| Logs |
2022 March 04
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
I Fought In The Old Revolution
The travel west is less fraught than the trip east had been. For one, the fear of the Bostonians is less. For another, they are headed home! Well, Roy is headed home and he and Suraksha are going to be reunited with their third daughter -- the one that is no blood to either of them, but that they both hold dear. Roy was disguised as a roustabout on the trip out, but he's starting to gather his old self together as they travel. His heavy Cajun dialect is being shed somewhat. When at court, he tends to simply sound genteel and Southern, with just the tinge of his true origins in his voice. They've not completely thrown caution to the wind, however. Cross-continental travel is still dangerous, and they are still seen as outsiders by a lot of the places they visit.
Suraksha has no issue with Roy effectively re-building his kingly persona... as long as he can quickly shed it if necessary! Of course, many in the caravan play different parts in towns, and Roy has already shown he's quite capable of doing so as well... so aside from gently teasing him a little when they're in private, she simply watches the return of the king with a smile... a slightly wistful one, sometimes. She knows they'll have to part again once Baton Rouge is returned to Roy's care.
All along the trail, they find Bostonians either fleeing east or completely puzzled as to what they're doing in this uncivilized (to their eyes) country. There are occasional skirmishes along the way, but nothing that causes much permanent damage in either direction. There's one death of an ambusher, but that was almost an accident because she'd stumbled backward away from Chanti and literally fell on the blade of one of the Sokoloff sons. Roy can shed the persona quickly and he has gone back to his river-rat fighting style when they're in battle. It's quite easy to see why he was called Rattler. He can be fast, vicious, and deadly -- but he always warns his opponents first. He, too, is a little melancholy and murmurs quietly with Suraksha when they are settling in for bed about how badly he's going to miss her. Oddly, that reassures her -- she always smiles and murmurs back that he'll just have to save up that missing her for when she returns -- and she will do the same for him. Suraksha also always hugs him warmly close, nuzzling against him at those moments. She loves the scent and the warmth and the feel of him; she wants to remember that clearly for when they must separate.
Along with his kingly demeanor, Roy is also making himself recognizable again. His hair is growing out and he's starting to groom his whiskers into that nicely trimmed and shaped mustache and understated chops that defined his face in such a roguish way. The girls both giggle and squirm a lot when their father tickles them with his new facial hair. The big difference between when Suraksha first met the king and now is that his -- already yummy -- body has been honed into something even more solid and strong. Suraksha loves watching the babies with one of their daddies! Admittedly she's often also busier than heck -- due to Boston's expansionism, tensions are higher now than when the caravaneers passed through about a year or two ago -- but she treasures those little peaceful moments with her immediate family.
When they're coming up on the verges of St. Louis, the whole caravan starts to both get ready for possible resistance, and get ready to entertain. It's a very strange sort of cognitive dissonance. Roy thought St. Louis was safe enough for Mary, but many things could have happened in the intervening time. Chanti has the guard doubled constantly now, and the buddy system is always in effect. Also, no one leaves the caravan without letting folks there know when to expect them -- regardless of how friendly the town might seem. They've all learned their lesson from almost getting captured more than once by the Bostonians in search of 'pretty' people, after all.
The borders of the thriving port are quite fortified, but they are definitely wearing the livery of the royal house of St. Louis and not Boston. There's not even a trace of Crowninshield's coat of arms to be seen. Suraksha waits nervously for the return of Dominic and Little Joe, to hear what news their scouting on St. Louis has turned up. Little Joe and Dom let Sura know that things seem, not so much peaceful, as unworried. Suraksha sighs in relief at that, checking as to whether any of the royal guard saw them? She'll expect Eacharn to come nosing in tonight, if so! She doesn't mention that to anyone but Roy, later, of course -- since he and possibly/probably Sna'tha are the only ones who know who the big black stallion truly is. Suraksha wonders a little as to how the town can be so unworried, though... has the news of Crowninshield's death traveled more swiftly than the caravan itself? That would be... unusual, if so?
Little Joe shakes his head, "Nah. We stayed back. Didn't try to get past the checkpoint. It was pretty heavily guarded." When Sura says something about them seeming unworried, Roy drawls, "They got one of the best armies on the continent. It's why I sent Mary here. Eacharn's a war..." he stops before he says warhorse and changes, "...veteran. Jes' bet dey got patrols and tight security."
Suraksha nods slowly at that, still concerned... but she's not going to worry yet. "All right. Do you boys think it should be safe for us to just drive right on in, then?"
Dom takes his hat off and rubs the back of his head, "I'd actually say you an' Roy sorta play vanguard. Take our papers with you." Little Joe nods, "You can get up there faster than we can. And I bet word'll get back to Eacharn awfully quick once that happens."
Suraksha blinks confusedly, "You think... Roy and I should go scout out the palace?"
Roy shakes his head, "Naw, cherie. I t'ink he means me an' you oughta go to the checkpoint. We ain't gettin' into the city without passin' it, after all. Give the runners a chance to go let Eacharn know we're at his borders."
"Oh! Hm... well, I suppose that's doable." Suraksha glances around distractedly -- simply taking off isn't an option when you're running an entire caravan and have two small children, after all -- and says, "Rattler, sweetie, why don't you get horses ready for us, and I'll organize someone to cover for us while we're gone?"
Roy recognizes that distracted look and rumbles, "Cher, let yer godsmama take over for a bit. Get cleaned up and put on something comfortable but pretty. I'll get our horses." A bit later, the girls have been handed off to Sabrina and Sna'tha has taken over 'Chana's list of to-do's. The king and the Hetaera have the caravan's paperwork in hand and they're both riding horses that Roy himself has helped train and gentle to the strange scent of the naga.
Suraksha sighs and smiles ruefully as she rides, glancing over at Roy, "The boys were unexpectedly diffident on conditions in St. Louis... and they certainly ride better and faster than I! So what do you think the chances are, sweet man, that this is an elaborate set-up as a surprise for us or Mary?"
Roy is riding with his normal grace and smiles over at her, "I think they got close enough to see the guards but not enough to get checked out by them. I'm actually kinda glad the place is fortified. But I think you an' your chakra readin's gonna stand us in good stead." Suraksha nods silently, faintly amused that anyone short of a complete non-rider would consider her riding better than theirs... and studies the big gates they are approaching.
It's easy to see why the boys might not have gotten all that close. There's not only a gate and fence at the road, there's also a line of people that are being checked out. Like many places they've been, there are two queues. One seems to be for large commercial groups and the other for people on horseback or on foot.
As they have time to observe, it gets a little clearer why Joe and Dom thought the king and the Hetaera would be better to be the face of the caravan rather than the two Taps that were normally the outriders. No caravans are getting past without extensive checking of papers. Word is filtering back that things have gotten stricter since Boston has started their forays. It's clear from the chatter that the news of the would-be emperor's death has not made it this far.
Suraksha nods slowly to herself -- this is making more sense to her now! She gets into the line for riders and waits. After all, they should at least scout out some camping places for the caravan before heading back. Plus she'd like to see if there's a way to let Eacharn subtly know of their arrival -- she and Roy both want to see Mary again!
Roy rides with her to the line for those afoot or on horseback. He's looking fairly sharp, though not in anything like his full royal splendor. As they're waiting, the king-in-exile murmurs to his lady love, "I think we can have someone send a message to Eacharn's seneschal. I left a code phrase with Eacharn and Mary. Eacharn would have let his majordomo know it as well, I'm sure." Suraksha nods quietly back as she glances around thoughtfully. She's dressed like Roy, though for a woman: respectably middle-class for this area. She has a few little touches in her clothing that show she's wealthy enough to hire a bodyguard/liegeman... but not so much that she looks like nobility. That would mark her as worth mugging, on the road.
Roy passes on the code phrase to Suraksha and falls back a little behind her to give the impression of a liege man. It also means he won't be in her way if she has to do something drastic whilst still letting him be close enough to lend a strong arm. Suraksha waits until they're at the head of the line to offer their papers... and to inquire courteously as to how one hires a messenger within the city, please?
The guards that question them ask the normal questions about where they're coming from and their business in the city. It's fairly standard, though their paperwork is scrutinized carefully and Suraksha catches some things that lead her to think that part of what they're checking is to make sure there are no telltale signs that these folk are coming from Boston. The guard captain says, "We have runners here -- sometimes messages have to be passed back and forth, and sometimes identity has to be verified."
Suraksha nods once, "Excellent. May I have a message sent up to the majordomo at the palace then, please?" She's crafting the message in her head as she speaks, making sure the code phrase seems an innocuous part of the message. The guard captain nods as if this isn't too out of the way to ask. He waves over a girl that looks to be perhaps twelve. She stands attentively, bouncing a little on her toes as she waits for the message. Suraksha smiles charmingly at the girl, offering her a coin as she speaks the message slowly and clearly... then asks the girl to please repeat it back to her before taking off.
The girl seems quite pleased with the coin and repeats the message back perfectly on the first try, "And this is going to Ballantyne, yes? The seneschal?" Once she's got confirmation, she's off. After the paperwork has been examined, the guard captain gives Suraksha directions on a good place to camp outside the gates, if she thinks the caravan might wish to try to come through the gates early the next morning. Suraksha thanks the captain courteously, then rides on into the city with her 'liegeman.' She needs to organize where the caravan will camp once it is within St. Louis proper, after all... and she and Roy both want to have a look around to get a 'feel' for how things are here.
The city is not precisely on a war footing, but it becomes more obvious inside the walls that the reason they seem cautious but not frightened is that St. Louis is being patrolled and protected heavily both inside and out. The groups of guards that are in the streets are not intimidating exactly, but they give the impression that they will not hesitate to go into action if needed. The regular citizens are moving around like normal, talking quietly to themselves. Rumors are rife, but that's only to be expected.
Suraksha raises a thoughtful eyebrow, wondering how many of the soldiers and citizens are actually carefully glamoured fey checking up on one of the last bastions of freedom from Boston in this area. She also wonders if the young boy-king ordered this. She rather hopes so -- his making good decisions, even if somewhat guided by Eacharn, his 'father,' will be a good sign that things will go well for St. Louis in the near future... and that Eacharn can leave at his assigned time of five years after his son's coronation.
Finding good camping isn't hard; they're able to bespeak plenty of space for the wagons and vardos. They're also able to get a nice idea of things that can be done to make a little extra money with entertainment and so forth whilst they're in the city. Roy seems pleased with the mood of the city and with the security. Once they've gotten the lay of the land, they're able to go back out easily. The time has let the caravan get close enough that they have started to set up camp by the time the king and the Hetaera arrive. On the way out, they pass the girl runner and she waves cheerfully as she calls out that she got the message to Ballantyne.
Suraksha smiles and waves her thanks to the girl-child, then nods once as she murmurs to Roy, "Excellent! Things seem to be going well here." A bit mischievously she adds, "What odds, my dear, that we're visited tonight... perhaps by a most seemly stallion, hmm?" If Roy rolls his eyes, she'll giggle!
Roy not only rolls his eyes but snorts, "And if dat stallion ain't ridden by a very excited young lady, be surprised, me. Already learnin' to wrap men 'round dat li'l finger, her. Doanno where she got it." He manages to actually say that with a straight face.
Suraksha snorts amusedly at that! "Mm, only if she finds out. Plus... I suspect the young king will be most interested in coming too -- and on that, I do not doubt, Eacharn would put his foot down." She sighs amusedly as she adds, "I shall certainly have words with him if he brings Mary to the caravan -- that kind of notice we most assuredly do not need -- nor her the risk!"
The caravan has already set up camp, but it's one of the sorts of camps that they set up for a single night. The minimum of tents are set up and the animals are mostly picketed instead of being corralled in Del's portable fences. Roy chuckles and arches one dark brow at his beloved, "Hopefully can be good an' persuasive, him. By now, she damn near ol' enough to start courtin'." He shakes his head and sighs, "Goan hafta shed off m'accent again. Southern genn'l'man one t'ing. Bayou rat whole diff'ren' ball o' wax."
Suraksha murmurs worriedly, "Don't shed too much immediately, love -- we emphatically do not need people noticing you just yet!"
Sna'thaid is pleased to see her godsdaughter and apologizes, "We weren't sure if you'd be back early enough to move everyone through the gates before nightfall. Apparently they close them down and no one passes after a certain hour if it's not an emergency." Roy nods at that. Eacharn really is trying to keep everything secure. He'll be quite pleased to find out that the main threat has been neutralized.
Rishima and Rohana come scampering over the moment they hear their parents' voices and demand to see their older sister. When they are told that they won't see Mary until the morning, there is some whining and pouting until they're told they won't get a bedtime story if they continue on like that. The normal check-ins are done in short order and Chanti reports that there have been a few folks nosing around the perimeter, but it mostly seems to be people curious about the colorful vardos and the sheer size of the caravan. Suraksha asks Chanti to ensure there's plenty of guards still -- the area is not yet aware that Crowninshield's menace has been defused, after all.
The caravan has settled for the night except for the night watch when there's a halloo from the perimeter and someone sends for Del. When the Sileni comes trotting over, she laughs quietly, recognizing the riderless stallion with the silken bridle. "Ahh. Yes. You were expected." The guard that set up the alarm looks puzzled. He's only been with the caravan since Naugatuck and is still getting used to the peculiarities. The big horse nudges Del with his velvety nose and snuffles at her, allowing her to rest a hand on his neck and walking with her into the caravan. She speaks quietly to him, "The lady's asleep with the girls and Rattler... ah..." She looks around and lowers her voice to barely a whisper, "Roy... but I know they'll want to know you're here."
Alg bounces up from his bed on the porch of 'Chana's vardo and hoots, "Pretty lady's pretty horsie!" Before he can be hushed, Alg has swung his way in through the half-open door of the vardo, hooting happily to wake 'Chana up. Luckily, the girls have grown up with the goblin and, even in their sleep, can tell happy goblin-noise from alarmed goblin-noise. Outside, Eacharn is arching his neck proudly, standing as pretty as he can at being called that.
Roy groans and shifts, only half-catching what Alg is saying. He wakes enough to muzzily say, "M'ry?" and to have Alg say, "No princess girl! Only horsie!"
Suraksha chuckles quietly, dropping a gentle kiss on Roy's temple before she murmurs, "Sleep, sweet man. I'll be back in just a moment." She rises silently, slipping on nice, warm slippers and belting her robe before she slides neatly out the door. Her laugh is quietly happy as she gives Eacharn a hug about his neck -- standing on the vardo's little porch she's almost at eye level for him when he arches his head down to her. The enormous stallion curls his neck around his lady and then snuffles at her hair and her face as if making sure it's actually her. Across his barrel is a set of saddle bags. It's the normal arrangement for when he's got clothes. Suraksha murmurs softly to him, "Let's step away for a moment so you can change and we can talk by the fire, aye, pretty horse?"
Shortly thereafter she's curled up in a warm fur and settled next to the fire with Eacharn. She beams sleepily up at him, "So how's your lovely young man doing, dear?"
Eacharn brought very simple clothes with him -- just trousers, a pair of boots and a tunic-like shirt. The water horse puts one arm around Sulochana's shoulders and pulls her close with a smile, "Growing stronger in mind and body every day." His eyes twinkle, "And becoming rather fond of your daughter, though I believe she is as enamored with Baton Rouge as her father."
Suraksha laughs softly as she leans against Eacharn's warmth in the cool night, "Ah, that's wonderful news!" Her eyes twinkle mischievously as she adds, "Looking forward to being able to leave? Only three and a half years left, if I'm counting correctly!"
Eacharn smiles and nods, "I am. I have grown fond of the city, but my home is never a place, really. I think, much like your Chosen, it has more to do with people, and the water." He chuckles, "Luckily, Ballantyne came straight to me with the message while I was alone. Mary was doing her piano lessons and Michael was out with the captain of guards to learn about troop formation and patrols."
Suraksha nods in approval, "Smart man. Excellent! Well, then..." her smile broadens with pleasure, "I think I have some truly wonderful news for you, dear!" She nearly dimples, she's so pleased at being able to bring happy tidings to the city! She sits up and gently tugs on the silken collar so Eacharn will lean down for her to whisper in his ear. Everyone here knows the news already, but Sna'tha has taught her godsdaughter to always be cautious around large cities! She quietly whispers in Eacharn's ear: Crowninshield is dead and Roy's come for his daughter, to return in triumph to his beloved city!
Eacharn is more than happy to hear about Crowninshield's death. He actually wriggles where he sits, a bit of equine body language that seems odd on the human form. He doesn't say anything aloud besides, "Mary will be happy to see you both -- and so will Jacko. He's been sore as a panther with a thorn in its paw."
Suraksha laughs softly at that! "I'm actually a smidge surprised that he didn't follow you here, honestly!"
Eacharn's voice is wryly amused, "Only because he's been tasked with keeping Mary and Michael in the city. Mary is better about staying safe than her father, but she still gives Jacko the slip occasionally. So far, it's only been to play hooky inside the grounds."
Suraksha snorts amusedly, "Oh, that should improve his temper... not at all!" She sighs ruefully, "We may have to set some ground rules on the trip home... so she doesn't put herself and everyone in the caravan at risk. Well... we'll face that hurdle when we get there!" She smiles at Eacharn as she resettles comfortably, "So, how're things going with you, dear?"
Eacharn keeps his arm protectively around the small woman. He, like others, has a hard time remembering that she is sometimes a tiger, "It has been tense. We are a military power, unlike many, because we must keep the ports secure and working. A few of the court ladies have been trying to curry favor with me, but none of them have succeeded. I am very ready to be free again." He looks over in the direction of the vardo, "Did her father give you the same issues?"
Suraksha hms as she too glances that way, "Issues? Explain, please?"
The phouka chuckles, "Trying to slip away. Jacko mutters that Mary gets it from him."
Suraksha laughs again at that, "Oh, yes -- he considers it a game! It drives Jacko wild, of course -- as a good Captain of the King's Guard he feels he should know where his charge is." Her grin gets slightly wicked as she adds, "Of course, Rattler's not quite so effective at it when he's around my godsmama -- since she's the one who trained both he and Jacko!"
Eacharn laughs at that, "At some point I'd like at least a couple of Michael's guards trained that way." Eventually, after some quiet and pleasant time around the fire, Eacharn stands and starts to strip, "I must return. The way I have in and out is water-bound and I only get past because of my dark coat and ability to be underwater." Once he's changed he clops back to 'Chana's vardo with her and snuffles her goodnight before heading back to his city. Suraksha blinks as Eacharn casually changes by the fire -- goodness! He's gotten far more relaxed about his abilities! She remembers him being terribly upset when Roy (someone he knew was a secret water Tap) figured out what Eacharn was! She grins and hugs her old friend, waving goodnight to him as he departs.
The visit to St. Louis is pleasant and productive, and everyone is greatly relieved at how well things are going so far. It's not until leaving St. Louis, in fact, that the true preparations to return Roy to his City get well underway. Eachern's own tailors were put to work making sure that Roy is properly togged out, since the River Rat King left all his finery when he left Baton Rouge in the hands of his friend and confidant Pierce. Most of the beautiful clothes he's gathered together on the road look damned good on him, but they definitely aren't court garb!
Before leaving, Roy offers his hand to Eachern -- and when the water-horse takes it, he finds himself pulled into a tight embrace, with Roy speaking quietly against his ear to thank him for all the things he's done to keep Mary safe in a time when it could have been deadly to be harboring the Baton Rouge Princess. Suraksha smiles with warm affection, deeply pleased the two men are finally getting along better! She cares for both of them, after all... and since Roy is one of her Chosen, she's quite keen to keep him safe and well-allied!
The trip down the river is by caravan because Sura's people have contracts to fulfill -- but it also means there are nights when Roy, his beloved, and their shared daughters can spend time playing in Roy's beloved Lady. The first time he walks out into the muddy water, the look on his face is of rapture despite the tears rolling down his face. A Water Tap can find water anywhere... but this is Roy's true home.
Suraksha watches with a small, affectionate -- and slightly wistful -- smile. She knows Roy works hard to not be jealous of her clients when she's being a Hetaera. This, she suspects, is her (rough) equivalent: Roy loves her to distraction, but his Lady is his heart's true home. On the other hand, she thinks with quiet warmth, seeing him this joyful is... actually well worth it. She's happy for him, even though she doesn't feel the same about the river.
Both Rishima and Rohana are diving and splashing about happily, calling their parents to come and swim with them! Rishima gleefully squeals, "Mama, Mama! Are you gonna call the pretty water horsie to come play with us too?!" Mary is older than the other two girls, but she does love them since they're her little sisters. The young Water Tap has long ago quit worrying about who shares blood with whom. The older girl is discreet about her Tapping abilities, having been taught that as one of her first lessons from her Papa, but she does use it to splash and play with her sisters.
When Roy steps out of the river that first time, the first thing he does is to wrap Suraksha in his arms for a passionate, eager kiss. His Cajun patois is slowly being worked out of his voice, but he still tends to slip into French for private moments, "Ma Dame m'a manqué, mais je pense que vous me manquerez davantage."
It takes a moment for Sura to translate that -- French is still not an easy tongue for her -- but then she awwws! -and nearly melts into Roy's arms. Her low voice is throaty as she murmurs, "You are the dearest, sweetest man, lover!"
Roy strokes her hair out of her face and smiles down at her, "Ma cherie, never t'ink I love anyone even close to how I love ma Jacqueline... damn glad was wrong, me."
When the caravan itself is two days out of Baton Rouge, Little Joe and Alan ride ahead. Jacko stays with the caravan, though none of them really think there will be a need for Roy's Captain of the Guard... other than letting the man spend some time with Sabrina, with whom he has kept up a warm correspondence and flirtation. Suraksha watches Alan and her main scout, Little Joe, canter relaxedly off... then raises an eyebrow at Roy, who is helping Del tack up her beloved 'Big Boys' to the main cargo wagon. "Care to tell me how you intend to return to Baton Rouge, sweetheart?"
Roy grins down at her, "Waaaall... my thought was to ride up to the gates on m' favorite horse with m'baby girls and m'beloved at my side -- mebbe with m'boys at my back -- to thank Pierce very publicly for keepin' the City safe while I was in exile. Gonna hafta get someone secretly into th' palace, though -- let 'im know we back." He nods after Alan and Little Joe, "Figger they give us good idea what kinda finaglin' that might take. But thought you might be the best to acksh'lly get in... seein' as how you know my backdoor." Roy's bolt hole -- the tunnel he'd shown 'Chana very early in their courtship to get him out of the palace unseen -- is still mostly secret. Of the guards, only Jacko and Alan know about it -- and them only because Sna'tha had insisted they'd be piss-poor guards if there was a way into Roy's actual chambers that they didn't know about.
Suraksha gives Roy a curious glance, "Why not just have me ride up like usual, sweetheart? The caravan always takes a few hours to settle, after all, before we're open for shows. It'd be perfectly legitimate for the Hetaera to go visit an apparent client... and I could pass on to Pierce that you'll be there in an hour or so. Would that work for you?"
Roy considers that, dark eyes twinkling, "Damn. There goes m' grand entrance with you. Still, I'll have th' girls wi'me." He rests a hand on the back of her head, "It's good Pierce's kept his... leanin's secret. Only way you been able to look like you're contracted with 'im."
Suraksha smiles quietly as she adds, "From a political perspective, I don't want the caravan to be thought of as 'yours' either, dear." She nods relaxedly, her voice teasingly casual, "True. We wouldn't want anyone to realize Pierce has a heavy leaning towards steaming-hot chess games. Might ruin his reputation!"
Roy snorts at that, "OK, then. Send word for the elite coterie o' the guards... all 'cept Trav an' 'Lige to come out to the caravan. I'll meet up with 'em well off from the caravan's camp and we'll gwan in t' the city, triumphal march-like. It'll turn into a damn parade if I do it right. Should I leave the girls here?"
Suraksha says, "Er... you want... all your guards sent out here?" She frowns thoughtfully -- that's certainly going to look like a dangerous arrest is expected at the caravan... and will likely draw the instant and focused attention of any Bostonians remaining! Though... he is meeting them well away from the caravan... so what...? She sighs worriedly, "Sweetie, maybe we should start over here, since I'm getting quite confused as to what you're trying to accomplish?" She counts on her fingers, "You want a parade, you want to meet Pierce at the city gates... what else is on your 'must have' list, please?"
Roy smiles, "We don't wanna arrange a parade, cherie. If me an' the boys come through the city the right way, we'll gather people as we go. Lots of witnesses. But I want to meet Pierce at the palace gates. More central. More time t'let word spread that I'm back." Roy thinks a moment, "The only other must-have is I wanna make the ride on Courageux." Courageux, as 'Chana knows, is of Hermoso's bloodline and has been Roy's favorite since the old stallion had to be put out to pasture.
Suraksha ahs! "Got it. Correction: the meeting will be at the palace gates. Very well... hmm. We'll need to make sure the City Guard is in on this too, then -- so there's no fighting in the streets. On the other hand, I expect by now your people on the inside know who is trustworthy there... so we should give them at least two hours to organize that. Umm... at least a handful of your trustworthy personal guards should remain with Pierce so no one thinks it'd be a dandy time to off him and take his place... and another handful to ride in with you... and the rest scattered along the route to the palace to ensure calm and good cheer." She considers, then smiles thoughtfully, "Mary with you, definitely. Hana and Shima... mmmaybe leave them at the caravan until we're sure the power hand-off has safely occurred?" She tilts her head thoughtfully at Roy, "What do you think?"
Roy smiles, "Sounds good. 'S why I wanted 'Lige an' Trav to stay b'hind with Pierce, handin' back over the reins of the throne an' the guards. But let them pick a half-dozen or so. Get the rest of the men deployed properly. Jacko an' Alan'll be wi' me an' Mary."
Suraksha nods consideringly, "All right. So, we arrive and the caravan takes its time settling while I head on into the palace to meet with Pierce like usual. I pass the message to him and he alerts the guards to move out. Give that... maybe an hour more. So two hours after I take off from the caravan the handful of guards for you, along with Courageux, should have discreetly arrived here... meaning that in two more hours everything should be in place in town as well. Set out from the caravan then -- and Pierce will be awaiting you at the palace gates." She smiles as she adds almost teasingly, "I'll be lurking around discreetly somewhere!"
Roy agrees. He's been working on Del's big boys the whole time. He has long since endeared himself to the Sileni by obviously loving horses as much as she does. He grins down at her and says, "I'll get Fantine to tidy me up a bit. Haircut. Shave off the beard an' trim the mustache." At the comment about lurking discreetly, his grin widens, "I'm hopin' by 'discreet' you mean in m'rooms with dinner an' a bath waitin' for both of us." Once Alan and Little Joe return, they let everyone know that the city still feels a little unsettled -- there are still Bostonians trying to keep the place in their grasp. The news of Crowninshield's death has made it this far only as rumors -- not as fact.
Suraksha is honestly somewhat surprised the rumors have flown this far! She's used to the caravan being the bringer of news across the continent. On the other hand, it's possible some of Crowninshield's pawns here in Baton Rouge were mentally controlled as well... which means when they 'woke up' there'd be considerable consternation around them! Still, that means she's relieved to have planned ahead regarding Roy's re-entry to his beloved home city. Having one of the Bostonians take a pot-shot at him would be disastrous!
Once the caravan has arrived at the outskirts of Baton Rouge, the plan begins. Sulochana is swiftly dressed up as appropriate for a Hetaera seeing a steady client, and heads on into town with Gramma Marcie and Alg, just like usual. Fantine immediately turns her attention to tidying up Roy -- much to the fascination and delight of his little girls!
The gate guards are two of the Bostonians, though they've been in place long enough to know who 'Chana is. They pass her though with a piece of paper bearing a wax imprint of the new City seal -- the one that incorporates symbolism of Boston's control of Baton Rouge. The streets are quiet, unlike the joyous racket and chaos that has always been the norm. Suraksha can't help dimpling mischievously at the guards -- since she knows quite well they'll soon be gone! She heads cheerfully off towards the palace, humming contentedly under her breath as she sways easily on her camel's back. Alg and Gramma Marcie are mounted together on a small burro -- 'Chana wanted them all to be visibly mounted should they need to move quickly yet still maintain their various disguises. At the palace gates she waves at the guards there, "Good morning! May we come in?"
The guards at the gates are a mixed pair. On one side stands one of the Baton Rouge guards left behind for his loyalty: Guy the werewolf. The other is an older man -- one of the Bostonians. Guy blinks slowly and leans in a little, nostrils flaring as his eyes widen. He doesn't grin, however -- instead he stands a little straighter, with a gleam in his eyes. The Bostonian guard demands to see Suraksha's pass and grunts, letting her through but calling another guard over to see her through to Pierce's chambers. That guard is fresh-faced and obviously new at this -- and consequently rather overawed by the gloriously beautiful Lady Hetaera! Sulochana casually winks at Guy while the older Bostonian is occupied with her papers... then nods graciously to the new young guard, "The stables first, naturally. I wish to ensure our animals are well cared for." Plus, though she doesn't mention it, that will give Alg more opportunities to scamper discreetly off to explore and eavesdrop!
The young guard nods, flushing from the neck up as he heads to the stables with them. Somewhere along the way Alg simply... disappears. The guard calls into the stables that they've got a... creature? -that they need to take care of, along with a donkey. When Roy's hostler arrives, he grins all over his face, "Well, well, Amanda!" It's not unusual for the sturdy man to greet an animal before its rider, "We'll take good care of you, we will!"
Suraksha laughs and greets the man familiarly once Amanda kneels and 'Chana is dismounted -- she's known him for years, after all! "So good to see you! Thank you so much for your excellent care-taking!"
The hostler (whose name Sulochana unfortunately can't bring to mind) grins at her, "Of course!" He lowers his voice and says, "We're always glad to see you back, ma'am... reminds us of His Majesty." Then his voice is at a normal tone again, "I'm sure the king will be waiting for you."
Suraksha cheerfully waves to those stablehands she recognizes -- the gap-toothed girl awed by Tybalt is now a beaming young woman, for example -- then heads on into the palace with the guard and Gramma Marcie. To the glamoured fey she murmurs, "I'm rather looking forward to seeing good King Pierce again... and I flatter myself that he'll be quite happy to see me again as well!" She smiles at the guard as she adds, "Please lead us to wherever the king is currently, young man, rather than his chambers. There is discussion and negotiation which must occur before all else, after all..." she gives a small, rueful smirk, "despite what that old gate guard believed." She hmfs, muttering amusedly, "Lead me to the king's chambers as if I were something to be hidden away... I think not! That is certainly not how Hetaerae are announced!"
The guard is flushing even more deeply, "But King Pierce is in his chambers. He always is, 'round this time o' day."
Suraksha looks a bit surprised, "He is still a-bed in the late morning? How... odd. Is he not well?"
The guard clears his throat and actually tugs at his collar, "He's not abed, ma' -- er, m-my Lady. He, ahh... takes this time of the day to deal with what he calls 'the bloody mess of paperwork that asshole left behind.'" The poor boy goes even redder at the language, but it doesn't occur to him to be more subtle about it.
Suraksha laughs aloud at that! She's still chuckling as she murmurs, "Well, let us not keep the poor man waiting, then!"
The young guard takes her to Roy's old chambers and mumbles who she is to the guards there. One of them -- his eyes twinkling at the discomfiture of the rookie guard -- replies, "We know who she is. Go on back to your duties." The other guard looks bored, but 'Lige gives her a subtle wink as he shows her in, using his best official voice, "Your Majesty, the Lady Hetaera Sulochana." Pierce looks up from Roy's desk and his face lights up.
Suraksha dimples in amusement at 'Lige's wink -- she well remembers his crush on her when he thought she was just that cute li'l girl Jyotsana that he didn't want to accidentally hurt, on the tumbling mat! She's not surprised in the least, of course, when Gramma Marcie peels neatly off into the usual room where the Hetaera stays while in Baton Rouge -- instead 'Chana sweeps grandly forward, drawing all eyes as she extends her hands to Pierce, "Your majesty! Such a pleasure to see you once more -- and I do believe I have a delightful gift for you as well this time!"
Pierce stands and takes her hands in both of his, raising one so he can kiss it. He's very courtly about it; his eyes don't even raise up to flirt with her. The other guard is peering around the doorway, watching with interest until 'Lige turns back and pulls the door closed, murmuring that Pierce and the Hetaera will want privacy. Once the door is closed, Pierce murmurs in a quiet, intense voice, "Please tell me that my present stands about yea tall, has devastating brown eyes, and a propensity for good horseflesh."
Sulochana laughs aloud, giving the poor man a warm hug! "Yes, you charming, silly, lovely man -- and we have a plan! Shall we sit and chat for just a few moments first?"
Pierce hugs her back tightly and she can feel tension melting out of him. He pulls out her chair and once he's seated her, he settles at the other chair in the little table in the anteroom, "I would love to hear this plan. I am tired to death of this deception."
Suraksha gently takes Pierce's hand, her demeanor slightly worried, "I promise I'll tell you the plan -- but first, right now: you're more important. Are you all right, dear?"
Pierce laughs and sighs, settling into his chair and shaking his head, "I am not built to be a king. If it weren't for some of the guards, I'd have made quite a few more people quite angry. Trav, strangely enough, is quite the diplomat now." He pats her hand and smiles, "There have been rumors about Crowninshield being dead, but there's also been some unfortunate accidents happening to those people bearing the rumors."
Suraksha looks grave, "He is dead, but... I suspect Roy shall be quite wroth with anyone who has actually harmed those who have woken up from that vile monster's mental possession!" She sighs, shaking her head once, "Well, enough of that. Let us do our best to help you get back into a position you're comfortable with for now, yes?" She quickly relates the plan to him, then adds, "Do you need me to help with any of that, dear? I specifically packed clothing that I can use to disappear, if necessary, after all... and both Alg and Gramma Marcie are here with me as well."
Pierce smiles, "I knew Alg must be around somewhere. Is Gramma Marcie in your room?" That room is never given to anyone else now. Roy decreed it to be 'Chana's sole domain years ago. "Oh, I think we can get everything taken care of... at least my part. Do you want to meet Roy with me at the gates?" He grabs a piece of paper from the desk and starts jotting down names, "Lige and Trav should be with me. I'll send Guy with the contingent to meet Roy... we'll have to get Courageux out subtly. He is rather recognizable, after all..."
Suraksha smiles thoughtfully, "Perhaps... you're allowing me to take a ride on him? Or would you rather I stick closer by you?"
Pierce looks up and smiles; Suraksha's one of the few people that see him smile with anything like regularity, "That makes sense -- and the hostler won't even bat an eye at that. I'll even have one of the guards that's meant to come back with Roy escort you."
Suraksha nods cheerfully, "That'll work!" More gravely she adds, "You be careful, please, dear. I want to see you and Roy both safe and sound once this is completed!"
After Pierce has passed on his messages to the guards via 'Lige, and 'Chana has passed on her intended plans to Gramma Marcie, the Hetaera and the faux king chat relaxedly together for the next two or so hours. Once that's done she changes clothes with Gramma Marcie's help and checks with Alg as to how things are going. Alg returns practically dancing around and cackling with goblinish glee, "Guardsmen moving! Pretty lady leave, no stops!" It takes 'Chana a few seconds, but eventually she realizes Alg is telling her there are no guards in the way of her going to the stables, which means no one will stop her and ask her who she is or where she's going. She beams, "Excellent!"
Gramma Marcie's voice is dry, "Two of the new maids tried to insist on staying to help me help you. I managed to get them to go away thinking it was their idea."
Suraksha nods with relief to them both, though she does murmur with a bit of surprise to Pierce, "Where are all these new folks coming from, dear? What's happened to the previous palace servitors?"
Pierce rolls his eyes, "They're who Boston foisted off upon me. Spies, some of them. Others are just social climbers and hangers-on. Some of the maids have made rather unsubtle passes at me." He shakes his head wryly at the fruitlessness of that endeavor, then starts getting things underway. The loyalist guards that have stayed have become rather good at getting things past the Bostonian interlopers, so it's not long until a half-dozen of the elite guard (the ones trained either by Sna'tha herself or by those she trained) have made their way out of the palace. They're all apparently in mufti, but carrying their old uniforms -- the ones with the proper Baton Rouge crest on them. 'Lige and Trav get a similar number of the same coterie together for Pierce's escort. The old uniforms still fit, and the men that have them on stand a little taller -- though they temporarily disguise the old uniforms by wearing tabards bearing the changed Bostonian-influenced crest upon them.
Suraksha cheerfully heads out to the stables on Pierce's arm -- his presence will add verisimilitude to her 'request' and his 'permission' for her to take Courageux out for a ride. Internally, of course, 'Chana is crossing her mental fingers that the big stallion is as well trained as old Hermoso! Otherwise she's not going to be able to ride him -- since he'll be either terrified or aggressive around her. However, when Suraksha is led into the stables and over to Courageux, the big stallion (who really is just as large and handsome as his grandsire) actually leans out and snuffles at her to see if there are carrots. Pierce grins and lowers his voice, "Roy gentled him and trained him by giving him treats every time they got near one of his big cats."
The hostler chuckles and nods, "Greedy thing wants an apple any time that swamp puma sets up a yowl."
Suraksha raises an amused eyebrow, "Well! That was quite clever!" She has a handful of hay for the big stallion, and she laughs with the hostler's comment as she offers it. Simultaneously she runs her free hand gently down the long lines of his face, murmuring, "Hello there, handsome! Will you carry me safely for a short bit, mmm?"
Courageux snuffles at 'Chana and tosses his head. He obviously can't understand human speech, but he's a proud horse. Then he goes back to trying to find carrots. Pierce eventually laughs and brings him a couple from the feed room while the gap-toothed stable hand helps put on the stallion's tack. She's starting to fit a side-saddle, when Pierce puts a hand on her arm, "No. The Lady Sulochana rides astride. Get his parade saddle." The young woman's eyes go wide and she scampers off as Pierce explains, "It's Roy's saddle. Has his personal crest embossed on it. It's been... put away carefully." The hostler snorts, "By which he means hidden."
Suraksha nods gravely, "Perfect. Thank you both!" She grins as she pulls her shawl loose and adds, "This will cover the crest just fine... until we're someplace safer!" She smiles at Pierce, "Which guard do you want to send with me?"
Pierce smiles, "John. The one who, ah... was involved in that truly tragic and ill-thought attempt to test your loyalty." As he's speaking, John walks in -- and rolls his eyes with a snort, "Do we have to bring that up? Can't you just tell her John D'Amato?" He's shrugging into a cloak that hides his uniform.
Suraksha laughs at that! She grins and drops a small curtsey to the calm, ever-patient man, "My thanks for your patience, good sir!"
After that, when Courageux is led out all tacked up, 'Chana gets a boost up into the saddle, then takes a moment to arrange the scarf/shawl so it lays naturally over the crest. She whistles, glancing around until she spots Alg bounding into the stable area -- then grins mischievously to her companions, murmuring, "Courage... to us all! Very soon indeed." With that she gathers up the reins and nods smilingly to John, "Lead the way, please? I'm thinking a nice ride outside Baton Rouge might be pleasant today." She grins mischievously at Pierce as she adds, "I promise I'll spend the night when I return, yes?"
John is riding a roan gelding and his saddle is likewise hidden mostly under his cloak. Pierce pats Courageux on the shoulder and smiles up at 'Chana, "Oh, I'm sure more than just a night, my dear." Alg doesn't jump up on the stallion, but he does lope alongside the horses as John leads them away and out of the palace grounds. The guard keeps a serious, even irritated look on his face. He's been told off to escort this silly woman?! One of the king's guards -- how embarrassing! Suraksha is, naturally, charming and bubbly -- she gets to ride! A big horse, even! She keeps the demeanor up until they're safely outside the city gates, of course, and suggests to John that they ride around by the caravan maybe? That way if the horse is too much she can dismount safely there?
John chuckles, "My understanding was that me and the other five are to go to the caravan anyway. Subtly-like, you understand? Which we can do so Roy doesn't have to." His blue eyes are warm and there are crinkles at the corners that weren't there when 'Chana first met him.
Suraksha smiles relaxedly as the two horses stretch their legs, striding out strongly along the road, "Oh, mostly I mentioned that so the guards at the city's gates would hear me, dear. Where shall we be meeting Roy? We've got about another half an hour before Pierce will be waiting at the palace gates..." she grins mischievously again, "for my purported return!" She's quite pleased at how smoothly this is working out -- now, even if Roy's return is a little slowed, Pierce has a valid excuse for standing at the palace gates without arousing suspicion!
John smiles and nods, "Our rendezvous is just outside the city walls. There's a clearing there for when things get backed up over the stupid passes. It's out of sight of the gates."
Suraksha blinks at John, "Passes? But there are no mountains..." Her voice trails off as she realizes what John means... then she snorts in amused disdain, "Truly? Gracious, what a waste of time! I'll be glad to see those gone!"
John snorts as well, "It's a bunch of officious bullsh-" he clears his throat, "rigmarole. Don't doubt it'll be one of the first things Roy stops. Can't let the right freetraders into town if they gotta have paperwork, after all."
In 'Chana's absence, Fantine has been fussing about Roy. His hair isn't nearly as long as it was when he and his beloved first met, but it is long enough to brush his collar now and Fantine has made sure it's trimmed neatly and brushed back in quite a dashing way. His beard stubble has been shaved, but his sideburns and his mustache are just trimmed like his hair, and the loogaroo has come up with some sort of sweet oil to make the king's hair shine. The king's daughters are all giggling. Mary has seen her Papa all dressed for court more than the other two, but it's been quite a while since any of them have seen him quite so primped and preened. He winks at his youngest as she looks at him wide-eyed. Rohana is four now, and quietly proud of that fact! She hugs her stuffed wolf toy and pipes seriously, "You're shiny, Papa -- like Mama is when she goes on her playdates! Are you gonna have a playdate too?"
Roy's half-dressed by now in the snug trousers and riding boots that Eacharn had made for him. He is still bare-chested, however, because Fantine won't allow him to wear his shirt and the jacket that goes with it until she's finished trimming and primping his hair. Roy grins down at his daughter, "Ouais, bebe! Papa's gonna have a playdate -- with Mama! But first I gotta look all fancy for a buncha people. Then you and Rishima gonna c'mon up to the palace to stay for a little while. We'll even go have a picnic down de river a ways."
Rohana squeals excitedly, grabbing Mary's and Rishima's hands and bouncing around energetically, "Yay, we get to go swimmin' 'n eatin' and stuff -- all special-like, like th' way-cool story 'bout Mary an' th' pirates!"
Roy snorts amusedly, "But widdout de pirates." He looks around and grins because, as fate would have it, Bronc is riding past with Poly just then. Then the former river rat's head comes up as he hears the mild commotion at the edge of the caravan -- and his grin goes from the lazy, indulgent Papa to the cocky, handsome king. "Girls, bet dat's Mama. Wanna go meet 'er while I get dis shirt an' jacket on?"
A short distance away, the Amazons glance at each other and laugh quietly -- while Bronco, their sweetheart, blushes hotly behind his beard! He mutters amusedly in the Amazonian tongue, "Never gonna live that'n down, am I?" Poly and Pippa grin unrepentantly at him, and Pippa cheerfully replies in the same language, "Course not! We want all our sisters to know what a wicked, dangerously unpredictable man you are!" Considering Bronco has their baby girl resting against his chest in a front-pack sack, however, he actually looks rather domestic at the moment!
The new riders arrive at a relaxed canter, with the three Amazons swirling around them and whooping their greeting! Suraksha laughs, waving as she calls, "Hello, the caravan! Guess who's back!"
Roy grins as the three daughters that he and 'Chana share (and he's quite sure Bringer would treat Mary just like his as well, given that he and Roy worked out long ago that neither would be jealous of the other's bond) go racing off to greet their Mama, all but Mary coming to a halt with wide eyes as they see 'Chana on the big white stallion. Mary, however squeals and bounces, "Courageux! You brought Courageux!" John swings down from his saddle and grins down at the girls. Roy comes to the edge of the caravan to meet them. He's got the shirt on and he's shrugging into the jacket. His cufflinks -- the ones with the river pearls -- are already fastened and he's wearing a silk ascot in thin stripes of green, purple, and gold.
Suraksha laughs and waves to her daughters, "Hi, my dearlings! Be careful, please -- I don't know if Courageux is as well trained as Hermoso..." She glances around thoughtfully... then grins ruefully, "Ah. Dear, could I have a bit of a hand down, please? I'm afraid, short of leaping off, I'm not that good at dismounting strange horses!"
Roy has reached them by this point; he raises his arms, eyes twinkling, "I'll catch ya, cherie -- promise! 'N if ennythin', Courageux's better trained than ol' Hermoso wuz. Di'n't know when I was trainin' Hermoso that he'd be 'round a damn big cat all th' damn time!"
Suraksha coughs pointedly, her lips curled up into a smile, "What sort of big cat, dear?" She glances at the big stallion's head... then just sighs amusedly and drops the reins, swinging her leg forward and over Courageux' crested neck to slide down into Roy's arms.
Roy catches her and lets her slide down the front of his body to her feet with a grin, "My swamp puma an' de jaguar. Hell, dere's even a lion now. Goddim just afore this whole business."
Suraksha blinks a bit startledly at that, "An actual plains lion!? Goodness gracious -- those creatures are dangerous! How did that happen?"
Roy smiles and keeps an arm around Suraksha, eyes a little sad, "Poor thang was half-dead. Different caravan trapped 'im when he was half-starved. Bought 'im offa dem, den tell 'em I ever catch 'em widda animal innat shape agin, never cross de Big Muddy ever agin, dem."
John nods, "He's doin' a lot better now. Got scars that look like he tangled with about eighteen goblins, but he's filled out." Roy leans in to murmur against Suraksha's ear, "Always like cats, but dere dis bitty 'tite fille whut make me really love 'em!" He's grinning again when he raises his head, "Think Fantine's done fancying me up... an' Sabrina got Mary all suitably togged out..."
Suraksha nods thoughtfully to John... then dimples with delight up at Roy! Shortly thereafter Roy is mounted up and looking quite majestic! Mary too is mounted, and the guards close in around them as they all head for the city's gates. Sura, along with Alg, is taking the back way into the city -- through Roy's chambers, so they (along with Gramma Marcie) can spot possible traitors from within, while the kingship is trading hands at the palace gates.
Roy does indeed look magnificent. Between Fantine's fussings and Eachern's tailors, the roustabout gypsy has once again become a proud, majestic king, while his adopted little daughter is every inch the princess. The procession to the palace will take some little time, as well -- since Roy has a fine sense of the theatrical and really does intend to have almost a parade for his return. He knows the neighborhoods to ride through and Alan and Jacko will immediately be at his back with the other guards behind them. They've all removed the Bostonian tabards that were covering their old uniforms and a couple of them even threw the tabards into the caravan's central fire. Courageux is dancing a bit, ready to be going. The dashing, excited king grins down at his beloved, "We'll meetcha there, cherie. Promise."
Suraksha beams up at Roy, standing on tiptoe and resting her hands on his thigh when he bends down to give her a kiss! Her voice is throaty with promise as well, "You sure better, sweetie -- or I'll come hunting for you!" She giggles, then waves as they all canter off -- a brave showing indeed! After that, though, she nods once to Alg, "All right, sweetie -- let's dash!" They run off swiftly together.
The back way into Roy's chambers hasn't been used much, so there's some damp and there's a little repair that needs to be done, but the door that opens into his dressing room is still in good repair. When Suraksha emerges, however, there's a yelp of surprise and a wide-eyed maid stumbles backward. Suraksha tilts her head amusedly at the maid, "Why so startled? Or..." her golden eyes narrow, "were you not supposed to be in here?" Alg is already circling around the room, sniffing carefully.
The maid is one of the new ones; her eyes are wide and startled, since she'd thought she was alone, "I... w-well... I just didn't expect...!" She's got something behind her back as she tries to back toward the anteroom door. She's certainly not acting like someone simply surprised in her duties! Alg's keen nose doesn't pick up a lot that's unusual... except that the girl smells very much of fear. From his position between the maid and the door, he humphs, "Sneaky girl scared!"
Suraksha smiles relaxedly, "What're you hiding, then?" Even if it's a weapon, Sura's not worried with Alg there too. She makes a beckoning gesture with one hand, "Give it here!"
The maid is shaking her head, "It's nothing. I mean... I was just cleaning His Majesty's rooms..." Only... this maid isn't wearing the uniform of the girls that are the king's personal maids -- she's in a generic chambermaid's uniform -- the sort worn by the maids that see to the other rooms in the palace. She's trying to circle around, eyes wide and darting as she realizes that she's trapped.
Suraksha frowns, "Girl, you should not be in here. Give me that nothing right now, or I'll have Alg take it from you... and I'll inform the king of your duplicity!" Which king, of course, is not clarified... at the moment!
The girl swallows hard and starts talking entirely too fast, "I was just doing an errand. A... visiting lady left something... and she... she asked me... the Lady Hetaera, that is... she asked me to bring it back to her!" Alg snorts and scowls, "Sneaky girl lie. Alg take thing?"
Suraksha says, "Yes, please, Alg. I've had quite enough of this." She distracts the girl a bit when she points dramatically and firmly snaps, "Foolish girl! I am the Lady Hetaera -- and I have not asked you to do anything previous to this moment!" Alg darts forward and snatches the thing out of the girl's hands and tosses it to 'Chana. He has no intention at all of letting the maid past him. The 'thing' is a small leather pouch with a lead seal on the drawstrings. The girl yelps at the snatch-and-throw and goes milk pale; she obviously knows how bad a position she's in. Suraksha raises an eyebrow at the lead seal, flipping it over to see whose seal is embossed there. Her voice is musing, "Mm, an uncommon thief, I see..." The seal is actually Crowninshield's... but the pouch smells of herbs and earth. Suraksha frowns in perplexity at that. What could this thing be? She stares off into the distance, wracking her brains: has she seen magicks like this previously?
Suraksha looks suddenly angry for an instant as she remembers where she's seen something like this previously: it's a gris-gris! One of the nasty little things nearly killed Froid Jacques, all those years ago. That this one has Crowninshield's sigil on it is worrying, too. Best not to open it right now, Sura thinks -- best to keep it someplace safe, and make sure this girl doesn't escape. Sura glares at the young woman, "You! Did you make this yourself, or are you just the messenger?" She frowns at another thought, adding, "Who is your mambo?!" Clearly whoever it is, is someone highly placed here in the city -- because the herbs and earth are still fresh enough to be smelled! That worries Sura -- better find out who it is quickly, for both Roy's and Pierce's sakes.
The girl is babbling a little, "I didn't... I mean I only... it's from... it's a gift...!" She's clearly too frazzled to remember the previous lies as she stutters, "I -- I d-don't have a m-mambo..." Alg growls, "Sneaky girl lie again." He's snarling and showing every one of his too-damn-many teeth.
Suraksha folds her arms and stares steadily at the stammering girl. Her voice is low as she too growls, "You will tell me the truth, girl... or I will give you to the king, who will most likely give Alg your eyes!" She focuses sharply as she speaks the words 'tell me the truth' as well, doing her utmost to mentally influence the foolish girl.
The girl's starting to hyperventilate -- she looks shocked and terrified as words pour out of her mouth, "One of the baronesses gave it to me and said I had to put it under the king's pillow. It's supposed to make him... well... there's no queen, you see..."
Suraksha nods quietly, waving a hand to keep the girl talking, "Which one? When?"
The girl is shaking now, "Lady Saltonstall... she said that it was time there was a queen because if there was no queen, there was no heir..."
Something just seems... off about that. Why not just try seduction? Or political pressure? Suraksha's eyes narrow again, "What precisely did she say to you?" It would make sense to keep the girl out of the loop... unless the baroness has something on the girl, or trusts her for some reason. If that's the case... Sura wants the details!
The girl starts crying -- she's terrified! There's a goblin in the room, and the Hetaera that the king hired is here as well! "She s-said to p-put it under his p-pillow... she'll be here tonight f-for the d-dance..." She believes the threat about Alg getting her eyes -- though luckily, Alg hasn't started asking if he's going to get treats.
Suraksha knows about the dance, though when Pierce mentioned it, it was in passing... as if it were the least important thing happening today. Sura can't help the small smile as it occurs to her: no wonder Pierce is desperately glad Roy has returned! That means it will be Roy, rather than the crowd-disliking Pierce, who'll have to face all those eager biddies vying for his attention! At the girl's tears, however, Sura sighs quietly. It's a good bet the foolish child has no idea whatsoever what a gris-gris is. Sura shakes her head once, then says, "Give me your name, girl, then we'll hand you off to a guard to keep you safe." Her voice is wry as she adds, "We don't want this baroness deciding you're a loose end that needs snipping off."
The girl nods, sniffling and trembling a little, "June. My name's June. I came down from Boston with the others..." Alg has already scampered out the door, coming back a few minutes later with a familiar face: Daoud -- he of the tombstone-and-magnolia tattoos.
Suraksha smiles at the guard, "Daoud! What a relief." She's being honest -- he'll understand immediately what a gris-gris signifies! "Can you take custody of some things for me, please? At least until the king can deal with them?" She holds up the bag, "This girl, June -- she was ordered to place this gris-gris under the king's pillow by the Lady Saltonstall. June also says the baroness will be here tonight for the dance, which means hopefully that we can scoop her up as well. Can you handle that, dear?"
Daoud looks surprised to see Suraksha, but then nods, "Of course, Lady. I'll be happy to take care of anything you need." He starts to hold his hand out for the gris-gris, then pauses and takes a pouch off his belt and opens it for 'Chana to drop the nasty little thing into. He knows, of course, what's going to be happening soon, so he adds, "I'll get this taken care of and you can go meet the king at the gates."
Suraksha is happy to get rid of the little bag! She shakes her fingers off with a wry smile, then smiles more warmly to Daoud, "Thank you so much! June, Daoud will keep you safe -- do what he says, all right?" With that she waves, then darts swiftly out of the room with Alg -- she has someplace to be, even if she is walking without any apparent cares in the world! She continues, of course, to keep an ear and an eye out for possible suspicious reactions -- if she can stop anything else that might inhibit Roy's safe return, then she'll be quite pleased!
Daoud takes the girl by the biceps and says calmly, "I'm afraid you and I are going to go somewhere with a door that locks from the outside." June nods, sniffling and still obviously terrified. Daoud, after all, is not the most comforting-looking person, even if 'Chana knows that he's simply another adherent of voudon, and part of Froid-Jacques' congregation.
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