St. Petersburg

[aeon_flux69]

[locked for lexiromanov, evankasparov, wild_callie, mikepinocchio, the_romanovs please and thank you.]The air was cold. The clouds hung low in the sky seeming to threaten to cry. As the car barreled down the long drive, once passing large iron gates, two of the people in the car seemed to perk up and look out the window with wide eyes. One was checking his gun. The other was calm, but for Alex, it was

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[lexiromanov]

Through the gates, over the bridge, past a few smaller buildings, before pulling around the wide circle drive so they can stop at the main entrance. There's brick rising all around and windows... Alex had almost forgotten just how many windows there were.

"There's about 30 acres and hundreds of rooms." Alex tone is hushed, almost reverent. Out-buildings too... an opera house. It's an old Imperial palace."

The person standing out front ran back to the doors for a moment before returning. A small collection of uniformed servants starts to appear as the car stops. One of them practically leaps forward to open the door.

"No family... not waiting on the steps. That would be undignified," Alex explains. "But Olga will be quick to meet us once we're inside the manor."

ooc:For anyone reading along: http://pics.livejournal.com/lexiromanov/gallery/00008622

[wild_callie]

They all stepped out of the cars. Callie looks around herself. "You grew up here," she murmurs. "It's huge.." she thinks of a child, and servants. And all the rest.

For the first time, her arm and hand purposefully lie in front of her belly, for a moment. Protective instinct, coming to the for. She extends her right hand to Alex, and her left to Michael. "We enter together. Those inside, they are your family. But we are, too." Her tone doesn't leave doubts. All this grandness will not come between them.

[lexiromanov]

Alex nods and leans in to kiss the top of Callie's head. It's easier than trying to figure out what to say.

"Vanya..." Alexei swallows. "Vanya take Sestra and go first. This isn't about Romanov things. This is about Aeon... and Goodchild. Vanya's the senior brother. He goes first. He speaks first. It's politics."

Callie, her pregnancy and Olga's lab weren't part of the understanding they were summoned here to deal over. That will have to be worked out on the side.

[evankasparov]

Caspian takes Sestra's arm, and walks with confidence up the steps. The elegance of the place doesn't intimidate Caspian. Not only has he been their before, but he'd owned palaces of similar grandeur back in the day.

[ex_the_roman875]

They're visitors are going to be rumpled and slightly unsteady from the trip. Even the best travelers are. Kiska, who got in less than an hour ago is still suffering from fatigue despite having a private jet to herself. A maid is brushing Kiska's hair and buttoning her dress even as she hurries to join Olga in the entrance hall.

There is nothing casual about this greeting. The servants are in livery that they don't always bother with. Olga's gown is simply cut and undecorated, but it's still sweeping the floor. Cathers, also newly arrived, is stifling a yawn behind a velvet sleeve... although she was permitted pants. It's a pity Riene couldn't be here for the arrival. There would have been a certain power in having all three of the remaining Catherines in one place when Alexei walked in.

Olga turns a look on the two girls and both of them straighten in place. The maid scuttles off. There's nothing to say. Everyone here is aware of just how important the moment will be when those doors are opened.

[aeon_flux69]

Climbing out of the car, Sestra hung back from the others as she looked about. Never had she seen a place so... so awe inspiring. Blinking as Alex's words pulled her from a sort of day dream she fell into, of running around the grounds, dancing and singing. Exploring every room and all 30 acres of the place. Of playing in the gardens, laughing. But of course it won't happen

[wild_callie]

Callie gave a little squeeze back to Mike's hand, then to Alex's, and then slid her hands under their arms. Children would hold hands. Adults would not, and she was firmly intentioned to enter with her two men at her side. In all her playfulness, there was however a natural and gentle dignity to Callie, who was queen or her world anyway.

Sestra and Evan started towards the stairs, and they followed.

[ex_the_roman875]

Doors opened, servants fluttered about and Olga carefully watched what was happening. Kasparov and the clone had the lead spot. Alexei was differing command of this encounter to that old monster. How annoying. Still, protocols were protocols. She stepped down on the bottom stair at exactly the right moment, moved at the perfect speed to meet half-way across the entrance hall

[evankasparov]

With Sestra on one arm, Caspian offered his other to Cathers.

"So, darling, where are our rooms, and did anyone of historical interest ever stay there?"

[aeon_flux69]

Sestra took Caspian's arm, looking over at the other young woman but also looking back to Olga as well. A brief moment of wonder and innocence shown upon her face before she then turned her gaze back to Alex and his lovers.

The woman was being rude on purpose. She turned her attention back to Caspian, smiling to Cathers. She wanted to hear this.

[ex_the_roman875]

"I doubt anyone who has as much historical significance as you ever stayed here, Mister Kasparov," Cathers offers in a soft tone. "This place was built for Empress Catherine, but she found it... not to her tastes... and spent only a single summer here before passing it off to a cousin. Lessor members of the royal court took up residence and departed over the years. Nicola purchased and began rebuilding it when she was in her thirties

[evankasparov]

If Caspian weren't on his best behaviour, he'd snicker at Cathers obvious attempt at flattery. Instead, he listens intentively with only his habitual smile in place.

"I'm sure we all appreciate the consideration that went into choosing the rooms." Caspian bows his head slightly to Cathers. The gesture is pure politesse, but its also strangely intimate, almost conspiratorial. "I've always found Nicola's designs both useful and beautiful."

[evankasparov]

With Cathers gone, and Mike and Alex settling Callie, Caspian wraps both arms around Sestra's waist and gives her a light kiss. "Welcome to the viper's nest, darling. Let's go inside and get some rest. We'll need it."

[aeon_flux69]

Sestra watched as Cathers walked away then Alex and his loves enter their room. She was pulled back when Caspian kissed her. She smiled softly, arms circling him as well. "I guess I shall learn a lot about people here." She kissed him again then lead him into the room. She stopped in looking about and at the size of the bed. It was huge. Everyone could sleep on it all cuddled up like puppies.

She ran and jumped upon it, giggling then rolled around the bedding. She looked up to Caspian, "I want a bed like this."

[evankasparov]

Caspian laughs and joins Sestra on the bed. He stretches out and props his head on his elbow, the better to watch her enjoyment.

"Then we'll get you one."

[aeon_flux69]

Sestra beamed at the response from her big brother, rolling over to him and propping up on one elbow as he did. "I should... explain to you why I sleep on the couch at Aeon's. Not using the other rooms."

Her expression got a bit serious, "I don't because... those her hers. Yours and hers. A private place of joining. Of bonding. I feel like I would be intruding. Same with the other room. It's Sandr's and hers. I tried but... It just didn't feel right. I know it seems foolish and childish but... It's still her home. Her sanctuary."