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 Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 10:36 am
Syaoran-Puu It's chill! I'll try to give you more to work with from now on, sorry bout the short posts. "Yes. They are what those in the citadels and mansions in the higher city depend on for their treasury." His demand was met with a wry smile, the doctor thinking the suggestion a rather good idea. "I must warn you...Maion." He hesitated over his name, but continued on. "Not everything will be good. Please do not judge it all before we are done." He asked of him, moving to gather his things for leaving. It was going to be a bit chilly tonight, so he grabbed a light jacket, stuffing his billfold and pulling out a woolen cap to cover his ears. Ambling down the stairs, he waited, staring up in small wonder at the prince who descended. The way he had styled his hair, it looked as if it were mussed from a night of sleep...or good sex. He cleared his throat awkwardly, finally able to tear away his eyes long enough to fumble with his keys. "I can show you the market first, as it closes shortly. It is where even your meals come from." Waiting for him to move out of the home, he locked it up, gesturing down the lane towards the soft sound of people in the distance calling their wares. They moved into the larger road, widened for the purpose of the stalls filled with hot meats, veggies and fruits, as well as cooked pastries that baked right before your eyes. "The spiced dumplings are amazing in the winter." Cody whispered as they moved through, waving to those that greeted him.
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Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 12:17 pm
Ma Sai The Caged Tiger Oh don't worry, it was just as much me as you =D sometimes short replies are fine. I will PM you next time my muse dies tho smile How does it feel to nearly be home? Maion had nodded at this, not commenting since he didn't really know what to say. He had heard rumours about the despicable conditions of the poor... but had never had a reason or the inclination to discover those horror's for himself before. Though after spending time with some of the peasants today, even Maion had to admit that their presence has been somewhat enjoyable. In many ways, it proved that you didn't need material goods to be happy. Maion raised an eyebrow as Cody cleared his throat as he approached, curious as to what had brought on such a reaction... but in the end he decided not to ask. For now at least. "I can show you the market first, as it closes shortly. It is where even your meals come from." He chuckled at that, "I am not so naive that I know not the souring of my goods." He wasn't mocking Cody, simply stating the truth. Still, he rather enjoyed this gentle 'tit for tat' exchange that they had going on most of the time. "But that does indeed sound like an excellent starting location." He nodded slightly, pulling his cloak around his body tighter as he waited for Cody to lock the door. There was defiantly a chill in the air tonight. Following, Maion kept his eyes trained forward, even as he absorbed the scene through his peripheral view. Not wanting to look around too obviously incase it drew unwanted attention towards the pair. Cody was well known here, and even though he was a doctor and anyone could be seen with him... something told Maion that because he was so well known his companions would also be noticed and examined. That made Maion almost... nervous. A rich scent filled the air. Spiced dumplings? He had never had such a thing before, and since Cody had informed him that they were 'amazing' he suddenly felt the desire to try some. He watched as Cody waved to those who greeted him, and used that as his window of opportunity to speak to the trader. Reading the sign he ordered the highest amount listed. "Twelve, please." He spoke, his tone soft yet commanding. Some things didn't come naturally... and saying 'please' was one of those things. He watched as the mans eyes widened a little at him, but he got the order and chirped the amount. Taking out his purse, ensuring to keep it hidden in his cloak so that his family crest was not seen -after all, he had already learnt that lesson once this day. "Here you go." The guys eyes widened at the coin. It took Maion a moment to figure out what exactly had caused the reaction. Of course, the moment he did was also the moment the guy started to protest and act a little hysterical. "I can't giva change for tis much, sir" A little defeated, and not wanting to cause a scene Maion simply waved it away speaking quietly, "Fear not, you may keep it all." "It is too much, sir! Please, let me give ya mur dumplin'. Tis the least I canndo." Not sure what to do to avoid making a scene he nodded and accepted, though suddenly he didn't feel much like eating any of the spiced dumplings. I guess this just proved how naive Maion really was when it came to interacting in the real world. Give him a palace and he was a prince... but outside of that? What was he....? ...nothing.
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Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 12:37 pm
Syaoran-Puu Okie! Im sooo happy. ill be able to use IM soon and meebo! He paused when he noticed the prince had slowed, making his own feet stop while Maion moved towards the wonderfully scented stall. The dumplings were nothing more than chicken filled small pies, great for a snack or a full meal as gestured by the amounts you could grab at once. His own eyes widened at the order, did he think to stuff himself? But then he noted the way he tried to pay, almost moving to pay himself before being cut off by his next sentence. The man was certainly going to draw a crowd with how easily he spent money, did he not know that...maybe he didnt. It had been hard to believe how cheaply goodly cooked foods came about down here, other things as well when he had first come to live in the area. He waited ntil the stall keeper handed him triple his order before steering him away with a polite thank you, moving him towards a secluded vale that served as a picnicking and park like area where people could come to cool off in the shade during summer. "I do believe I need to trade some of your coin with mine, so that you can make change. It wouldn't do for you to show those off like that...someone might try to rob you or worse, figure out who you are." Of course he thought that potential bodily harm was a smaller worry, he knew Maion could hold his own, why else would he be out on the battlefield? Moving them towards a park bench, he seated them both, able to see up as the sky deepened to purples and blues, the first signs of stars appearing in the sky. Popping open a lid, the delicious aroma increased, the brunet taking a dumpling out and offering it to him. "Careful, they're hot."
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Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 1:13 pm
Ma Sai The Caged Tiger Hehehe smile coolios. I rarely use AIM or Meebo these days smile Maion couldn't help but swear at himself, how had he been so stupid? He hadn't even contemplated that his money would be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much here. Though he was thankful that Cody attempted to come to his rescue and steered him away swiftly. "I do not fear being robbed, they could have the gold for all I care.... though I am likely to take it out on their hides should I catch them." Something he would do since he hated to be cheated, or worst appear weak. Plus, the coins where placed within a marked purse, and few would not panic upon seeing it. "However I apologise for drawing such attention." He signed in defeat, sitting down at the picnic table. "I ordered the highest amount in the hope of not doing so... it appears I miscalculated." There was a soft blush upon his cheeks, and for the first time since his childhood he suddenly felt very out of place, as if he didn't know everything.... almost inferior. He watched as Cody's nimble fingers opened the bag, releasing the hot aroma that reminded Maion of exactly why he had been enticed to purchase some of the goods in the first place. Taking the offered treat, he purposefully ensured that his fingers brushed Cody's hand softly before he brought the dumpling up to his mouth. He blew it for a moment, before taking a small bite. It was indeed hot... but delicious. Putting it down as he chewed and swallowed, as he took out his purse and placed it on the table. "Help yourself.... trade whatever you want." He looked up at the sky, "Feel free to take some for yourself. I won't be needing it where I am going." And he could get more, those unspoken words fell silent between them. He didn't want to simply give Cody money for keeping him, but at the same time he didn't want to expect such kindness for free. Few things in life were ever free, and in many ways that was all the more true for a Royal. Picking up the dumpling again, he spoke once more before starting to eat it. "Help yourself..." He grinned a little. "...It would seem I have a lot of them." He couldn't help but wonder if they would meet someone they could gift the extra's too. Surely food of any description would be welcome.
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Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:11 pm
Syaoran-Puu I feel like Im having withdrawals without it. Such a sweet look on the prince, it made him appear even more handsome in the swiftly coming twilight. "You needn't fret so, perhaps he will merely think that you ordered for a party of people. It happens." He reassured him, holding out the little bun. His smile was shaken from his lips by the brief touch, a spark of electricity rolling through him. Taking his hand back, he held onto it, the fingers twitching slightly. Every time they touched it was like static, something zinging through him that he fought against fiercely for the feel. Busying himself, he took his own dumpling out, letting it cool momentarily while he nodded. "I think I'll take my fill of these, but I do not believe I will be relieving you of your gold, I do not like charity of any nature." He was fine enough with his own purse, it suited his needs and he wanted for nothing. If he was truly goaded into taking it, he would only change it out with smaller coin...yes. That would do nicely. Now that he had come to a decision as to their next stop, he gently took the purse that was offered, slowly refilling it with his own and leaving the few gold coins that he could not change out. "Use these on our next stop, but use them sparingly, or you might insight a riot. We will be moving down the streets in the after hours...to the poorer areas where those that cannot pay make do in the streets."
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Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 1:06 pm
Maion had been expecting that, still he felt better for having offered. If Cody wouldn't simply take his money he would an alternative way to repay his kindness, even if Maion had forced himself upon the guy in reality. He didn't comment on the money, not wanting to make it an issue between them. Taking his purse back he tucked it away securely before commenting, "I believe I shall try and resist from doing so again. One mistake is more than enough for one evening." Not use to making mistakes he wasn't overly comfortable with the situation, though he was more nervous that his actions would bring unwanted attention his way. He heard a noise, his head snapping in that direction instantly... a rat squealed as a cat chased it, and as he watched the pair running away he couldn't help but breath a sign of relief. Taking another dumpling, not wanting to waste them all, he contemplated Cody's latest words. "How many are homeless here?" He wasn't sure why he was suddenly concerned with this... were there was wealth there would always be poverty. It was simply the way of the world, and it had nothing to do with luck as to which world you were born into. Still, Maion knew these people meant a lot to Cody, and for that reason he wanted to know more. "Do you often deal with outbreaks of plague and disease?" It was a serious question, but he hoped that he didn't come across too overbearing.
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Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:44 am
"One mistake is never enough, we learn from them. But, you are right, if you think about doing something and are unsure, just ask me first so we dont run into any trouble, hm?" Cody replied, nibbling at the spiced impromptu meal. All in all, he was rather enjoying himself, something he hadnt done in the presence of another in a very long time. It truly was a shame that the prince was going to be leaving soon. At least they would have some time to learn of each other before then. Finishing up his second piece, the brunet stood, wiping his hands on the sides of his trousers as most here did. He would not be caught dead doing such a thing in the surgery, but out here they would sooner or later get dirty. "There are whole families out in the streets, the poorhouses are not numerous enough to provide for them. Those are the ones usually to fall sick first, the ones too stubborn to take free medical care." He grimaced, waiting for Maion to follow. "It is then when plagues break out, but thankfully nothing has hit so harshly yet." After the other had straightened, he grabbed half of the boxes, guiding Maion towards the darker end of the lower city. Here the buildings were older, less able to withstand the whipping winds that swayed the trees and whistled through the cracks that families could not afford to mend. It always made something ache within the young doctor to see such conditions, usually such an area meant one in each household had curable illness and yet they could afford no medication. Grimly he pressed on, taking him toward a tiny light that sent off feeble warmth. It was a rubbish heap fire at the closer side of the pier, a score of folk settling around it to take in what weak warm waves it managed.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 1:02 pm
Maion grinned as he teasingly spoke, "I don't need a babysitter... but I appreciate the sentiment." In truth he was often tailed when he left the palace, as if he would wander into trouble or betray the crown.... did they seriously not know him at all? Then again, given the trouble some well placed words to his brothers ear had caused, he imagined they didn't. Nodding at the information about the poor houses, the sick and the plagues or lack of them; Maion couldn't help but wonder if he really knew anything about this land. Sure, he knew pretty much every travelling diplomat, every lord and lady who attended court, and pretty much all the political arguments.... but that wasn't the real power was it? The real power of any kingdom lay with the people. A lesson that many great civilisations had learnt and used to their advantage. "I am glad," He found himself saying, though each word was void of any real emotion. "That nothing too serious has broken out within the city." He sighed, the cold hard face that most associated with him. The cold Prince. "It would be disastrous if it did." Not just for the people affected but the nobles who kept themselves high above the 'little people'. Sickness spread and impacted different things.... less food harvested, less healthy people to work and cook.... yeah, it caused a big impact. Getting up and grabbing the remaining 'treats', he followed Cody down the road. It got noticeably darker with each step, at least until he saw a glow of orange flickering in the near distance. Fire? He had never seen such a thing in the street before. Keeping close to Cody he took in the faces of those gathered, wondering what they were all doing.... or, was it possible these were all homeless people? Men.... women... children.... it was enough to tug at anyone's heartstrings. Leaning towards Cody he found himself asking, "Would it be ok if I share out the remaining food with these people? Or would that cause you more issues?" He wasn't about to act alone again, despite his brave words of not needing a babysitter.
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Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:24 am
Already they were focused upon the newcomers as they approached, suspicion and a hint of fear melting away when they noted the doctor and a guest in two. The little ones ran out to him, looking up with dirty faces and toothy smiles as the surrounded him, grabbing onto his trousers. High pitched voices demanded hellos, others asking why he hadnt come sooner, that they had missed him. He shushed them all with gentle touches to the head, silently checking them all over for health. When he was satisfied, he answered in turn, slipping each one of the little buns as they headed off to their parents. "I try to some as often as possible, you know that." He murmured patiently, ruffling one boy's hair who was smallest, his answer to hug the leg he was holding. "Sometimes I just have a busy day fixing people." Looking up at the royal, he gestured. "This is my friend...Mai. He is helping me at the clinic for a little while, so you might see him around." He explained, nodding for him to go out and meet his subjects. "He is very new around here, so please treat him as well as you do me, he's a very nice fellow...if a little odd." He added, getting a few little titters from the tattered crowd. After the few that still had somewhat hostile looks settled down, he nodded that the prince should move about. He himself was starting with those in the back, the ones that had to be laid by the fire as they had trouble walking. His footsteps took him to every person, the small kit in his pocket pulled out as he looked them all over.
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:57 am
Maion felt a little uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the group, but he did his best to hide it, falling into his 'cold prince' persona as naturally as a duck into water. Still, he tried to smile, something he rarely did generally from day to day. He couldn't help but watch Cody and the little ones, they clung to him, accepted him as one of their own despite his obvious 'superiority' over them; perhaps this was why he had done it? Maion had never really understood before, never really knew why someone like him would give up everything for a life of struggling and charity. Sure, he had some money... but that wouldn't last forever would it? Especially since he often did work for free. Selfless, was the only word Maion could think of to describe Cody. "This is my friend...Mai." For a moment there Maion had thought Cody about to 'rat' him out, reveal him for the Prince he was... he was thankful however when only the first part of his name was given, earlier he had lied completely to the young man that had helped him, claiming to go by the name 'Victor'; he hoped that those individuals weren't around here. The idea of being caught in the lie didn't bode well for Maion. He bowed ever so slightly, catching the full action but unable to stop it all once he had automatically started. "A pleasure, please look after me." He said, offering out some of the remaining 'treats' as Cody gave most to the children. They were taken, but more reluctantly than those Cody offered, Maion imagined this was because he was the stranger here. "He's a very nice fellow...if a little odd." That had Maion quirking an eyebrow and looking at the guy, very few people.... if any, would have called the 'cold prince' odd to his face. That courage, that ability to see him as more than just a prince but as a man... that was what Maion found himself drawn to. He chuckled softly, turning his gaze away from the guy and back to the group, "I fear he is correct." They stayed with those people for a while, chatting and laughing and sharing food. But soon they moved on, walking through more of the streets until they found themselves going in near enough a circle back towards Cody's. "Thank you." He said, "For sharing this world with me." It was eye opener, things were very different down here... in some ways it was better, but in many many more it was far worst. Just think, all it would take was more money funnelling down to these people, some more housing being built, more opportunities to work.... but none of them would ever be his to make, that was his brothers role. Maion was just the reserve, the prince that was sent away as a standing figure of power within the royal family.... and a prince that was soon to be assassinated if they had their way. With every heart beat that passed Maion found himself wondering more and more which would be his last.
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