Reality Fault - Starfall: Logs for 29September2000

The next day is just like most of the others in the tropics -- clear and warm. The locals claim that the rainy season is close, but so far it hasn't arrived. A bit after noon, a rather grubby-looking wolf approaches the gangway of the Saucy Mare and says he has a message for the captain.

Alex nods and has two marines escort the wolf on board while someone else is sent for Carroll. Since the incident with the attempted kidnapping she knows the marines are more alert, and she's not sure she likes the looks of this wolf. Carroll comes down to the deck, meeting the wolf there, murring, "I'm the Captain, Carroll St. Genevieve. You had a message?"

The wolf grins, winking at Alex. His voice suddenly shifts an octave and the vixen notes the shimmer of magic around him. "Not bad, not bad. Let's go below, shall we?"

Alex steps quietly in front of Carroll, "In a moment, please." She tries to remember where she's heard that voice before... could this be the queen playing, perhaps? But only color, not species, changed, right?

Carroll becomes more dubious, and asks, "What's wrong with right here?"

Alex frowns, her ears tilted sharply with suspicion at the strange wolf... then ah!s, brightening, and grins up at Carroll behind her, "It's okay, Carroll!" She remembers where she's heard that voice before -- ambassador Rishali! Alex sniffsniffs curiously, wondering if the magic covers scent too. Apparently so... and apparently the wolf is none too clean! Alex's nose wrinkles slightly and she grins.

Horatio looks up at the wolf's change in voice; he had been on deck when the messenger arrived, and had tried to stay discretely out of the way with a book. When the wolf speaks though, with the change in tone, his ears perk slightly, and he stands to join his siblings. Carroll ah-has quietly, and murrs, "Oh, I see. This way." He leads belowdecks, murring, "We'll need Cleo, won't we?"

Alex nods to Carroll, "We could just meet in her medical rooms... or would you prefer your cabin?"

Carroll murrs, "Have we anybody laid up sick?"

Alex shakes her head to Carroll's question and grins, "Who'd be sick in a port town, with R&R available?"

Carroll murrs, "Anybody hurt on deck. The medical room will be fine." Alex nods and leads the way, so she can alert Cleo quietly.

Eventually Cleo, Alex, Horatio, Carroll, and the Ambassador are gathered in Cleo's sickbay. The caribou sighs in relief as she drops the disguise spell. "The tough part is doing it without showing it to another mage, you know."

Alex smiles. "I wouldn't have given you a second glance on the street, ambassador, to be honest. But on the Mare... that's different."

Rishali grins. "That is the whole idea. No connection between me and you folks." Under the disguise spell, the caribou is dressed in a loose tunic and a short skirt, a sedate mottled green and tan rather than one of the loud shirts. She sits down and looks at the four. "What I'd like to teach you, if possible, are two spells. One to detect the presence of poisoned weapons, fairly diagnostic of our friends from Bharat -- and the other to counteract the effect of their usual poison."

Carroll smiles, but remains quiet. Alex brightens eagerly, "Oh, good!" and settles down cross-legged, ears interestedly perked up at the caribou.

Horatio blinks. "All of us...?" he asks quietly.

Rishali shrugs. "Well, no... just Dame Alex and Ms. Cleo, here. No offense, but you boys aren't mages. I did want to let you all know what I'm doing, though, and before we start into the technical aspects I thought I'd answer any questions you might have."

Horatio ohs! "Sorry. No, we're not, I know I'm certainly not -- they determined that well enough at the Academy."

Rishali looks carefully at Horatio. "You might be able to follow it, though. Enough to be able to make an equivalent potion, at least."

Horatio blinks again and nods quietly, retrieving a paper and quill from his satchel to take notes. Carroll asks, "Is it possible to become inured to this poison?"

Rishali frowns. "You mean build up an immunity? No, not really. It's nasty stuff, and it'll hurt you even in sub-lethal doses. That's one reason they use it."

Alex eews softly to herself. Carroll frowns a bit and nods, listening. Horatio winces a little at that, and makes a quiet note of that on the paper. Carroll asks, "Are the dosages cumulative?"

The caribou nods again. "Pretty much so. If the dose isn't lethal, it takes a while for the body to get rid of it -- until it does, another small dose can kill.

Carroll frowns, "Nasty stuff. Tell them how to fight it. I fear we'll need to know." Alex nods quietly at Carroll's words.

Horatio coughs slightly. "Er... I was perhaps wondering, now that we're talking of them... how far does their reach extend...?"

Alex adds to Horatio's question, "And um... oh! -and are they likely to try finding another um... 'local sponsor' -- like say someone disaffected but powerful? And do you have any idea where the pirates might hang out for stuff like selling their wares and R&R? or any idea who the pirates might turn to next? and how might the prince react, if Costa Yermo doesn't accord women the right to make their own decisions, to the queen turning him down? and um..." she blinks, realizing how many questions she's blurted out, and the tips of her ears turn pink, "-uhh... that's all really... uh, for now..."

Horatio blinks, looking to Alex. "I think you're more thorough than I when it comes to this sort of thing." Alex blushes a bit more at Horatio's comment!

Rishali sighs. "Too far. Farther than we'd thought, apparently. They've got Bharat pretty well under their thumbs, and they've made some gains in Karaganda and Maharisha. Possibly Khem, and probably the Han Empire -- though they may have their own homegrown assassin's guild. They've been trying to infiltrate westward from Bharat for the most part -- we ran across them in the Hundred Realms a while back. This is the first time they've tried to come east across the Seafolk Ocean though, that we know of."

Alex looks suddenly fascinated, forgetting to remain politely quiet, "Ooh... maybe they're having trouble going that way now -- maybe folks are starting to fight back? That would be nice, if so."

Horatio considers. "Perhaps Pravinchandra really was their front man in Starfall, after all..." he murmurs. "Then what we did would have delayed them, set back their timetable... maybe..."

The caribou sighs. "Well, I hope so. The Goddess knows we've been trying to deal them setbacks in the Realms, after all. And regardless of what their plans were, I'm sure you messed them up a bit."

Carroll comments, mildly, "Oh, I'm sure they're so pleased by this, and will wish our family only good will." Alex grins ruefully. Horatio sighs quietly, looking down at the paper in his hands. Jessie, I'm sorry, he thinks quietly. Carroll asks, "Does anyone know their goals, or is it just raw power?"

Rishali leans back, thinking about Alex's questions. "They seem to be interested in control, really -- power for its own sake. And their usual modus operandi is just what they've done here. Either bribe or threaten a local figure into following their orders, usually someone who's interested in moving up in the world -- though on occasion they've just gone after the man at the top."

Carroll looks at the caribou and murrs, "I wonder if we haven't befouled them twice, then."

Horatio blinks, looking to Carroll. "Twice?"

Rishali's eyes narrow. "Iago, you're thinking?"

Alex blinks puzzledly at Carroll, "What? How do you mean, Carroll?"

Carroll replies to his brother, "Both Pravinchandra and Ambassador Bridgewater." He looks at the mage and murrs, "I hope not. They'd have to react, and it would be with more fervor than merely that of a jilted lover."

Horatio frowns slightly. "Good point..."

Alex nods, "I'd think someone arrogant, ruthless, and greedy, like Chandra, would be easier to manipulate too... and from what I've..." she pauses, her eyes widening slightly, then looks at Rishali, "Assassins know a lot of poisons, right? Slow ones as well as fast ones?" She gives Carroll a worried glance, "There's no doubt then that Iago's poisoning his father? So... where'd the poison come from?"

Carroll murrs, "I heard only a very firm rumor, but... that's a valid point."

Horatio blinks to Alex. "I had imagined," he murmurs, "-the possibility of a coincidence, but I hadn't dared to actually link them, for want of proof..."

Rishali nods. "It's a distinct possibility. Certainly there are other sorts of poisons, although it's certainly possible that Iago has a home-grown variety."

Alex sighs, "The scary thing is... I wonder if Queen Arianna hinting broadly that she'd marry Iago if he came here... would save the old king's life." She frowns, brooding... then sighs and shakes her head again, "Probably not, if he'd stoop to poison in the first place... and it wouldn't be right for the queen to do that anyways."

Carroll murrs, "My guess would be that, if anything, it would end the king's life more quickly."

Alex nods quietly, adding, "If he's bold enough to poison his father... that probably means he doesn't fear the law in his land." Her voice is quiet and heartfelt, "His poor people..."

Rishali snorts. "Once he's king, Dame Alex, he is the law. Costa Yermo isn't big on the concept of the Rule of Law."

Alex nods quietly, still thinking. Carroll asks, "How likely is it that the assassins and Costa Yermo have anything to do with each other?"

The caribou shrugs. "Hard to say. Costa Yermo is not a very powerful nation. They wouldn't put a lot of effort into it... but they'd certainly be willing to put a little bit in. Iago might even have hired their services."

Carroll nods, and murrs, "If you will excuse me, I am busy worrying about my own skin. I'm going to be quiet and let you teach the mages."

Alex says grimly, "What about the pirates? I'd guess that's more Iago's speed perhaps?"

The caribou shrugs. "He's probably dealing with the pirates that operate in the Buccaneer Sea. Guaymas is pretty much a pirate port. The ones in the Gulf of Sehala stage out of Tiara in the Karadan Empire."

Alex blinks a little startledly, "Whoa! I had no idea we were so close to them! Oh! Of course... because it's near Mt. Kali and folks avoid the area... that makes sense." She thinks a moment, then adds curiously, "So the prince likes having pirates in his lands? Or is there another magical nexus there too that rational folks avoid?"

Rishali nods. "It's a poor country -- they bring in stolen goods at well below market prices. He tolerates them in that one city."

Carroll murrs, "So now we know where the local pirates are, as well as pirates for Costa Yermo. We know Iago's interested in a marriage with Queen Arianna, although not why. We can guess he won't be happy at a refusal. We can surmise that the assassins' guild won't be happy with what we did to Pravinchandra. We can hope they're not related."

Alex nods slowly at Carroll's concise summation, then glances at the caribou mischievously, "And we know the Ha'Sheerans have their fingers in a lot of pies, on both sides of the world -- but seem to be on the side of the angels right now!" She grins hopefully, "Anything else you can tell us?"

Rishali nods. "We can hope." She starts getting a few things out of her pouch, spell components apparently for the lesson ahead. "One last thought, though I hope it won't give you nightmares. The Society of the Mountain's headquarters is indeed on a mountain -- and it appears to be a nexus point. The head of the Society has been known as Lord Vashti for the past three centuries. We... don't think it's a title that's being passed on." Alex blinks slowly, her eyes widening! Carroll looks fairly impressed or stunned or something. He's not quite gaping.

Rishali spends the afternoon and part of the evening teaching Cleo and Alex the detect poison and healing spells. Horatio watches and listens, working out the details of how to make an antidote potion for this most virulent toxin. Eventually, everyone is satisfied with the results and the caribou takes her leave, this time in the guise of a rather lush skunk-femme in seriously abbreviated clothing -- complete with olfactory effects. She again manages somehow to produce the effect with no trace of magical aura once the spell is in place. She waves to the gangway guards as she leaves, giggling at their puzzlement -- they hadn't seen anyone like that come on board!

Baroness Morgana is the person to talk to for behind the scenes diplomacy, so Alex has Matthew arrange an appointment to discuss van der Berg's request and to update the Queen on anything else that might turn up. The appointment is for two days after the party, the day after Ambassador Rishali's magic lessons.

Alex dresses neatly and carefully for her trip to the palace to meet Matthew's mother, the Baroness... then, with the two ubiquitous marines from the Mare, walks up the hill in plenty of time. As usual it's a lovely day, and she sees no reason to not give herself time to enjoy it!

The palace guards salute Dame Alex and her entourage, and shortly after she arrives, Matthew appears to lead her through the maze of corridors to his mother's office. The Baroness waves Alex in. "Come in, come in. Sit down. What's on your mind today?"

Alex smiles and nods politely, then seats herself. "Well... I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you, baroness, on behalf of the acting ambassador for Starfall? See... well, he's quite worried that he's too blunt for this job, being a military man. Um..." she grins, "-personally, I'm guessing he'll do fine, because he's a very astute man, I think... but he asked me if I could pass his concern on to the queen... so I checked with Matthew, and he says you're the right person to talk to, baroness. Basically, acting ambassador van der Berg doesn't want to accidentally mess up relations between Starfall and Maidstone... which he's worried will happen should he inadvertently offend someone from Maidstone by speaking bluntly. He was wondering, if that should happen, if you would be willing to speak quietly to that person and let them know he didn't mean to offend?"

Morgana grins. "Well, he might offend some diplomats, but I think he's worrying a bit too much. More to the point, he doesn't have all the diplomatic code words down, so he might say something he doesn't mean. I'll warn them about it, no problem." The mouse leans back and grins. "So, how'd you like the party?"

Alex looks relieved and pleased, "Thank you so much, baroness! I'm sure it will greatly relieve poor Commander van der Berg!" She grins happily, "Oh, it was a lovely party, I must say! I hope the queen had a good time too!" She pauses, thinking... then smiles a bit more ruefully, "Well... during the first half, at least, when she got to just play..."

Morgana nods. "I think that's why she did it that way. As long as no one other than the tigress and I officially knows who she is, she can have fun." Her ears twitch up. "And she was spending a lot of time with your brother, I noticed."

Alex nods, her brow furrowing slightly in worry, "Well... as long as she takes someone along with her, I suppose it's safe?" She pauses, listening to the mouse's second comment... then just smiles with quiet happiness, "Indeed." She thinks a moment, then tilts her head curiously, "Might I ask what you and the baroness Kerensky think of that, baroness?"

Morgana runs a paw through her whiskers. "I can't say what Kerensky thinks of it, but I think she could do much worse. I approve of your brother."

Alex brightens happily, "Thank you, baroness!" She smiles more quietly, adding, "And thank you for being kind enough to tell me that..." her grin gets mischievous, "-although I don't think I'll tell Carroll! He's so cute when he's- er..." she blushes slightly, "-well um... I guess that's kinda personal... um..." she searches desperately for some other -- any other! -- topic, then says brightly, "So! Is there anything we can do to help you all out for your kindness to the acting ambassador, baroness?"

Morgana smiles at Alex's embarrassment, but politely doesn't say anything more about that subject. "Just one question... I noticed that you and Lord Horatio were closeted with the Ha'Sheeran ambassador for a while at the party. Anything we might want to know about?"

Alex says, "Oh! Yes, actually, if the ambassador's not told you already... it seems Don Carlos is now trying to use magic to accomplish his goals. He dropped a magical eavesdropping item into Horatio's lady's pocket." Alex's ears tilt back in irritation as she adds, "We've not let on to him that we know yet... but we certainly consider this a bit of information worth quietly passing on to people that should know what lengths the don will stoop to, baroness."

Morgana nods. "She hasn't been back since the party, but she usually passes things like that on eventually. We already know about Don Carlos and his boss. Prince Iago is a bit, shall we say, disappointed that the Regent's initial overtures were discontinued by the Queen after she reached her majority."

Alex nods, "Okay then. I just thought you guys might want to know." She pauses a moment, then adds softly, "He's... a creep! -but would he be stupid enough to um... do something rash?"

Morgana considers this. "Hmmm. Rash... probably not. Iago is very good about not letting stuff get traced back to him. If Don Carlos actually got caught doing something, Iago would disavow him so fast it would take your breath away. So whatever he does, it won't be rash, and it won't be unnecessary in his opinion. That said... I wouldn't put it past him to try to interfere with a new suitor to the Queen."

Alex nods thoughtfully, then after a moment asks curiously, "Is he the type to buy pirates, like House Pravinchandra? Or... how big does he think? Would he um... keep to sneaky techniques to get Queen Arianna to agree to marry him, or would he possibly try something bigger, more grandiose?"

"Hmm. There's Guaymas, but that's not really his doing. His father and his uncle before him let that place support pirates. He might, he might not. He wouldn't do it directly, though."

Alex nods thoughtfully... then sighs, "All right then. We'll just have to watch our backs real carefully." She smiles a little ruefully, "Pity the days of duels are over... it would make things so much easier sometimes!" She grins.

Morgana grins. "You're thinking of Starfall again, dear. Duels are perfectly legal here. There's no guarantee he'd accept, though."

Alex laughs! "Good point! And there is that too, of course... if he doesn't care about honor any more, he wouldn't be bothered to refuse a duel either."

The mouse shrugs. "There's a difference between honor and face. If he turns down a duel, especially with a female... could go either way, there. He could play it as being chivalrous by not accepting 'cause you'd be hurt, and you'd have to really push to embarrass him instead."

Alex grins wickedly, "I like to think I'm ah... imaginative, should that situation ever arise."

Morgana's grins mirrors the vixen's. "I think I'd like to see that. Anything else? I've got more paperwork to attend to, I'm afraid."

Alex smiles and shakes her head, "No, baroness, and thank you for your time." She'll rise and bow politely. The Baroness calls Matthew back in to lead Alex back out of the palace... by the time the door closes, she's already going through another stack of documents.

Matthew brings another invitation for Alex from the queen the next day. "I'm not really quite sure what she wants, actually. She just requested that you bring Jessie as one of your escorts today, if you can."

Alex looks a little surprised, but simply smiles and nods to Matthew, "No problem. Let me make sure it's okay with the captain and the master of marines first... and if so I'll be happy to do so. Um... how formal are we looking at, Matthew, d'you know?"

An attractive young girl with proud bearing, she carries herself with quiet, thoughtful strength. Despite the pretty lace-trimmed silk shirt she's dressed in a decidedly non-feminine style, with snug bottle-green breeches; well-worn, quality, black riding boots; and long leather fencing gloves (finely embroidered with the house crest, of course) tucked casually into her sturdy leather belt. A plain and practical military epee (with a decidedly well used look to it) hangs at her hip, and there's a golden earring in her left ear, won at the cost of her naivete, but honorably worn with steadfast pride. Her fur is a fiery scarlet, and she regards the world with a pensive, green-eyed gaze.

Matthew frowns. "Actually, she specifically requested informal. She said something about dress appropriate to wandering around the town. Do you have any idea what she's up to now?"

Alex raises an amused eyebrow, "No, but it certainly sounds interesting!" She laughs, "Okay, if it's all right with the captain, then Jessie and I'll be there!" She doesn't say anything, but wonders with cheerful interest if maybe the queen is looking for some um... 'efficient' companions to wander about town with -- companions that aren't over 7 feet tall! She decides to take a small knapsack with her, with a second set of clothing that she might wander around town in... in case the queen's choice of such is a little too grand. She also quietly lets Jessie know to be dressed and be prepared for potential combat in town.

Carroll has no objections, and Matthew, Jessie and Alex are shortly on their way to the palace. Ludmilla is waiting for them, her tail lashing agitatedly.

Alex looks a little surprised at Ludmilla's reaction... then quietly nods to herself. Bet she's right about what the queen wants... Ludmilla nods to the mouse. "She's in the Blue Room, Matthew. You're supposed to take them right over." She falls in behind the three, muttering to herself in her native language. Alex looks to Ludmilla, opening her mouth... then glances at Matthew and falls silent, following him with a quiet smile. She'll ask later, in private, if her suspicions are correct.

Matthew leads the way, knocking at the door before opening it. Two guards in the Dunbarton colors are flanking the door on the inside -- a raccoon and a leopard -- but the queen is not there. "I guess we have to wait."

Alex eyes the guards thoughtfully, trying to tell if either of them are the queen in disguise. The raccoon seems a bit fidgety for a guard. And she's a bit skinny for a raccoon... the pieces fall into place a moment later. Arianna has been playing with the disguise spell again. Alex smiles and winks at the queen, then politely doesn't stare... instead she murmurs quietly to Ludmilla, "Let me guess, baroness... your discomfort would indicate to me that the queen would like to go wandering about town without um... her usual coterie. Am I correct?"

Ludmilla growls under her breath. "Da. Foolishness, I am thinkink. But... she is ze queen."

Alex tilts her head thoughtfully, looking up at the huge, unhappy tigress. "Hm... well, I can certainly understand her desire to... er..." how to politely say 'to not have to be a rigid and personality-less figurehead'? "-to relax a bit, and just be herself? Um... what might make you feel more comfortable about her doing so, baroness?"

Ludmilla just looks at Alex. "You are havink to be kiddink, yes? She wants to run around out zere, wissout even a proper bodyguard, and you sink I can feel comfortable about it??" She sighs. "Alzough... I am wishink she hadn't used ze spell for the party."

Alex raises an eyebrow. Hmf! She and Jessie may not be a 'proper bodyguard,' but they're certainly capable! She folds her arms, her eyebrow still raised... but decides regardless of affront it would be polite to try to let Ludmilla know who else is in the room with them. She stares intently at Ludmilla, trying to meet her eyes... then she'll glance as meaningfully as she can back and forth between the tigress and the pseudo-raccoon, without moving her head.

Matthew sighs in turn. "It's not like she'll be going out alone, 'Milla. We've been through this already." The tigress glares at the raccoon-furred guard. "You are not foolink any of us, you know."

The mouse gives this away as a fib by spinning around and staring. "Your Majesty?"

Alex smiles and remains silent. Looks like this is between them. She'll let them work things out... and she'll be there if the queen wants her. She covers a small grin at Matthew's reaction... although she is curious as to how Jessie reacts too! Jessie turns to look, and nods. "Actually, it's quite good." She walks over and sniffs. "It covers the scent, too, which is the toughest part of a disguise."

Alex nods, then grins, "Poor foxy raccoon... guess she will be incommunicado for a while, eh?"

Queen Arianna grins and steps away from the wall, dismissing the other guard as she does. "Thank you, sergeant. Go guard the other me until I get back, okay?"

Arianna is in disguise, her fur in raccoon gray and white, and only the black mask over her eyes looking like her normal self. She makes a skinny raccoon, but only those who know her very well will easily spot her features under the different fur. She's dressed as one of her own guards, wearing the green-on-green uniform tunic and trousers. She seems comfortable enough with the sword.

Alex smiles and starts to bow -- then politely changes it to a courteous nod. She's not sure if it will work, but perhaps it'll help Ludmilla feel a touch less agitated -- that Alex can suppress behaviors that will break the illusion. She grins wryly to herself... actually, she's guessing nothing will de-agitate the unhappy tigress except being planted firmly by the queen's side!

Arianna just shakes her head. "Ludmilla, I appreciate your concerns.. but I've finally got the chance to get outside the palace. I've been cooped up here for the last six years, and I need a vacation." Alex's eyes widen slightly -- how awful for the poor woman! She hastily covers her startlement, trying to look grave, thoughtful, and responsible... for Ludmilla's sake as well as for Arianna's. "Besides," the queen continues, "I've been in here for six years. Who's going to suspect I've decided to step out today if I do it without a fanfare?" Alex grins at the queen, her eyes dancing with amusement... then hastily starts planning. If the queen asks her where's fun to go... where should she take her? Where would be fun, but not dangerous as well?

Ludmilla just grumbles. "As you command, your majesty."

The pseudo-raccoon's eyes flash, for a moment looking very much like herself. "As long as you remember that." She sighs. "'Milla... I know you're nervous about this. But I've got to get out of this palace before I go crazy. There comes a time when safety becomes a prison."

Alex ahems softly, then says, "May I say something, please, your majesty?"

Arianna nods. "Certainly, Sir Alex."

Alex smiles, rather touched that the queen was thoughtful enough to refer to her in the way she prefers... but this must be said, she thinks. She takes a breath. "Well, if I understand correctly, you want to go wandering around town with Jessie and myself. I haven't checked with Jessie yet if this is okay with her, but I'd like to come to some arrangements with you first before I agree to this." She pauses, thinking, then says slowly, "First... I'd like you to choose a different name for us to use while in town. Second, I want to be sure you understand what pretending to be a guardsman means. You won't be getting bows or anything, or even the small automatic courtesies of um... well, like getting to go through a doorway first, or having someone bring your food or drink to you. You'll have, in effect, to shift for yourself... or your disguise will be compromised. Third, I want to leave a list of places we're likely to visit with the baroness Kerensky... and fourth, I want it clearly understood that while we're doing this, if I'm going to be responsible for your safety... then I also will be leading this little expedition. That means if I say you stand here or there and just watch behind us... you do. Or if I say it's time to run -- we run. No questions asked -- just do it." She pauses, then politely asks, "Is that all right with you, your majesty?"

The tigress is nodding throughout this whole list, looking at Alex with more respect than usual. Arianna nods. "I'll follow your lead, Sir Alex." She grins. "It's not like I ever get to go through doors first anyway."

Alex nods, looking faintly relieved. She pauses again a moment, thinking... then turns to Jessie. "Jessie, I have a great deal of confidence in your abilities, trustworthiness, and steadiness under fire, and I would very much like your company in doing this... but I won't tell you to do something you feel uncomfortable with. So..." she grins, "I'll ask instead. Will you help me make sure the queen has a nice and safe time in town?"

Jessie sweeps a bow to the room, doffing her cap. She straightens again, settles the cap back on her head, and grins. "I think we can manage something. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Alex grins at Jessie, then looks back at the others. "Then... a bit of help in where we might go, and we're ready if you folks are."

Alex leaves the palace in a cheerful mood, with her companions. She hopes Ludmilla liked her last suggestion before leaving -- for Ludmilla to spend some of her 'off' time with the St. Genevieve family, so it's not unusual for her to be seen around town with them. That way, should the queen wish to go out on the town again she could magically 'swap' with Alex -- and Ludmilla could reasonably go along with her! Alex is humming quietly and happily under her breath as she briskly heads down the hill towards the docks. As she tells her two companions, she wants to let her siblings know she'll be out for a while, and ask them if they'd like to come along on the browse through town.

Alex patters on board the Mare with a cheery wave and a greeting for the marines on duty, and waves her companions over with her as she knocks lightly on Carroll's door, then peeks in, "Hiya, Carroll! Got a moment?" She adds, as she notices Horatio, "Hiya to you too, Horatio!"

Carroll looks up from the sheaf of maps he and Horatio are looking at, and murrs, "Hello, Alex, yes, of course, come in. How did your audience go?"

Horatio looks thoughtfully and worriedly at the maps for a few moments more, before blinking and realizing Alex was talking to him. He looks up and smiles. "Hello, Alex!"

Alex grins, entering and waving her friends in, "It went swimmingly! Carroll, Horatio, this is Corporal Rana. Rana, this is my oldest brother and the captain of the Saucy Mare, Carroll St. Genevieve, and this is my youngest-but-still-older-brother Horatio, the navigator and the best rigging designer I know!" She adds cheerfully to her brothers, "We were just gonna go browse around town some. Do either of you want to come along?" She makes sure the door is quietly closed behind everyone so there are no voices drifting outside, of course.

'Corporal Rana' bows. "Very pleased to meet you both, milords. Her majesty asked your sister to show me around town, since I'm new here."

Carroll smiles pleasantly and murrs, "I'd be happy to accompany you." He stands and pads over to where his cloak hangs, commenting, "I'm certain I'll enjoy it as much as if I were escorting Her Majesty herself." He looks dead on at the raccoon when he says this, and then smiles pleasantly.

Horatio blinks in surprise at the praise and straightens slightly, almost unconsciously, but more out of trying to look the part of what Alex has introduced him as, than out of pride. But when he looks at the guard he straightens a bit more. "Ah... ah, erm, I'd be the last to, ah, say I was the best rigging designer, mi- er, Corporal." Making mention of who she is would be contraindicated, I think... "Though that's very good of Alex, actually... and going with you two sounds like a good idea, actually." He looks up to Carroll, being very careful to hide his thoughts. Heavens and mercury, I hope Ludmilla knows. No, don't be silly, the Queen would certainly tell Baroness Kerensky. Now stop worrying. This will be a fine day.

Alex folds her arms and grins proudly (and somewhat unsurprisedly) at her siblings, then giggles softly, "Hey... my brothers are the best, yo- um, Rana!" Then she bounces on her toes slightly, grinning at Carroll excitedly, "So I checked for some nice places to go and I've got a list and it should be okay they should all be nice places and shall we go and maybe have a nice fun time together and enjoy ourselves since we've not had a nice day off together in a long time, hmm?!" Her words run together a bit when she speaks swiftly and excitedly.

Arianna just shakes her head. "I hope I can do better fooling people who haven't met me. Of course, I did mention raccoons in front of you... 'Milla made me promise to go along with Sir Alex's suggested security precautions."

Alex smiles at the queen, "It's okay, Carroll knows I'm careful about stuff I'm responsible for."

Carroll nods and murrs, "Alex has never taken duty lightly," to the Queen, who he still has done the courtesy of not naming. He adds, "As long as lunch is part of the afternoon, I think it will be terribly pleasant. What did you have in mind, Alex?"

Alex hms... "Well, we could go to a nice inn for lunch first, or just wander around town a bit, or visit the marketplace, or check out the Silver Talon, or umm... do either of you guys have any place in particular you'd like to go?" She grins, "I know! Let's hit the bazaar first -- I bet Rana's never gotten to go there, and it's fun! Lots of things to look at and see!"

Carroll smiles pleasantly and murrs, "You know I rarely miss a chance to visit the marketplace, myself."

Horatio thinks for a moment. "That sounds good. The bazaar/marketplace. And while we're there, lunch sounds good as well."

Alex says, "Okay!" She practically bounds over to the door, sweeping it open for everyone, "Let's go then -- funness awaits!"

Arianna smiles. "Sounds like an enjoyable way to spend my day off. Let's go!" Carroll concurs and goes outside, calling to the master of marines and announcing that the family has decided a day at the bazaar and out and about is important, and they'll need the regular guard -- as calmly as you please getting ready to leave.

McKenzie adds himself to the party as chief guard, along with Jessie and a couple others. He's not quite sure where the Royal Guard came from, but he suspects something odd is going on.

Carroll casually waves off the Royal Guard, explaining to McKenzie, "This is Corporal Rana, who Alex met at the Palace this morning after her audience. Apparently she had the day off and didn't know what to do with it, and Alex suggested a day out, and we thought we'd like to join them. Perhaps we could find her something less conspicuous than the Guard's uniform at the bazaar."

The bazaar is its usual boisterous, loud, and colorful self, the economic heart of the city. 'Rana' is enthralled, and looks just like a rube in town for the first time.

Alex grins and is pleased Rana's having a good time... but sticks close to her nonetheless. No wandering off accidentally! She ponders what most girls like... dresses and jewelry and stuff, she thinks? Or at least that's what Nanna kept trying to interest Alex in... good enough, then, 'cause Carroll likes those things too! Alex will cheerfully lead folks down that section of the bazaar.

Horatio walks with the others, just watching the color and movement of the bazaar. He's not unaware of the responsibility they have in doing this with Arianna, and he's got very little doubt that Ludmilla would have their hearts if something happened. On the other hand, the chances of someone outside of the immediate Throne staff knowing what she's doing are remarkably remote. Which is all the more reason to be careful. Still... no need to draw attention to us by bringing along the ballistae...

Carroll cheerfully admires and considers various bits of clothing once they arrive, the perfectionist in him raising its ugly-if-well-dressed head. He repeatedly makes suggestions to his siblings, and to the visiting Guard, of things he thinks would suit them, or asks if something would work well for him. As usual, he has excellent taste. Alex thinks getting a 'normal' suit of clothes for the queen is an excellent idea. She'll make practical suggestions where they make sense, pointing things out occasionally -- like this cloth might be preferable to that one, since it doesn't run or fray if a leather belt is cinched on over it. Mostly though she lets Carroll lead -- she knows he's got better taste in clothing than her! The disguised queen is, at first, content to tag along with the group. After she gets used to the idea of being out, though, she takes an interest in the shopping for its own sake. "I do need something to wear off-duty..." She pauses by a storefront selling the latest fashions.

Horatio, as usual, starts to take Carroll's clothing advice with a mildly distracted nod, also as usual filing away the information in one of the dustier corners of his mind... but then reconsiders, and pigeonholes it in a more accessible place. If nothing else, the events in Maidstone's court has impressed on him the fact that a tatty jerkin and leather apron, while perfectly acceptable while working with the athanor and vitriol, would not do by a long shot in court. He glances towards Jessie nearby, and can't hide the quietest of smiles. Besides, I'm not always going to be wearing the apron of an apprentice or journeyman alchemist. And fulminate of salt can do horrible things to a tunic.

Carroll smiles and murrs, "Of course. Have you anything in particular in mind, or are you just looking for something pleasant and casual?" He gestures, "This appears to be a place which might have something interesting."

'Rana' nods. "I thought so, too." She wanders into the shop, Jessie staying right behind her, and starts looking through the merchandise. Jessie watches for a bit, then picks up a dress, "Oh, my... what do you think of this one?" It's a pretty red dress -- or perhaps more like a skirt -- but about knee length and with a 'bib' top -- no sides or back. "This looks like something White Haven might wear, don'tcha think?"

Alex giggles at Jessie's choice! 'Rana' also giggles at the mink. "I think you're right. Do you think I should try something like that?"

Carroll follows them in to the shop, casually looking for other shoppers and the proprietor, and casually making sure McKenzie is checking dark corners. Finding the ladies, he listens to the conversation, replying with, "While I'm certain that either of you would be attractive in that, I'm not sure how ladylike it would be. It would be quite flattering over a patterned underdress, and much less salacious." He doesn't sound as if he intends to dissuade too hard, though.

Horatio looks over at what Jessie's found. Not being a woman, he wouldn't be qualified to say what he thinks of it, except that it looks... drafty. Yes indeed, drafty, that's a fine way of saying it! This, of course, is the analytical part of his mind. The rest of him is quietly boggled by the garment. "Ah... that does seem to be the Duchess's... erm... style, yes," he manages to say lamely. Alex giggles again at Horatio's comment!

Jessie grins and slinks over to Horatio, holding it up in front of her and pirouetting. "And a very fine and minkish style it is. Should I get it?" Rana is holding in laughter at the look on the fox's face. Alex glances around a bit, not only to be alert but also to see if there are any practical-but-nice shirts -- but she can't help delightedly laughing aloud at Horatio's expression!

Carroll also manages not to laugh at his brother's expression. He doesn't interrupt the frisky mink (are there other kinds?) as he doesn't expect that she's being malicious, or that she's teasing Horatio. Looking at the raccoon, he murrs, "That's not the best color for you, that red, with your coloration." He walks down the racks, considering colors and styles.

Horatio does his best to not boggle -- honestly, he tries. In the span of two seconds he tries to find something to say. Drafty? Well, it is the tropics, it's rather warm, so it's not really drafty... Or if it is, which it is, it needn't be... At that point he realizes that he's thinking inanities, "Ahh... er, I mean, well, it, ah... that is... red is... is a very, very good color for you... I think... and... ah... if you like it, ah..."

Alex covers another delighted giggle at her wonderful, shy brother! She finally intercedes, still grinning, for poor Horatio, "Actually, Jessie, what Horatio could really use is someone to help him pick out some nice clothing for wearing when he's not at the uh... not doing alchemical stuff." She glances at her stammering brother, "Don't you agree, Horry?"

The proprietor judges this the auspicious moment to appear. "Milords and ladies, what may I interest you in?" He's a middle-aged opossum of some sort with bright brown and yellow patterns in his fur.

Horatio takes in a breath, and smiles wanly to his sister. "Erm, that might be a very good idea, yes, thanks, Alex..."

Alex grins sympathetically at Horatio -- then blinks in sudden fascination at the proprietor. Dying one's fur in patterns! Now that's an interesting idea!

Carroll smiles and murrs, "Good afternoon, sir! I believe you could help us find some casual dress for the Corporal."

The opossum smiles, his lower-jaw fangs winking in the light. "Certainly, certainly. Let me see... something modern and daring, perhaps, or more traditional?"

Carroll grins and murrs, "If I were to suggest 'modern and daring' I fear it could be taken the wrong way, so I must let the lady decide for herself."

Rana smiles. "Why not something daring?" The proprietor bows and leads them back to the section that the red skirt-dress came from.

Carroll doesn't hover or leer, although the thought that runs through his mind is, 'to keep the Baron from drooling on you.' Instead of being distracted, he quietly checks with McKenzie that all is calm. Alex grins and shakes her head, but follows quietly. Women wear the strangest things sometimes! she thinks amusedly.

"Now, let's see. With your coloration, something in dark blue perhaps?" The opossum finds a twin to the first bib-skirt, but in cobalt blue. "Here we are. And a light blue top to go with it?" He holds up a silk blouse and a silk halter-top, both in light blue. "How daring would you like to be?"

Alex oohs at the color -- very pretty, she thinks! Jessie nudges the 'corporal'. "Go for it. Get the halter." Rana grins. "Do you think I should?"

Alex says honestly, "Well... it's a lovely color... but I don't know much about clothing styles." She glances at Carroll, "What d'you think, Cara? You're the best at this, of us all?"

Carroll returns from his quick check with their guards, and murrs, "What was the question?" When shown, he manages not to stammer, and to reply smoothly, "Ahh... yes, that would be rather attractive." He smiles, and his tail flicks behind him, but he doesn't say anything else." Horatio is, if anything, even more speechless than before. Alex grins mischievously at both her brothers.

Jessie smiles. "I'd like the red one. How much?" The three of them -- well, Jessie and the proprietor -- start haggling. Arianna just watches the by-play, alternately blanching and trying not to giggle at some of the things that are said. Alex grins and rolls her eyes at Rana, amused at Jessie's casual skill at haggling! Carroll's ears perk at the haggling, and he heads over that way to watch quietly and murmur soft suggestions to Jessie if he thinks he can help the mink. He enjoys this part of the shopping, too. Horatio blinks startledly at Jessie's choice of garb.

Alex leans over to whisper to 'Rana,' "You know, if you're worried about someplace hidden to keep anything you buy, you can always stash it in my cabin while we're in town?"

Rana grins back at Alex. "I might take you up on that. I can just imagine what Herself would think about me walking around dressed like that." Alex blinks startledly! -then giggles delightedly again!

Carroll chuckles, murring, "Yes, that might make quite the er, statement at Court." He asks the raccoon, "Are you going to buy it?"

Alex smiles, studying the odd clothing, "It is a pretty color..."

Rana nods. "As soon as they get done deciding how much it should cost."

Carroll mms and murrs, "Haggling only ends when someone gets tired and gives in."

Alex grins ruefully at Carroll and nods, "Yah... been there." She patiently waits, carefully glancing around the room occasionally.

It takes a while, but the opossum and the mink do finally come to an agreement at a reasonable price. Rana is taken aback when the fellow wants to start all over again with her, but manages to get the same price as Jessie by refusing to accept any arguments about the material being more expensive, "...and I happen to know that blue dye costs less than red..." but doesn't fare as well on the halter. Still, for sheltered royalty she doesn't do too badly and makes a fairly respectable bargain. Alex grins as she watches, but doesn't interrupt -- this is Rana's chance to have fun. Carroll will, once again, make quiet suggestions if he feels it will be helpful to the raccoon, but doesn't have to make too many, as she seems to be all right. When the haggling is finally done, 'Rana' pays up and then pauses in the act of scooping up the package. "Is there somewhere I can change?"

Alex blinks -- then says firmly, "I'll come along and help, in case you need a hand, Rana." She's not letting her 'charge' out of her sight!

Horatio blinks a bit in alarm. Change? Here? Into that? Where... ooh dear, I half suspect Ludmilla is not going to be hugely pleased. Deciding that he's probably going to be outnumbered if he makes a fuss, he holds his tongue. Besides, it's not like she can go out whenever she wants and wear something other than what looks like seven stone of court apparel. Carroll chuckles, and wonders if Jessie will change too, and leave his brother a drooling idiot.

Rana and Alex are gone for a few minutes in the back room the proprietor lets them use -- when they come out again, Rana is dressed very daringly in the new outfit, with her uniform bundled up. She's still wearing her sword, belted under the bib, but the overall effect is quite stunning.

Arianna is in disguise, her fur in raccoon gray and white, and only the black mask over her eyes looking like her normal self. She makes a skinny raccoon, but only those who know her very well will easily spot her features under the different fur. She is wearing an outfit worthy of Duchess White Haven -- a knee-length skirt in cobalt blue, with a bib section in front, over a pale blue silk halter-top. The combination leaves a lot of fur exposed.

Alex beams rather proudly, following behind Rana... and, of course, mischievously keeping a close eye on her brothers' reactions! Carroll doesn't fumble. He admires though, and murrs, "Very nice indeed. You'll have to get used to the poor defenseless men staring at you." Alex giggles at her oldest brother!

Arianna grins back at Carroll. "Do you really think so?"

Horatio blinks in surprise. Again, the analytical part of his mind is going, One would not imagine her to be the queen. It wouldn't be the sort of thing one would wear in a fight, of course, sword notwithstanding, and it might garner quiet a bit of attention, which might be dangerous... Outwardly, he tries not to stammer (much) and instead blinks again as if to clear his eyesight. "Ah... I, er, fear my brother's right, Corporal..." he manages to say rather lamely. Not without some trepidation though, realizing his reaction, he looks to Jessie a bit sheepishly.

Alex has to cover another delighted giggle, studiously glancing elsewhere! Then she beams cheerfully, "Well! Shall we keep wandering, or do lunch?"

Jessie and Rana both say, "LUNCH!" in unison, and then stare at each other and giggle.

Carroll replies smoothly to the queen's previous question, "Yes. I expect I'll wind up demonstrating for you repeatedly myself." He answers his sister, "Lunch would be a welcome distraction, yes."

Jessie doesn't seem to mind Horatio's reaction. She sidles up to him and whispers something in his ear, which makes him even more flustered. Alex laughs again, then grins and heads on out, leading the way... leaving Carroll to offer his arm to the Corporal! Carroll does so to the lady raccoon, and murrs, "I'd be pleased to escort you, of course."

Rana takes Carroll's arm delightedly, apparently deciding that this role is even better cover than being a guard. "Why thank you, milord." Alex's ears flick slightly as she heads out, and she grins... but doesn't miss a pace! Horatio's ears turn, if possible, an even brighter shade of red at Jessie's whisper, casting a glance to Alex as he spots her ear flicks. Ooooh, dear...!

Rana and Alex confer over some of the likely lunch spots that Ludmilla suggested, and Alex eventually decides they should try a seafood place down near the wharves, the Orca's Choice. The place is not too large, and being somewhat later than the peak time it is easy to find a place for the group. The dining room is dimly lit and cool (well, for Maidstone) with a menu devoted to fish and shellfish and a selection of ales and wines. Several furs look up as the group enters, but no one seems to notice anything out of the ordinary.

Alex beams and settles in at a large table by the wall, where she can casually keep an eye on things... and so she can also gleefully watch her brothers and their sweeties! She thinks it's terribly cute! Carroll would bristle at being called cute. It's harder to say how he'd react to being connected as Arianna's 'sweetie,' although he'd be wary of it in public. His current focus seems to be having a nice time and spending some time with a lovely lady. He's working very hard at not thinking about what her choosing his family might mean.

Horatio, for his part, is remaining about as casual as can be expected for him, in public with Jessie -- certainly not cool and distant, and working at keeping his inherent shyness at bay. Years of becoming more familiar with the athanor than other people is not an easy thing to break, but he tries, relaxing at least a little seeing that Alex is being alert, and simply enjoying the moment, the company, the atmosphere... For a little while at least it's peaceful and calm, and Horatio can relax a little and come out of his shell.

Alex hungrily orders a nice big paella for everyone, when the waitress comes around -- that way they can all share, and pick out their favorite seafood nibbles! Carroll mms and approves of Alex's choice. Between nibbles he asks the Corporal, "You met Alex today at the Palace, where you work. Did she tell you much about the family?" trying to make idle and unrevealing small talk. Alex grins cheerfully at Carroll and Rana, nibbling a tasty and tender clam assiduously out of its shell, while trying to not get her fingers too sticky!

Rana is a bit unpracticed at competing for food this way, but tries a bit of this and that and soon gets the hang of it. She's a very adaptable young lady, and she seems to be enjoying herself immensely this afternoon. Alex happily shows Rana how to use the dagger tip to pry recalcitrant shellfish open, without either nicking oneself or flinging the offending shell across the room... when it's fun to sneak a bit of food into someone else's mouth and when to take a quick lick-'n'-a-nip out of someone else's fingers as they're about to raise their fingers to their mouth... how to make sure you lick out all the tasty tender bits and rice grains out of the shells... and when to lick one's fingers as opposed to using the damp towelettes -- even on one's whiskers! It's rather obvious that for Alex, sharing paella with her family is as much fun as it is filling.

Carroll works hard at not staring and not acting overprotective, either of which would be foolish. While they probably wouldn't blow anyone's cover, he still wants to avoid them. He casually tells the public, short version of the story of their recovery from Pravinchandra, to the Corporal, if she seems interested.

Rana keeps pace, getting into the game after some false starts and only getting Carroll's fingers by accident once, after which she apologizes. She looks wistful as the meal draws to a close. Alex gives Rana a curious look, "Why d'you look like that, Rana? Is there a particular dessert or something you have in mind?"

Carroll leans back, wiping his fingers carefully and murring, "A lovely afternoon. Have we anything else on the agenda, or are we at loose ends?" He looks promptingly at his sister, who holds in her head the list of cleared places and things.

Horatio glances over to Rana. He can guess, somewhat, at the 'Corporal's' wistful look, and says lightly, "Well, this certainly shan't be the last of days like this, I would be thinking. I certainly enjoyed it, and would look forward to doing this again..."

The disguised queen shakes her head. "It's not that..." She looks around the restaurant and lowers her voice. "It's been so much fun, I'm going to hate going back. We'll have to do this again sometime."

Alex grins at Carroll, still lick-lick-licking her own fingers and whiskers clean, "Um... was thinking maybe of the Silver Talon, or someplace like that... someplace that's fun, and later we can get drinks and a tasty dessert maybe?" She beams at 'Rana,' "I'm glad you're having fun!"

Carroll murrs, "Ah, better be careful with a place like that. I might have to ask the lady to dance," and grins.

Alex laughs! -then brightens noticeably, "Dancing! Ooh, we could do that!"

Horatio blinks. "Dancing?"

Rana shrugs. "Dancing I can do at home."

Alex looks faintly disappointed... then smiles philosophically and hms. "Well... have you been gambling, Rana?"

Horatio blinks again, and looks slowly over to Alex. Now I'm worried. The last time Alex went gambling, she came back with half the house! Or was that the time before last? Carroll chuckles, and murrs, "Now, that's dangerous. I'll try and explain to her how it works, and get all technical and boring."

The raccoon grins. "I don't think I'd mind that too much. Gambling does sound like fun."

Alex giggles at Carroll -- then cheerfully informs Rana, "Carroll taught me how to gamble -- he's good! -and a good teacher too!" She beams again, "Okay then! Let's see... do we want to change clothes at the Mare first, Carroll, so we look as nice as Rana?" Her grin gets wicked as she glances at Horatio and Jessie, "Maybe Jessie'd like to change too?"

Horatio straightens in his seat. "Ah... er... pardon...?"

Carroll smiles a pointed smile and asks, "Would you like that, Jessie?"

Jessie grins. "Sure! Then we'd match, y'know. Pity we didn't get one for Lady Alex."

Alex ack!s, then rolls her eyes amusedly, "Bright Lady keep me safe from more dresses!" She giggles, "Thanks, but no thanks!"

Carroll chuckles, and teases his sister with long practice, "Then you could tell she was a girl, and I don't know what she'd do."

Alex's ears go straight up in mock horror! and she sticks her tongue out at Carroll cheerfully. Then she bounces happily to her feet, "To the Mare then!"

Jessie just grins some more. "She could do just what I do. Tease the boys, and step on the ones who get out of line." Horatio looks to Jessie, smiling sheepishly, inwardly thinking, I'm extremely, extremely lucky, in that case, then...

Alex snickers at Jessie, then grins and shrugs her shoulders, "But none of them are innnnteresting! They just stammer and stutter... and usually they just flee when I ask them if they know anything about sword fighting!"

Carroll grins at his sister's completely expected response, and follows. "Back to the ship so we can change, and then off to a pleasant evening." He risks teasing Jessie, "If I were you, I'd worry your teasing would be less effective with Horatio about."

After a stop back at the ship to change clothes and rotate the guards, the five head off to the Silver Talon. The casino is much the same as last time, quiet on the outside and opulent on the inside. Rana is fascinated by the place, while Jessie is aghast at the amount of cash that changes hands on each bet.

Carroll has offered his arm to the visiting lady, and smiled winningly at her as they entered the unassuming building. He wonders if she realizes he thinks she's pretty, or if she's still convinced she's somehow not. Perhaps the attention of other men will change her mind. Alex grins sympathetically at Jessie, "A bit shocking at first, isn't it?"

Jessie is goggling at the roulette wheel, where a richly dressed fur just lost what would be a year's pay for a lumberman, and calmly antes up again for the next spin. "You could say that..."

Alex looks around and takes a deep breath, smiling... this is nice. She's not had a nice day with her brothers in a long time -- this has been simply lovely! She grins again ruefully, with a faint shake of the head, and murmurs, "Don't play that one... Carroll says there's too much randomness in it anyways!"

Carroll as smoothly as ever finds a table in the evening crowd, which seems a minor miracle, although one he performs with his usual grace and skill. He asks, "Shall we have drinks, or is the beckoning of the tables too strong?"

Horatio hasn't himself been to one of these casinos, and he's also boggled. He knew that Alex had been "rolling high" when she last gambled, but he didn't imagine that other players would be casting such high wagers! "Ah... I think drinks would be best..."

Alex chuckles, "Let's check the tables first, Carroll... and when we're tired of them then we can have late night drinks- oh! Okay, we can have drinks first, Horry, if you want?"

Carroll nods and murrs, "That and craps are very difficult to excel at." He concurs with his brother and flags a waitress, ordering something and asking the Corporal what she would enjoy.

The five attract a bit of attention, especially Horatio's and Carroll's ladies in their revealing outfits. Alex, being the odd furr out, attracts even more attention from other single patrons. Alex is, as usual, not really that aware of the glances... she notices them but dismisses them as just people staring at the party. She's more alert to careful scrutiny or study of the party. It's her intent to stick close to Rana and Carroll tonight, so they can have fun playing the games -- she'll watch their backs. Once ensconced at a table, Carroll looks over to Horatio, and asks him, apparently out of the blue, "Horatio! How good at probability maths are you?"

Horatio blinks, not so much at the question itself, but rather at the suddenness of the question. "Ah... probabilities? Er... not very much at all, Carroll. In the Academy we went more into definitives than possibilities..."

Carroll counters with, "But this is all about definitiveness! The definitiveness of how likely or not something is to happen, of course. Let me see if I can explain; you should be good at this if you remember it's a math problem, not a game..." He rummages in his pocket for some coins and asks his brother, "Here's a coin. It has two sides, and there's an even chance that when flipped, it will come up to one side or the other..." and proceeds to launch in to a very dense discussion of maths, expecting no one but Horatio to keep up with him.

Alex blinks, watching for a bit... then goes back to sipping her drink quietly and looking around thoughtfully at the crowd. She wonders idly why people play the roulette wheel if it's as random as Carroll said it was. Carroll tells Horatio, "So the secret to most of the card games is to be able to calculate the likely probability that your hand is better than theirs with what you know about what you have, and what other people have," still talking about numbers and chances of one card versus another.

Horatio blinks, stunned at Carroll's explanations -- he's embarrassed to admit to himself that he had never thought Carroll would have this much knowledge, however applied, of maths, which he had once thought was fully the demesne of the Academy. Carroll leans back and tells the visiting raccoon, "You know, I think I've surprised my brother." He smiles to her, adding, "I expected him to be able to keep up with me, but I don't think he expected me to know all of these numbers." He looks back at Horatio and says to him, "I can run the books for the entire family, Horatio -- far too much double-entry accounting. To fathom whether or not a trade or a trip is a good idea we work out the probability of success... these are tools of my trade." He adds, with a winning smile, "They just happen to come in handy at the gambling table."

Horatio nods slowly, "Ah... okay, I think I see... that makes sense..."

Carroll explains in more general terms, with a few probability notes throw in for Horatio, the game of blackjack, adding, "This is one of the simpler games, and one at which most people can at least break even." Rana smiles as the conversation continues. She really doesn't appear to be bored at all. Alex isn't bored -- she is a merchant lord's daughter, after all -- but is currently concentrating more on her duties tonight, which are keeping track of her family in general, and Rana in particular. Carroll asks then, "Have I made sense? Any questions? Would anyone like to go try, or just to go watch for a while?"

Jessie, on the other hand, is completely lost by the continuing discussion and is entertaining herself by watching the other furrs. She suddenly stiffens up and elbows Horatio gently. "Uh-oh... look who just walked in..." It's Duchess White Haven.

Carroll adds, "I suggest, Alex, that if you play, you keep to the card games."

Alex smiles at Carroll, "I'd thought, actually, to follow you and Rana around." She grins, "Someone has to watch your back!" She chuckles at Jessie's comment, glancing that way also.

Carroll looks at Jessie, then over to where she's pointing. He chuckles and murrs, "This could be entertaining indeed. I wonder if she will come say hello?"

Horatio blinks, dragging his eyes away from Carroll's explanation, and they widen a bit at the sight of the duchess. "Oh dear," he murmurs, turning back. "'Entertaining?'" he asks his brother, almost but not quite aghast.

Carroll chuckles and murrs, "Relax, Horatio. The Duchess is a friend, remember? What's the worst that happens?"

Alex grins at Horatio, then says, "Anyways... so, shall we go try the tables? She'll wander over if she wants to, Horry, don't worry." She giggles, adding, "Not much would stop her if she wanted to, in fact, I suspect!"

Rana mutters, "You've got that right."

Alex giggles again! Carroll concurs, "Trying to stop her would be the worst thing you could do. Meet her head on and don't show fear, and you can deal with her rationally." He adds, "At least it works for me," with a wide grin.

Alex covers a grin, thinking of her first training with horses, and the old stable manager telling her "...never show fear... horses can sense fear, ye know, lassie!" Then she cheerfully follows Carroll as he heads for the gaming tables. Carroll dismisses the Duchess from his mind, and asks, "Shall we see what we can do at the tables?"

Rana nods. "Yes, let's do that."

Horatio nods, taking in a breath to calm himself. "Certainly..."

Carroll walks up to the blackjack tables, and watches the play run for a few moments, quietly pointing things out to the group he's brought with him, making an occasional prediction as to if a hand wins or loses, with reasonable accuracy. The longer he watches, the more accurate he gets, to a point. "Does anyone want to dive in, or shall I?"

Alex sticks with her family and friends, but seems a bit more interested in the passersby than what her brother is saying. It's a viable enough sort of 'disguise' -- she knows women are supposed to be interested a lot in what other folks wear. That's a good enough excuse or reason to use to justify keeping an eye on the folks around them, to keep her family safe. Horatio glances edgeways to Carroll. "Er... why don't you lead the way, Carroll?" he says wryly, with a grin. Alex grins at Horatio, then glances with an expectant smile at Carroll and Rana.

The casino manager greets the Duchess rather obsequiously, and she laughs and gives the fellow a pinch as she walks past him, heading for the poker tables toward the back. She waves at Carroll and his family, but doesn't seem to recognize the raccoon-queen. Alex smiles and waves in return, but doesn't interrupt the Duchess' parade towards the poker tables. Carroll smiles brightly and returns the Duchess' wave before stepping to play at the blackjack table he's been watching.

Carroll finally makes his wager, an unremarkable one amongst the evening's gamblers, neither high nor low, although it's probably enough money to make Jessie worry. He seems completely calm about it. He watches the cards, and plays fairly well, both his skill and the deck working together. After a few games, perhaps a dozen, he has come out ahead by nearly 100 LD. He glances back to his family and friends briefly, to see if they're interested or if he should keep going. Alex grins rather proudly at Carroll... then grins at Rana and raises an encouraging eyebrow, "Going to try?"

'Rana' smiles. "Why not?" She's been trying to see what Carroll does and when he bets... Carroll continues playing, smiling encouragingly at the raccoon/vixen, but not saying anything, lest people think he is cheating. Rana concentrates, trying to remember Carroll's pattern... when to bet, when to double, when to hit and when to stand... she does quite well for a beginner, having won about 40 LD when she turns to Carroll with a smile.

Alex grins and pats Rana's shoulder, "Good job! I didn't do near so well on my first try!"

Horatio smiles, and nods, "Congratulations, indeed..."

Alex grins at Carroll, "And good job to you too! Now you can buy us all after dinner drinks and a nice dessert, eh?" She giggles.

Carroll's play is even steadier now, and over the course of another dozen hands, he manages to win another 200LD or so. Deciding to stop while he's ahead, he cheerfully collects his winnings and bows out of the game. He tells the raccoon, "Very well done indeed, milady. Practice can improve that game, although, chance plays too." To his sister he says, "I would be all too pleased to do just that."

Alex beams delightedly, "Oh, yay! Then I want that chocolate thingie with the little minty crumbles in it, and the frozen milk thingie, okay?" She licks her chops with a greedy grin, her eyes sparkling!

Carroll nods and murrs, "I was thinking something frozen and creamy, too." Jessie perks up at the mention of dessert. She's been gradually reconciling herself to the amounts of money being thrown around, and the fact that Carroll is winning makes her happier -- but food is still a much happier thought. Carroll chuckles and asks, "Shall we then?" and tries once again to find a table. He finds one that's both clean and fairly quiet, and ushers his family and guests to it, smiling pleasantly and flagging down a waiter. After making sure everyone has ordered drinks, he orders a large desert for the group to share, before he finally takes his seat, hopefully next to the 'Corporal'.

Alex will enjoy her dessert with great relish -- almost as much as she enjoyed the paella! She chatters happily with her family over the tasty delicacy, cheerfully reviewing the day and teasing gently a little to see if she can get another one lined up before they have to leave the port town, and surreptitiously licking chocolate bits off her fingers on occasion. Having treats like this is far too much fun to not savor to the fullest, as far as she's concerned. That, coupled with a nice, heavy, sweet dessert wine, leaves her feeling quite contented. Carroll picks only fitfully at the desert, much as he did their meal, paying more attention to the people he's with and his glass of wine. Alex blinks a bit surprisedly as she notices Carroll's not eating his dessert, "Don't you like it, Cara?"

Horatio enjoys the dessert as well, a fine and pleasant way to begin winding down the day. He's starting to feel relatively mellow and calmer, even though the lack of anything horrific in the daytime should be warning that something is going to happen... but instead he starts to feel that today will pass without incident. Of course, being an alchemist (albeit an apprentice), he wouldn't dream of knocking on wood.

Carroll hmms? at Alex, and murrs, "Oh no, it's quite nice." He smiles at her and murrs, "The company is nicer though."

Alex beams cheerfully at her brother, "Oh! That's different then!" and goes back to her dessert... and casual perusal of the passersby, of course.

'Rana' is quite happy to sit next to Carroll and share some quiet time. She's had a wonderful day off, and seems to be quite happy to nibble at Carroll's food if he's not interested in it. She grins up at him. "Such a nice thing to say. I know I've been a worry to you this whole time, and Herself will be fit to be tied when we get back. But thank you for doing this for me."

Alex smiles at the 'raccoon,' "Actually you've been lovely company, Rana... it's really been no trouble!"

Horatio nods eagerly in agreement with Alex. "Oh, definitely. It's been a wonderful time today!"

Alex grins brightly, her eyes mischievous, "Then we're agreed? Excellent! So! When can we do it again, hmmm?"

Carroll smiles and is more than happy to let the lovely lady nibble at as much of the desert as she likes. He tells her, "I wouldn't say it if it weren't true, and the largest worry I've had all day was that you'd be bored silly by something we did." He sips his wine, adding, "As far as the Other's worry..." He chuckles, and finishes, "If you really wanted to worry her, go back in that lovely outfit... or near lack thereof." He adds to Alex's suggestion, "Perhaps there will be less worry next time." Alex struggles with a giggle-bout at Carroll's suggestion of what outfit to turn up in at the palace! Carroll doesn't say something that would probably get him in trouble with Ludmilla, if not with the Queen herself. That is if Alex didn't kill him for it.

Rana grins. "I just might wear this home. It'd be a lot of fun to see her face... you have to take me home though, if I do."

Alex laughs! "Oh no..." her eyes are dancing with mischief, "-could we do that, Carroll? Take her home?"

Carroll murrs, "I'd be pleased to escort you back. Especially if there's a chance to see the look on Herself's face for myself."

Alex giggles again! Then she grins, common sense asserting itself, "Well... we should probably loan you a nice big cloak first... that you can take off once you're inside but not before, yes?"

Carroll murrs, "How terribly practical. It would make for so much more of an effective entrance, too."

Alex grins, "But isn't that what you keep me around for, Carroll... practicality, so the ship keeps going?"

Carroll tells his sister, "One of many things, Alex, of course." Alex beams... with a bit of perhaps forgivable pride.

Jessie giggles as Rana makes a face at Alex. "But that would take half the fun out of it. Besides..." Her face gets that devious calculating look on it. "I think it would be interesting to see which of my courtiers think I need to hear the rumors about my Starfall suitor wandering about with a floozy raccoon."

Alex smiles at Rana, "Perhaps... but wouldn't it be nicer to know that the er... floozy raccoon has no reason to be closely watched later by those selfsame courtiers?"

Rana hmms. "I suppose you're right. We should get going though; I suspect Herself will be having kittens by now."

Carroll nods and murrs, "Honestly, the rumor might remove some unpleasant worry that some wolfish idiot would decide to do something rash because of extra attention from the Queen." He nods again and murrs, "Then, milady, would you allow me the honor of escorting you home?"

Rana sits up. "I hadn't thought of that. Yes, let's do it that way. I would be honored, milord." She offers Carroll her arm. Carroll smiles and accepts, standing to lead the lady home. Alex snickers over her goblet at the image of 'Herself' having kittens! -but follows along alertly and cheerfully as usual.

The walk back to the palace is uneventful, with hardly anyone appearing to be on the misty streets, though at one point Alex's sharp ears hear a distant fight. The guards salute Alex when they reach the palace and pass the group on to the duty officer. Matthew is there, pacing nervously and wincing when the guard opens the door -- he looks vastly relieved when he sees who it is this time.

Alex smiles at Matthew reassuringly, "Hiya! We had a lovely day, Matthew!'

Carroll smiles and murrs pleasantly, "Hello, Matthew. Quiet evening?"

The mouse sighs in relief. "Not really. Ludmilla's been growling at everyone she sees for the last two hours."

Alex grins sympathetically at Matthew, then giggles, "Maybe you should escape and come along next time?"

Carroll ahs, and gestures to the cloaked raccoon with them and murrs, "I believe we have the cure to her upset right here. Let's go and relieve her worries."

The guard officer, a lanky wolf, nods in agreement. "She told me to send you right along with anyone you brought with you as soon as you arrived." He sighs too. "That wouldn't have been so bad, but she's been repeating it every ten minutes."

Alex grins again and waves Matthew to lead them on... she's guessing he'll probably be quite hasty about it! She covers a smile at the wolf's comment... she knows what that's like. Carroll smiles and reassures, "All will be well," as he follows.

The mouse practically scurries down the hallways, trying very hard not to look at the queen, though he steals a few glances. The group is about halfway to the queen's chambers when they meet Ludmilla coming the other way. Her glare is about equal parts relief and fury when she sees her charge finally returned. Alex smiles quietly to herself, and stays politely out of the way. Carroll also smiles and intercepts smoothly by saying, "Good evening, Baroness Kerensky. A pleasure to see you again, as always." Horatio gulps a little. Ludmilla was, more or less, the last person he was hoping to run into this evening.

Alex will take advantage of Carroll's quick interception to step over to the queen and whisper, "I've got the package here of your clothing... want me to swap you for the cloak now?"

The tigress says only one thing, "Bozh'spasebo," and leads the rest of the way. Alex wonders idly if the queen speaks the tigress' language. Carroll smiles pleasantly to the tigress and escorts the Queen the rest of the way, gesturing for his family to follow.

When the group finally settles down in the Blue Room Arianna takes off her cloak. The tigress' beginning lecture dies as she takes in the clothing. "You were not wearink that all day??"

Carroll admires the Queen, then just smiles at Ludmilla calmly. Alex covers a grin, assiduously folding up the cloak! She adds cheerfully, "I think she looks very nice!"

Carroll adds to his sister's words, "That's one way it can be said, yes," and manages not to stare. Alex flattens her ears in amused warning at Carroll! -then looks back to the queen with a smile. Carroll catches Alex's odd look, decodes it, and chides himself silently. He did so well earlier, he shouldn't be an idiot now. He bites his tongue.

Arianna is back to her regal self, even though she's still wearing the borrowed raccoon-pattern and the abbreviated dress. "Yes, I was. I had more fun than I've had in years, so don't even think about saying it." She sits down and smiles at her chief bodyguard. "Seriously, 'Milla... there weren't any problems, and no one looked twice at me. Well, except maybe Duchess White Haven. I'll be good most of the time, but I needed to do this -- and I'll need to do it again every now and then. If we find someone for you to switch with, you can come along next time. Do you good to wear something flashy like this." Ludmilla stops in the middle of opening her mouth, and shuts it again.

Alex grins at Ludmilla... she hopes the tigress takes her up on her previous suggestion. Might do her good to get out a bit too! Carroll smiles and concurs, "Yes, Baroness, I'm certain it would be lovely to have you accompany us. If you'd like, I'd be pleased to take you to the places we went tonight, if it would reassure you that we weren't foolhardy. Even had anything untoward happened, we were escorted by some of my best staff, not to mention Alex, and Horatio's formidable talents." Of his own skills with knife and blade he doesn't speak. Alex beams with pride at her brother's praise.

Arianna nods to the little group. "She knows, but I don't think she likes to let go. I can't really complain too much." The tigress nods, a bit curtly. The queen continues, "Thank you all for a lovely day." She walks over and hugs Alex, then continues with Jessie and Horatio before ending up in front of Carroll.

Alex looks a little surprised, but cheerfully hugs Arianna warmly, "Your majesty... it was lovely for us also. Thank you too!" Alex isn't about to risk familiarity with the queen once she's put on her regal air, AND the tigress is still cranky, after all.

Jessie is just her cheerful self. She'd decided earlier in the day that royalty are just like everyone else, but are disadvantaged by being born into the wrong family. Horatio remains discretely mute, but then reconsiders. "If I may add," he says in a quiet voice, "I know it may be presumptuous of me to make the comparison, Your Majesty, Baroness, but... I think Father -- Count St. Genevieve -- was good at going to places he wasn't expected, in mufti or overtly, and... meeting people. Getting to know them, befriending them... and sometimes those friends would be able to give more assistance to him than any maneuverings in the Starfall Council." His gaze drops a little, partly in shyness, partly in respect. "It was in this manner that the sea-folk helped him, when Pravinchandra's pirates were closing in on him."

He fidgets a little. "I, er... don't know if you might find friends in unexpected places, outside these walls... but as we learned, dramatically, while duty may require us to stand within walls such as these, to wear crown or coronet or signet ring... it may, sometimes, come to pass, that it is outside such walls, in the hidden places, that we find... the ways and means to honorable ends... and people whom we would never have otherwise possibly known." Quietly, and perhaps not quite as covertly as he would have liked, his hand gingerly finds that of Jessie, if she lets him.

Alex's ears tilt curiously at her youngest brother... then she smiles with warm affection at him. He's right, of course... she turns to smile at the tigress and the oddly patterned fox, wondering how they met. A butcher's daughter and a queen... seems fitting, somehow. Carroll's smile widens at his brother's words, and he is pleased to hear just how well Horatio understands some of the things that matter, and are hard to teach, even despite his academic cloistering and his sometimes crippling shyness. He looks over to him and nods, quite pleased and proud of the quietest sibling.

Arianna smiles at Horatio, even as she releases him and he holds hands with Jessie. "Very true, my friend. I think we should both remember it, Ludmilla."

Carroll smiles quietly at Arianna and murrs, "Your majesty."

Arianna hugs Carroll, and adds a nuzzle under his chin. "Thank you for reminding me what a real family is like." The tigress sits up at this, and her tail stops twitching. She gives Alex and Horatio the first real smile they've ever seen on her face. Alex's ears tilt curiously again at the tigress' unexpected smile... but she'll cheerfully smile right back at Ludmilla. Personally she thinks being a relaxed family together is the nicest thing they did all day for the queen. She's glad Ludmilla recognizes that the queen needs a family sometimes... even if it is just borrowed for the day.

Horatio ducks his head, his ear tips blushing almost visibly with the embrace and the queen's words. I don't believe I just said that to (a) royalty and (b) the biggest 'cat I have ever lain eyes on. He almost tenses as Ludmilla sits up, wondering what hail of invectives would be visited upon them... then blinks in wonderment at the smile, the effect almost staggering him, but not enough that he does not smile quietly and duck his head slightly.

Carroll was fully prepared to enjoy the hug, which he did, but the nuzzle is more than he expected, and the words on top of it mean even more. He manages to say in a remotely timely fashion, "You're welcome, your majesty." As his brain comes back up to speed, he adds, "I certainly enjoyed it, and look forward to another time. Perhaps we can think of a way to be so at ease that won't be so terribly worrying for others." He chuckles and smiles, adding, "If Ludmilla finds someone she can swap skins with, I expect she and McKenzie would get along fine."

Alex giggles softly, "Probably! Pity Natasha and Mitya are still in Starfall... bet the baroness would have liked being able to talk to someone in her own tongue too!"

The tigress grins and her tail resumes its twitching. "Ve already get alonk fine. And I am beink used to ze language problem."

Alex chuckles. Carroll smiles, and murrs to the tigress, "Well, there you go. You and Sam can come along as another 'happy couple' and no one will think twice about it." He grins, adding, "If we could only find some handsome fellow who wouldn't be terrified of Alex to come with us."

Last modified: 2000-Oct-09 19:44:43

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