The carriage gently turned at the next intersection without Xeric's instructions. Cold blues turn to the forward cleft of the cabin as Xeric gives a sigh, shaking his head. "Good help is...interesting." His gaze turns back to Xenia. "You better tell me what you want before he takes us to the Grand." His silent dignity obviously in shambles.

Chuckles at him. "You should be thankful, good help is hard to come by." She shrugged helplessly at him. "I have no idea what the Grand is, but I wouldn't mind exchanging stories over a pot of tea or coffee with you."

Nods slightly while smiling. "I know a quiet little coffee shop in Old Market not far from the bridge to Old Temple." His smile grows. "If you don't mind a drive that is."

"I've nothing but time," she replied, her smile mirroring his. "Do you come to town often?"

Shrugs as he chews his bottom lip. "Sometimes. I compete in the Duels and I've held several titles which have given me access to most of the current Baronial Manors and a few that no longer exist." Cold blues meet her eyes. "I own a renovated factory in Dockside in which I keep a loft. I also have a Manor and fortress in the Battlefield Park district." He paused briefly before inquiring, "And you? Is your abode in-city or outside the walls?"

"Every place has a purpose, I assume," she smirked knowingly at him. She was familiar with the type, except perhaps he didn't keep another woman in the loft. Or did he" "I own a townhome near the mayor's office, Luks Condos. It's quiet, not too busy but close enough I can walk to most places. I try to lead a simple life."

Follows her words closely, frowning, "I must seem a flaunting aristocrat. Miss Xenia, I grew up in the royal court, so I have always maintained a certain appearance, but I've slept in my saddle and in army camps for most of my adult life. I'm a soldier and little else."

He opens the door and steps out after the carriage stops at a small, roughly painted building with a wooden thatch roof. He turns and extends his arm to her as he ignores Richard's grumbled, "Please don't take me as a flaunting peacock."

"I didn't say that, you're putting words in my mouth," she replied humbly, though she did raise her brows at his remarks of being in the saddle. "Ah, you're a soldier?" Xenia mused, the corners of her mouth twitching at Richard's comment. She set her books in her seat as she rose. "I do hope it's okay to leave my books here," she asked him, calmly taking his offered hand and glancing at the cute little building.

Turns and guides her to a small unpainted door after taking her hand. As he pulls it open he replies, "They're as safe as they would be in a bank vault."

Following easily beside him, she takes the short walk to further examine the establishment. "I don't doubt that for a moment," she smiled, looking back up to him before passing through the threshold.

Follows her in, allowing the door to close behind him. Inside, three round wooden tables sit empty of patrons. A small bar is on the left wall, the rear and right walls are segmented into small shelves densely packed with an assortment of worn and unorganized books.

A older round woman with iron grey hair in a tight neat bun and wearing a stained apron approaches them. She gives Xeric a warm smile and asks, "Master Mues, your usual?"

Xenia took in the small sitting area before her whole face lit up at the stacks of books. "Oh," she murmured appreciatively, elated. The woman's voice, however, drew her attention and she turned to her.

Xeric gives the older woman a nod. "Yes, please, and whatever my companion wishes." Steps to the nearest table and turns to watch Xenia studying the bookshelves. "The books are from a world similar to my homeworld. They range in ages and subjects."

"Tea, please," she replied, smiling for the older woman. Subconsciously follows Xeric to the table, eyes still to the books. "Is that why you like it here?" She inquired at his reply, honey gaze meeting with his cold blues.

Scratches his chin as he pulls out a chair for her. "That's one reason. It's quiet here. Easy to lose the world and its problems"

"Spasibo," she thanked, folding neatly into the offered seat. "I love places like this." Agreeing with a nod of her head.

Steps away from her chair, moves around the table, and seats himself opposite to her. "The doughnuts here are the best in the city. I've gorged myself on them more than once."

She smiles at him, giggling. "You don't look like the type to indulge in sweets."

Soft chuckle as he responds, "I am merely human, Xenia. I'm simply a man. I may have a list of titles as long as my left arm, but just between you and I..." Shakes his head and gives a mocking tone, "The Marshall General of the Ice Throne likes doughnuts."

Grins, stifling her chortles behind her hand. "Your secret is safe with me."

The older woman approaches the table and places Xenia's tea in front of her before repeating the action with Xeric's decaf. She gives a practiced bow and stepped away from the table.

"Spasibo," she calls after the host before looking back to Xeric. "Coffee?" Nodding to the cup in front of him.

Blows on the top of his mug before answering, "Yes, but I've gotten a bit old for caffeine. It gives me the shakes. I still enjoy the flavor, just not the effects. How's your tea?" After cooling his drink a bit he raises the mug to his lips and sips at the brown liquid

She takes a sip of her tea, despite the fact it's scalding, nodding. "It's delicious, spasibo."

Cold blues watch her down the scalding liquid. After blinking a few times he manages, "Pazhaluista." Followed by a frown when he realizes he's broken from the common tongue.

Lifts a brow at his frown, sipping her drink before speaking again. "What' You do not like speaking in the Mother's tongue?"

He sighs and grins. "It's been so long since I've had to speak any language except my native one that I often make mistakes in common. I'm just trying to become comfortable with it once more." Then he takes another drink of his coffee. "So, Miss Xenia, is there a Mr. Xenia"

She nods, understanding. "I've given up and just speak broken everything. My common is terrible enough with my accent." Xenia scoffed at his inquiry, like it was a ludicrous idea. "Nyet, there is not." Turning the tables on him, she countered, "and is there a Mrs. Mues?"

Rubs a patch of grey at his right temple as cold blues meet her eyes. "There have been more than one, but at the moment there isn't a Mrs. Mues. I suppose I've lost my boyish good looks and heart breaking smile." He offers a roguish grin and a wink. Gives a soft chuckle before taking another mouthful of coffee.

"Several?" She repeated, brows shooting into her hairline. It wasn't really that surprising, he was easy on the eyes.

Nods slowly, a bit timid now in his explanation,"The first was an arranged political marriage. The others were just part of my journey. And you? Any ex-husbands?"

Motions to Richard, who stands silently near one of the bookshelves. The older man steps to the small counter to settle the bill.

Turns the mug up and finishes his coffee before gesturing to the bookshelves. "If you would like one or more to add to your personal collection, it would be my pleasure to see you have it."

"Nyet, I have not ever been married," she replies, shaking her head as she finishes off the tea. "I was to be wed once, but that didn't end very well for him." For a split second the warm smile flashed vindictive, but she had her revenge. Sets the mug down, dusting her gloved hands on her lap. At his words, she looked to the shelves, biting her lip thoughtfully. "Oh, I couldn't...Perhaps I'll stop by during the week for some light reading..." Her look was covetous though.

Stores her words for later examination. "Well, I have an open tab here, so you may take anything you wish."

Beams up at him, "Spasibo, that's very kind of you."

Smiles as he rises from his seat. "Horosho, but I must beg for your forgiveness as I must take my leave now. I have business matters that must be attended to," he explains before flourishing a bow. "Richard will take you anywhere you wish to go."

After a hesitant moment, "Miss Xenia, may I contact you again?"

Rises from her seat, nodding. "There is nothing to forgive, I'm glad we got to do this. I would like to do it again." She smiles for him, curtsying, "If Richard will take me home, he can report my address back to you and you can write me anytime or stop by." She blushed a little. "I haven't bothered with new technology so I apologize for the old school form of communication."

Gives her a warm smile. "I prefer the old ways." With that, he turns on his heels, steps out of the building, and vanishes in the crowded street.

Xenia smiles after him before taking Richard's offered arm and waving warmly to the keep. She murmured her thanks, allowing him to lead her out and into the carriage. Nodding to him, she folded into the seat, relaxing her satchel of books into her lap. "I live in Luks Condos, sir, if it is not too much trouble." Richard nodded to her before moving to take the reigns. With a commanding "hyah," they were off.