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Post by Anastasia on Jan 28, 2009 13:16:01 GMT -5
Her suspicions grew more and more, and were finally confirmed when Esmerelda was led away. Anastasia had gotten to her feet, but there wasn't much she could do about it--if she kicked up a fuss, it would only land her in trouble and derail their plans. She stood next to Djali, her heart sinking. How would she be able to get Esmerelda out now?
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 23, 2009 11:13:09 GMT -5
**AFTER HER MEETING WITH THE KING**
Esmeralda was returned to the harem rooms with as little ceremony as she'd been taken. She still had no idea how to interpret that goings on of the day, but her first action was to find Djali and wrap her arms around him, leaning her cheek on his rough hair.
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 23, 2009 17:58:31 GMT -5
Anastasia had been beside herself with worry. She hadn't known what was going on with Esmeralda, as the eunuchs were uncommunicative on the subject. So, she'd waited, fretting, keeping company with Djali and hoping things turned out for the best.
Esmeralda had been back for quite some time before word filtered down to Anastasia that the gypsy had finally returned to the harem. Without wasting any time, she'd gone looking for her friend and found her with Djali.
"Esmeralda?" She asked softly.
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 23, 2009 18:17:41 GMT -5
The girl looked up, her expression somewhat puzzled.
"Anastasia," she said. "Hello." She patted Djali absently. "I can't even begin to explain what's happened..."
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 23, 2009 18:19:30 GMT -5
She down next to her.
"Are you all right?"
Esmeralda looked unharmed...
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 23, 2009 18:29:24 GMT -5
"Oh, yes," she said, though her expression and tone bespoke confusion. "It's just that... well, I've met the king."
She stopped again, rather infuriatingly, because she was thinking about the whole thing and how he'd appeared, his hands covered in clay, and later with his dark eyes shining in the torchlight.
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 23, 2009 18:31:14 GMT -5
Anastasia's eyes widened.
"You did?"
She quickly recovered from her surprise.
"What happened? He didn't know what we were planning, did he?"
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 23, 2009 18:37:59 GMT -5
She shook her head. "I don't think so, but... Oh, Anastasia, I cannot make him out at all." She pouted slightly. "He did not touch me, but asked about me. When he heard I'd been taken from my home, he seemed... Confused. And sad. And asked what I wanted from him. I told him I wanted my freedom, and you know... He offered it."
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 23, 2009 18:48:44 GMT -5
This was much, much different than what Anastasia would have expected. She really didn't know what to say to this turn of events.
"That's confusing. I always thought he was some sort of tyrant, or even at the best indifferent. It almost sounds as though...as though he likes you."
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 23, 2009 19:12:44 GMT -5
Esmeralda frowned in thought.
"I suppose..." she said. He'd seemed so abrupt and dismissive. But still... "He seemed not to know what was going on. But then again... he also said that it was all right for Persians to be here." She looked up at Anastasia. "I couldn't go," she explained. "I told him... I couldn't leave you and Djali."
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 23, 2009 19:54:19 GMT -5
Anastasia nodded. She would have turned it down, as well, if she'd been in Esmeralda's place. She wouldn't have left the other behind.
"I'm sorry you were put in that position. It couldn't have been easy to say no to it."
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 24, 2009 11:06:28 GMT -5
Esmeralda gathered Djali to her, suddenly rather cold in her thin garments. Her eyes gazed distantly at her lost freedom.
"He said I was free, because my spirit remained so," she said, her void soft. "But I do not think it will always be so."
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 24, 2009 11:09:49 GMT -5
It just wasn't fair. Esmeralda--or any of the girls--shouldn't be forced to stay here. She worried, though, more for Esmeralda. She didn't want this place crushing that free spirit.
"Well...I can still try our old plan." She said softly.
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Post by Esmeralda on Feb 24, 2009 16:28:30 GMT -5
Esmeralda looked up.
"Of course," she said, smiling. Her experience had confused her greatly, and she still did not know what to make of it. But there was no reason to give up. "I think we should."
The king could not be so very angry at her. Could he?
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Post by Anastasia on Feb 24, 2009 16:31:41 GMT -5
She smiled back.
"I have pen and paper, I can write the little note tonight." She whispered.
There wasn't anyone nearby to hear them, but she'd rather not take any chances.
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