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2000-12-31
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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Alexandra Turns Seventeen
The large party is not molested in its trek across the
mountains, and soon enough returns to civilization -- or at least a close
approximation. The garrison at Alto Nevada is quite happy to accept the
prisoners, as well as the more grisly trophy that proves Roberto has
finally been dealt with. The trials are short, and most of the bandits
are sentenced either to the archers or to the labor gangs.
Carroll arranges for replacement supplies to be sent up to Vincenza's camp; two days later the wagons, escorted by the miners and a few of the refugees, head back up into the mountains. The rest of the refugees continue traveling across the plain with the League party, some of them dropping off here and there when they find someone who is hiring. Few are still with the party when Iniesta is reached, with most of those being furrs with artisan skills. Young Pablo and his family are the only farm-types still left when the party reaches the capital city. They seem to have attached themselves to Alex, with the youngster still trying to do things for her, almost as though he's trying to be a personal servant for her.
Alex is both surprised and faintly pleased at Pablo's attentions, although she'll at first try to gently reassure him that he needn't worry -- she's not upset at all, truly! However, if he keeps trying to run small odd jobs for her, eventually she won't be concerned about it any more... just makes a point to smile and thank him sincerely every time she comes across her horse all groomed and tacked up for her, or her boots all perfectly cleaned, or something similar. She thinks it's rather sweet of him.
Upon finding their way back to the city, and getting the family checked back in to the hotel, Carroll gets a slightly mysterious look on his face and makes a point to vanish in to town with just MacKenzie in tow. Alex is a little puzzled, but is occupied with making sure all the remaining refugees find places and are taken care of. Once in town she also has a purchase she must make -- a silver earring for Sophia's 'first blood.' Horatio only blinks as Carroll heads into town with very little explanation. But he accepts it; Carroll isn't one to do things without reason. He decides to write a brief precis of the changes he proposed to the miners. Doing it on the trail had been sort of precluded due to the rough travel. As he opens his satchel, he discovers -- "Oh! So that's where it was!" -- a listing of important dates. Naturally, there's one in a few days on that list. Not long thereafter, Horatio is himself trying desperately to get out to the marketplace. He seems fretful and nervous, and maybe it's that unusual state of mind that lets him hit on the idea of asking Jessica if she would accompany him.
The rabbit family is still nearby after reaching the capital, with Pablo somehow managing to stay near Alex. He is still trying to be her batman apparently, and she often finds him waiting at her door when she opens it. Alex finds this new development a bit surprising... and worrisome. Is he getting enough sleep? Does his family know where he is? She'll check through Rosita to find out the answers. Rosita actually looks a little evasive, but answers in the affirmative to both questions. "Hees family theenks he can get a good position weeth the great and generous foreign lady, senyorita. They find themselves work here in the capital."
Alex thinks about this for a while, then decides to make sure she understands exactly what's going on. "Rosita, you seem a bit... hesitant, perhaps? I'm afraid I'm not real up to date on how things work here. Is this sort of thing unusual, or bad?"
Rosita frowns a bit while thinking about that, but her discomfort is gone. "Eet ees not the usual theeng for Hamasura, senyorita, but they are seemple peasants. I theenk een their own way they are... how ees eet said... worried about you, and hope that Pablo can help take care of you. They do not theenk a noble can really take care of heemself, si? And Pablo, he ees nearly of age to work, so eet ees not bad."
Alex laughs, tossing her head back in gleeful amusement! -then grins at Rosita, "Aw, that's sweet of them!" She shakes her head amusedly, "My, I really don't want to think about what that says about Costa Yermo nobility though..." Then she nods, still grinning, "Okay... let me go talk to my brothers, and we'll see if we can offer Pablo a job... and we should keep an ear out for someone that needs good, dependable herders too."
Rosita shrugs at that last. "I theenk they do not want to be serfs any more. They weesh to do sometheeng new and perhaps teach their young daughter to read, maybe. They have found work already, but they weell thank you for your concern."
Carroll manages to go shopping. He buys his sister a birthday gift, and makes any needed arrangements for a party. He also sends Arianna a letter via mage-relay at great cost, which is mostly a quick note about what the family has been up to, that he had thought of her, and was looking forward to being able to see her again. He also sent a summary, without the mushy stuff, to his father.
Alex will take Rosita with her to find the required silver earring. When she brings it back she asks Rosita to do the translating, and for MacKenzie to be there also as the Master of Marines, along with the other marines, so they can ceremoniously present Sophia with the silver earring for first blood. Alex remembers how much that had meant to her... she'd like it to be nice for Sophia too.
The small group of furrs gathers in the common room of the St. Genevieve suite, all in the best clothing they have available. The armadillos are bunched off in one corner as Rosita explains the ceremony to her sisters one last time. When everyone has taken their places, MacKenzie marches over to stand beside Sophia. "Atten- -hut!" Sophia pulls herself up straight and her ears twitch.
Alex straightens slightly, resplendent in her ship's uniform of scarlet and gold, and beams a bit proudly at Sophia, then her equally resplendent brothers. At MacKenzie's call to attention she steps forward and salutes her captain, then the master of marines. Carroll returns Alex's salute and watches the ceremony, smiling at both his first mate who does so well to take care of the crew, and at the new crewmember who deserves this accolade. Once protocol is satisfied, Alex gives her pre-prepared speech, speaking the Killimaran slowly so that Rosita can translate.
Alex explains briefly the honorable old tradition of the Blackpool's Marines of wearing a gold earring for each campaign in which they were involved. She also explains the custom of giving a silver earring to each new recruit upon their 'first blood.' She pauses a moment for Rosita to finish translating, and for the armadillo quad to realize what this honor means for their sister... Rosita keeps up with the speech, making sure her sisters understand it. They've been studying hard, but so far have only a rudimentary grasp of the language. Sophia looks a little embarrassed at the attention, but stands proudly straight as Alex praises her skill at arms.
Alex says, "Sophia of Iniesta, you have carried yourself with honor and bravery in battle, while in service to the Family St. Genevieve. It is a great pleasure to me at this time to award you the silver earring for first blood. May you wear it with pride, until the time comes to replace it with gold." She has Sophia step forward to receive her earring, and they exchange official salutes. Carroll returns Sophia's salute, giving his silent approval to the ceremony.
Sophia bobs her head, then remembers and salutes in the Killimaran fashion. Her reply is apparently rehearsed as well. "T'ank you, senyorita Alex. Eet ees my honor to sairve."
Then, formal ceremony over, Alex smiles and gives the small armadillo girl a quick, proud hug, "Congratulations, Sophia! Cleo can help you with putting it on." Sophia looks surprised at the hug, but returns it after a moment. Her sisters cheer when Alex lets go, and the others step up and congratulate her as well, with hugs and handshakes and pats on the back.
Alex beams happily as Sophia receives her well-deserved congratulations. Under cover of the chatter she grins mischievously up at her eldest brother, murmuring quietly, "She'll be easier for the crew to recognize apart from her sisters now too, eh?"
MacKenzie chuckles. "She did anyway. She's the battered-looking one."
Alex looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods, "And... she walks different now. You're right, Mr. MacKenzie."
Alex also talks to her brothers, letting them know of what Pablo and his family seem to want for Pablo... do Horatio and Carroll think that would be okay? Carroll replies, "If you'd like a valet, Alex, and he is interested, I'm certain that no one would find it odd for a lady to have one. Does he and his family understand how we travel, and that you'll be on a ship much of the time, or is this just going to be until we set sail? As long as everyone understands what is expected, I see no problem."
Horatio chimes in, "We should let him know that life at sea will be a lot different. Also, if he will be aboard he should learn other skills that he'll need there."
Alex nods, "Yah, I should have a long talk with him and his family, but I wanted to check with you guys first. Okay, I'll go ahead and see if, when they understand all that, Pablo still wants the job."
Horatio says, "I hope he enjoys life at sea. It would be a long and wet trip home..."
Alex will ask Rosita to translate for her, and sits down with Pablo and his family for an extensive discussion in regards to Pablo's future. Basically she points out that they're sea travelers, that she intends to be a captain someday and will thus be traveling quite a bit... and that this might mean Pablo did not get to see his family much. Does Pablo still want to do this, under those circumstances?
Pablo's parents seem a little worried at first, apparently thinking that the boy has, after all, managed to offend Alex, but Rosita calms them down and explains that she is willing to take the boy along if that is what they really want. Most of the discussion goes back and forth between Rosita and the rabbits, with Pablo himself looking eager -- the idea of running away to sea seems to fascinate him. He rather volubly argues in favor of the arrangement, and his parents discuss it at length themselves... according to Rosita, the boy's mother seems sad at her little boy growing up this early, but they both agree in the end that the opportunity is not one to be missed. Pablo looks quite pleased when the decision is reached, and hugs his family one by one, even his little sister who has been peering at Alex from behind the shelter of her mother.
Alex grins at Pablo's fascination, and is somehow reminded of herself! She smiles with some sympathy at the mother... that reminds her of her father trying to protect her. When the discussion is concluded Alex will shake hands with the father, promise the mother she'll make sure Pablo gets all the training they can find for him... then she'll crouch down so she's closer to eye level with the little sister and solemnly promise the small kit that Alex will take good care of her brother.
The little bunny-girl is very shy, and hides her face when Alex crouches down to talk to her. She peeps out to nod at Rosita when the armadillo translates Alex's reassurances, then tries to hide again. Her mother says something scolding and she turns to nod solemnly at the young vixen before burying her face in her mother's skirts a third time. Alex grins at the shy girl and nods back, then rises so she doesn't stress the poor kit too much.
Horatio remains quiet during the discussion, there more for moral support than anything else. If the father's hand is proffered to him, he will shake it as well, though he conceals his nervousness. He hopes the young boy -- well, man, as the parents feel he is now -- won't experience quite the same thing they did on the first journey after loosing their titles and lands to Pravinchandra. And yet, he thinks to himself, we aren't likely to get into quite the same situation again, when we're on the offensive... unless Costa Yermo decides we are a threat to them... He conceals his worry, however; now is not the time for that.
The deal is closed by Alex when she offers her hand... the rabbit shakes it rather gingerly after Rosita explains what the gesture means, and looks rather bemused afterward. Even after all that's happened, he still doesn't really understand that this particular fox is willing to treat him as an equal. He sends Pablo off with a final admonition, and then bows to Alex and Horatio as he sees them off.
It turns out that Pablo had been sleeping with Rosita and her sisters before Alex made his status official, as the armadillo lass finally admits when questioned. She seems quite willing to let him continue, but Alex arranges for a cot in the room outside her bedroom.
Alex's birthday rolls around, and the eldest fox doesn't much mention it until somewhat later in the day. He asks his family, "I'm starting to get hungry. That Dannings fellow from the embassy told me of a good restaurant I was thinking we should try. Shall we go?"
Alex has been a little busy recently, what with making sure that everyone is cared for, doing their job, or something similar... Pablo's been getting some basic training in how to use a dagger, how to read, and how to speak their language as well... so she's not really been thinking of birthdays. When Carroll suggests dinner she's more than ready to do so... she's been working hard and she's hungry too!
Carroll doesn't expect much argument from Horatio, and makes arrangements with the rest of the staff, winding up bringing everybody, appearing in a genial and outgoing mood. He encourages the four armadillos and the shy Pablo, via Rosita and a few snatches of the language he's picking up himself.
Carroll grins, and shoos the group restaurant-wards. MacKenzie seems to know where it is, too, as does Rosita, and they soon make their way there. When they arrive the group is seated quickly in an alcove in the back which is big enough for all of them. There looks to be a dance floor and a place for a band, although one isn't playing now. There are a few other customers in the other corners of the still-quiet restaurant. Alex looks around in bright-eyed interest, then whispers as an aside to her oldest brother, "Ooh, Cara, look! Maybe there'll be dancing later!"
Horatio looks around. This is odd... I would have thought Carroll would have done something for Alex on her birthday. He sees the dance floor and band, and then grins. There'll be dancing, though, she'll enjoy that!
Carroll smiles to his sister and comments, "Yes, that would be nice, wouldn't it?" He waves down a waiter and tries to get a menu himself, mangles the request badly, and has to have Rosita untangle it. Alex covers a grin at the waiter's startlement -- she knows that look well, whenever she tries to speak at all lengthily in Hamasuran! Carroll gets Rosita's help and involves Alex and Horatio, and likely Sam and Jessica and Pablo, in the menu. Alex happily helps order food, with an eye to stuff that they can share and experiment with.
The group has only just ordered when the door opens and Dannings comes in, with a rather fetching coatimundi femme on his arm. He waves to the group and walks over to say hello before being seated. "Well, I see you're back from the mountains, milords, milady. Did you find what you were looking for?"
Alex looks a bit surprised at seeing Dannings, but smiles and nods to him and the lady. Horatio greets Dannings and his companion pleasantly, glancing towards Carroll. He wouldn't plan it this way... would he? This is Carroll, after all. He lets his brother answer the gentleman. Carroll smiles and says, "Rather more than we expected to, actually. Bandits. If you'd like to hear the story, you are welcome to join us."
Alex grins cheerfully at Carroll, then adds to Dannings, "It was rather fun actually!"
The elk shrugs and smiles. "If you have room, certainly. I'd be fascinated to hear about it. The local rumor mill is saying that a notorious bandit was finally caught out there... were you involved in that, by any chance?"
Alex grins (only a tad smugly) at that! Horatio looks between Alex and Carroll; 'fun' and 'bandits' would normally rarely be even related to one another... "Erm... only somewhat..." Alex laughs delightedly at Horatio's comment! Carroll merely chuckles at his brother, and glances at the door, but only very briefly. Alex flicks a curious ear, noticing her brother's glance at the door... is there a problem? She can't think why -- but regardless, under the table, one small paw slides a dagger free, so she can back up Carroll if needed.
Carroll smiles at another couple who seems vaguely familiar from the one state gathering the foxes attended, as they're seated in the same section. Alex hms to herself... maybe that was what Carroll was looking at. Quietly the dagger slides back into its sheath. She glances at her eldest brother, "Tell them the story, Carroll? It'll pass the time until the food arrives."
Horatio says, "It's certainly a story worth telling." Alex grins cheerfully at Horatio!
Carroll nods and does tell the story, starting with the beginning -- where they met the miners at the dinner -- all the way through the bandit attacks, and then returning to town. The restaurant begins to fill up as the story progresses, well-dressed furrs being ushered to seats by deferential waiters. A few of them look familiar to Alex, so she watches people, half-listening to her brother, getting a bit pink about the ears as Carroll praises her efforts. As she watches, she makes mental notes about the clothing being worn... maybe Carroll can use the info in trading later. Carroll will have spoken positively about everyone but himself, who he omits completely.
Alex grins affectionately at Carroll when he's done, "And of course, we wouldn't have gone there at all were it not for you... captain!"
Dannings notices the omission, being used to diplomatic subtleties. "And yourself, Captain? Surely you weren't hiding in the dining hall the entire time?"
Alex says, "He led, of course, Mr. Dannings. He organized us all."
Horatio listens to the story but he also watches the people entering. His ears pinken at Carroll's praise of him, though he's also becoming increasingly impressed at Carroll's subtlety. From all appearances, Alex hasn't noticed a thing odd about the meal. "Indeed; it was Carroll who organized us and got us there, and got us out."
The elk nods, then. "I should have realized. Whatever the details, though, you have done the locals quite a bit of good by catching this fellow."
Carroll shrugs self-depreciatingly and says, "I had an idea or two and kept track of everybody, yes. I managed to help out with the capturing of some of the guards, too." At that he smiles and says, "I am pleased to have been able to be of service. I can say it wasn't our intent, but when we heard what it was, it needed doing."
Alex nods soberly, "It was... quite the experience." She's silent a moment, remembering that adrenaline-shock of horror through her body when she realized the downed bandit had been slaughtered... then she shudders slightly, shaking her rising fur back down into place. She looks back up at the elk gravely, "Roberto el Rojo got what he deserved, from what I've heard. He abrogated his responsibilities."
Carroll says, "The freed slaves, Costa Yerman serfs, all seemed to be terribly afraid of us as nobility. It must be a terrible place they live."
The restaurant has filled up while the discussion continued and, oddly, the food is brought out to all the tables almost simultaneously... strange when the diners arrived as much as a half-hour apart. Alex's gaze wanders the room slowly... then suddenly her ears perk up. Now that's darned odd...
Horatio doesn't like thinking back to that little incident too much, but of course he didn't like thinking about that first naval battle, and he didn't much like the downward spiral reminiscing about that brought him. So he remembers it, albeit reluctantly, and doesn't try to bury it or avoid it. Still, it's a rather sobering thing. He glances around. Oh, good, dinner...
Carroll says to Dannings and his guest, "Excuse me," and stands, tapping on his glass gently with a claw tip to make a quiet yet clear chime with which to gain people's attention. Alex looks at the food a bit suspiciously as it arrives... then up at Carroll in puzzlement. It's a fraction of a second later that she blinks, her eyes widening... darnit! Did her oldest brother sneak something past her again?! Horatio can't hide a grin anymore as Carroll rings his glass. I should have known, he thinks. How incredibly subtle!
Carroll turns to Rosita and asks her for 'the speech,' which she gives to him. He takes it and begins to read in the foreign tongue, speaking slowly and trying not to mangle the pronunciation. He says in Hamasuran, "Thank you all for coming tonight, to help my family and I celebrate our little sister's birthday. It is always reassuring to be able to surround yourself with new and interesting people when you are far from home." He looks at Alex and repeats this in their own tongue for her benefit.
The assembled guests applaud the little speech, as it dawns on Alex that she's seen most of these furrs before, at the embassy party a month ago. Alex blushes in spite of herself, unsure how to react -- then laughter wins out, "Oh, you fink, Cara -- I forgot!" She grins, standing to throw her arms around him in a tight hug -- then sitting so she can hug Horatio too. Her voice is still bubbly with laughter as she thanks them both. Horatio laughs softly, returning the hug. He decides that now is not the time to tell her that he almost forgot her birthday!
Carroll looks back at the group of gathered people, and finishes in Hamasuran, "After a lovely dinner, we will dance to the music and spend the rest of the evening relaxing, letting the worries outside stay there for the evening. Enjoy!" He beams at them, bows, and sits, adding just for his immediate family, "Happy birthday, Alexandra."
Alex is still beaming as she turns to face the gathered guests. She thanks them for coming also, and hopes they enjoy themselves at this surprise party her sneaky (Carroll gets an amused glare there!) brother has arranged -- but she lets Rosita translate for those that only speak Hamasuran! The guests smile at Alex, applauding her speech as well, before getting down to the serious business of enjoying the evening. The waiters shuttle around in earnest now, replenishing drinks and plates where necessary, and generally being helpful.
Alex grins to herself, still highly amused. She wonders if any of the embassy folks will unwind enough to dance... then shrugs -- who cares? They'll have fun tonight -- that's what's important. She takes Carroll's larger paw in her own smaller one as they settle back down to eat, and leans to whisper to him, "Thanks, Cara... you're a real sweetheart!"
Carroll smiles to her and says, mysteriously, "Let's eat this lovely meal. I have a little something for you before the dancing begins."
Alex's eyes are bright with excitement -- she laughs and gives him another quick hug. "You are just too much, Cara!" Then she settles back and happily enjoys the meal with her brothers and friends.
Carroll beams happily at Alex, and says, "Why, thank you," then also digs in to the meal in front of them, cheerfully enjoying the evening. Horatio chuckles softly, and settles into enjoying the meal. The atmosphere does indeed feel calming and enjoyable, and much, much less tense than... well, than most of their time on the trail. Alex bounces slightly, excitedly in her seat -- finally, dancing again! Maybe she'll get to practice that neat new tango dance! She nibbles and tests different foods, sharing some with her dinner companions -- hastily grabbing her glass of water on others! -and generally having her usual exuberant time at a shared, fun meal.
As the dinner winds to a close, the sounds of music begins to pluck at the ears, as the band sets up on the dance floor. Before Alex can get too excited, Carroll says, "I have something for you." He stands and says, "Come with me." Jessie and Mac get some unseen cue and follow, as Carroll calmly leads his sister across the restaurant to a back room used by the band to set up.
Alex looks (of course) fascinated as she happily follows her brother, "What, Cara?" She glances curiously over her shoulder, wondering what Jessie and MacKenzie are along for.
Hanging in this empty spot in the middle of the busy place is a dress, made by the local couple who wished they'd had more time. This is a lovely dancing dress, with bright embroidery, made in the local style. Carroll (probably unnecessarily) says, "Alex, this is for you."
Alex's eyes widen and she breathes a quiet, "...ooh..." as she patters over to look at it. She brightens, whirling around to throw herself on Carroll in an exuberant hug, laughing gleefully, "Oh, it's a dancing dress -- thank you so much, Cara, you sweetheart!"
Carroll returns Alex's hug, laughing. He says, "I knew this is the only way you'd like a dress. Why don't you put it on? There are shoes and jewelry and such in that little box with it." He steps outside with Sam, while Jessie can help Alex dress. Alex laughs again, shaking her head at her amazing brother -- then cheerfully dashes back to swiftly change clothes and dress up! She emerges a moment later, almost glowing with excitement. The dress is a lovely emerald green that nicely sets off her bright eyes, with colorfully spiraling, almost abstract patterns embroidered gaily along its borders. She pirouettes on her toes, flaring out the full skirts happily, "How's this, Cara?"
Her brother smiles, and says, "You look lovely, Alex." He steps up to her and makes a tiny adjustment or two, because he just can't help himself. He steps back and adds, "But... something is missing. I think this will help." Smiling, he produces four daggers from his person, in places he usually doesn't have knives. These are silver ones, worked in the local style. He says, "And I know just where they go..." and proceeds to show her where the four blades can be hidden on her person, and not mar the line of the dress or make a dancing partner likely to find one by accident. The knives go into places which have loops to hold them; obviously just for them. He smiles, and finishes, "I didn't think you'd like to go about unarmed."
Alex's eyes widen as she breathes, "Oh, Cara..." She's speechless at her eldest brother's thoughtfulness -- she just hugs him very tightly, almost in tears of happiness. A moment later, almost embarrassed, she's happily finding out from him where and how to tuck the lovely little daggers away... and soon -- dancing! Carroll smiles and is quite pleased with himself. It took a little doing and the seamstress was horrified when he made the request, but he finally got what he wanted. He says, "Let's return to the party, so I can show off my beautiful sister, and make all of those fellows jealous by having at least the first dance."
Jessie snickers. "They won't be all that jealous. They know you're her brother."
Alex makes a mental note -- she's just got to get similar loops sewn into all her dresses -- she'll have to ask Juanita if she can do that for her! How wonderful! She laughs, cheerfully poking Jessie with a snicker, "Aw, don't shatter my illusions!"
Carroll murrs, "Perhaps, perhaps." He idly wonders if the other vixen he'd like to be dancing with would like a similar set of knives. Perhaps he could teach her to throw them... if she doesn't already know.
The mink chortles. "Now, a lot of the girls will be jealous of me, I get the first dance with Horatio. The guys will be jealous of whoever gets your second dance, ma'am."
Alex can't help herself... she pirouettes again cheerfully, deliberately making the skirts whirl widely and colorfully about her, then beams at her friends, "Let's go... dancing!"
Carroll leads the little group back to the beginning party, saying, "Have fun, Jessie. Don't hurt him." With a sly grin, he adds, "Short of that, he's all yours." Alex tucks her small paw into Carroll's arm to walk back out... then laughs gleefully at Carroll's words!
Alex is almost glowing with happiness as she emerges on her brother's arm. Her golden earring shines no brighter than her eyes, and by the slight sway her gait gives her skirts, those who know her can tell -- she's more than ready for dancing! -let alone wearing out as many partners as will let her do so! The band is tuned up and ready to start, apparently waiting for the guest of honor to return. As Alex walks out on Carroll's arm, there is a moment of silence and then the band strikes up the first tune, an energetic samba. Alex beams excitedly up at Carroll, "Shall we, Cara?!"
Carroll dances happily with his sister, both because he enjoys it, and because he knows that there are lots of other people who will do so tonight -- it's her birthday. After Alex and Carroll start off the dancing, the rest of the guests get up and pair off for the second. A jaguar, whom Alex remembers as one of their dinner partners at the Embassy party, bows and asks Alex in accented Killimaran for the honor of the next dance. Carroll makes his way among the guests, conversing with them in Killimaran or with Rosita's help, making small talk and thanking them for coming, asking if the food is all right and meeting people. Horatio is indeed grabbed for the first dance, of course making absolutely no objection. He's nowhere near as good as Jessie, but he's gotten a little better. A little; she still has to lead, not that he minds. Meanwhile, he enjoys the quiet time; the almost symbolic end to the long journey they made, in the form of the dance with her.
Alex smiles and accepts the jaguar's invite graciously, rather touched that he's willing to try Killimaran. She wracks her brains, trying to put a name to his face! Then she ahs to herself, remembering... Felipe Llano, the timber magnate. She wonders idly if the senator with the slight magical aura is here, then happily whirls into the next dance with the pleasant jaguar. Senyor Llano is quite a gallant partner, and the dance goes along nicely. "I unnerstan' that you and your brothers brought in the notorious el Rojo, senyorita Alex."
Alex beams at her dance partner, her eyes glowing with happiness. She's quite taken with the elegant swirl and sway of the dance, but still collects her thoughts enough to reply politely, "Yes, indeed... although it was mostly due to my brothers' cleverness with the magnesium arrow -- it lit up the attacking bandits quite nicely, so we could all aim well!" Llano looks quite interested at that, and asks a few questions that soon bog down in mutually incomprehensible technicalities -- his command of Killimaran is not up to tackling alchemical arcana. Alex admits cheerfully that Horatio's the one he really should talk to about alchemical proceedings! Llano nods thoughtfully and does indeed wander off in Horatio's direction when the dance ends.
The party seems to Carroll to be a cheerful one, and the dancing is quite popular. The guests are quite happy to chat with him, and for the most part Rosita's services aren't needed, as a fair number of the locals have taken the trouble to learn the language of their richer trading partner. In between offers to dance and discussions of trade, he finds time to watch Alex and Horatio enjoying themselves.
The next fur to approach Alex is a young peccary, dressed in what appears to be a military uniform in the Hamasuran style. The young teniente introduces himself to Alex and asks if she's interested in a dance, as the band strikes up a tango. Alex smiles cheerfully at the militarily courteous young man and accepts happily. She hopes he's as good a dancer as that wonderful capybara -- then she blinks, her eyes widening, "Ooh... a tango!" She beams at the young man, "Shall we? I'm trying to learn how to dance this!" The young pig looks a bit nervous as Alex admits that, but gamely tries to do his best with the difficult dance. His nervousness turns out to be unnecessary, though, as Alex dances brilliantly through the sultry measures. At the end the young officer bows deeply and kisses Alex's hand. "Senyorita, you honor thees poor one weeth your gracious presence. Gracias."
The rest of the dance floor breaks into applause for the performance, and more of the young males move in to try for a dance with the talented vixen. They interrupt each other, trying to elbow their way in a little closer without being obvious. Carroll sits the tango out, finishing his meal, but stands to applaud with the others. Once he's managed to eat a little bit, he does look around for someone to dance with himself.
Alex is breathless and slightly flushed with excitement at the tango's end. She's not sure, but she thinks she did that one really well! Maybe Carroll can tell her if she was 'on' for it... she beams at the young javalina, curtseying to his bow -- then blinks in startlement at the applause. Well now! Maybe that's her answer! She laughs, glowing with happiness, and gleefully lets herself be swept away in the wonderful, swirling whirl of dancing. When the scramble over Alex is over, she finds that she has agreed to take the next dance with a graceful otter, wearing the uniform of a naval commander. His Killimaran is quite fluent. "Thank you for the honor, milady. Shall we?" He leads her out as the next tune starts.
Alex blinks, a little surprised (and rather flattered!) at the apparent enthusiasm at dancing with her. She grins happily at the otter, "I'd love to, thank you, sir!" She adds with interest as the music does the preparatory swirl before actual dancing begins, "Your Killimaran is excellent, sir... I must commend you! Have you spent time in the League?"
The otter leads gracefully, and nods to Alex's question. "I have had that honor, milady. I was posted as a junior member of the delegation to your capital, and visited St. Avery and Starfall both during my time there. Fascinating cities."
Alex brightens, "Oh! Did you like them? Did it take long to learn the language? I'm still trying to learn Hamasuran... although I'm still not very good." She grins, adding diplomatically, "I see you conducted yourself with distinction during your tenure there, sir... since you seem to have risen in rank since then?"
The otter smiles. "I learned much about my trade from working with your sailing officers, milady. The rank is as much a recognition of that as a reward for services rendered. But surely we can talk of other things than that on such a fine night?"
Alex beams cheerfully, "Okay!" She sighs happily, letting her partner lead her lightly through the spirited dance, enjoying the soft swirl of her skirts about her ankles -- it's so nice to dance with good dancers! With a sudden quirk of interest she wonders... do 'men,' as per Carroll's definition, make better dancers? They've certainly been more fun than most of the more... callow youths that have tried dancing with her... happily she decides to dance more with men, to see if their increased experience does indeed make them better dancers!
The otter continues through the steps of the dance. "But I should introduce myself. Commandante Juan Garcia de Quevedo at your service, milady."
Alex beams up at the otter for a moment as he swirls her lightly through the steps of the dance, "A pleasure to meet you, senyor! -although I believe you already know my name?" She grins, "Or should I introduce myself as well?"
The otter looks thoughtful. "I believe there was something written on the invitation. Lady Sir Alexandra St. Genevieve, or something like that?"
Alex laughs cheerfully at hearing invitations had been sent out, "How very like Carroll to be sure there were invitations!" She grins mischievously, "Yes, something very much like that, indeed. An acceptable name, one hopes?"
Juan grins. "One wonders about the Lady Sir part, but I suppose these northerners get confused about such things with all the clothing they have to wear."
Alex hmfs! -raising a faintly amused eyebrow at the otter, "Are you inferring, sir, that I didn't earn both titles?"
Juan considers that. "I would say that you have, though the first was yours by right of birth. I am saying also that there is a basic conflict between 'sir' and 'lady'."
Alex smiles lazily, "Ah, I understand your... predicament." She ponders a moment, then grins, "It's not really a conflict. I simply prefer 'sir' to 'dame.'"
The otter nods. "I have seen this in the League, but have never understood it. It is your title to define, of course." The dance continues....
Alex looks curious, "Why don't you understand it? Or rather, what don't you understand?"
Juan smiles gallantly. "What do I not understand? Why a lovely lady such as yourself would wish to take a masculine title, of course?"
Alex laughs! "But why should it be masculine or feminine, senyor, if it requires merely courage, honor, and bravery? I did the same as my brother, in essence, in order to receive the honor of knighthood. Why then should we be called by different titles?"
The otter shrugs. "A point, to be sure. But why not a single new title then, when the old title was masculine?"
Alex brightens, "Oh, I like that!" She grins, "So, what should it be then?" She hmms, "...and what language should it be in..."
Juan chuckles. "Ah, and a mindreader, too! Such a talented vixen you are. I was about to suggest caballero."
Alex raises another amused eyebrow -- what a flatterer this man is! -then curiously asks, "And that means...?"
The otter grins even wider. "Why, it means 'knight', of course."
Alex blinks... then laughs, "So it'd be Lady Knight or Lord Knight then?"
Juan smiles. "Exactly!" He looks crestfallen. "But Lord and Lady are already taken. This will not work." He sighs, quite theatrically. "Such a difficult thing."
Alex giggles softly, then murmurs amusedly, "I think you're just teasing me..."
The otter leans toward Alex and surprises her with a quick kiss on the nose. "Alas, the lady knight is far too clever for me."
Alex blinks, stiffening and leaning back a bit... she's not sure she's wild about this man being quite so forward with her! Hm... on the other hand, causing a scene just for a quick kiss on the nose, at her birthday party, would probably be a bit much. Quite possibly he's just trying to be amusing. She smiles, although not as warmly as before, and murmurs, "Alas, it would appear your... compliments, while lovely, may well be too much for me... I'm sure you're... quite clever indeed."
The otter looks apologetic. "I have offended you, milady, and I did not mean to. Perhaps we should discuss other things?"
Alex smiles quietly, "Shall we say... you startled me, rather than offended. Certainly, I'd be happy to discuss something else." She grins, "Suggestions, good sir?"
Juan looks thoughtful again as the dance continues. "How do you like our country so far, milady?"
Alex grins, "It's quite lovely, even though it's usually either breathlessly hot or breathlessly high!" She thinks a bit, then adds, "I'll be happier when I can speak the language, though, I must say... I miss being able to talk freely with people." She muses silently for a moment, then curiously asks, "So... do you ever worry about your Costa Yermo neighbors getting um... aggressively expansionistic? How are the nobility along the shared border?"
Juan reverts to a military mode surprisingly quickly. "Aggressive, but fortunately undersupplied. Tejado del Mundo is very difficult to cross, and an army large enough to threaten us would run out of food before they could make the journey." He grins, rather nastily. "They discovered that the last time they tried it. We are not going to give them a second chance, milady."
Alex looks thoughtful... that's interesting. She nods, "Good to know there's such a useful natural barrier." Curiously she asks, "So... if it is not rude to ask... why is the prince supposedly mad? Does it run in his family, or is he simply horrifically spoiled? And... do you ever worry about attacks by sea?"
The otter grins. "Milady, it's my job to worry about attacks by sea. We do patrol, and the Costa Yermans are worse sailors than we Hamasurans. The pirates are much more of a threat." He looks more serious. "As for the rest? I do not know. I am not sure I would describe Iago as mad so much as ambitious and greedy."
Alex says, "Really? Hm... that would account for why the Costa Yermans support them. How do you plan on getting rid of them?" She nods quietly at the assessment of Iago... she finds that rather alarming, actually. Greedy people, in her experience, don't care about how many people they burn up in realizing their goals.
The otter twitches an ear at that last question. "Now that, milady, I may not tell you. Let us merely say that we do have such plans for the event that we find ourselves at war."
Alex nods quietly again, "I understand. It's a pity the pirates are such a threat though... it puts a real financial crimp in any plans for trading between home and here."
Juan nods. "Pirates we deal with as we find them. As long as Iago gives them a freeport though, there is little we can do without going to war."
Alex hms... then says quietly, "I wonder what Iago wants... and if he's at all reasonable." She sighs softly, "Probably not, I suppose. Unless something overcomes greed -- like love or hate -- it does seem to continue unchecked, no matter how much the person gets."
The otter looks grim. "Should you meet him, milady, please pass on what you find out."
Alex grins dryly at the otter, "I'm not sure that would be wise -- meeting him, I mean. He does sound like the type to never forgive or forget... and I've no idea what would set him off! Nor do I want any of my family to become something he wants, or appear to be between him and something he wants!" She smiles, "But if I do see him, I'll be happy to pass on anything I learn... if I can learn anything."
Juan nods. "Any perspectives would help. With any luck, something will happen to him."
Alex laughs! "They say only the good die young, senyor. With luck like that, I suppose we'll all live forever, eh?"
The otter grins again. "I don't think I have been so bad, milady."
Alex giggles, "Well, I neither... but perhaps modesty helps, eh?"
Juan laughs as the dance ends and he twirls Alex in a final pirouette. "To claim such badness is not modesty, milady." He takes her hand and bows over it, not quite kissing it this time. "Another dance, milady?"
Alex grins gleefully, enjoying the graceful pirouette as well as the sensual swirl of her skirts' wide flare... then gives the gallant otter a more mischievous grin, "Oh... sure, why not?" She grins, "It's hard to pass up an invite like that, from such a peachy dancer!"
The Commandante looks a bit puzzled by the adjective, but he lets it slide past, deciding that it must be meant as a compliment. "Then by all means let us continue to dance." He smiles at the disgruntled young furs who were hoping to cut in, and sweeps Alex back to the dance floor as they band begins again.
Alex grins a little sheepishly, realizing her idiom doesn't translate well, "I'm sorry, commandante... a 'peachy' dancer is one who is not just technically excellent, but also fun to be with."
The otter looks happy at the compliment. "Peachy. I must remember that. But please, call me Juan."
Alex blinks a little startledly -- she'd thought they were more formal here! Huh! Maybe the description of women as being treated more um... distantly, so to speak, applies more to Costa Yermo then. She grins, "Juan... are you sure, senyor? If you are, then perhaps you'd do me the kindness of calling me Alex?"
The otter smiles delightedly. "I would be honored to, Alex." The dance begins, and again the otter proves to be quite talented. "How was your trip to the mountains?"
Alex lets the commandante lead, enjoying the languorous movement of the dance. "Oh, quite successful, I think. My brother Horatio was able to help the miners a bit with their mining equipment, and we were able to help Senyor Vincenza and his people stamp out the bandit gang led by Roberto el Rojo." She smiles a little grimly, "Good riddance to a bad man, from what I've heard."
Juan nods quite seriously. "Indeed. A disgrace to the uniform. We all owe you thanks for helping to finish that unfortunate episode."
Alex blushes faintly, looking pleased... but then honesty compels her to add, "Well, it was mostly Horatio, I think, that helped finish him off. Carroll and I helped more with the later attack on the remaining bandits..." a little proudly she adds, "We had only one slightly injured man, and no deaths on our side!"
The otter looks impressed. "Very good. This shows skill and luck, I would say. What did Horatio do that was so critical to your success?"
Alex grins even more proudly, "He fired a magnesium-based, alchemically modified arrow into the air, and when it flared alight it lit up the night! It was easy to hit el Rojo after that." She adds with quiet seriousness, "I do not know if it shows skill, seny- Juan, but I do know it shows that we worked quite hard to get the bandits at a great enough disadvantage that as few as possible of our people would be exposed to danger. I am pleased we were able to do that successfully." Gravely she adds, "People should not be squandered."
The otter manages to bow politely while still dancing. "Spoken as a true leader. Lady Alex, you would be amazed by how many officers never learn that."
Alex blinks, then grins, looking impressed -- she knows it's not easy to bow gracefully while dancing, and still look good! She takes the opportunity to drop a slight curtsey in return, "Thank you, my dear commandante... you are too kind!" She wonders thoughtfully if he really meant it... would she really make a good leader? Hm... oh, wait, she has to if she's going to be a good captain! She smiles, pleased... maybe this means she's well on her way to achieving that greatly-desired goal!
Juan nods thoughtfully as the dance continues. "A flare arrow. You turned the tables on an ambush, then?"
Alex says, "Indeed. We spotted the glint of firelight off someone's metal fittings or weapon... so we stealthily prepared them a, ah... heated reception!"
Juan laughs delightedly. "Wonderful! I do believe Roberto was slipping there at the end. He used to be able to smell things like that. Quite talented... if only he'd been honorable."
Alex says curiously, "Smell? -explain, please? And... talented how, please?" Shethinks about the comment regarding 'slipping,' then adds thoughtfully, "He did seem to be struggling to keep the bandits together... there is that, true..."
The otter shakes his head. "Sorry. Idiom. Roberto was from all accounts a brilliant tactical officer. We said he could smell an ambush, for he could spot them with no clues anyone else could see. But his luck finally ran out."
Alex murmurs grimly, "Good." She simply dances for a moment, then adds quietly, "The refugees were very happy to be freed... and one of them is a very nice young rabbit kit who's entered service with me. He's smart and quick and dedicated. It's hard to be casual about things like that -- that sort of abuse -- when you actually know the people that are being treated shabbily by their nobility."
Juan nods again. "Unless you deliberately ignore it. Coast Yermo has a very strange social order, and I think it hurts them far more than they realize. Talent is rare enough that you don't want to ignore it when you find it simply because of who has it."
Alex looks interested, "If someone was curious about the social order, where would they go to learn more about it?" She pauses, then says slowly, "And... I wonder how one would go about changing it..."
The otter considers the questions for a bit, while the dance continues. "The best place to learn about it is there. Talk to folks, see what they think. Talk to the refugees, yes, but they are only one facet of the situation. What to do to change it? On that I will not speculate without more information than I have. Another lesson a commander must learn, Alex... don't make plans without information."
Alex nods thoughtfully... then smiles at the otter, "Thank you, co- Juan. Good advice is always a boon to receive."
The party seems to be off to a good start, with the young males eager to dance with the guest of honor. Carroll smiles, watching his sister start the first dance as the guests begin to mingle and chat. Delegado Costanza Llano wanders over to the eldest sibling and smiles at him. "Thees ees a common sort of celebration een the League, milord?"
Carroll smiles and looks to the lady, replying, "It is common to remember someone's birthday, although not always with quite as large a display. Not having the rest of the family and friends about, I thought Alex might enjoy this." He adds, "She loves to dance."
The jaguar smiles. "Eet ees enjoyable. Would you do me thee honor?" She smiles and offers her hand.
Carroll also smiles, replying, "I would be pleased." He takes her hand, escorting her to the dance floor.
The jaguar politician isn't the world's best dancer, but she knows the local dances as well as Carroll does. "And how was your veeseet weeth Senyor Vincenza?"
Carroll ahs, and says, "It was a more exciting trip than we expected it to be. We discovered and helped capture a band of slavers. Once we had found them, it would have been thoughtless of us not to finish them."
The jaguar nods. "We had heard sometheeng of thees, milord. You feeneeshed off Roberto el Rojo?"
Carroll smiles, "Yes, he was the leader of the band when they foolishly attacked the mine."
She smiles, rather predatorily. "Gracias. Both for the asseestance, and for letting Senyor Vincenza's people take the offeecial credeet. There has been a beet of changes in the offeecer corps seence that incident."
Carroll murrs, "Senyor Vincenza and his staff deserved the reward for their good work. I didn't realize that there had been a change." He smiles a bit, and adds, "I hope it will be a good one." He obviously is enjoying the dance, despite being somewhat unfamiliar with it.
Costanza nods again. "Si. More... how ees she said? More careful weeth assignments. Roberto had the same subofficers for ten years. We stir them around more now." She shrugs. "Eet was steell an embarassment, milord, wheech ees now over."
Carroll nods, "Change is good for people. I must admit, it was more than I expected to happen on that trip."
The jaguar chuckles, a throaty purr. "I would not theenk so, milord. You may have our government's offeecial apology eef you theenk you want eet. Eet should not have happened to an important veesitor."
Carroll asks, "You would not think what? That we would be expecting an ambush?" He chuckles and says, "You never expect such a thing, but you must always prepare for them." After a few steps of the dance he adds, "No official apology is needed. I see no reason to make an issue of what might be a tender subject, especially one which has been resolved."
Costanza nods again as the dance concludes. "Then you have our unoffeecial thank you again. Ambassador McDonnell said you would be reasonable about thees." She curtseys to the elegant fox and thanks him for the dance before wandering off to mingle some more. Carroll smiles and escorts the lady from the floor, thanking her also for the dance.
The ladies are not as forward as the young gentlemen clamoring for Alex's attention, but there are several who make a point of meeting Carroll's eye as he looks around the room, both older and younger. Carroll looks about once he's without a dance partner, and notes a feline in uniform glancing at him. He thinks, Interesting, and walks over towards her, asking her, "Would you do me the honor of this dance?"
The young ring-tailed cat smiles delightedly. "Eet would be my honor, sir." She offers her hand and walks out to the dance floor with the fox as the music begins.
Carroll smiles and makes a point to properly and completely introduce himself, and to politely inquire as to her name. He also says, "I must admit that it is pleasant to see a woman in uniform here. It is much more common in Starfall, and I notice the difference occasionally. If I may ask, why have you chosen what seems an unusual path for a lady here? Or do I misunderstand?"
The cat smiles. "I have the honor to be Teniente Marta Escalera, Capitan." She dances for a little while before answering the second question. "Eet ees... less usual pairhaps, but not truly uncommon. My family has a long... tradicion, si? Tradition. A long tradition of military service. Seence I have no brothers, one of us had to step into the shoes."
Carroll replies, "Tradition is very important. I'm certain you will honor your family, especially if you work hard and are diligent. My family has some traditions of its own, which my brothers, sister, and I work to uphold." He adds, "Sometimes that can lead in unexpected directions."
Marta smiles, almost a bit coy. "Thees deerection was unanteeceepated, pairhaps?"
Carroll asks, "The direction I took or the direction you took?" He then chuckles, and answers his own question, "My direction has certainly been one I wouldn't fully have expected. Having to defend the family honor with force and deviousness was certainly unexpected."
The cat smiles. "My deerection was not unexpected, Capitan. I was the youngest child weeth no brothers, so eet fell to me from earliest kittenhood." She twitches an ear. "Deviousness? What happened?"
Carroll looks embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I've gotten used to people having heard this story." He gives her, in brief, the story of Pravinchandra stealing the family's fortune, and how they got it back through piracy and by having proof to challenge him in Council, and how they got back to Starfall and into the Council as ambassadors.
Marta is wide-eyed through most of the story, and contrives to keep Carroll for a second dance while he continues, making appropriate comments at appropriate intervals. When he is finished she shakes her head in wonder. "Eet ees just like a story the... the poets tell, si?"
Carroll doesn't mind a second dance at all. When she comments about the poets he laughs and says, "It may seem that way now, yes, but it was rather worrying while it went on. It wouldn't seem nearly so exciting had we failed. After that we came here, looking for more trade. I've gotten to do more of what I expected to do with my life. That's how I arrived here."
The cat laughs. "Oh, I am theenking that eet would have been much more exciteeng eef you had failed. I have seen enough of combat to know thees, Capitan. Short, pairhaps, but more exciting." She lets the dance continue for a bit before inquiring further. "And have you found sometheeng to trade?"
Carroll laughs and says, "Yes, more exciting but shorter, this is true." Chuckling, he answers her question, "Perhaps. I don't yet know if much will come of it, but we shall see. The things we expected to trade may not be terribly viable, unfortunately, because of the pirates from Costa Yermo."
The young soldier frowns at that name. "Si. Them. We have that as a problem, and no clear way to solve eet, Capitan. I am only infanteria but thees ees a problem we deescuss much. We would beat them in the open, but eet ees too hard to attack through the Tejado. We do not have the navy to go around the mountains. The League ees not eenterested in fighting, seence they trade much weeth Costa Yermo as well as weeth us. So what are we to do?"
Carroll hmms, then says, "If the government of Costa Yermo were not allowing the piracy and slavery, these problems would solve themselves. I have heard, ah, unflattering, let's say, things about the way in which the country is run. Perhaps when that changes something can be done? Perhaps too some assistance from the League could be found, apart from the governments, which do tend to move a bit slowly."
The cat twitches an ear, and the look on her face is briefly disgusted. "Indeed. Unflattering ees a nice way to put it. To change them ees not easy." She looks up at the last comment. "Sometheeng... informal, shall we say? Involving League members? But the merchants are even less fond of fighting than your government."
Carroll responds, "Merchants are not fond of anything that doesn't make them money. Find a way to convince them it is profitable, and they will help." He also suggests, "The nobility also might help if they thought they were helping reinstate a wise ruling family in Costa Yermo, for even less of a profit."
Marta looks intrigued by the first idea, though less than impressed by the second. "Nobles tend to think of profit in terms of subjects, not money. I..." She stops, her ears flattening in embarassment. "I do not mean you, Capitan. Many do, though."
Carroll shrugs and says, "It's important to find nobles who consider subjects a responsibility rather than a resource, yes. I find many nobles reprehensible, I assure you."
The cat looks relieved that Carroll shares her opinion. "We have a bad history of such people ourselves, Capitan. Nearly as bad as those of Costa Yermo... so we have leetle love for nobles as a group."
"When the other nobles do not reprimand those who do not take their responsibilities seriously, it is unfortunately easy to wind up in a position where the nobility is all entirely focused on its own desires," the fox replies. "Personally, I am proud of my family's tradition of working in the interest of our subjects, and think that that pride is likely a lot of why we continue to do so. That, and the loyalty of the people to us in our times of need, as in this recent family crisis."
The cat nods, considering a facet of the feudal system that she had not before. "I suppose that would work, Capitan. As long as everyone does... as long as everyone can do... what they should. Eet just seems... precarious to trust that one family should produce leaders in every generation. Fighters, si, but leaders? Not so easy."
Carroll says, "No, not easy." A step or two of the dance goes by and he adds, "And difficult to break the cycle of dishonesty once it is started. A coup or uprising can do it, or internal politics, if there are any. Lacking that, I fear someone else must force the issue."
Marta nods again. "And so. Costa Yermo."
Carroll nods and says, "A difficult problem indeed, and one with no easy solution. I wish I could be of more help in this matter, but I expect you've thought about this for longer than I and considered all the options available to you."
The cat grins. "True, Capitan. But there are avenues that you have that I do not. An interesting idea." She goes back to concentrating on the dancing, enjoying it for its own sake.
Carroll suggests, "While there may be avenues available to me or others that might not be open to you, there must be a significant reason to take such momentous and expensive risks." Leaving it at that, he too lapses into quiet dancing.