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[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/3068ada6-2525-4e47-b1a8-14d98dfb6177.jpg[/img][/center][hr][center][color=firebrick][b]Passive Skills:[/b][/color] [list][*] [u]Fal'shbort[/u] - You are tougher, stronger, more Russian! [*] [u]Tretiy Glaz[/u] - An ability that gives a person a sixth sense into the future. Unpredictable and random.[/list][/center][hr][hr][center][color=firebrick][b]Location:[/b][/color] Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park) [/center][hr][hr]

	Insomuch as The Great Bazhooli was not a man who was prone to judging others purely on their preferences, this was talk about a bowl of crisp, unsatisfying, wispy greenery. If the Kolev performers had such things squirreled away in their tents and vardos, then more power to them. Circus cooks and circus vendors had spent the better part of their work hours preparing food with the intent of selling it to the people of London and thereabouts as items one could walk about with, or sit for short periods of time and consume. Bowls of leafy vegetables were not high on their To Do List. But hey, if the younger firewalker wanted lettuce, who was Vladimir to stop him? More cheburek for The Great Bazhooli. 

	However, he had to set an example for the boy. Little Adam mustn't be led to believe such unmasculine things about mealtimes. As they walked in the vicinity of the food preparation areas, he began quietly, [color=firebrick]"You are knowing, little man, vegetables are important, da? Vell, don't tell I say that, okay? Okay. But vhen ve are around people, you tell them..."[/color] He raised the volmue of his voice as to be overheard clearly, [color=firebrick]"Salad is [i]not[/i] food! Salad is vhat food [i]eats[/i]!"[/color] 

	The Tent City was a jumble of various knots of people, some setting up, some clearing out areas, and many finding whatever open spot was available to practice their acts. Gymnasts and contortionists went through their motions on raised wooden platforms, effortlessly pushing their bodies past the limits of broad humanity. Musicians looked on, accenting the endeavors of the laborers and performers, which in turn brought about the attention of many of the dancers nearby. It was like the Circus decided to host its show outdoors, many of the acts simultaneously, in plain view of the general public. Of course, there was no general public at this time, nor would there be back in the great Tent City of the Russian Imperial Circus. Vladimir even saw some of his own people setting up, juggling knives and beginning the first steps of the acrobatic, juggling dance known to the Rusyn Cossacks as Mamushka. It was more than a dance to these people, more than mere entertainment for the masses or even themselves; the astute could witness the extreme martial application of these movements, note the physicality and skill with a blade involved. 

	Vlad looked on approvingly. He would join them shortly, but for now, the legendary showman escorted Adam to a respectable vendor and procured for him a couple of meat pies and a paper bowl of honeyed nuts. [color=firebrick]"More! There is more if you vant, little Adam. You eat. Is plenty. Maybe after you are done, I show you Russian knife throwing. You vould like, da?"[/color] He maintained a cheerful appearance, as usual, though there was still a persistent concern about Elizaveta. It was his job, and besides, she was as good as a daughter to him, regardless of social status. 

	




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[center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/82/54/0d/82540d6136ce1f6f809735b7e793127b--redhead-makeup-molly-quinn.jpg[/img]
[sub][color=c0c0c0]"I will defend those who cannot defend themselves. I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship."[/color][/sub]
[hr][color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park) [/center][hr][hr]

	Mary was not completely unaccustomed to the trappings of finery. She was able to assist in the proper fitting of Elizaveta's gown and accessories to her with only minor difficulty. She did not generally partake of things with such affluence implied by it, though she could admire the beauty and skill involved in its creation. And the Grand Duchess did look every inch her station, in Mary's opinion. She could never wear something like this wonderful gown; it would clash horribly with her halberd and make her more equestrian pursuits difficult. But Elizaveta did look very regal, and Mary allowed herself a touch of humble satisfaction at assisting her in getting ready. 

	During the course of wrestling with the fine dress, Mary listened carefully to Elizaveta's concerns. She refrained from discussion until after everything was ready, focusing on the task at hand. When they were done, the young Apostolic stood, beamed warmly, and spoke. [color=c0c0c0]"You look radiant, Veta. Truly regal."[/color] She meant it, too. It was not her way, but she could appreciate the look of a fine dress, the tailor's craft not unlike that of an architect or sculptor, from planning to execution of an original piece. It was not flattery and carried more sincerity than a mere polite nod in the Grand Duchess's direction. Then she got to business, such as her business involved the Soulless. [color=c0c0c0]"Veta, if I may speak to timing? If Lord Rutherford and Miss Wyndham left for Gretna Green immediately after the event at Almack's, or as of this morning, I cannot imagine that we would be able to catch up to them in time to stop their marriage."[/color] 

	Mary did not say this to discourage. In truth, she wanted to find out for herself. If Rutherford was in league with an organized Soulless uprising, then this was precisely what she was put upon the world to fight against. However, she was pledged to lend her assistance to others here in London. And according to the message from the Vatican, she was to learn Russian Trained skills from Elizaveta herself. She was torn between two obligations. Maybe there was a way to do both. [color=c0c0c0]"If you wish to go, I cannot stop you. I must advise that you do not travel alone. I would very much like to go with you, if I may. I know the laws, culture, and customs of the place you wish to travel and they are more tolerant of Catholics in Scotland."[/color] She sighed, moving on to the liabilities of her situation, [color=c0c0c0]"There are some obstacles to overcome before I can commit myself, however. I am responsible for the child, Adam. I have also promised to give assistance to the young Lord Wenwynith, still a boy but has been given apparent mortal threat from Soulless. I am friend to his sister, the Lady Virginia Crypt, and await word from her on the matter this evening. Further, I must send word back to St. Etheldreda's. If we travel, they need to inform Rome as to the nature of my departure."[/color]  

	Ever the pragmatist, Mary pressed on to more logistical issues, [color=c0c0c0]"Gretna Green is a few days' journey from here. We would need supplies. There are other things to take into consideration, but if these issues can be surmounted I believe that I can greatly increase your chances of success in your task, Veta."[/color]