| Logs |
2022 March 04
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
On The Side of the Ghost & the King
There's some unrest inside the palace. King Pierce gathering up some of the guards is in the rumor mill... along with the fact that the actual Baton Rouge is missing from the throne room. Everyone seems unsettled at that, despite the reason given: There's a crossing that's going roughly for some visiting dignitary and the king has gone down to smooth the way. Suraksha curiously asks one of the Bostonians -- if she can find one gossiping about this -- what's wrong with the king helping out on a river crossing? Are they dangerous now? The Bostonian -- a pretty young man -- says, "They've been rougher since the old king was... taken care of. King Pierce has to use the Baton more. Sometimes he has to go right down to the river."
Suraksha looks worried, "Oh, dear! But surely he's safe with his guards? Or... is that a concern too?"
The Bostonian looks around, licking his lips nervously, "He usually doesn't take so many guards... usually just a couple... and all the ones he took... well, some of them are a little iffy on their loyalty..." By which he most likely means their loyalty to Boston.
Suraksha nods slowly, "So... folks are worried for his safety, I take it?" She frowns prettily, "But no -- surely they'd go along if that were the case? To keep him safe?" She figures the more folks she can have out there to see the hand-off, the better, after all! Plus it would not surprise her to discover most of the Bostonians are in the palace. Best for them to see the entire folk of the city backing Roy once more! That makes the young man's eyes widen and he excuses himself quickly, talking quietly and intensely with another young man. Rumors spread fast inside a palace, after all. Suraksha smiles ruefully as the young man darts off, wishing she'd had a moment -- oh! Of course. She whispers, "Alg, what're they talking about, please?"
Alg sidles close enough to hear and then comes back doing his best to whisper, which isn't really great, "Scared about king. Think maybe assassination attempt..." He cackles.
Suraksha smiles at that, "Excellent -- they'll be swarming like bees without a queen soon!" She heads onwards, careful not to walk too jauntily since she wants folks to perhaps start heading out to see how the king is. Naturally she's still also listening and watching carefully! She gets the feeling from the buzzing that if there's still a dance tonight that there's going to be a lot of political maneuvering. There's also an undercurrent of worry, but no one seems quite sure what to be worried about. Suraksha wonders idly if anyone's going to try approaching her, as the king's Hetaera, for either suggestions or advice on how to woo the king... or perhaps even an attempt to intimidate her into leaving the king alone. That thought, of course, makes her grin quietly to herself!
Just as she's thinking that, someone walks up beside her and tries to take her by the bicep with a low rumble of a voice, "Hold up..."
Suraksha steps relaxedly aside so she's still free, glancing curiously at the speaker, "Yes? Can I help you?"
Alg snarls a little, "No grab pretty lady!" The person that tried to grab her -- one of the guards put in place by Boston -- scowls down at Alg and then at Suraksha, "What are you doing here when the king's headed down to the river..."
Suraksha smiles sweetly at the guard, "Walking. What are you doing here instead of guarding the king, mm?" She adds cheerfully, "You're welcome to accompany me instead if you'd rather, of course -- but Alg is correct: no grabbing, please!"
The guard scowls, "Can't leave the palace completely stripped of protection. I was detailed here while the king's out there." Meaning that Pierce specifically told this guy to stay here while he heads for the gates.
Suraksha says, "Ah, I understand." She smiles as she adds, "Well, I was actually headed out for a walk on the grounds, but I understand if you're required to remain here." Admittedly, her 'walk on the grounds' will be to move to a position where she can see the gates... but she's finding herself very curious as to how folks in the palace will react! As she leaves the officious guard behind and exits out the front of the palace, she can see there has been a little quiet maneuvering. There are guards out here too, but she knows all of them at least passingly and they are spread out in a way that is quite effective for crowd control. She can also see that Pierce and his small phalanx of guards are not far from the front gate.
Meanwhile, Roy and the guards that are going to be at his back met up a little way outside the city gates. It didn't take long for them to form up into almost exactly the positions they would use for a parade that had been actually planned. Roy is at the front, with Mary directly behind him, and Jacko and Alan are on either side of the Princess. Most of the guards are on dark-colored horses so that Courageux and his gleamingly white coat stand out even more. As they canter up to the gates, Roy's got his head up and his well-known smirk on his face -- there's going to be no mistaking who it is! As they reach the outer gates, two guards step forward and both of them are smiling broadly up at him, "Your Majesty... welcome home!"
Roy grins down and winks at the young man greeting him, "Ain't home quite yet. Gonna take jest a little while to get to m'actually house... I been told there's gonna be a warm greetin' there."
The guard nods and lays a hand on Courageux's shoulder before stepping back and looking up at Roy with a smile, "I certainly hope so." Roy nods, then nudges the Lipizzaner's sides with his heels... and the big stallion picks up his feet and prances proudly and gorgeously on through the gates and into Roy's city.
Just a couple of blocks past the gates, the first few citizens catch sight of the little group of guards. Some of them look away quickly -- but then a few of them realize it's not Pierce on the horse! The first one to call out, "Y-your Majesty? Is it...?" gets a big, roguish grin from Roy! The returning king calls back, "Hell yeah, it's me! T'ought it might be time t' come home and clean a little house!"
Roy knows his city -- and he knows just what neighborhoods to move through to generate the rumors that are going to bring people swarming to see what's going on. When they see what's going on, something magical starts to happen: the city that had been slowly wilting under the rule of the Brahmins begins to come to life again. Along Roy's somewhat meandering route, people are hastily grabbing their bright outer clothing -- and about a mile and a half in, enough musicians have gathered together to create a small marching band playing the jaunty kind of jazz that always seems to accompany carnivale and other parties here in the new Queen City.
Back at the palace, Suraksha laughs aloud as she hears the first gleeful strains of music -- that tells her things are going well, at least so far!
Roy never had a crown. He said they gave him headaches and the only sign of royalty he needed was the Baton. Pierce is wearing not kingly attire, but his very sharp military uniform. That only becomes obvious, however, when he also catches those notes of music... and lets his cloak drop. The ornate and beautiful Baton Rouge is in his hands as he steps forward toward the gates, with an almost unprecedented eagerness on his face. The crowd in the forecourt is buzzing, and a lot of them seem worried -- this is a strange and uncomfortable moment! Admittedly, there were a few of the Bostonian 'drones' that seemed to drop out of a trance, some months ago -- that's what started rumors of Crowninshield's death. But those rumors didn't get far before those that were there under their own power, with political aspirations of their own, silenced the former-drone rumor-mongers... some of them permanently.
It's those that did the silencing that are getting antsy right now. Suraksha quietly keeps an eye on them... and crouches to murmur softly to Alg: if he spots anyone of those individuals producing a weapon? He should feel free to bite them! She smiles as she straightens again, though. She's very happy for both Pierce and Roy! She'll keep an eye on the antsy folks as well -- she's quite willing to shout a warning if necessary -- but it gives her great joy to help two people she cares for so much to be happier again. Alg grins his goblinish grin and his eyes light up. If he gets to bite them, he might get to have treats!
The Brownian motion of the crowd is bringing a couple of people up behind Pierce. One of them is a tall woman with flashing blue eyes and very sharp features. Another is a dark man with a sour expression on his face. The woman reaches out as if to touch one of the guards on the shoulder, and 'Chana sees the woman's Will chakra flaring -- the same as she's seen when Taps are working their abilities. Suraksha shouts, "Hey, lady! Don't touch that man!" That, she hopes, will at least cause the guards to be warier, even if her message is confusing. Then she murmurs quietly to Alg, "I think the dark man with the sour face, near the tall woman trying to affect the guard, may try something too, sweetie. What do you think?"
The shout gets people's attention... as does a dark, hairy, cackling form as Alg rockets toward the woman his Pretty Lady is pointing out to him. In fact, the goblin's passage leaves quite the open aisle toward Pierce and his guards. Suraksha smiles at the guards who turn warily towards her, pointing at the tall woman -- she's easier to mark than the dark man, right now. Then she cocks a mental ear towards the palace... perhaps it's time to head towards the gates. All the attention seems to be here in the courtyard, after all! As the cheerful blare of the music increases, Sura trots over towards the guards. Is Alg actually going to bite the tall woman or the dark man, or have they backed off?
As people try to figure out what's going on, Suraksha can hear the music getting closer and louder -- and then she can hear the song itself. Apparently it's an old song that's been a favorite here for centuries; Roy made it the official song of Baton Rouge: You Are My Sunshine. She's heard him sing it to the girls, and he's also sung it to her. As 'Chana gets closer, Alg jumps the dark man, sinces that's what his Pretty Lady told him to do! It startles the tall woman and she reaches for Alg, her eyes blazing. Suraksha snarls, "Don't you dare!" at the woman, stepping forward and reaching for the woman's arm -- so as to flip her to the ground!
The woman either doesn't hear Suraksha or doesn't think the Hetaera is worth worrying about -- because she keeps reaching for Alg. The momentum of her lunge, and the grace of Suraksha's throw, mean the woman is on the ground before she even realizes someone was there! The man is already down and struggling under Alg. Two of the loyalist guards have moved in -- but not to save the woman and the man. Rather, they're forming a wall between them and other people. The guards both know the Hetaera and the goblin are some of the people they are meant to protect and accept protection from, in mutual pact. Suraksha snaps at the woman, "You! Surrender or I'll allow Alg to bite you too!" To the guards she more quietly adds, "Can you take care of these two? I believe they're both hostile Taps of some sort."
Both guards nod grimly, and one restrains the woman -- though he's careful to only touch cloth-covered skin on the woman. They leave the man to Alg. The moment after the man's screams are shut off by Alg knocking his head against the paving stones (he's been told not to make a big mess if there are a lot of people around... usually), You Are My Sunshine transforms into a triumphal fanfare.
The gates don't simply swing -- they crash open to reveal Roy, resplendent in his gifted finery and astride the finest horse in his stables. His cocky grin is on his face as Pierce goes to one knee and holds up the Baton in both hands. The emotion in the healer's voice is both intense and very real as he welcomes Roy home. Suraksha is one of only a very, very small handful of people that recognize the words as not only those of a loyal soldier welcoming home his commander -- but of a man welcoming home the person with whom he is in love. Suraksha has to blink rapidly several times -- she can feel the tears of relief for both men welling up in her eyes!
Roy's trademark roguish smirk gets a cheer from most of the crowd in the courtyard and damned near everyone surrounding him in the streets. He throws a leg over Courageux's neck and slides confidently to the ground before turning and lifting Mary down. She's got on her very best Serious Face as well. Suraksha steps back quietly once the guards have successfully restrained both rogue Taps, calling Alg to her side. Her smile is a little tremulous as she watches, one hand resting on faithful Alg and the other surreptitiously wiping away the tears. She's so happy for her Chosen lover!
Pierce looks up when Roy steps across the threshold of the gates, "Welcome home, Your Majesty."
The returned king takes the Baton in his left hand, then offers his right to pull Pierce to his feet. The two men clasp one another's forearms and Roy drawls, "Thank you for keepin' the place safe for me." He raises his voice, calling to the crowd, "Crowninshield is dead! His people are not welcome here any longer!" Then his voice goes cold and flat. If Roy's shouting, he's irritated. When his voice goes so chilly that it seems like icicles should drip from his lips, the anger can be dangerous, "Don't let the sun set on you here tomorrow if you don't want to spend your afterlife in the bayou."
Suraksha glances around thoughtfully as she watches the crowd... and wonders if the tall woman was the baroness with the gris-gris. She'll have to ask later. She hopes Roy's willing to allow the non-political here to remain... like the foolish young maid whose main crime seems to have been her suggestibility.
Sna'tha -- knowing what she does and wanting to keep her godsdaughter's family safe -- took a token of Crowninshield's death when she set in motion the rumours that the fey courts ordered the assassination. Roy produces that token now, holding it high so that it can be easily seen: Crowninshield's seal, hanging from a heavy ribbon. It swings a bit, light glinting off the metal as Roy declares, "I have this as a special favor to prove my words: this. Is. My. City!" His voice is nearly roaring at the end and 'Chana sees several of the guards that were around the edges of the crowd moving to take hold of various people as Roy strides through the gates of his palace, dark eyes flashing. Only Suraksha, who knows her Chosen better than anyone, notices the worry as he tries to find her and the relief that shows when he does. Suraksha smiles and waves so he'll spot her more easily -- she doesn't want him to worry about her during his crowning moment of triumphant return!
After the big, showy entrance, Roy is surrounded by his people. The guards keep most everyone a few feet back, though the king and Mary both hug and greet some people with affection and gratitude. When the two coteries of guards fall in together, it makes for a powerful martial display; word of it is sure to spread. Once they're actually in the palace, Roy and Pierce and a handful of the guards take Mary to Roy's private chambers -- the ones Pierce has occupied but not changed. Once there, Roy starts pacing the room, adrenaline still pumping. He knows that there are still snakes in the grass... the trick is going to be rooting them all out.
Suraksha moves very discreetly through the palace, watching to see if anyone is either violent or destructive. She hopes those who're happy to see Roy's return will be able to deal with the (hopefully few to none) who might be foolish to try that, however. She notices several people rushing around, some of whom seem to be fleeing. The royal wing of the palace, however, is almost deserted save the guards outside Roy's rooms. Pierce is with Roy in his rooms, as are Alan and Jacko, so the guards on the door are John and Daoud.
'Lige and Trav have been detailed (with more of the loyalist contingent) to start rounding up the guardsmen put in place by Boston. This, Roy knows, is where there might be an issue. The guards are, of course, martially trained, and there may still be one or two of Crowninshield's people who'll want to keep the city despite the Boston King being dead. However, on her way through the palace Sura sees some of the rounding up of the old guards, and most of it seems to be going well. Roy's guardsmen were trained by Sna'thaid, after all -- or at least trained in her methods by those she had directly trained. It's not until Sura gets to the doorway that leads into the royal wing, in fact, that there seems to be a problem. The two guardsmen she recognizes (though not enough to know their names) seem to be outnumbered by five others. Four are guards, the fifth is a man dressed in courtier's finery who is acting as if it's Roy's guards that are the traitors.
Suraksha smiles as she walks up, her voice sweet, "Goodness, what seems to be the problem here?" She's willing to bet that courtier is a Tap of some sort, to be honest. She whispers to Alg, "Knock out the courtier if you can, sweetie? I think he's a Tap!"
The courtier turns toward Suraksha, blue eyes ablaze, "These men are traitors to the crown! We're trying to take them into custody!" The two loyalist guards are in a truly bad position for any sort of a fight, but they're doing their best to stay between the courtier and the Bostonian guards. Alg, upon hearing that whisper grins with a mouth that has entirely too many teeth and leaps at the suspected Tap. Two of the four hostile guards move to protect him... and something unexpected happens. It's not the courtier, but one of the Tap guards who holds out a hand toward Alg. There's a crackle and jet of lightning followed by a thunderclap that would be small outside -- but inside, it's deafening! The miniature bolt strikes Alg squarely! The goblin screams before falling limp to the floor.
In horror, Suraksha shouts, "STOP!" at the Tap, then snarls at the loyalist guards, "Arrest that man!" She darts to Alg's side, crouching next to him and quickly checking for a heartbeat. To the Tap she grimly adds, "I strongly suggest you surrender, sirrah... because if you do not, King Roy and his faithful Pierce will make you wish you had!"
Alg's fall infuriates one of the young guards -- Sura hears the hiss of steel as his sword clears its sheath. Despite his fury, he still knows how Roy would prefer things go -- so the interloper guardsman is only clocked with the hilt, knocking him out. It's Suraksha's command, in fact, that stops the Tap guard long enough for the young loyalist to knock him out! Once they're not so badly outnumbered, Sna'tha's training stands the two loyalists in good stead -- and soon the other three guards are down for the count. That leaves only the terrified courtier.
Sura's focus is on Alg right now, however! Kneeling next to the unconscious goblin, she can feel that Alg's heartbeat is still there, but with an odd and arrhythmic beat. He's panting and his eyes are half-closed. Suraksha murmurs softly, "Hang on, sweetie -- don't give up on me, please!" She gathers the shaggy little man up in her arms, rising with a slight stagger as she grimly adds, "I am taking my man to Pierce, who is most likely with the king in his quarters. I understand you are all busy, so I will ask you to please not impede me." The courtier, glad he's been forgotten in the chaos, flees.
The loyalist guards not only don't get in the way -- one of them scoops Alg out of Suraksha's arms, while the other stays to tie up the four downed interlopers. The young man carrying Alg is broad-shouldered, with the dark complexion and hair of a Creole or Cajun genome. He yells down the hall to the next guard along to get Pierce -- then glances down at Suraksha running fleetly along next to him, "We still think of him as one of ours, ma'am."
Suraksha sighs in relief, "Thank you so much, sir!" She's quite aware she's not that strong in human form -- but she's a bit worried that in the currently on-going sturm und drang a giant tiger would not be helpful!
There's more shouting down the hallway, and Daoud opens the door to Roy's quarters to call inside, "Pierce! Alg is hurt! Coming this way but-" Before he can even finish his sentence, both Pierce and Roy are rushing out and down the hallway. They meet Suraksha and the young guard about midway and Pierce snaps at the guardsman to put Alg down.
The goblin is still limp, his breathing raspy. "What happened?" The chirurgeon's brusque manner is almost a relief to those that know him -- though he's not waiting for an answer. Instead he's already checking the goblin's pulse and pupils. The young guard knows Sura can give the answer, so he runs back toward his companion to make sure the Tap that took the beloved little man down doesn't get lost in the shuffle.
Suraksha gasps quickly and concisely, "Tap -- lightning and a thunderclap when he reached for Alg!" Pierce's eyes blaze, his face red with anger as he lays Alg flat, then laces his fingers together and puts both hands on the goblin's chest. Before starting compressions, he mutters that he may break some ribs -- then starts rhythmic pressure. Suraksha adds, "Knocked out now, but..." She cuts off, fright in her eyes for her dear old friend as she kneels next to Alg, whispering, "Hang on, sweetie! Don't give up on us... remember, you said you're too ornery for that!"
Roy kneels next to Sura, putting his arm around his beloved as he looks up at Daoud and snarls, "Get the man that did this. I want him under guard and I want him knocked the hell out! Electric Taps are rare and fuckin' dangerous." Daoud doesn't have to be told twice -- he follows the other young guard to pick up the offender.
The flare of Pierce's Will chakra is almost incandescent. His Tapping abilities are quite weak, but something about the adrenaline and relief of the situation seem to have granted him a moment of grace. As he tries to keep Alg's heart pumping in a regular rhythm, the power of the leylines flows through him... and the goblin's heart reacts, rhythm and strength returning. The only bad part is that Alg comes up screaming and terrified! All the men actually move hastily back: a frightened goblin is even more dangerous than a furious one! Suraksha reaches out immediately, though, her voice as soothing as she can make it, "Calm, Alg, calm -- it's all right, sweetie! We're here, you're safe!" Alg whirls without thinking to Sura's voice, wrapping himself around her to cling tightly and whimper. It's not a sound any of them have ever heard him make.
Suraksha sighs in relief, holding him close and murmuring soothingly to him as she strokes his spiky fur -- it doesn't register at all that this might be a strange place to curl up in, or that ordinarily one does not cuddle goblins. Alg is one of her dearest and most faithful friends -- she simply couldn't do otherwise, in the face of his pain and fear! Once Alg is wrapped around Suraksha, Roy wraps an arm around them both and strokes Alg's back. He's had ample opportunity to see just how loyal and playful and affectionate the goblin can be. "Cherie, le's bring 'im t' my room. Geddim on de bed for a li'l while..."
Suraksha nods without stopping her gentle reassurances, though as it turns out she needs a bit of help getting to her feet -- she's a small woman, Alg is holding on tight, and she has no desire to make him let go! She smiles rueful thanks at Roy once he's steadied her and she's on her feet, then carefully follows him into his quarters. She sits on the bed and continues stroking Alg... when he's ready to let go, then she'll do so. She is silently, internally, starting to become really, really angry with the Tap guard, though! Both Roy and Pierce help Sura stay steady and help support the goblin if needed.
Alg eventually goes still and his breathing evens out. When that happens, his grip loosens. Pierce immediately checks the goblin's pulse, then breathes a sigh of relief, "Just sleeping. Something like that will exhaust you."
Suraksha nods gravely and, as the goblin's grip loosens, she slowly turns and lays him down on the bed. She stays next to him, though, slowly stroking his fur as she thinks... then she looks up at Pierce and says quietly, "Thank you, dear. I think you may have saved his life."
Pierce is looking even more solemn than normal, "I felt it, I think. It doesn't happen that way often, you know. Maybe two other times ever." He sighs somewhat wistfully, "I'm glad it happened this time." He leans over to help situate Alg as Roy pulls up the blankets. Mary has been sent with her own guards to her own quarters.
Suraksha smiles tiredly as she nods to the chirurgeon, "I saw, dear. It was quite impressive!" She glances over at Roy as she adds, "If I can help you detect any further... ringers, sweetheart, I'd be happy to. I don't want to see this happen to anyone else... and it seems the least I can do to thank Pierce and you."
Roy nods, his face an icy thundercloud, "We're holdin' court t'night, cherie. It's gonna be chaotic, but I need ya. Those that ain't fleein'... an' I oughta let folks know that the ones that jes' came for jobs ain't gotta go. We'll see if we can weed out anyone real dangerous."
Suraksha chuckles softly, her demeanor almost dreamy as she relaxes and the adrenaline slowly ebbs away, "There's a ball planned tonight, if I heard correctly..." She looks up at Pierce, a bit of her usual mischievous twinkle starting to return to her eyes, "Something about finding you a queen, I heard?" Pierce rolls his eyes at that.
Roy chuckles, his brows going up, "Dey want you t'marry a gal? Hooboy, talk 'bout th' wrong track." He squeezes his friend's shoulder and nods, "OK, a ball. But we'll combine it wid court. I wan' lotta this nice and public."
Suraksha's smile fades slightly as she remembers the gris-gris, and she murmurs, "Ahh... you both should talk to Daud before the ball, though. He took a maid into custody for me... I found her in here with a gris-gris in her hands -- one that a baroness impressed upon her, to put under Pierce's pillow."
Roy nods, eyes narrowing, "What is it about this room and gris-gris?" He stands up and goes to the door, "Daoud, ma cherie's tellin' me there's a baroness out there somewhere bribin' maids." He looks over his shoulder at Sura, "You get a name, darlin'?"
Suraksha nods, "Lady Saltonstall, who apparently believes it's time there's a queen because if there's no queen there's no heir. Oh, and the maid's name is June."
Daoud nods, "We'll find her, Your Majesty, ma'am." He closes the door and there's some loud voices as orders are given, passing on the Baroness' name.
Roy sticks his head out to add, "See if you c'n talk Froid Jacques into comin' on down, too."
Suraksha sighs softly, finally starting to relax a little now that Alg is safe. Her small smile at Roy is thoughtful, "So... how will this be set up, sweetheart? If you want me to be useful, I'll need to be seated so I don't get worn out... and I'll need a good view... and, well, I apologize but I cannot promise I'll catch every one?" She's careful to pitch her voice so that only Roy and Pierce can hear, of course -- they both know she's a lamia, after all!
Pierce shakes his head, "I know her. She's been sort of pushing her way toward the front of the pack of would-be queens. It's been sort of a pain in my ass."
One of Roy's brows goes up, "How'd you keep 'em off your back? My usual plan was sorta work my way through the eligible girls slowly so it seemed like I was still lookin'... up until ma cherie, dat is."
Pierce sighs, "Mine was to claim religious leanings, to only ask women to dine with me, and to use Pere Alphonse's religion to explain why I didn't bed anyone but -- supposedly -- a Hetaera."
Roy nods and puts his arm around Sura, pulling her close, "You'll be up on th' dais with me, darlin', next to de throne inna nice, comfy chair. Doan 'xpect ya t' catch 'em all." The king's accent fluctuates a little between Cajun and simply Louisianan, as he tries to get back to how he sounds for court.
Suraksha murmurs with quiet amusement, "My dears, it seems to me that the real question of the moment is not how to fend off aspiring wives... but rather, to discover who the mambo who created this gris-gris is?"
Roy chuckles, "Sorry, sugar -- just wondered how he did it, 's all. Yeah, that's why I asked 'em to invite Froid Jacques. We already dealt with one wannabe vodoun queen. Ain't gonna let 'nother one set down roots."
Suraksha adds perplexedly, "A gris-gris is so very characteristically local that I sort of assumed it couldn't be the baroness herself, but rather someone under her employ, you know? Does that seem reasonable?" She glances inquiringly at Pierce, "Where is she from, do you know?"
Pierce leans over and checks Alg's pulse again, murmuring, "I would recommend, Your Majesty, that you do something to distract the girls -- maybe set up a little party for the children. We don't want them in the throne room for any unpleasantness." He thinks for a moment before replying to Suraksha, "The baroness? She's Bostonian. One of the first wave. So you're right that it would be someone here she's paid. Or that she's been learning from a mambo."
Suraksha nods at that, "Mmm... makes sense." She looks up at Roy and smiles ruefully again, "Well. Welcome home, lover. I apologize for accidentally adding to the excitement. What's next?" She adds thoughtfully, "Would the girls enjoy a command performance at the caravan, perhaps? Or do you think they'd be safer here?"
Roy can't help but chuckle as he wraps his arms around his beloved, "Hell, cherie, you always bring excitement with you. Think they'd be safer here, but we can put 'em out in the private courtyard and invite the Sokoloffs -- mebbe even the Amazon girls an' Bronc? Ennybody that wants t' entertain 'em -- I'll pay the normal rate, sugar." Left unsaid is that if Poly, Pippa, and Bronc are with the girls, then they'll be well-protected... especially since some of Roy's guards will be there, too. Suraksha nods and relaxes into Roy's arms. Everything is fine... at least for now. Roy nuzzles Sura's hair and says, "An' all our bebes will sleep in the palace t'night."
The rest of the day is exciting, to say the least. It's two hours or so later that Froid Jacques arrives, and there's also news that the baroness has been taken into custody, held in a room down the hall while the vodou priest examines the gris-gris. Suraksha finds herself quite curious to meet the woman... but first she's wondering if the gris-gris is real, or the baroness has been paying for a pig in a poke.
Damballa's horse smiles upon seeing Suraksha, moving to hug her, "Damballa, he say hello! It so good to see you back, child." He shakes Roy's hand and then turns that into a hug, murmuring something close to the king's ear that makes Roy nod. The priest then sets up a salt circle, though this time he also has something he calls goofer dust that he sprinkles atop the salt before settling down in the middle of the circle, "Say dis s'pose to help put a queen on de t'rone?"
Suraksha beams and returns the hug with pleasure, "I am so relieved to see you well, my dear!" She grins at the name of the dust, making a mental note to ask about it later! She watches with interest, her murmur quiet, "I think more... it's supposed to make Pierce be attracted to her? The rest would simply follow...?"
Froid Jacques smiles, "Pierce been keepin' me safe. Ain' like de las' time; nobody livin' in de house, but someone always 'roun' to watch out." The houngan nods at Sura's reply, and starts to open the gris-gris. As he does, he chants low under his breath... and it slowly becomes obvious that there's a growing lisp in his voice. By the time he's done, a forked serpentine tongue is flickering out to test the air. He puts the gris-gris on a piece of wood he brought and uses a heavy rock he also brought to break the seal. There's an almost inaudible sound, like air being displaced, when that happens -- which makes him hiss.
Suraksha crouches nearby to watch in silent fascination, careful to stay back from the salt circle so she doesn't disturb it at all. She smiles as she realizes Damballah may well be present now. When the serpent lwa looks up and meets her eyes, she smiles courteously. Damballah's irises have gone the goldstone color of a python's, with slitted pupils. Suraksha loves how beautiful Damballah's eyes are! She watches silently, however... it's important to know what precisely was intended for Pierce. He deserves no less for his patience and devotion to Roy.
Damballah/Froid Jacques nods at the smile, then tugs open the drawstring on the gris-gris to pour out the contents into a wood bowl filled with salt. There's dirt that still looks damp and fresh, along with a cinnamon stick and a couple of star anise pods. There are also a couple of small, shiny stones. The last thing to tumble out is a small bone with feathers and a patch of fur tied to it with what looks like sinew. He pours more salt over the contents of the gris-gris, hissing angrily, "It two in one -- de eart' part of dem bot'. The spices an' stones part of a love spell -- never work right, dem -- de res'... dey no good. Not so bad's de one try to kill Roy, but still meant to kill... just slowly..."
Suraksha nods gravely, "So first get married, then have him die off. Convenient!" She sighs as she straightens and gives poor Pierce a hug, "I'm so sorry, dear. I'm glad we caught it in time." Both Roy and Pierce are stony-faced. She wonders -- but is savvy and polite enough not to ask -- why it is love spells never work right!
Froid Jacques nods to Suraksha, "Smart girl, you. De deat' part doan work widdout de marryin' part." He sighs and shakes his head, "Goan hafta fin' who do dis, me. Love spells, dey ain' true love -- really just lust an' obsession spells. Never do go right. Woulda been a bad marriage: all fuckin' an' jealousy an' no love. Woulda been short, d'hough." He stands up, moving with a grace far too fluid for a human.
Suraksha winces slightly at that, turning to lean against Roy. "Thank you for identifying the gris-gris, honored Damballah. Is there anything you need?"
Damballah doesn't break the circle, but rather steps carefully over it, "Some'a dat I teach -- de bindin' wid graveyard dirt an' de stones to make it solid. De res'... like I say, love spells doan ever go right, an' I only do black vodoun when it someone truly evil." Suraksha sighs quietly, wondering if the baroness truly understood... no, wait. She wanted her 'king' to die so she'd be queen alone. The baroness knew exactly what she was doing! But now... how to find out who the mambo is? Hopefully the baroness will be self-centered enough to simply turn that person in. Roy holds Sura tight against himself as Damballah stretches, then smiles at her with those short, sharp, incurved teeth, "You an' your man bring your bebes to my house in t'ree days. Bring some rum an' some sweets. We do a blessin'. Be my honor."
Suraksha smiles quietly at that, "Great one, it would be a tremendous honor -- thank you so much!" She makes a mental note to find out what 'sweets' Damballah most enjoys.
Damballah asks Roy for a solid wooden box, and when it arrives, he pours the salt and all the gris-gris ingredients into it. He promises to take very careful care of it, as well as put out some feelers for who might be doing this kind of nastiness. It's possible, after all, that the baroness studied with one of the vodoun practitioners in the city and put this abomination together herself. Once he's gone, Roy and Pierce gently move Alg across the hall into Sura's rooms so that the tired king can have his own bed to rest in for a bit before they have to get dressed for the ball.
Getting ready for a royal ball is something both the king and the hetaera know how to do well by now. There are two capacious tubs set up with hot water in Roy's chambers so 'Chana doesn't have to disturb Alg's sleep to get clean. Couriers and guards move in and out of Roy's rooms as well, carrying information about who is being rounded up and which courtiers are simply coming because they don't want to miss the returning king's first court function -- it's not widely bruited about yet, after all, that some of the ball is going to be a culling, since Roy wants as many of the glitterati as possible to show. Both Jacko and Alan make multiple appearances as well; 'Chana gets the impression the two guardsmen are reverting back to their previous 'this man will disappear just for mischief if we don't keep an eye on him' mental footing. Suraksha has to cover an internal giggle at that! -though she also suspects their attitude is just smart, at this point.
Mary, 'Shima, and 'Hana all come tumbling in at some point to hug their parents and burble happily about getting to have a party of their own! This makes Roy grin, "Yours goan be a lot more fun, mes cheries. Goan have de Amazons and de Sokoloffs and lotsa cake an' punch!" There are also going to be a couple dozen youngsters that Mary knew before she and her Papa fled the city, so it'll be a homecoming celebration of her own. Roy has been encouraging Mary to make friends her own age so that she's not so easily taken in by someone older who might want to control her.
When most of the expected guests are in the palace, Roy checks himself in the mirror, straightens his ascot and turns to 'Chana to be looked over for her approval. He's wearing a blue swallowtail coat over a golden waistcoat threaded with green and gold, and his golden ascot bears a delicate pattern of tiny magnolias, "Whatcha think, darlin'? Royal enough?"
Suraksha smiles with lazy affection at her roustabout sweetheart with the heart to care deeply for his people, "Sweet man, you look simply stunning!" Her dress is a lovely royal blue with gold highlights, and she looks very nice indeed... but since she hasn't pulled out all the metaphorical stops, she doesn't draw the eye like a moth to a flame. Tonight, that job is Roy's. She's deliberately not dressed to her most brilliant, in fact, since she's going to be concentrating quite hard, repeatedly, tonight -- which means she'll be somewhat open to attack. She knows Alg will be there too, of course, but he's still recovering. Consequently she suspects she'd do well to bring someone else from the caravan to protect her while she's vulnerable tonight, working hard for Roy's safety.
After a little running of messages back and forth, 'Chana finds that Sna'tha has volunteered to be there with Jacko, Alan, and Guy. The fey is even -- amusingly, to her -- going to wear the guard livery. The other guards trained by Sna'tha will also be circulating, since Roy has learned over the years that a show of perhaps a half-dozen liveried guards, supplemented with more of them mixing in with the guests, is the best way to keep things safe and calm.
Suraksha hugs her godsmother with relief, whispering thanks that the sidhe will be there. Then 'Chana smiles with quiet amusement at Guy, wondering if by now he's calmed down around her, an apparent Unseelie woman -- and if he even knows who it is who's joined them in guard's attire tonight! 'Chana covers a quiet grin at imagining Guy's reaction to knowing it's the actual, dreaded White Dagger herself walking so casually with them! Guy is in fact somewhat nervous, but he's hiding it well. He's been chosen for this detail, knows how important it is, and is proud to be so trusted. Later, perhaps, he'll find out just who the slender woman in livery is!
Roy kisses his sweetheart's cheek, murmuring, "Looking beautiful, darlin'." Sna'tha and Alan take up positions in front of the hetaera and the king, with Guy and Jacko making up the rear guard. The broad ballroom doors swing slowly open, and the chamberlain bangs his staff three times on the floor -- actually, on a specially constructed spot on the floor that causes the hits to reverberate nicely. It works well: the crowd in the ballroom goes as silent as any crowd can, with only a few whispers here and there as people look toward the double doors. The chamberlain -- a different one than the first one 'Chana knew -- announces in his very carrying voice, "His Majesty Roy, King of Baton Rouge! The Lady Hetaera Sulochana."
Sna'tha and Alan step to either side and slightly back so the four guards form an arc behind the Tap and the Lamia. Roy has on his cocky, confident grin and a superficial air of comfort and joviality. Suraksha, however, can feel the tension in his arm as he holds his elbow out for her. Suraksha lifts her chin slightly, puts on her most supremely confident and relaxed smile... and sweeps into the room on Roy's arm as if she were the queen herself. She'll do her best to make Roy shine tonight! Roy has, after all, offered to marry 'Chana -- mostly so he was sure she didn't actually want to -- and offered her official titles as well. However, by now he understands she prefers the titles she earns on her own. Nevertheless, that definitely doesn't stop some folks in the rowdy old city from referring to the popular woman as Roy's consort!
The ballroom is full to bursting! The dress code seems to be back to the hoop skirts and tuxedos with elaborate waistcoats -- word has spread that it might be wise to return to the fashions from before the Bostonians. There are some, of course, who swapped back with relief, seeing this mode of dress as support for their 'true' king.
The king's well-polished boots have something that's not quite a tap built into the sole, so his steps ring out sharply as he escorts 'Chana up the dais to her seat, murmuring to her that she can sit or stand as she wants while he does the whole 'Welcome to the party' speech. Suraksha smiles warmly at Roy as she quietly thanks him and seats herself -- she's trying to conserve every iota of energy that she can, right now. The four guards also array themselves on the dais: Sna'tha by 'Chana's chair, with Alan down a step and diagonally out from her. On the other side, Guy and Jacko mirror them, with the werewolf closest to Roy's throne. Suraksha composes herself gracefully, as if she hadn't a care in the world... but she's already starting to scan the crowd, looking for those who seem worried or alarmed... or who are already edging either towards the doors or the throne.
The king has always had a flair for the dramatic, and traveling with the caravan has only enhanced it. He looks around the room with his grin in place, but his dark eyes are snapping as he spots a few people in the crowd who are about to get a serious comeuppance, "Well, well. Looks like I actually wuz missed. Wuz sure I'd be pelted with rotten t'maytas or somethin'." That causes a laugh around the room, though it doesn't take much to see that some of the laughs are a bit tense and forced.
Around the room, 'Chana can spot over a half-dozen people who are trying -- and failing -- to look like they're happy the king has returned. They're about 60% Bostonians to 40% Baton Rouge natives. There are another half-dozen or so that look uneasy -- like the kind of guilt which they think they've hidden well but aren't one hundred percent sure. Finally, there are two who, despite looking perfectly cheerful on the outside, show some Will and Third-Eye flares of the sort that 'Chana has come to associate with someone with Tapping ability who is holding themselves in reserve. xxx
Suraksha leans to quietly share that information with her godsmother... and softly adds that if possible they should keep this surreptitious so as to not arouse suspicion. Like... wave over a page or something, perhaps? She's careful to mention the Taps first, of course -- she wants no repeats of what happened to poor Alg! Sna'tha nods as 'Chana points out the possible -- or no: almost certain -- Taps. Roy is making a cheerful little speech, purposely buying his beloved time to take the measure of the room. He's got people laughing and sometimes clapping. The sidhe assassin motions quietly to one of the slender young people (not children, Roy's pages are actually more like squires in that they're aspiring guards) moving around the room in the waiting-to-be-useful way of pages in every palace. The young woman that answers the summons listens carefully and asks sotto voce if she should have guards pin them in but not grab them, or if they should be taken now by surprise. Suraksha leaves that up to Sna'tha to decide -- the lamia is already apparently smilingly watching her client/king give his homecoming speech. In reality she's mentally plotting out which Tap she should attempt to Command first, should everything go to pieces... and she's marking who seems to be the leash-holders of the two Taps, as well.
One of the two Taps is an older gentleman that is dressed in the style of Baton Rouge but with fairly subtly worked-in Boston colors. The other is a young woman that's even smaller than 'Chana, dressed in a relatively modest dress with hoops that are narrower than most. These two both have escorts. The male is with a woman that seems about the same age as he, while the girl is escorted by a man that looks old enough to be at least her father, and possibly her grandfather, given the young ages people tend to marry and bear children after the Dying Off. Sna'tha considers a moment and tells the page/squire to pass the word to have guards move in near them. She suggests Daoud as one and Trav as another.
Suraksha wonders if she can figure out what sort of Taps the two are, through their chakras... or perhaps in some other fashion? After all, someone who strikes out through their hands likely won't wear gloves... as an example. Perhaps there are... marks or calluses or something? The man's Will chakra is in that flared-but-not-active way of someone holding themselves ready in a similar way to how Poly and Pippa hold an arrow knocked on their bows. He's wearing gloves, but his fingers are flexing. His base chakra is also strong and tumultuous. She's seen something like it when Dominic is working his Earth Tap abilities, but she's also seen it in Water Taps, and in one Tap that specialized in urging plants to grow. The girl's Will chakra seems to reach out tendrils through her hands, to her bare fingertips. It's difficult to figure out what that might be. A lot of hands-on type Taps have a similar configuration. Suraksha makes a mental note -- the hands of both should likely be restrained.
Roy's eyes move around the room as well and he sees the movement of the guards toward those four people. He comes to what seems to be just a natural pausing point in his speech -- and his smile goes somewhat chilly as his dark eyes sweep over the crowd, "I know there were a lot of folks that kept my city safe while I was gone. Jes' like I know there's a good number o' people here that either got wax in their ears or think I'm a complete idjit. Coulda sworn I tol' the Boston interlopers t' get th' hell outta my city. But lookin' 'round, purdy sure some'a y'all di'n't listen." Suraksha quietly hopes there are a lot more guards on call for Roy than are currently visible! She grins to herself at that thought -- of course there are. Roy's not a fool. She continues keeping a wary eye on the Taps... and waits for the metaphorical explosion.
The guards moving through the crowd become more obvious as 'Chana watches. A few of them are making a loose circle around the hostile Taps, though they're not being hemmed completely in. Roy smirks, "So, before we get down to th' real partyin'..." That's when 'Chana spots the movement in the male Tap. The active Base chakra turns out to not be so much his Tapping ability as a massive connection to the leylines. He's taking in a breath, much the way Buddy does before calling everyone for chow. It's the motion of someone getting ready to make a lot of noise. Suraksha bolts up to her feet, pointing directly at the male Tap as she shouts with all her internal Power, "You, STOP!"
The Tap's mouth was opening as if to shout, but 'Chana's Command catches him before he can give voice. He was also moving forward as if to give his voice backup with bodily motion, though -- so the powerful Command causes him to crash forward. It's crowded, but Daoud is the guard closest -- he uses his not-inconsiderable strength to catch the man before a domino effect causes several people to hit the ground. The female Tap uses that moment of confusion to reach for the nearest guard, 'Lige, to put her fingers against the side of his neck.
Suraksha calls to Daud, "Bind his hands and gag him, please!" Then she turns towards the girl and snaps, "You, girl! Surrender now -- and the king will not blame you for your actions while under the control of another!" That, 'Chana figures, give Roy the greatest latitude for punishment or reward after this little fracas is over.
'Chana's words cause 'Lige and Trav both to turn toward the female Tap, who soon finds her hands twisted behind her in a way that looks supremely uncomfortable. The noise and violent action cause an open spot around the Taps, their handlers, and the guards. Roy drawls, "Waall, dat an excitin' start t' the evenin'." His voice goes crisp, "Bring all four of 'em up here, boys." Suraksha sighs in relief, sinking back into her chair -- Commanding is still somewhat tiring for her. As Roy waits for the four prisoners, 'Chana quietly (and carefully) scans the crowd. She wants to pick out those who looked either falsely cheerful or downright uneasy... and watch what they do next.
Two of the uneasy-seeing folks are doing their best to be subtle about heading for a couple of the doors that let out onto the Baton Rouge version of a formal garden. Another pair of them are shifting nervously; the room is no longer laughing and cheerful. Meanwhile the guards push the captives to their knees. 'Chana notes it's done with only enough force to get it done. None of these guards are being unduly cruel. As the 'page' comes trotting up with a chilled glass of fruit juice for Sulochana, she quietly murmurs a warning about the uneasy twosome while accepting the glass.
Roy looks down at the prisoners and smirks, "Analiese. An' here I thought you'd be smarter than to try somethin' this damn dumb." He nudges the male Tap with the toe of his polished riding boot, "You I doanno, though." He had been busy speechifying when 'Chana sent the page on the first errand, after all. He continues, "Y'know, never really did feel like I needed a dungeon, but I think we're goan hafta reinforce a few rooms." Suraksha sips the drink thirstily -- using a lot of energy is hard work! -- and watches in silent interest, wondering who these people are.
Roy scowls as he continues, "In fact, you got some damn nerve wearin' those particular colors here jes' now, connard. I know there some thought I'm too stupid to rule here. But jes' bein' casual doan mean I'm an idiot." He raises his voice again, "I say again: Those of you that are Crowninshield sympathizers: Get. Out. Of. My. CITY!" The last is said in almost a roar. Those two that were edging toward the doors go from edging along to try to run. There are another half dozen (mixed between the falsely cheerful and the uneasy) that start looking around almost in a panic. Suraksha has to cover a smile at that -- Roy cannot be accused of being unclear, that's for sure! 'Chana hopes the 'exiles' aren't so foolish as to attempt any sort of wealth grab or robbery on the way out, however. That's the sort of thing that the populace itself will not countenance, she suspects. Thanks to Suraksha's sharp eyes, however, the two that are trying to flee are intercepted. Roy shakes his head, "Thing is, doan trust y'all to jes' leave. These folks here -- the Taps an' the others -- goan be spendin' lodda time inna company of my guards..."
Suraksha murmurs quietly, "Your majesty, might I ask a few questions of the prisoners?"
Roy turns to her and drawls, "'Course you can, darlin'. Here? Or after th' dancin'?"
Suraksha tilts her head as she considers... then smiles at Roy, "Now, please? I'd like to satisfy a bit of curiosity, if I may?" Her smile gets even sweeter as she adds, "And if they refuse, I shan't get in the way at all of your intended vengeance, all right?" That, she figures, should slide her into the 'good cop' stance, where Roy is quite clearly the 'bad cop' -- and maybe then they'll talk?
Roy nods and settles onto his throne in a relaxed posture that's not quite a sprawl, "As you wish, mon tresor." He can't help the mischievous grin at 'Chana's last comment, though -- he knows quite well she's setting him up to be the stern disciplinarian, with herself as a possible place to look for reprieve.
Suraksha just about dimples at Roy! Then she turns to the two Taps and smiles, "What sort of Tapping do you do, my dears?"
The girl is scowling and her 'handler' is literally gritting his teeth. The male Tap sneers, "I do what le petit cavalier only wishes he could do. My voice is an irresistible force." He starts to take a deep breath, chest expanding.
Suraksha glances at Sna'tha, tilting her head towards the braggart -- and Sna'tha grins almost maliciously as she steps forward in one long, smooth motion... that ends with the flat of her hand chopping precisely across the man's throat! The fey assassin knows that will end the man's ability to speak -- or even breathe well -- for a few minutes. Indeed, the chop causes the man to cough and gasp for air, going red in the face. Suraksha glances curiously at Roy, "Who is le petit chevalier? I thought that was former Queen Eloise's pet name for her then-consort?"
Roy rolls his eyes, "Think he's tryin'a insult me but doan actually speak French. Pretty sure wuz tryin'a call me a little jackass."
Suraksha blinks... then starts to laugh! "Oh! Oh, poor fool... he doesn't even know the language of the land he wishes to conquer? How priceless!"
Alan says gravely, "Or a horse's ass. Heard him use that a time or two."
Suraksha grins at Alan, her eyes bright with merriment as she laughs! She's still giggling softly as she turns to the young girl, "Ah, pardon me. So, you were going to say?" She's not so amused, however, that she missed what the jackass-wanna-be apparently declared himself to be: a Water Tap!
Analiese (the girl with the tendrils focused at her fingers) is still scowling... or trying to -- it's starting to look more like a pout, and she's still not speaking. Her handler's nostrils are flaring. It's 'Lige who drawls, "Purty sure her specialty izza weak form o' that puppeteerin' thing. Cain' get nobody to do what she wants, but can make 'em sorta... stop..."
Daoud nods, "Doan makes zombis, her. Jes' put 'em out -- wakin' sleep."
One of Roy's brows go up as he looks the girl over thoughtfully. She's apparently familiar to him, but not familiar enough that he was aware of this about her. Then his eyes go to her handler, examining him as someone unfamiliar. The king is also smirking a bit at the thought of the braggart. If he's saying that he does what Roy only wishes he could do, he may -- as the king is unaware his beloved is considering -- think he's a more powerful Water Tap than the former river rat. What almost no one here knows yet is that Roy is even stronger than when he left, thanks to a blessing from a certified goddess. But what did the man mean about his voice being a force of nature?