Homecoming. After 12 years. Arkady Lobanov was not a sentimental person but memories of his childhood came flooding in as he got closer to his destination - St. Petersburg.

“You know, my father would always fondly recall his trips to St. Petersburg and he would always come home with gifts for me and my sister.” James Pierre, Arkady’s friend remarked

“I did accompany him when I was 9 years old to meet his great-aunt Sofia Belinsky, but I hardly remember anything from the trip except that I fell of a horse and got a hiding from mother.” He continued as he surveyed the chequered board in front of them.

“Ah! I see that you almost had me distracted Arkady. But trust me, I am getting better at this” James moved his bishop to counter Arkady’s attack.

After a brief pause Arkady smiled and replied “I agree that you are getting better. And yet, you completely forgot about my knight who is in position to take your queen and with that this game”.

The sun was just sinking in the horizon and one of the train crew members went around the carriage lighting up the candles. James shook his head and looked distraught “I thought I almost had this. Guess you are a genius after all!”

“Or that I have had plenty of time to practice with my father” Arkady replied smartly as he rose from his seat.

**

Dinner was soon served and over the main course of roasted beef served with potatoes and mashed turnips, the men discussed their impeding trip.

“I do have to warn you, the Russian parties are even more boring than the French ones. Worse there aren’t enough girls our age who would be in attendance either. It will be old hairy warlocks, members of the Duma boring everyone with stories of legislative assemblies and quite a few married ladies with saggy tits fawning all over you to start a summer affair”

Arkady smiled behind his glass of wine. “It can’t be that bad. Personally, I am very excited to visit after 12 years.”

“While I understand your enthusiasm, I am afraid I can’t mirror that sentiment. Believe me, I would skip this trip entirely if I could” James sounded exasperated.

“I am sure not having to wake up for the lectures early morning would be a welcome change. Plus, we could hunt for game and go horse riding. Camp in the forest. As a matter of fact, an occasional liaison with a married woman wouldn’t be so bad do you think? I mean they would probably have more experience won’t they?” Arkady probed.

“Hah! To think that Arkady, the son of pious and celibate Mathematics Professor Mikhail Lobanov is interested in steamy liaisons with married woman of the Russian Aristocracy!” mocked James. “Alright Arkady. I see that you are a man with a mission. I don’t hope to dissuade you nor rain on your excitement. Let’s toast to a summer of adventures” James raised his glass. Arkady soon followed suit, a flicker of shadow crossing his face at the mention of the word mission.

**

Five carriages away, 2 men played cards while another was in deep conversation with a passenger. The three of them were travelling together. The train horn signalled the approaching station and one of the men rose from their seat. Wordlessly, he picked up his luggage and bid his goodbyes to the other man. The train slowed down and stopped at the small village town – Gatchina where this man got off the train and hurried off the empty station. This man who went by the name of Vadim, would band up with the Bolsheviks and gather resources and men for their eventual mission while the other two men would work in the shadows for Arkady.

**

By 8 o clock, they had reached St. Petersburg and James and Arkady were met on the bustling station by Yuri Nosov – a butler arranged by James’ father and were escorted to their horse carriage. St. Petersburg looked bright and crowded and dirty and they were soon brought to the mansion were they would be staying the night arranged once again by James’ father.

“Mr. Ivanovich apologises to not being able to receive you personally as he was called to the court for an urgent matter. You have.. heard the news of the unrest in the capital I am sure? These are dangerous times.” The wife of Mr. Peter welcomed the young men, smiling and eyeing them surreptitiously.

“Seems like Mrs. Ivanovich might have taken a shine for you Arkady” James teased him teasingly as they settled in their rooms.

“I did warn you about old married ladies here”

“I just think she was nervous welcoming us James. Your father is obviously important to their business and they didn’t want to offend us”

“My naïve friend, that’s not all of it, I am sure – ”

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation and Yuri handed over a letter to James.

James tore open the letter and reading its contents, smirked and yawned “Here is the invitation for our first party. The Khilakov’s. Father warned me that they would court us. Lord Basil has recently found himself out of favor with the Tsar as his business venture in the east is overrun because of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. But I am told his wife has an appetite for young men so this could be an interesting introduction to the debauchery of the Russian aristocracy for you my friend.”

James dropped down on his bed as he handed Arkady the invitation. Arkady’s heart was thumping against his chest as he read the contents of the invitation. It was all coming together as planned and yet he found it moving faster than he thought. He stayed awake late into the night, as dark thoughts about the future plagued him even as his friend snored beside him without a care of what was to come.

**

Privet Comrades! Congratulations if you made it this far. I have pulled this one off the archives. Basically, the premise of the story is that my character is a Bolshshevik revolutionary who is now in Russia - recruiting and gathering resources, money, influence to ignite the revolution! To this extent, he is going to use his own heritage/ his friend's connections to gain entry into the rich/upper class society of Russia.

Who does he meet during his mission? A MILFy widow looking for companionship? An almost broke socialite looking to hedge her risks and welcome the regime change? Or a Duchess disillusioned with the going ons of the Russian Aristocracy? The possibilities are endless.

(The starter is obviously just to initiate/ spring forth your imagination and isn't set on stone).

Now who I am looking for? - A detailed/ creative writer who not only loves smut but also a good story build up. One who isn't afraid to drive the story when the need arises and also hopefully bring to life this intricate tapestry of politics, struggle, war, debauchery and violence!

Discord is preferred.

So if any of this interests you, do hit me up!

(So this is my prompt. Looking for feedback and suggestions. Seem to be missing some element as I am not able to find the right partner. Is this too wordy? too specific? Any pointers will be helpful)