Young Rogue

[ruperthentzau]

The young man who is now riding up at a gallop is precisely the sort who prefers to inspire extended speeches in his own adoration, and since it is his first day, we will indulge him

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[dearcousin]

"I'm afraid I do not know of your land or your king, sir," Ada ways worriedly. She bobs into a timid curtsey. "But I am sure someone shall!"

[ruperthentzau]

Rupert stares at her for a moment in complete disbelief before responding. "You mean to tell me this is not Ruritania?"

It is possible, to his mind, that he crossed unknowing the border into Germany, though he was quite certain that he rode in the opposite direction. And he had yet to hear of even the maddest of fools in Germany who hadn't heard of Ruritania. What would be next--declaring England as an imaginary country? France as fallacy?

[dearcousin]

"No, sir," she replies, blushing under the stare.

[ruperthentzau]

"Nor do you know of Ruritania." Rupert sighed and bowed, determined to make the best of it. "Forgive me my manners, fair maiden." He takes her hand and raises it to his lips, favoring her with a dashing smile that has only rarely failed him. "I am Rupert of Hentzau, a gentleman from that very country. Perhaps you could enlighten me as to my current whereabouts?"

[dearcousin]

"I-it is an honor, sir," Ada replies. Her high color and expression would suggest that this is not an occasion on which the smile has failed him. "I would enlighten you if I could, sir. But I-I fear I do not know our location myself."

[ruperthentzau]

"A very peculiar situation." Rupert grins, high spirits hardly deterred by the news. "My dear maiden, surely it is not safe for you to wander about unescorted. Have you no father or brothers to take care of you?"

[dearcousin]

"I have not, sir. My cousin did warn me to take great care, and I have tried so very hard to do so."

[ruperthentzau]

"Then I must offer my own services for your protection. You never know when some vile rogue may come along and try to take advantage of your vulnerable state." Like right now.

The very model of a concerned and honorable gentleman, Rupert offered her his arm. "Perhaps you will tell me more about this place while we walk? Are your lodgings nearby, or shall I escort you safely on some errand you had in mind?"

[dearcousin]

"Oh! That is so very good of you, sir! I am sure I could never properly repay you for such a service." But she shyly takes the offered arm anyway. "I had no destination in mind, sir, and though I know little of this place, I shall gladly tell you all I can."

[ruperthentzau]

"Perhaps you could start with your name? I'm afraid you have the advantage of me there."

[dearcousin]

"Oh, forgive me. I am Ada Clare."

[ruperthentzau]

"I am delighted to make your acquaintance." He kisses her hand again, lips lingering for a moment, favoring her with another of his winning smiles. "Perhaps you might know where a bachelor such as myself might find suitable lodging? I was a moment before without proper housing in Ruritania, and now I find myself not in Ruritania at all."

[dearcousin]

"And I yours, sir," she replies. Her tone is most polite, but she is blushing very much and must bite her lip to hold back a smile which would otherwise be quite unseemly in its wideness. "There are many rooms here, sir, and most unoccupied. It seems the house is not owned by anyone, and everyone takes what they need."

[ruperthentzau]

"What a strange custom. No one has tried to claim ownership? What king rules in this land, to maintain such permissive laws?"

[dearcousin]

"I fear I do not know, sir. I do not even know the name of this land."

[ruperthentzau]

"And yet here you are, unprotected and alone!" Rupert clasped her hand passionately. "My dear Miss Clare, if ever you are in any danger, you must seek out my assistance. I would be loathe to have such a gentle, sweet lady as you fall prey to some cruel knave."