Fine Company (Finished)

[titania]

Titania sighed. What a boring day. Sitting in her room, she was bored out of her mind. She didn't even know why she was alone in her room. Things like this never happen, if she were in her room, it better be late or somebody had better be in there with her, and neither were the case.

Very badly did she want to go out and cause just a little trouble, just for fun. Just because something needed to happen, she needed to be someone other than a decree handling figurehead. She opened her closet wide and thought about a few outfits before decided on the figure-hugging black bodysuit with the matching hood. It was time to pilfer treasures from the treasury and hide them...back in the treasury.

Equipping her lovely outfit, raising the hood to hide her face. Slowly opening the door she checked for guard presence. None. Perfect. They rarely entered this hallway. She began to sneak down the corridor, careful to remain in the shadows as to not alert anyone to her presence.

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Another hallway, another person, a slow yawn unexpectedly escaped Vittorio's lips as he meandered down the empty passageways. A small bundle of papers held tightly by one arm, as his free hand moved to instinctively cover his gaping maw, then following to return back to his side when the sleepiness had passed. His destination was unknown, but it was most likely to some quiet area where he could work in peace, as anywhere else, he was constantly badgered by some person or another, shoving their own workload atop of his. Of course the Lieutenant would complain mentally, scorning and shaming his peers for being such procrastinators and lazy goofballs, but of course outwardly, he had no choice but to accept the task and somehow manage. It was a wonder that the light-haired male still got sleep at night. Well, there was time now, and so he was going to make sure he did things efficiently and perfectly. To the best of his ability, anyways. Soon distracted by the schedule he was thinking up within his mind, the Fairy took little note of surroundings and what may have been lurking in the shadows.

[titania]

Titania saw one of the guard coming and quickly darted into a nearby corner. As she did so, she managed to collide with a well-dressed man carrying a stack of seemingly important papers. She jumped and yelped, completely giving away any position she may have had. Well her plan was ruined, but it was never really designed to succeed in the first place. His papers had spilled all over the floor and she was devastated.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, let me help you with that." Forgetting completely that she was dressed like a thief she began to organize his papers, making sure they were in order. Luckily, the courts made everything fairly easy to sort, and she recognized the markings they each style of document used, having to sift through plenty of documents in the last four years.

It may have been suspicious to someone who didn't know what was going on how this mysterious female could know how to sort fairy documents, but she was too focused on trying to correct her error that she cared little for her previous plans or disguise.

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Before he was well aware of what transpired, a sea of papers fluttered in the air, and the man felt himself stumbling back and away from his original path, as another body collided and let out a yelp, his silvery eyes blinking in great surprise at the sudden action. Ack! His mind exclaimed, missing the importance of his situation, and instead taking note of the scattered papers, as he quickly prepared to stoop over and recollect them, when the sudden stranger beat him to the chase. In that time, he had been able to better see the figure that had caused the mess, dressed in a peculiar outfit, making the latter a definite female, but also giving her the look of some kind of intruder. Despite her words and actions, Vittorio could not help but instantly be on guard, taking a subtle step back as a paper having yet to land floated before him, which his briskly captured with ease. Witnessing her collection, he could see she was no fool, who seemed aware of Court protocol. Caution hanging in his conscious, he slowly knelt nearby, to help gather the papers, the strange woman remaining in his peripherals. "You have my thanks, Lady of the Night," He spoke, carefully but quietly, so as to not stir panic or trouble. "But I must question who might you be, and what business do you have?"

[titania]

Titania quickly gathered the papers up and handed them to the other. "Here you are, all reorganized. Sorry again." She flicked some hair out of her face and in the process knocked off her hood. Looking at the man with a now-exposed face, she turned red immediately and looked down. She had been caught.

"Oh well, guess you got me. Sorry, I've just been bored. You look like you're from the court, so I won't keep you. You look busy." She didn't feel it necessary to explain who she was, to almost everyone in the castle it would be plainly obvious. She shrugged her shoulders and looked off to the side, expecting to be scolded for trying to sneak around when she actually had the run of the place, more or less.

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] For a Lieutenant to not know whom his Queen was might have been a shocking prospect, but under certain circumstances, it happened. He accepted the papers with a nod of thanks, adding them to his own stack in the proper order, as the female's hood fell, and he would then get a better glance of the strange perpetrator. Her expression declared her embarrassed about something, but Vittorio was unable to tell why or what. His silver gaze saw reddish-brown hair of a moderate length, but he strangely could not put a name to face. After all, despite his service for some year or so, it was an odd fact that he had never personally encountered the Queen, but knew her from word only. She admitted defeat, further commenting on her boredom. Providing the situation, he could assume she was a Fairy, and perhaps a stray one simply roaming around the Grove. Many questions arose, but he had too docile a nature to suddenly bombard her with them. "Well, no harm done, miss," He started. "But as you say, I am a part of the Court, and I should probably report this." He couldn't just overlook an intruder and let her go, fairy or not, after all.

[titania]

Titania had begun to back away, but then he threatened to report her. Report her, Titania, the queen of fairies? That didn't really seem to make sense. Typically she was happier when people didn't call her 'your highness' or 'your majesty' but she also didn't want him being this confused over who she was.

"Wait...so you're saying that you're a court member, and yet you don't know who I am? That's a bit odd, though you're a bit younger so you probably don't get the high profile meetings with me. It's for the better, those meetings are horrendously dull. Maybe a strapping young man such as yourself could liven it up a little. But please, allow me to illuminate the dark corners of your mind, the ones who don't know Titania, the fairy queen. A queen who is horrendously bored as the case may be." She could have sworn there was an age requirement, but maybe he was just that good. Or all the meetings she attended were with hoity-toity elders who couldn't go five minutes without criticizing her gallivanting habits.

She then braced herself for all of the typical things first-timers did. The bowing, the titles, all the stuff that just didn't sit right with her. Or maybe he wasn't like anyone else and he may surprise her. That would be a nice change of pace.

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] She didn't seem too pleased at the idea, and he could understand that. Hell, submitting reports was always a pain, and he had to do such for every little thing that happened, like this occurrence. He was prepared to say something further, as if to justify himself, when the darker-haired woman went off on a... well, perhaps a rant is what he could have deemed it, her words hinting at something greater, until the revelation finally hit him. "A..." He didn't find anything to say at that moment. A Queen lingering around the Grove as a suspicious person simply because she was bored? He supposed she could do that, yes, but... So, this was the Queen Titania? Successor to the previous Queen he once served in his greenhorn years. His thoughts went back to the few moments of encounter, and what he had spoken to her, and of course, his mind fumbled for words. "I apologize, ma'am!" He started quickly, bowing his head slightly in brief submission, before he raised his head back up and he gazed into the earthly brown eyes, something not too far from fierce determination in his own. "But, but if you are so bored as to cause mischief, then you should not do so by your lonesome!" Ah, wait, eh? It took a lot to cause his emotions to stir, yet in the sudden slight panic of unexpectedly encountering of his Queen, Vittorio had no realization as to what he had just said until it was already done. ooc // oddly enough, vitty is older than titania. l'3

[titania]

Titania laughed as her lieutenant fumbled for words. So he didn't know who she was. A surprising turn of events, but he still did look young. However, as his mind began to reorganize itself he said what could only be described as confusing. Or silly.

"Well that's an interesting suggestion. First time a court member ever suggested I find an accomplice. Unless, of course, you're part of the camp that suggests I settle down and find myself a king and that's just your subtle way of suggesting it." It was a topic that bothered Titania considerably, though his statements did not outright suggest that. It was merely a thought as to why he would say that.

Titania put a hand on her hip and smiled. "Regardless, it's nice to see that the court appoints attractive young men." She wasn't sure how he'd take the comment, but it was true. He was certainly quite a fancy man, keeping his hair tidy despite being a bit longer than some, and he dressed well. Tall, too. Not the kind of company she always kept around, but he was easy on the eyes.

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Well, he felt rather foolish now. To have been serving the Court for this long and mistake his leader for a suspicious ruffian, or worse, never have met her. One would think he had already, but obviously not. Perhaps he had broken the record of not knowing whom he followed for the longest period of time. At least, so he presumed, Titania did not seem angered with his ignorance, but then again, there wasn't really anyone at fault. She was always out; he was always busy, there was never much time for formalities even in the long run. She laughed at his oddities, which he was unsure whether to take as a good or bad sign, and shook his head in quick denial at her following words. "No, no, of course not, ma'am!" Actually, as strange enough as he was, Vittorio never really came to think of that conclusion, not even once. Certainly, he often heard rumours of the Queen's "useless feats" throughout the lands, but either he took no mind to it, or he was too steeped in work to truly listen. That aside, his personal outlook on such a topic, which he believed did not matter, was that a Queen or King sometimes did not need a partner to stand with them on the throne. "Such an important decision is a choice for you to make, whether to settle yourself or remain independent." He seemed to frown at the thought. Everyone was always in such a hurry to settle down or get things done. Perhaps he was no exception, but nevertheless, it was by one's own choice whether to "settle down" or do whatever they wanted. "I simply thought that it would be better to cure your boredom with a friend." A small smile, then it was gone, looking distractedly down at the stack of papers he held in his grasp. "But on that subject, either way, you'll still have people willing to follow you," That was what he believed anyways, although he couldn't speak on behalf of every Fairy, or the court, for that matter. At the Queen's next words, one might say a faint flush of embarrassment and possible confusion flickered in his expression, but he pulled another smile of gratitude. "Ahh... Thank you for your kind words, milady," He replied with a small chuckle. So this was the character of the one he served. Quite interesting indeed.

[titania]

Titania had no reason to be upset at him not knowing. Many people went their whole lives without meeting their rulers. Typically not fairies though, since Titania got out and socialized with her people.

Titania smiled and nodded in agreement. "Thank you, I'm glad I have at least one member of the court who thinks I'm capable of making my own decisions. They must have just been used to mother since she settled in young and had me. Damn traditionalists." It simply bothered her that because she has a powerful title she thought some people could make decisions for her. It never worked out well.

On the matter of friends, she laughed, looking down and shaking her head. Friends were nice, but a lot of people she knew best were out in the world, partly why she left so often. "If I kept company here and we went through the castle being mischievous, I'd get reprimanded for keeping the company of thieves, and it would only be worse for them. As for people following me, I know the people will always support, they love me. Mostly because I'm closer to them than I am to the court. The court may one day have more power than I, but I don't worry about it." The court already had more power than she did, they were the rulers half the time and important decision makers all of the time.

When Vittorio flushed slightly with embarrassment, Titania giggled. It was her nature to be complimentary on the side of flirty. It made many men and women uncomfortable. "Don't worry, I have no intention of stalking you from a dark corner, or hitting on you during a court meeting. That would be inappropriate, and only fuel more arguments against me." She had to admit in my mind though, if given the opportunity he would be quite the catch. Somewhere down the road one lady was going to be fortunate to land him.

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] The lieutenant tilted his head slightly in question, but did not much else. After all, there really wasn't anything he could say to that. He supposed he could see where she was coming from; the fairies did seem like a rather old-fashioned race. While he could understand why, he didn't think that "traditions" and things should dictate the lives of every fairy. "Yes, I suppose that's true..." He lowered his gaze, half in thought. They were grown adults, after all. And even if it were members of the court lallygagging around, he guessed it would not leave a very good impression upon others. Sometimes that was the bad thing about having a high status. People would be watching your every move, and expecting certain actions from you. Which is why Vittorio hoped that he would not be that kind of person, and allow the Queen to be whomever she wanted to be, even if it may be an unpopular opinion in the court. That aside, it was kind of his duty to ensure that the court was working for the best interests of the people anyways. Despite having only just met the Queen, the Fairy was quite certain that if the court decided to rule over the Queen herself, he would remain by Titania's side over theirs. "I... I see," Shifting the papers once again, he scratched the back of his head with a minuscule laugh, which might have been a little nervous at her following response. "Much appreciated, I think." A tiny grin formed from his lips, trying to imagine such an unusual scene.

[titania]

Titania was starting to greatly enjoy the company of her new favorite court member. He was not only suave and charming, but he actually thought she could take care of herself. What a novel concept among the courts.

Shifting her weight to the other side of her body, she tried to shake out the feeling of sleepiness her leg had acquired. Feeling a bit tired, the queen wanted to find a nice place to sit down.

"Maybe your way of thinking will become the dominant one once a few of the elder members retire, and the new ones come in with their fresh ideas. Then maybe the court can finally take a few steps forward." It would be a long time coming. Even mother was a traditionalist, settling down early and having a child.

"Well, I need to sit down, my leg is acting up. You're obviously the busy one, so you should probably head back to your quarters. I'll take you there, as it would be something to do, and besides, you've given me a newfound hope for the courts." This day had turned around very quickly. A young man in the courts who agreed her, could be any more perfect?

[Vittorio Rainero]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,5px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true] Perhaps he was saying and thinking all the wrong things. After all, he wasn't really the most experienced court member around, but he was quite sure that he had a mind of his own, and wouldn't let others delude him into thinking otherwise. With that, he could only hope he was not falling out of line and going to get chewed out by someone sooner or later. In which case he could simply point out how much work he had to do for them. He laughed quietly at the Queen's words, pondering if that would ever be the case. He didn't see it happening, honestly, and wasn't sure if that would actually be for the better or for worse, unlike what she thought. Still, Vittorio decided against saying anything on the matter, for fear that he might get reprimanded for it in the future. "Oh, indeed, my apologies for keeping you, Majesty." The lieutenant blinked in quick realization, looking about as if there was some kind of timekeeper he could check upon. He didn't spot one, but he was aware they had likely been standing in the corridor for quite a while. Now that he thought about it, the fact that a guard had yet to patrol the hall was an interesting question. "I couldn't possibly keep you any longer," He would have offered to allow Titania a moment's rest when they reached his destination, but he wouldn't want to bore her with paperwork for the rest of the day. "Besides, I think it might be best for you to change, before you truly get caught?" He indicated briefly towards her suspicious clothing.

[titania]

Titania laughed, Vittorio was quickly moving up the ranks in her books. Already he set himself apart with his laugh and his way of thinking. "It was no trouble. I had some time to kill, and you had filled it admirably." A smart man, with plenty of potential. However, some of his comments gave her a chance of testing him.

She pouted, crossing her arms and lowering her hood, to make sure of who she was. "My good man, are you attempting to get rid of me? And besides, what's wrong with this outfit? Is it not good enough? Does it not hug all of my body in a desirable fashion?" She may not have had any formal acting lessons, but she had learned a few tricks from others. "And I didn't even hear an offer to escort me back to my chambers. Hmph. Fine, I get the hint, I will take my leave of you, sir." Titania began to walk off, externally she was walking off in a huff. On the inside, she was grinning profusely, wondering how we would take her little rant.