worry about my timely manors. I didn't like how he said I was allowed to call him by Colin when we were alone, but the Prince's orders were the Prince's orders. I gave him a breif nod, keeping up the pace.

"Yes, Prince O'Brien,"I replied, biting the inside of my tongue at not saying his first name. "I do have a curious question, however. If your food was indeed not brought to you before my arrival, however did you get your meals on time?" I certainly hoped he didn't take that question as me talking down on the castle rhetoric!

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Aug 29, 2013 4:23 am

She seems to be keeping up just fine. Perhaps this will be easier than I thought it was. She seems eager to please and able to take orders. Maybe changing the dynamic from master and servant to close friends isn't such an impossible leap after all.

"I got my meals the same way I am now. I walked down to the kitchen, retrieved my food, and ate it. Most servants don't get up this early and even though I'm a prince, everyone needs some sleep. I may be privileged but let no man call me spoiled or unreasonable. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

I have a hunch about why mother and father gave me a servant in the first place. They knew I tended to be self sufficient, never relying on servants to do things I didn't want to do or as an excuse to be lazy. They work hard to serve us and keep us happy. I don't see why everyone can't have a chance at happiness, or at least a reasonable workload.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Sat Aug 31, 2013 12:26 am

"Prince O'B--Er, Colin, if I may..." I slid him a wry look to let him know that I was not trying to be mean in my next words. "I do not believe that getting your food brought to you is laziness. In a way, going to get your food is just as lazy as having it received, because you are not the one cooking and preparing the meal. It is more as a sign of respect for your royalty and place of power." I finished the speech by sending him a short smile.

"Please, do not think lowly of yourself. I enjoy making sure you are comfortable and content through your days."

The hallways suddenly became packed with maids rushing here and there, from room to room. They all did what I did; serve the council or someone with high power at their every whim and need. They were a great deal older than I. I could feel their gazes on the back of my head, skimming their eyes up and down my dress. It was an unsettling feeling, being judged by the women who have been for countless years perfecting the art of servitude. Embarrassed, I brought my gaze down to my hands as we walked through the kitchen doors.

I can't let him see me budge or falter. He will want his servant to be strong and bold and that's exactly what I aim to be! My family needs me, so I must do everything I can to keep Prince O'Brien happy. Even if that means, oddly, referring to him as Colin. My lips quirked upwards in a small grin at that thought.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Sat Aug 31, 2013 12:18 pm

The hallways suddenly overflow with people as the castle springs to life for another day. As we walk into the kitchens, I see Ivyna looking down at the floor in embarrassment. It must be harder than I thought being the newest servant here. As for having food brought to me as a sign of respect for my place of power, she may have a point.

"Maybe you're right. Having my food brought to me is a privilege that not many can afford to have. My point in doing it at all was to make a point of not abusing the power of having servants at my disposal that will serve me and my family to the best of their ability. Like I said, I'm not spoiled. I tend not to think lowly of myself; my views are radically different than that. I feel that no person is inherently better than someone else just because of wealth, class, or family. In short, I'm no better than all the servants around me."

I was hoping that I wouldn't have to say what I truly think about people, but it seems those hopes were dashed. Now, the only thing I can do is wait for her reaction and hope she tells no one of what I feel. My views are not only unconventional, but if put into practice, they could get me and anyone involved with me in a lot of trouble. If I leave the castle with no intentions on coming back, Mother and Father would spare no expense to have me found. If anyone leaves with me, they would undoubtedly be put to death.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:04 pm

There were a couple of seconds where I wondered if I was indeed speaking to the Prince or not! This boy seemed to be more and more surprising by the second. He had no filter, saying the first thing that filled his mind and didn't think to take back a single word of it, whether it be offensive or not. Unlike me, the girl who stammered a hundred miles a minute just trying to get an apology out. I watched in awe while he complimented me but still attempted to explain his way of seeing things in the castle, which indeed was a very strange way. However strange it may have been, however, I was made to be his servant, not an Council member or Advisor. I thought it was best to just nod in agreement and keep my mouth shut. The less I say, the less awkward it had to be for the both of us.

The two of us finally made it to the kitchen which was bustling with more people than there were in the hallways! They were all dappled in some amazing gowns, tunics, and suits, the epitome of royalty. My cheeks flushed a deep primrose pink as my eyes flicked to the simple dark violet gown I wore. It was peasantry compared to the lavish dresses the other ladies wore. It was a good thing that they came to get food and not to judge me and my attire. Unconsciously, I sidled closer to Prince O'Brien, looking around me in awe with my hands to my lap.

"I've never known what the castle kitchen looks like... It's simply amazing, Prince O... Prince Colin. It's a lot more than the tiny outhouse my family has for when we slaughter the game he hunts, I'll give you that much."

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:36 am

We finally make it to the castle kitchen and I see Ivyna' jaw nearly drop. I laugh a little on the inside knowing she must have never seen anything like it. I'm sure it would be impressive to someone who had grown up a peasant. I had seen it plenty of times and I knew my way around the crowds to the food I wanted.

"Well, I'm glad you approve. This is where I come to get my meals. I suppose you'll be getting me breakfast every morning so you might as well know what I like and where to get it." I lead you over to the food.

"I like salted pork in the mornings, with a few apples and some milk. The cooks recognize me and get me the best food but I'll let them know you'll be getting my breakfasts and to give you the same treatment. The salted pork is normally on platters over to that wall," I point to a table with platters of meat. "The apples are in barrels around the outside of the room, and the milk is in the larders. Some of the milk has the cream skimmed off the top and some is mixed in. I like the kind that's mixed in. It's sweeter and better tasting. Do you understand all that I'm telling you?"

I know this is a lot to take in but I normally get all this myself and don't think about it. This is her first day. It must be hard so if she makes a few mistakes I'll be sure to go easy on her. I just need to imagine myself in her position to know what to do. Kindness and mercy are always the best way to go.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Mon Sep 09, 2013 12:18 pm

I don't think I've ever seen a kitchen so busy in my entire life! Bustling people were skimming here and there, all carrying trays, food, barrels, large sticks, everything! Once or twice, I had to move out of the way quickly to let rushing cooks pass. I murmured my apologies while still listening to Prince O'Brien speak. At the mention of salted pork, I hid a smile. Oh, the irony of it all! That was my favorite food as well! I kept that little secret to myself, nodding at his orders.

"No, no it isn't a lot to take in. Believe or not, My Lord, I did do a small bit of servitude to one of the Dukes of Gislor. He was... less than fair with me, I'm afraid to admit..." My sentence died out with the memory of the things the Duke attempted with me. Passed, Ivy. It's in the past so leave it there. After blinking a couple of times, I graced him a smile. "But yes, I fully understand. I believe the only people who take the cream from the top are looking after their fitness. I like it when it's mixed in because it reminds me of ice cream."

Right as I was beginning to explain how my mother made the best homemade ice cream using some vanilla leaves that grew in our back outing, a cook came running smack into the both of us, spilling what was mistakenly familiar to red wine all over our heads and clothing. It was all shocking to me as I stood there, mouth open with a reddish liquid cascading down my dark black hair. When small droplets did hit my tongue, I was positive that it was indeed wine. Slowly, oh so very slowly, my head turned towards Prince O'Brien, my eyes the size of large eggs, I presumed, ready to see him blow off his top.

Wine wasted all over the Prince?! What a mess I've gotten to!

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Mon Sep 09, 2013 9:08 pm

I'm glad she's keeping up. Knowing this isn't her first servant position is encouraging. She actually seems happy and in her element here. I'm glad I can be direct with her with seemingly no adverse effects on the relationship between us.

As I listen to her talk about liking milk the same way I do and ice cream her mother used to make, I feel a liquid wash over me that I recognize as red wine. I'm surprised at first, but after a few seconds, I start to laugh. Not a laugh like I heard or saw something amusing, but a laugh at an unexpected and mostly harmless event. Sure I'm all wet but at least it was fun.

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Thu Sep 12, 2013 10:53 pm

What in the hells... Is he laughing?!

I stared at him for the longest of times, it seemed, waiting for him to threaten to execute everyone on the kitchens for what just happened to him! We both held eye contact for what seemed like forever until the prince bursted out in laughter. Laughter. If my mouth could hang any lower towards the ground, it would have been scraping the floor. I didn't care so much that wine was still dripping onto my tongue from the ends of my bangs. I was more concerned with the prince! His laughter was sincere, eyes closed until it died down into a mere chuckle. Even the cook who did the deed stared at him in disbelieve for a long moment until he too began to laugh.

Then, without warning, everyone in the kitchen picked up on the laighter, clutching their sides and wiping at the their eye. I seemed to be the only one who was still shaking from head to toe in fear even though there was obviously no animosity to be present in the prince's visage. Finally, after what seemed like forever, I picked myself carefully off of the floor, chancing myself a chuckle or two while I tucked my hair behind my ear.

"That was certainly a...strange fortune of events, yes?"

Subject: Re: The Prince and the Paupette Mon Sep 16, 2013 3:23 am

After things start to die down, I wipe the tears from my eyes and clean my face with a nearby cooking towel. It was strange and unexpected, which is why I laughed so much. I've never had wine spilled on me like that and I probably won't for a very long time. Harmless mishaps like this remind me of when I would play in the castle courtyard and end up falling while running around or climbing in the trees. There's no sense in crying, so the next best thing to do is laugh. I bring my attention back to the situation at hand and turn to Ivyna.

"Yes it was strange. That's part of why I laughed. I may be a prince but I'm still fairly young in years and spirit. I can be a bit...whimsical at times just because it seems like fun. Things like this are a perfect example. We have plenty of wine in the cellar, far more than just one cask. My clothes are beyond ruined but other than that, no harm was done. If no harm was done and it was unexpected, the best reaction would be to laugh."