| Logs |
2000-06-04
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
Familial Readjustments
- The afternoon gradually changes into night while the four
siblings and their father catch up on the events of the past few
months. By early evening the Count is yawning, and is bedded down in
Dimitri's bunk. Alex and Dimitri go back on duty as the Mare ghosts
southward under a light breeze.
Alex is exuberant that night... her step is a little lighter, and there's a smile on her face for most of the nightwatch! Carroll seems somewhat more relaxed, but not completely. He walks around the deck trying not to fret visibly, after the tired Count goes to sleep and before he does. Dimitri settles in, his sword across his lap and a disgruntled look upon his face. He sits quiet upon the stairs to the quarterdeck, watching the dark sea flow by. Alex patters over at some point after Carroll's been gently shooed off to bed, and the nightwatch is calm and proceeding smoothly, to sit next to Dimitri and smile up at him, "Okay... what's bothering you, Mitya?"
Horatio finishes his evening check of the ballistae, ensuring they're stowed properly, and steps out on deck instead of his usual habit of diving into his studies. He meanders through the deckside rigging, seeing Alex talking quietly with Dimitri, finally finding a comfortable perch for himself on the bowsprit looking out at the water as it parts before the sleeking 'Mare. Alex waves cheerfully to Horatio as he meanders by. Horatio waves to Alex and Dimitri in the oncoming darkness, even though he is certain his smile is not visible. He takes a firm hold of one of the lines at the base of the bowsprit, just above the Saucy Mare's figurehead. Dimitri gives Alex a sidelong look. "I'm crew, correct? An Officer on Deck, yes? Why'd he get my bunk."
Alex laughs softly, "Beats me, Mitya... perhaps because it was the lower one of yours and mine, and you and I won't be needing it immediately?" She grins teasingly, "What, you don't think sharing with me is okay any more?"
Looking up, Dimitri just raises one ear. "Uh-huh. Then why not one of the crew. I hope this is not a omen of things going back to the way they were." Dimitri shrugs then, looking out to sea. "Besides, your bunk is almost a full hand shorter than mine..."
Alex laughs softly again, "It can't go back to the way it was, Mitya. We won't let it... we can't. Carroll can't just stop being the captain of the Mare, any more than you or I or Horatio can just drop what we're doing, abandon the people on the Mare, and go back to being dutiful children in the manor house." She leans against Dimitri quietly, scanning the night with eyes and ears and nose... all's well... then smiles and softly adds, "We grew up, Mitya. Nanna knows it... Daddy will too soon. We just have to be careful that he understands that this doesn't mean we love him any less... 'cause I bet this will be a little scary for him."
Dimitri smiles quietly, leaning his head back against his sister. "I hope so. Both that he understands and that he's a little scared. Mayhaps an unfamiliar world will give him a chance to think about what he's doing... instead of just falling back upon older and familiar habits..."
Alex leans back enough to glance up at her brother and grins cheerfully, tapping one small paw on his lightly, "This means you've got to help us, too, Mitya... help us all stay real calm and steady... so we don't get angry or say something that will hurt Daddy's feelings -- but still make it gently clear that we are going to do what we think is right... and we are doing what we think is right -- together."
"So we don't get angry?" Dimitri smiles, "Don't you men so I don't get angry. I think I was always the most volatile of the four of us,"
Alex chuckles quietly, "Aw, that's sweet of you to say, Mitya, considering some of the temper tantrums I threw!" She laughs quietly again, still bubbly with happiness, and leans against her favorite brother again with a contented sigh.
Dimitri softly growls, "I said volatile... not passionate, bratling." Alex grins.
Count St. Genevieve wakes up early and comes out on deck while it is still dark, turning to the quarterdeck where his second and fourth children are standing the tail end of the night watch. He watches quietly as Alex handles a minor problem, then clears his throat. "Good morning."
Count Timothy St. Genevieve is a red fox in late middle age,
his dark head fur shot with silver and a slight squint betraying fading
eyesight. His eyes still shine with intelligence though, and he moves with
the agility of a much younger fur. Still worn from his recent arduous
overland journey, his tail droops tiredly and his clothing, once fine
silks, is a bit ragged. It also hangs a bit loosely, as though he's
recently lost weight.
Alex finishes with the furr she's talking to, smiles and nods as they leave, then turns to smile brilliantly at her father, "Good morning! How're you feeling?" She is still on duty, however, and while she doesn't do it consciously, it doesn't occur to her to dash over and give her father an exuberant hug as well. Dimitri looks up from where he stands, leaning upon the gunwales. He answers his Father's greeting with but a simple nod. Alex adds politely, "Would you care to come up to the quarterdeck, sir?"
Count St. Genevieve says, "Tired. And thank you." He climbs the ladder to join Alex by the ship's wheel. "Carroll lets you run the night watch, I take it?"
Alex raises an eyebrow at her father (looking much like her mother as she does so, although she doesn't know it) and says gently and firmly, "Sir, I am the first mate of the Saucy Mare. The captain has assigned me nightwatch, yes."
Dimitri blinks quietly, his head slowly turning. "Lets...?" The dark fox's eyes might narrow slightly, but his words are even and calm. "Alex has earned her rank and place."
Alex smiles at Dimitri with the quiet, proud confidence earned by many days of practice... the silver earring flashes for a second in the lantern light as her ear moves. The Count's eyes narrow as he looks carefully at that bit of jewelry for the first time. "That's a campaign earring, isn't it?" He sounds both puzzled and disapproving.
Alex nods, straightening slightly and lifting her chin in pride, "Yessir. First blood from Sergeant Dimitri St. Genevieve, sir." She flashes a cheerful grin at Dimitri -- she still gets a thrill from it!
Dimitri turns and stands, taking a step closer to his sister. The tall fox smiles as he hears his sister bark out the proper answer. "No. Gold for campaign..." His own ear flickers, three brilliant yellow rings glittering in the rising sun. "Silver for first blood. The Lady's heritage." Alex beams up at Dimitri, then settles relaxedly into parade stance and smiles at her father. She's also still very happy he's here too.
Count St. Genevieve looks shocked. "First blood... you've let her go into combat? Your little sister?"
Alex blinks... then grins, "Oh, Daddy... Dimitri isn't my keeper. He's my teacher. And you can talk to me about this, you know... I made the decision to go myself. Someone has to watch Mitya's back!"
The Count looks even more surprised by Alex's response, and turns toward her. "At your age? You've hardly had enough time since I left to learn how to use a sword..." He pauses thoughtfully. "Assuming you hadn't learned how before I left." He raises one eyebrow inquiringly. "You didn't pay one bit of attention to my instructions, did you? And apparently neither did Captain Whitepaws."
Alex gives her father a puzzled look, then says gently, "Daddy... Dimitri's been training me to use a sword since before he left for the Marines... and I kept up practice faithfully, as I promised him in my letters to him." She pauses, then adds, "If it would reassure you, you are welcome to watch us practice after dawn."
It is a cool and stern marine who looks back at his Father, his ears rising, his lips slowly curling. "Of course. She's good. And with the benefits of rank... comes the responsibility. Everyone who goes across the deck is someone's sister, brother, son, or daughter. Should Alex be somehow different... pampered... privileged? No one else would I want at my side. And besides... father... who goes across on a boarding is not your decision. It is between the Captain, his first mate, and myself."
Alex glances up at Dimitri and smiles, then nods to her father, "Mitya's right, Daddy. If I'm going to take on the responsibility of the position of the first mate... then part of that is the responsibility to protect and care for my crew." She smiles affectionately at her father, "You taught me that, Daddy."
Count St. Genevieve turns back toward his dark son, whipsawed between Alex and Dimitri as they defend each other. "No, I suppose not. He is captain of this vessel. Still..." He looks sternly at Alex. "I'll insist on it. I hope they didn't throw you in before you were ready."
Alex tilts her head curiously, "Insist on what, Daddy?" She grins, adding, "Daddy, nobody throws me anywhere I don't want to go."
Dimitri speaks softly. "No. You don't insist." He stands firm and sure. "But you can request it of the ship's Major."
Horatio yawns quietly as he comes up onto deck. He had actually taken a bit of a nap on the fo'c's'le the night before, before eschewing hitting the books for once. The sleep -- in an actual bed for most of the night, rather than on his books (though he still denies he falls asleep on his books) -- wasn't as restful as he'd hoped. Restlessness, discomfort as to what happened back at Mt. Kali, what will be awaiting them in Maidstone... It adds up, for him, to a worrisome picture. He emerges to the burgeoning day, however, with somewhat more rest than he's used to, and stretches, un-cricking his back as he emerges onto the deck. Alex grins and waves down at the deck, "Morning, Horatio! Can I ask a favor? Could you have someone bring up coffee for us all?" She adds, "Remember, Daddy likes his with two sugars and no cream, please?"
Count St. Genevieve looks back to Dimitri. "And that would be you?"
Dimitri looks back to his Father and nods. "Aye aye."
Alex nods to her father, and introduces her brother with pride, "Major of marines Dimitri St. Genevieve, Daddy. He's led three boarding actions now... all of them successful." She adds with even more pride, "He's not lost anybody in any of his actions either!"
The Count snorts and mutters to himself. "Well, at least you finally made officer. Still don't know why you insisted on enlisting." But then he straightens up and asks formally, "Major, may I observe the morning practice session?"
Dimitri looks down to Alex with a sudden sharp glance. "We've been lucky, Sir. Never forget that."
Alex beams at her father -- true, it was a somewhat backhanded compliment, but he acknowledged Dimitri's status! She glances up at Dimitri and nods, "Yup... but you said yourself, Mitya, luck comes most to them that prepares the best, right?" She flicks an ear sheepishly, realizing her faux pas, "Excuse me, I meant major."
Horatio blinks at the hail, then nods, waving back. "How could I forget? Just be a moment..." He goes to find Kennard, to see if the galley bear is awake, to get three -- no, make that four mugs of coffee.
Count St. Genevieve blinks in surprise as Dimitri calls his sister 'sir.' He looks much more thoughtful as he turns to watch Horatio trot off for coffee. Matching his father's formal stance, Dimitri nods. "Because I've earned my place and not had it handed to me, Father. And thank you, I will confirm with my Master-at-Arms, but I don't think there will be a problem with you watching the practice."
Carroll emerges from his cabin as well, looking somehow unprepared for the day despite his clothing and fur being in their usual immaculate state. He looks around the deck and, counting the foxes at the helm, heads over, only slowly. "Good morning," he murrs when he arrives.
Alex beams cheerfully at Carroll, "Morning, captain!" She looks even more glowingly happy than usual... in contrast to the two tall, slightly grim looking foxes she's standing calmly with.
Carroll smiles, and asks, "How went the night watch? All calm?"
Alex nods formally, "Yessir, all uneventful. Will you be wanting the deck, sir?"
Count St. Genevieve smiles and salutes. "Good morning, Captain. You do seem to have a well-run ship here." Alex beams even more proudly at that!
Carroll formally relieves Alex of the watch, and thanking her for her excellent work. He acknowledges his father's salute, and says, "Thank you. It helps that they are all skilled on their own."
Horatio comes back on deck, four steaming mugs in his hand. He blinks as he sees Carroll there and grins sheepishly, though warily -- he's never seen Dimitri and Father quite this... formal... with one another before. "Er, good morning, Captain. Coffee...?"
Alex beams equally cheerfully at Horatio, "Hiya, Horatio, thanks so much!" She'll quickly help Horatio hand out mugs, then stand next to Dimitri contentedly sipping hers. She grins cheerfully at Carroll, then asks, "You want some coffee too, captain?"
Horatio passes around the coffee as needed, proffering the fourth cup to Carroll. "Kennard just brewed it, sir..."
Alex says, "Oh!" She grins as Horatio apparently has the right number of mugs, adding, "You're faster than me, Horry!"
Carroll nods and murrs, "Please," and accepts the mug from Horatio with a, "Thank you, Horatio." He finally looks back at his father, and doesn't know what to say.
- The sun comes up over the eastern peninsula, illuminating the
water and picking out the sails of a coastal fisherman well behind the
Mare's track. Nothing else is in sight.
Alex glances up at Dimitri cheerfully, "So... shall we go practice then?"
Dimitri lets out a long breath, settling in next to Alex. He nods. "Practice, then off watch sleep..." Horatio nods, and folds his hands behind his back. It's probably a bad time to start drinking coffee, anyway! His ears perk up at Alex's question.
Alex nods, "Sounds good to me, Mitya!" She confirms being relieved by Carroll, then bounces agilely down the quarterdeck stairs -- with the loose-wristed, not-a-drop-spilled stance of much practice!
Count St. Genevieve turns to Horatio. "And how about you, son? Keeping up with your studies?"
Horatio blinks at the sudden question. "Erp? Oh!" He manages a bit of a nervous, but reasonably confident chuckle. "Ah yes, Father. There's been a lot I've learned." He nods across the ship towards the bow. "And I've found there's even more outside the Academy to learn..." he adds, a little quiet on the quiet side.
Alex grins up over her shoulder at the quarterdeck, calling, "He's being modest, Daddy! Ask him about how marvelously his modifications are doing!" She heads to her cabin to shed her sword, then trots out to join the practice. Dimitri slowly follows Alex out on to the deck, gathering the rest of the marines about him. With Natasha and MacKenzie he sets the crew up in pairs and begins the morning workout. Alex throws herself into fighter practice with her usual enthusiasm. If anything she's a little happier, but just as focused as usual. She closes out the fact that there may be people watching... right here and now she's learning new things, and to do any less would infer Dimitri is less than the superlative teacher she knows him to be. Throughout the clash of wood and steel Dimitri walks. His time spent sparring with Alex, Natasha, and Mackenzie... and with all the others, at least once throughout the session. Cool and calm, even and responsible, his attention is not upon himself but the others... to make them better.
Count St. Genevieve smiles gently at his youngest son as he leans on the quarterdeck rail to watch the warriors' practice. "There certainly is, my boy."
Horatio nods quietly, taking in a deep breath as he leans on the railing overlooking the amidships deck as well. "The ballistae in the Saucy Mare's bow got their... first trial," he says quietly, hesitantly, not really sure how much more to say than that.
Carroll adds, "They are very effective, too."
Count St. Genevieve says, "I see. I wasn't really sure that would work, and it took up a bit of what little cargo stowage there is on this ship. Glad to hear that it works."
Carroll smiles and murrs, "If you consider cutting the top third of another ship's mast off as working, they certainly do." He looks back over the ship and adds, "Despite the situation the ship and crew are performing very well." Horatio hides the wince very well, actually, and says nothing. Am I glad it works? he thinks. He can't help but remember the blood on the deck of the barge when one of the ballista bolts cut through the crew on deck at just the tragically right height, instead of breaking off the mast or piercing the hull.
Kamehameha heads in to land on the quarterdeck. He glances nervously at the Count, trying to talk to Carroll while staying away from the furr who was brought back from Mt. Kali. "Cap'n? Two Impy bigfella-ship straight on way we go."
Carroll looks up at the bird and murrs, "Thank you. How far away are they?" He calls Jared over if he's handy, and Horatio. He murrs to them, "Let's change course and avoid these."
Horatio's ears perk, as he looks over, since he's nearby Carroll and Father. He nods. "I agree. But... if there are two Imperial ships way out here... they may be looking for us."
The scout continues, "All high see ship-fellas, mebbe 50 klicks, yes-no?"
Carroll nods to Horatio and murrs, "True. They likely have scouts of their own too. We're faster." He looks to Kamehameha, hopes he's unraveled what Kammy said right, and murrs, "Fifty kilometers? That should be plenty of lead." He asks for input of Horatio and Jared, "What's the best way to veer considering wind and current? North? South?"
Horatio frowns at the chart. "Captain... I don't know if we'll be able to keep them from spotting us. We're already running as fast as we can, but if we come about we'll keep them from closing into engagement range. If we go downwind and east we might be able to keep them from getting closer."
Carroll murrs, "We'll just have to live with that. Having seen us here is one thing. Let's not let them catch us. Change course eastwards and we'll try and get by them." He adds, "And get out of this gulf before we're caught in it." He asks of the immediate group, "Any other suggestions?" He takes the silence as a negative, and gives the orders. He also orders extra watches armed with crossbows in case of other scouts, either aerial or from the water.
Horatio nods, "Aye, aye, Captain." He goes with Jared to prepare the ship's rigging for the run.
Jared calls the crew aloft to change the sails as the Mare swings onto a new course to avoid the Imperial warships. Shortly afterward a heron in Imperial colors floats overhead, dawdling in the updrafts before heading back to his ship. Kamehameha reports that the two warships change course as well, trying to intercept -- but the ungainly ships can't begin to close the distance after the Mare passes across their bows with the two Imperials barely hull-up on the horizon.
Dimitri's ears perk as he sees the archers ordered out. "Hold..." A simple statement, halting the practice. The tall fox glances up to the captain, calling out. "Captain... what's the report?" Alex pauses, looking up with interest. Horatio watches the direction of the Imperial ships warily, fretfully. They've been seen, there's no changing that, now...
Carroll murrs, "Kamehameha spotted some Imperial warships. We've changed course to avoid them, and with luck, can simply speed past them." Alex's ears perk up in surprise -- then a moment later she realizes things are well in paw. She glances at Dimitri to see if practice will resume.
Dimitri nods in Carroll's direction, frowning slightly. "Thank you. Those who stood night watch, hit the bunks. Rest in case we are needed. Mister MacKenzie, you have the deck; make sure if they close we are all woken." Count St. Genevieve nods to himself, watching the practiced crew and the skilled warriors... including his daughter. He sighs then, wondering when his little girl grew up, and how he missed it.
Carroll watches the crew and the ships they are fleeing. Eventually he notices his father on the deck and walks back over to him, murring, "Hopefully things will be a little calmer when we reach Maidstone. I hope Duchess White Haven will be willing to help us some more so we can get you home safely."
Count St. Genevieve twitches his ears. "White Haven? Isn't she one of their Great Houses? How'd you manage to get on good terms with her?"
Horatio's ears flick and he glances over to the Count. "Oh, it-" He breaks off, looking over to Alex and Dimitri, "-is a long story, Father," he finishes, a little lamely but not without a hint of pride in his siblings.
Carroll nods and murrs, "She is. To get on her good side we told her the truth, and we share a common enemy. She is not fond of the mongoose either." He looks away for a moment, then back, adding, "More surprising to me was how we got on to good terms with the Queen."
Count St. Genevieve grins. "I'm beginning to think there are a lot of details we didn't cover last night."
Carroll nods and murrs, "There are. It's been a busy time. I'm happy to share the details. Perhaps in the cabin. I'd hate for you to be seen by the scouts if we can help it. I think it's important you know the politics we're sailing for." He looks to the Count and asks, "Is there anything in particular you'd like to start with?"
Horatio nods in agreement. "So far, there's almost nobody who knows where you are, Father. I imagine even Pravinchandra doesn't know exactly yet."
The Count's grin gets that feral tinge again. "At this point he probably still thinks I'm heading east through Rogavik. Eventually he'll find out that our trail vanishes a week's travel from the Kithhaven road -- once his goons reach a spot they can contact him from. With any luck he'll still be pondering what happened when we show up at the Council."
Alex looks faintly disappointed that practice is called off, but understands the reason why. She helps clean up, then patters off the deck with Dimitri, a companionable arm around his waist, checking if he wants breakfast before they go to bed. Dimitri smiles quietly, looping his arm over Alex's shoulders. "Breakfast perhaps. Something light..." Alex nods and dashes off for just that. When she re-emerges on deck she heads for the usual seat on the stairs that Dimitri sits on... if he's there she'll contentedly curl up with him and share a nice, hot, light breakfast with him. Dimitri settles in next to his sister, throwing the long fall of his cloak over her shoulders, including her beneath its protective folds. Quietly he eats, every now and then looking out across the waters where a set of sails pursue. "Eat and rest, Alex. What happens, happens, and will in its own time. Forget about the Imperials for a handful of hours, and then if we need, then we'll make them be the worrying ones."
Alex feels surprisingly (to her, at least) unworried this morning... they've accomplished the impossible -- they've brought their father safely back to them! In comparison, two Imperials seem a pale threat indeed. She beams cheerfully at Dimitri, "I'm not worried, Mitya... we'll do what we have to do to win the day, just like we always do!" and curls up comfortably against him under the cloak. She enjoys herself, nibbling breakfast, listening quietly to the talk on the quarterdeck, and just being there.
Carroll nods and murrs, "In due time. It would be a mistake to rush things now. First Maidstone, a safe harbor with allies. Then to Ettore, as much a home as we have right now, and to get word to Mr. Farwing. After that we'll know what we really need to do."
Horatio nods quietly. "You'll receive a warm welcome in Maidstone, Father." Not the least of which will likely be from Duchess White Haven... He blinks. Whyever did that thought pop into his head?
Carroll nods and murrs, "Yes. If we could be public about it their Court would be a very pleasant trip. As it stands I think the Duchess will be pleased to meet you."
Count St. Genevieve salutes Carroll, and swings to bestow it on all of his children. "Carry on, sir. I'll see if I can find a permanent spot to sleep."
Carroll nods, "We're doing our best." His front of composure and certainty is broken when he adds, "I hope it's good enough."
Dimitri reaches down and just strokes his sister's ears, an easy and gentle motion. "What needs to be done. A simple life at sea, aye, bratling?"
Alex thinks about that a bit, nibbling a piece of bread... then smiles and nods up at her dark brother, "Nothing better, I think, Mitya... don't you?"
Dimitri nods quietly, "Only as long as I got a bratling beneath my cloak."
Alex beams exuberantly up at Dimitri -- then says cheerfully, "This is just being the nicest day, Mitya!" She hugs him impulsively, then giggles and curls up against him again, still glowing with happiness.
Dimitri laughs quietly, offering a warm hug in return. "It's not over yet, kit."
Alex glances up at her father's voice, then whispers hastily to Dimitri, "Hey, if I offer him my bunk can I bunk with you, Mitya?"
Dimitri looks down and nods... and then he stops. He considers, a long set of heartbeats. But then Dimitri nods again, "That'd be fine with me, Alex."
Alex tilts her head curiously at Dimitri, not sure what bothered him, but not wanting to let it slide by, "You sure, Mitya?"
Dimitri considers and then his muzzle drops to rest comfortably atop her head. He lets out a long breath, closing his eyes for a heartbeat or two. "I'm sure. We'll be fine, Alex."
Alex sighs contentedly, curled up against Dimitri, but reaches up with one small paw to gently grab an ear, leaning her head back against him to say, "Okay... just checking, Mitya." She pulls very gently, and grins a little mischievously, "Remember, you promised to tell if there's something big wrong, yes?"
Dimitri takes a second breath. "Oh, it's nothing, bratling... or at least nothing to be worrying about. I keep my promises to you, you know."
Alex smiles relaxedly, "I know, Mitya... I was just teasing. So now we know it's not a big thing... want to tell me about it?"
Dimitri blinks... swallows... and says, "Uhm... no?"
Alex looks a little surprised, her ears flicking back under his chin... she considers a moment, then nods slowly, "Well... all right, Mitya. I know you'll tell me if it gets big... so... if you change your mind-" she smiles happily up at him, her fingers teasing his ear gently, "-you know where to find me!"
Dimitri closes his eyes and quietly mhhrrs. "I know... that's why... that's why I... I'm not... worried about it."
Two days later, the Mare arrives at Maidstone, her name
properly displayed again. House Pravinchandra seems to have pulled in
all their shipping -- although there were plenty of vessels along the
route, none flew that flag. Once again the privateer docks near the
Naval piers.
Carroll watches the ships as they arrive and murrs, "Nothing visible from Pravinchandra." He turns back to the quarterdeck and murrs, "Unusual. Perhaps they're all in a convoy again, under guard."
Horatio looks out across the docks, nodding slowly. "Most likely. I wonder how Pravinchandra's buyers here are reacting to his shipping problems?
Alex grins mischievously, "Hope they're seething!"
Horatio nods, "Now we'll just have to worry about how to get Father off of the Saucy Mare without him being seen. We can't risk an assassin here seeing him as a golden opportunity." He glances to Dimitri and Alex and adds a little wryly, "Not that he'd be harmed with you two guarding him, but we should try to keep from making too much of a mess here.
Carroll goes down to his cabin and gathers his slate and chalk. He begins to draft a message to the Duchess White Haven, trying to ask obliquely for a meeting without saying why. He finally settles on a message saying that the St. Genevieve family has returned to Maidstone and would very much enjoy the chance to see the Duchess and her family again. He drafts this on to paper and has it sent out. He also tries diligently not to be distracted by the list of things he had made and was unable to find anything off of. Alburtis was not a good venue for such things. Alex will, given permission from the captain, get Jared to set up some shore leave for the crew. She's cautious though... she quietly makes sure Jared doesn't let the new mercs or the Queen's archer off. She trusts the mercs, but doesn't wish to leave the Queen's man open to the temptation to report everything to his Queen... including the return of the Count. She also makes sure their father, Streamchaser, and Haakon understand they need to stay out of sight while in port. About the time that Carroll dispatches his letter Matthew DuPrei arrives, nodding to the guard on the gangway. "Permission to come aboard?"
Alex cheerfully welcomes Matthew aboard and sends someone to alert Carroll who's there. Matthew smiles. "Good day, Dame Alex. Did you have a successful trip?"
Alex chuckles, "Sort of... we decided though that we needed a few more mercenaries. So... we're back! Ah, captain... Mr. DuPrei is here to see you!"
Carroll comes out at that word and murrs, "Hello again, Matthew. It is reassuring to see you again. I hope everything here has been calm and uneventful?" Horatio wanders over to the gangway as Matthew comes aboard, as well.
Matthew turns and bows to Carroll as he arrives. "Everything is still the same as when you left, Baron. Were you expecting anything odd to happen?"
Carroll shakes his head and murrs, "Not at all, not at all. I'm pleased there haven't been any more attempts on Queen Arianna's life, or any other sort of local coup."
Dimitri leans on the gunwales, nodding as Matthew comes up the gangway. "How fairs Aria... how fares Her Majesty, Master DuPrei?"
Matthew turns to acknowledge Dimitri. "Her Majesty is well and sends her regards, Sir Dimitri."
Carroll nods and smiles. He murrs, "That's reassuring to hear. While I didn't expect anything untoward to happen, it's good to hear it." He asks, "Is there something we can help you with today?"
The mouse shrugs. "I was going to ask you the same question, Baron. You have returned without any new prizes to show for your trouble."
Alex smiles from where she's leaning against the railing and murmurs dryly, "We thought we'd pick up a few more mercs, I believe I said?"
Carroll smiles and murrs, "Hunting was not good this time. Our quarry is travelling in packs." He nod at Alex's words, adding, "That's right. We're here to gather more assistance."
Alex grins cheerfully at Carroll, "Although there is a certain deep satisfaction in thinking about how the mongoose must be stewing, having to hire Imperials to shepherd his ships back and forth!"
Carroll's smile becomes only a little bit vicious and he murrs, "Yes, this is true. It will be interesting to see how our friends here have reacted to this too." He looks to the mouse and asks, "Has House Pravinchandra been doing well lately?" Horatio looks a little uncomfortable at the question and wonders if he can hide it. He nods at Carroll's question.
Matthew's whiskers twitch at Alex's comment. "He's hiring Imperial ships to safeguard his convoys? Has he truly outmaneuvered himself that badly?"
Alex giggles, "Isn't it wonderfully ironic? And he doesn't seem to be able to do anything but the Starfall-Alburtis run -- no ships elsewhere that we've seen!" Carroll smiles and nods, confirming what Alex is saying.
Dimitri smiles down to Matthew. "As Countess Blackpool used to say, "There's more ways to win a battle than just sending my marines in." Alex laughs happily and nods! Horatio grins softly and nods quietly.
Carroll looks at Matthew and murrs, "Let me write a note for the Queen, so you can send her something concrete from us?"
Matthew nods. "You won't be in port long, I take it?"
Alex smiles and shakes her head, "Shore leave for the crew, then we're off again, Master Matthew."
The mouse nods. "May I ask where you are going this time?"
Alex smiles at Matthew cheerfully, "Probably best if you didn't, actually?" Horatio remains quiet at Alex's comment. It's true, it's probably better if he doesn't know.
Dimitri looks across to Carroll and frowns. "And Carroll, you forget. Alex and I are two of her Knights. We should at least... say good morning... no?"
Carroll disappears in to his cabin, where he writes another note, this one more formal, to the Queen, expressing their gratitude and thanks for her continued help and that they are pleased to hear all is still as well as it has been. He doesn't ask for, but doesn't refuse a meeting, saying he fears they will be too hurried to attend Court before they should be on their way again. Wishing her his best, and that of his family, he closes the letter. He returns to the deck, eventually, having written and sealed the note. He hands it to Matthew and murrs, "Can you see that that gets to the Queen, please? I hope it will help prevent any unintended slight on our part."
Matthew shrugs. "Perhaps. Her Majesty did tell me to mention that when you plan to return to Starfall you may if you wish travel on a Maidstone naval courier ship."
Alex looks puzzled, "'On'?" She wonders why the queen would think the Saucy Mare wasn't seaworthy... maybe she's misunderstanding this? She tilts her ears curiously towards Matthew.
Horatio blinks. "Why did she say that...?" he blurts out.
Matthew looks sly. "You are on their list of people they don't like. If you travel as Royal Companions of Maidstone you have diplomatic immunity."
Carroll doesn't gape. He murrs, "That would be extremely helpful, and is far too kind a thing of her to offer." He appears to be thinking very quickly.
Alex's ears go straight up at that! She glances at Carroll, then says to Matthew, "That um... the captain's right. Maybe we should get back to you on that, though?"
Matthew nods. "You certainly don't have to make a decision on that now. But Her Majesty wanted you to be aware of the possibility."
Horatio blinks in surprise. "That's a very great honor indeed..."
Alex nods, glancing at Carroll again... she doesn't want to interrupt that train of thought though. She smiles at Matthew, "That is extremely generous of her majesty, and please let her know we understand the great honor she does us... and um, yes, I'm sure the captain will get back to you once he's had a moment to think about it."
Matthew waves a hand, deprecating it. "You have already earned that honor, sir."
Carroll nods, thoughtfully. He murrs to Matthew, "A trip to Starfall for the family might be a very good idea." He finishes his thought, "We have to stay in town long enough to complete a piece of business. If the Queen has a spare evening we would be pleased to see her privately where we can discuss this intriguing and very generous offer." He suggests to Matthew, "A private meeting would be best, if the Queen desires, so we would be able to be as frank and candid with her as possible."
Matthew grins, rather impudently. "I'll pass that along."
Carroll nods and murrs, "Thank you." Alex folds her arms and sighs softly, smiling at Carroll. Carroll tries not to look guilty at Alex. Alex chuckles softly and makes herself busy elsewhere.
Early the next evening the family gathers to visit the Duchess. As the swift tropical dusk fades into night, the cloaked party boards the closed carriage hired for the occasion, Mikhail driving and other warriors acting as footmen. They arrive at the White Haven estate by a circuitous route and enter a darkened building, guided by Lord Reginald himself.
Upon arrival Carroll greets the Lord, bowing and murring, "Lord Reginald. It is truly a pleasure to see you again." He straightens and murrs, "While I have no more ships for you, I do have other interesting news." Dimitri quietly follows, his sword slung over his shoulder. He carefully notes each turn and corridor way, having never been here before. Alex patters along quietly next to her father... she knows Mitya's behind them. She also is eyeing the area thoughtfully. Horatio keeps the hood of his cloak close about his face, just in case; no need to make it easy for any observers. He's more than a little nervous -- as usual -- and keeps his eyes wide open. While not concerned about betrayal by White Haven, he is concerned about anyone who might have taken more than a passing interest in their departure from the ship and followed them here.
The Duchess is waiting in her private office, a comfortably cluttered room with a huge desk. Chairs wait for her guests. She grins as the group enters the room, dressed a little more demurely than the last time in a thin white tunic and knee-length red skirt. "So what's all the secrecy in aid of, Captain Carroll?" Alex beams cheerfully at the Duchess!
Carroll smiles and murrs, "I thought you would understand my message, and I can see I have not underestimated you." He looks back at his family and smiles, then to the minks and murrs, "Allow me to introduce you to... Count Timothy St. Genevieve." He gestures his Father forwards. Alex looks so happy she's practically glowing again! Horatio steps back slightly as their Father comes forward, lowering the hood to his cloak. He looks towards the Duchess, unable to hide a beaming expression -- and also curious as to her own reaction! Dimitri stands quietly at the back, his sword over his shoulders, both arms looped over it.
The elder fox pulls the hood of his cloak back and steps forward to bow to the Duchess. "Charmed, I'm sure." The minks are goggling, totally surprised by his sudden appearance. The Duchess recovers quickly, smiling as he bows. "Your Excellency. I see that the rumors of your demise were... somewhat exaggerated." Alex giggles, then hastily covers her muzzle, still grinning!
Carroll smiles and murrs, "If you are surprised by this news, think about how Councilman Pravinchandra will feel about it?" Horatio tries to hide a smile at Carroll's comment, but then openly grins.
Dimitri speaks dry and pragmatic, "He's not dead either."
Reginald is shaken out of his own shock by Dimitri's comment, snorting in amusement. "So we see. How did you find him? Or did he find you?"
Alex laughs happily, "Oh, that was exciting!"
Dimitri looks back, quiet. "Carroll, Horatio, and Alex found him." Alex gives Dimitri a faintly resigned, amused glance and shakes her head at him.
Count St. Genevieve shakes his head. "I'm still trying to sort that out myself." Alex blinks and shuts up again, so Carroll can tell the story. Her lips and around her eyes go a little pink with embarrassment.
Carroll murrs, explaining, "Some of both actually. All I really understand is that there was a great deal of magic involved and we all very much wanted him back with us again." He adds, "I don't understand the details myself, and I was there." He goes into a little more detail, "We followed his trail until we found his ship wrecked on Mt. Kali. People don't go there because of the strange things that happen there. This is one of those strange things."
Horatio glances to Alex at Reginald's comment and opens his mouth, but as Carroll explains it, he closes it quickly and hopefully not noticeably.
Alex nods cheerfully, adding when Carroll's done, "It's really a very dangerous place... we were incredibly lucky, Cleo says... Cleo's my magic teacher."
The two minks glance at each other, then look at the siblings with a great deal of respect. "Mt. Kali. That place has a truly evil reputation. And you made it back with your father?"
Carroll nods, murring, "Despite Mt. Kali and despite the Imperial Navy, yes." Alex smiles up at her father, quietly sliding one small paw into his, where the cloaks hide them from the minks. The Count gently squeezes Alex's hand, acknowledging her presence in a quiet manner. Alex's ears tilt back slightly and she beams quietly.
The Duchess snickers at the mention of the Imperials. "I suspect that the mountain was by far the greater obstacle."
Carroll admits, "We left both of them behind us as quickly as we could."
Horatio blinks. Obviously the minks had heard much more than the siblings had about Mt. Kali. "We saw the wreck from offshore," he says softly. "We had to be certain, whatever the island's reputation. And as it turned out..." He inclines his head towards Father. Alex nods, still smiling, at Horatio's words.
Alex says, "So..." She looks up at her father, then at Carroll, "So now... how do we handle this?" She glances at the minks and smiles, "I don't suppose you have anything to add to our growing pile of evidence of Pravin's perfidy, to show in Council?"
The Duchess shakes her head. "He's been keeping a low profile. The Queen is turning things upside down, trying to find out who sent that assassin, but he hasn't been implicated."
Alex sighs, then asks hopefully, "Any news on that?"
Carroll murrs, "My thoughts were to have at least Father return to Starfall, to work with our solicitor on proving Pravinchandra's guilt." He looks at the minks and murrs, "Your help has been invaluable and I was hoping we could depend upon some more of it to make this possible, as we aren't exactly welcome in Starfall at the moment." He shifts a bit and adds, "However, a better option may be available, which I hadn't considered."
Horatio nods quietly. "We noticed few Pravinchandra ships in your harbor. I'm surprised that his supporters here haven't complained about the lack of products that he ships."
The mink shrugs. "You just missed one, actually. He doesn't ship a lot out of Maidstone, in any event."
Dimitri nods quietly in Alex's direction. "We must remember, Alex... the world does not revolve around Starfall... Maidstone has its own political priorities."
Alex nods to Dimitri, "That's why I was asking about the assassination investigation, actually." Horatio nods quietly and glances to Father, to see what his expression throughout all this has been.
Reginald answers the question this time. "Nothing that's been disclosed, at least. Nobody's been arrested for it."
Alex sighs, looking faintly downcast, "Poor lady." Dimitri frowns again, pacing a bit.
Horatio shakes his head. "The trail may be cold now, I'm afraid. Unless whomever did it tries again..."
Alex gives Horatio an aghast look, "Barnacles, I hope not!"
Horatio says, "I hope not, either, Alex, I really do. That's the last thing I would wish upon Maidstone."
The elder fox has been listening carefully, gauging things before tossing in his own observations. "Not likely, this close together. Bodyguards always get more alert for a while after an attempt."
Alex nods at her father's comment and murmurs softly, "Good."
Horatio blinks to Father and nods quietly. "True." He grins. "It's hard to imagine Ludmilla being anything but alert at any time." He gives a bit of a shiver at the memory of the Queen's bodyguard physically shaking the would-be assassin.
Reginald grins. "True... but I suspect that she does have to sleep and use the restroom just like us lesser mortals." Alex takes a breath, then snorts a giggle in spite of herself at Reginald's words! She blushes again and covers her mouth. Horatio chuckles softly and nods quietly at Reginald's comment.
Carroll murrs, "In any event, your graces, I felt that you would be interested in knowing of our progress, at the very least." He smiles and adds, "I thought you might also have some suggestions as to what would be most effective in our defense."
The Duchess smiles. "I appreciate your taking us into your confidence." The smile turns sultry as she looks at the Count again. "And I'm very glad to have finally met Count St. Genevieve."
Carroll replies to the Duchess' first statement by stating, "We could hardly do less after your kindness, Your Grace. I hope we can continue to work with you so well even past the resolution of this issue." The second half he lets his father handle.
Alex glances up at Carroll interestedly, "Carroll, I was thinking... what if we put Daddy and the bodyguards on the Maidstone naval courier ship and we followed along? We could slip the Mare in quietly at night and make sure Daddy has back up and have a way to leave, and-" she pauses, thinking, then gravely adds, "-and... I bet it wouldn't hurt to have an armed ship accompanying the Maidstone courier. Think about it, guys... if the mongoose knew that ship was all that stood between him and disaster... and he's already shown his willingness to use assassins?"
Carroll answers Alex by saying, "Putting our Father on the courier ship and then having us go someplace completely elsewhere might be more effective."
Horatio frowns slightly to Alex. "If he's on a Maidstone courier... true, once Pravinchandra finds out we found Father he probably won't pull any more punches, but go after us with everything. On a Maidstone courier, with us accompanying him... Pravinchandra would surely not risk an incident! But... he might send his... ahem, 'pirates' after us.
Alex frowns, thinking... then nods reluctantly, "Actually, having us act as bait is the best idea, I think... but if we're going to do that we should send all the bodyguards with Daddy, don't you think? Hm... there is one other thing to keep in mind too -- if we do this, it won't be a surprise when Daddy arrives in Council."
Carroll explains for the minks, "The Queen has suggested that we might travel with diplomatic immunity aboard a Maidstone naval courier ship as Royal Companions. I can't help but think it an excellent way to get safely to Starfall, not to mention a very generous offer of the crown."
Alex turns to her father, "Daddy, what's the most important goal here for you, please? To arrive in Council completely by surprise? or to arrive with diplomatic immunity?"
Carroll asks, "Why not both?"
Alex says, "Well... don't arrivals with diplomatic immunity have to announce themselves?"
Carroll hmms, "Only as he enters the city, I think."
Horatio says, "Going for complete surprise would keep Pravinchandra from preparing for your arrival, Father, if he doesn't find out. However, if he does find out, it would be ten times more dangerous."
Alex says, "And it wouldn't surprise me, pardon me for saying so, if House P had someone quietly on their payroll with contact information like that?"
Carroll murrs, "He could stop elsewhere -- Ettore, for instance -- and plan."
Alex says a little grimly, "That might be all the time he needs, Carroll. And asking the Maidstone courier to dock at Ettore isn't wise, I think."
Horatio nods quietly. "We can't let Pravinchandra even suspect that we use Ettore."
Count St. Genevieve considers. "Complete surprise is probably not going to work anyway. The point is to not allow him any time to prepare a response. Diplomatic immunity is important for you, though, not for me."
Alex frowns and nods at her father's words, thinking... then looks up quietly, "Carroll... you should be on the courier ship. You and either Horatio or Dimitri... and I'll keep Daddy on the Saucy Mare, to dock at Ettore, so he can plan, then meet secretly with Farwing. I think that's the best idea... so you can stand with him in Council."
Carroll looks at his sister and murrs, "I'd feel better if you were with us. You'll need immunity too." He adds, "And that way Pravinchandra will think he knows where we all are, instead of looking for the missing fox."
Alex says, "Let him look, Carroll. You know as well as I that someone must stay with the Mare, and that you must stand with Daddy in Council."
Horatio thinks. For one, there's no way Dimitri would go with that plan. That means he and Carroll would be going on the courier. "We need to be careful about what we want to do here," he says quietly. "What is our goal? To help Father expose Pravinchandra in front of the city Council?" Alex looks a little guiltily at Horatio. She knows Dimitri's unlikely to quietly go with their father but... she needs a navigator for the narrow passage. And she knows their father needs Carroll, his son and heir, next to him in Council. Horatio frets for a moment, then turns to the minks. "Forgive my impudence, your Grace, but... what was your reaction to learning that we had retrieved our father via magic at Mt. Kali?"
The Duchess chuckles ruefully. "Shock. And for that one moment there's the residual superstitious fear that you're some kind of powerful wizard."
Alex smiles at the duchess, "No... it's just me." She waves a small paw, "And my family. Just us." She tilts her head, smiling quietly, suddenly very happy -- they're together again.
The mink smiles. "And you don't look much like a wizard at all, dear."
Alex nods cheerfully, "Nope! I'm not even sure what they're supposed to look like, to be honest."
Carroll hrms and murrs to their hosts, "As you can see there are many possibilities open to us at this point." He smiles and adds, "I hope we are able to choose the wisest, and return soon with this difficulty resolved. I am glad to have been able to introduce you, and to let you see we are making progress in our goals." he chuckles, "It's much more likely that we're fairly lucky and fairly foolhardy, honestly, Your Grace." Alex grins unrepentantly at Carroll!
Horatio nods softly and sighs. "That is to be expected. However, my fear is that we will bring our father before the council and Pravinchandra will recover quickly enough from that shock to build on the other council members' fears of that." He shakes his head. "Captain, Father... the only recommendation I can give is that we think this out very carefully. We need to do something soon, before Pravinchandra learns that you're with us and begins to prepare for our return to Starfall... but we can't rush." Alex nods firmly at Horatio's words.
Count St. Genevieve says, "There's no reason to tell them where you found me. I don't think that's a problem we need to worry much about."
Alex says, "Still... why do we have to tell them how Daddy got back? That's not the issue here -- Pravinch- right, what Daddy said! The issue is the horrible things the mongoose is doing... not transportation issues!" She grins.
Carroll nods and murrs, "Yes. I think the best idea is to split up, as much as I dislike it. Send the Mare off to Ettore with Alex, Horatio, and Father, and let Dimitri and I return to Starfall to be a thorn in Pravinchandra's side and a distraction. That might work."
Count St. Genevieve says, "Now what I was thinking... if you go in with diplomatic immunity and demand a hearing, and then call me as a witness..."
Alex grins delightedly again, clapping her small paws, "Oh, Daddy, that's a good idea!"
Carroll murrs, "I'm more than willing to let our solicitor tell us the best tack in court."
Alex nods happily, "Horatio and I can take the Mare in to Ettore, Carroll, don't worry." She grins ruefully at her father, "Hope you don't mind the smell of fish on the slow ride in from Ettore to Starfall though!"
Count St. Genevieve says, "Fish?"
Carroll chuckles and murrs, "We can explain later."
Alex giggles! -then beams exuberantly, "So, do we have a plan?"
Horatio coughs slightly, then nods, "I think we do, yes. We end it in one swoop." Barring any unpleasant surprises from Pravinchandra, that is... He's still worried, though. He feels like he's forgotten something, something important. Something that can get them killed.
Carroll looks back to their hosts and murrs, "Unless you have more business for us we would be happy to let you get back to your evening. As you can see we apparently have a plan in mind. If there is anything I can do for you, please, ask and I shall do what I can."
Alex glances a little wistfully at Carroll and her father and wishes there were some way for all of them to be there, to see the mongoose's travails... still... they'll tell her about it, and this is the best way to do it that she can think of. She adds, "Oh, we should let the queen know you and Mitya will be taking the courier ship too, Carroll, yes?"
Carroll nods and murrs, "We'll have to arrange that, yes."
The Count nods to the Duchess. "We should be getting back to our ship, I suppose. I'm very pleased to have met you, your Grace, and I hope we can... renew the acquaintance sometime when we're not so busy." He takes her hand in farewell and gently caresses it with his lips. "Au revoir." Alex's ears tilt up interestedly at her father's actions... then she turns her head away slightly, grinning! Carroll watches the Duchess' response. Horatio blinks a little, and finds sudden interest in the architecture in the corner over there...
The Duchess smiles. "I would be... very pleased to do that, your Excellency. Good luck with your assault on the mongoose." Alex glances at Reginald, her eyes twinkling, curious as to his reaction also! Reginald is completely deadpan, not paying any attention to the by-play at all. Apparently he's used to his mother's antics.