Reality Fault - Starfall: Logs for 16January2000

The villagers and the new arrivals mingle, taking the opportunity during the break to grab snacks and drinks. Now that Mikhail has broken the ice, another of the village lads, a burly young elk, gathers up his courage and approaches Alex.

Alex tilts her ears curiously, smiling up at the elk over her mug of hot cider. "Mikhail, introduce me to your friend, please?"

This lad is huge, towering over Alex and Mikhail, nearly seven feet tall counting the antlers. Mikhail looks a little put out at having to introduce the competition, but complies. "This is Dennis, but we call him Spike." The young buck actually has four points on his set of antlers, and looks a little annoyed at the badger dredging up that old nickname.

Alex blinks slightly at the young man's height up close... but simply looks way up, smiles and offers a paw, "A pleasure to meet you, Dennis." She can't help but think what a good fighter someone this large and burly could make under Dimitri's training... but she keeps her opinions to herself -- this is a party, after all.

Dennis smiles, not nearly as shyly as the badger had earlier. "A pleasure, milady. You haven't used up all your dances yet, have you?"

Alex looks thoughtful, then smiles, "No, I don't believe I have yet. The next one is promised to Mikhail, of course, and after that my brother Horatio," she doesn't mention that Horatio doesn't necessarily know this yet, of course, "-but after that I believe I might be free for a dance?"

The elk sweeps what he apparently thinks is a smooth, courtly bow -- not bad for a rustic sort, at that, it probably impresses the local girls -- and smiles. "I will look forward to it, milady." He straightens up again and moves a little down the table. "Would you like a glass of wine?"

Alex grins and sways neatly out of the way of the antlers as Dennis bows, "Perhaps later, thank you. For now I've got a nice mug of hot cider." She smiles a thank you at Mikhail for the cider.

The elk looks a little disappointed, gets a glass of wine for himself and drifts back to Alex. "You must have some fascinating stories to tell about Starfall, milady."

Alex tilts her ears thoughtfully at Dennis, then smiles again, "Actually, if you're looking for fascinating stories I'd have to say that my brothers were more the people to talk to. Carroll, of course, because he accompanied Father frequently, and Horatio has some positively hair-raising tales of his misadventures with his school chums around the athanor..." she sips her cider, then adds speculatively, "Of course, for stories about fighting you'd have to talk to my brother Dimitri. Me..." she gets a rueful smile, "I didn't get to do much exciting, I'm afraid."

Dennis tries to look charming. "Oh, I'm sure you'd tell them much better."

Alex raises an eyebrow, but just smiles... then gives a pleased look across the room, "Oh! There's Horatio... hmm. Who's that with him? Do either of you know that young lady?"

The boys turn to look. Mikhail snorts. "Oh, that's Jessie. Worst flirt in the whole village." Dennis nods agreement.

Alex raises another eyebrow... but just smiles quietly and sets her mug down on the table and tucks her small paw in Mikhail's arm, "Mikhail, would you be so kind as to walk me over there? I have something I should tell Horatio."

Mikhail gladly leads Alex over toward her brother. Dennis trails along behind, a bit miffed... he's not used to Mikhail of all people taking the spotlight away from him.

Carroll circulates quietly during the break, smiling and enjoying the good feeling, warmth, and togetherness of the dance, watching the crew of the ship and the village people get to know one another, and getting to know them himself.

Taking a sip from his drink, Dimitri leans back a bit. Restful, but balanced, as he watches the turn of conversation in the hall. A moment's quiet it is, before a sharp eye might notice that old reflexes have settled in again, and he watches over the hall. His gaze does tend to return to Alex, picking up the subtle challenges implied in nicknames wished forgotten. But he also doesn't forget who he is with, either. He takes a second sip of his drink. "So, mi'lady, how long have you known our Master At Arms, sir MacKenzie?"

Natasha says, "Mm. Is about two years. I am joinink up with him when I arrive in Starfall."

Dimitri's head tilts as his ears swivel slightly. "Arrive from where, if I might ask?"

Natasha waves a hand vaguely westward. "Long way. I join a long-voyage tradink ship in my homeland of Karaganda, but captain retire and not go back. Have not found ship to go back that way, and when I try to persuade some to try, suddenly I not get hired any more. Gospodin MacKenzie was to help bankroll trip."

Turning his head, Dimitri considers. "Now that is interesting. Why would a trip to Karaganda put you on the wrong side of House Pravinchandra?"

Natasha says, "Not sure. But your father was one interested. Was to be his next trip."

Dimitri takes another drink of cider. "I didn't know that. And I don't believe Carroll or Alexandra knows that either. What could be in Karaganda that worries House Pravinchandra so... or that they want all to themselves, aye?"

Natasha shrugs. "Am not sure. Maybe he is afraid someone else will get rich, nyet?"

Alex beams politely at Jessie and Horatio, "Hello, Horatio! Mikhail, Dennis, this is my brother Horatio... Horatio, this is Mikhail, and that's Dennis. Introduce me to your lady friend?"

Horatio blushes. "Umm, this is, is Jessie. Jessie Hunter, right? This is my sister Alexandra, but we call her Alex."

Alex grins at her brother, then smiles at Jessie, her ears tilted interestedly forward, "Hello! Are you also thinking of applying to volunteer to join our crew?"

The mink nods, brightly. "I sure am! I'm the best archer around here, except for Daddy."

Alex looks pleased, "Oh, really? Excellent! After this next dance I should introduce you to my brother Dimitri -- he's the person to talk to, if you want to be part of the marines." She pats Horatio on the arm, smiling, "Remember now, you promised the second dance of the second set to me! That's the next one... and that way Jessie can talk to Dimitri in peace. No fair monopolizing the poor lady all night -- other folks will want to dance with her too!" She gets an internal, wry smile as she also thinks and that will give poor Horatio a chance to dance with someone else if he wants! She tilts her head thoughtfully at the two young men, "Do either of you want an introduction to Dimitri also?"

The mink continues, "And let's see. Who else wants to volunteer... there's Cleo over there, Garry, Lars, and Bjorn, and Don and Karl." She pauses at Alex's interruption, then nods. "I'd LOVE to meet your other brothers, Ms. Alex." Dennis and Mikhail look a little embarrassed at not being included in Jessie's rundown, and nod. "Sure would!" "Certainly!"

Alex beams, "Well how nice! Then I'll be back after this dance with Mikhail, all right? and I can introduce all three of you to Dimitri!"

Horatio blinks at the mention of the dancing, "I did?" He straightens up as his sister gives him the Look, and says, "Oh, yes. I did!"

Jessie catches that Look, but decides to ignore it. She's pretty sure already that she can get Horatio back from her competition any time she wants. Better not to antagonize the Sister...

The musicians are setting up for the next round of dancing, and older couples as well as youngsters are pairing up for the next set of dances. Mikhail, feeling a little challenged, starts to lead Alex away from the others. Alex smiles and lets him... he's been quite nice to her so far. Dennis intercepts one of the flock hovering around Jessie and Horatio, and Jessie starts pulling a still bemused Horatio off as well. The other youngsters form up as well as the music starts. Alex glances around, seeing if her siblings are all getting partnered... then grins happily at Mikhail -- she gets to dance again! A couple of the village girls are casting glances toward Dimitri, but none of them seem anxious to challenge Natasha.

Hildy leads one of the young women over toward Carroll as he circulates. "Now, you'll be needing a partner, milord."

Carroll looks over, and smiles, murring, "I certainly will."

Dimitri looks into his goblet, the swivel of his ears indicating that he does notice the musicians preparing for the next reel. However all he does at this point is swirl his mug, watching the ripples in the cider. "I don't know if our path is going to take you any closer to home, mi'Lady."

Natasha shrugs. "Nichyevo. At least I am workink again, da?"

Dimitri nods quietly. "I hope that's a good thing."

The musicians finish their warmup and start playing again, this set is for couples dancing. Hildy quickly finishes introducing Carroll to his new partner, a young doe -- "Milord Carroll, this is Millie -- oh, dear, they're starting!" -- and hurries back to her husband.

Carroll smiles and offers his hand to Millie, murring, "Hello, Millie, it's a pleasure to meet you. Shall we?"

Millie nods. "An honor, sir." Hildy does seem to have been selecting appropriate partners; Millie is a good dancer and Mikhail is very good indeed, surprising for a bandy-legged badger. Alex moves gracefully with Mikhail, her small paws resting on him lightly, whirling easily in his arms through the steps of the dance. She glows happily, humming the tune softly under her breath to keep the beat. Her eyes light up as she realizes she's with a very good partner, and she adds the occasional happy flourish-of-skirts as she dances with Mikhail. Mikhail grins happily as he realizes why Hildy nudged him to ask for a dance.

Carroll enjoys the dance, letting himself relax, leading his new partner with grace and skill of his own. He smiles, and murrs to her, "You're a good dancer, Millie."

Millie smiles, a bit shyly. "Thank you." She seems content to move with the music.

Natasha shrugs. "We find out, da?" She stands up starts to move back to the dance floor as the music starts. Dimitri pauses as Natasha walks away, gauging to see if she's off to find a partner of her own. Natasha looks back at Dimitri quizzically. "Not comink?"

Setting down his goblet, Dimitri shrugs and then smiles again, this time small, but true and honest. "Just not taking it for granted that you would wish this black fox for a partner." He extends his paw to the pretty wolf and joins her in the dance.

Natasha smiles at him. "Who else?" She leads him onto the dance floor.

Jessie maneuvers Horatio close to Alex and Mikhail at the end of the dance. While the musicians are debating the next piece, she asks, "Can you introduce us now?"

Alex smiles at Jessie, "Certainly, Jessie." She turns to Mikhail and adds happily, "Thank you for a lovely dance, Mikhail!" then loops an arm through Horatio's, so he's bracketed between the two young women, and heads for Dimitri. Mikhail stays on Alex's other arm, if she allows it. Dennis notices and scrambles through the crowd to arrive at Dimitri with the others.

Carroll smiles to Millie, and murrs, "I do enjoy dancing with a skilled partner." Looking around, he asks her, "Perhaps you would introduce me to people? I don't know everyone."

Dimitri decides not to let go of Natasha's paw as the dance ends with its final flourish, once again with a earnest "Thank you mi'lady fair..." as the others descend upon him. Natasha notices the onrushing group and steps a few paces back to glower over Dimitri's shoulder if necessary.

Alex grins faintly to herself at all the scrambling, but politely says, "Dimitri, Natasha, may I introduce some folks to you that are interested in volunteering? This is Jessie, who's a good archer, and this is Dennis, and this is Mikhail..." she pauses, then beams and adds simply, "-who is a simply peachy dancer!" She giggles softly, then adds, "I thought the two of you would like to talk to them, especially since Horatio's promised the next dance to me!"

Mikhail blushes, not at all sure this is a good recommendation to the warriors. Jessie just beams and starts in. "Milord, milady...how many will you be taking along with you? We'd all love to help you!"

Alex grins and winks just to Dimitri... then she nods cheerfully to Mikhail, "Thank you again!" adds to Dennis, "The one after this, I haven't forgotten!" then smoothly and cheerfully extricates Horatio from Jessie's grasp, and heads away from the group. She strolls arm in arm with Horatio, and murmurs with a grin, "Are you having a good time, Horatio? Is she nice?"

Horatio still looks a bit dazed. "Oh? Oh, yes, very nice. She even makes me look good dancing..."

Alex nods, looking pleased, "I'm glad to hear it. Just please don't forget, Horatio, to ask other girls to dance too? Carroll can't dance every time due to socializing, and we both know how scary Dimitri can be... so you and I are kinda important to hold up the social St. Genevieve part of things." She beams happily at Horatio, patting the lace ruffles at his chin and adding, "And you do look really nice tonight, y'know? Bet all those young ladies over there watching are envying me right now!" She brightens suddenly, "Oh! You could ask one of them to dance maybe, after this dance?"

Horatio blushes again, "ASK one of them? You mean all by myself?"

Alex thinks about the young men that were staring at her... checks the young women staring at Horatio -- yup, looks real similar! She chuckles, "Silly... they're probably dying for you to come over and ask! Tell you what... I'll go over with you, how's that?" She beams happily at Horatio again, "It'll be fun!" Horatio looks a little less nervous at this... then remembers some of the other 'fun' things his little sister's gotten him into. Alex smiles and pats his arm reassuringly at the doubtful expression, "Really, Horatio, it'll be all right, I promise. No teasing... this is for family."

Dennis looks after Alex a bit wistfully, but then turns to Dimitri. Dimitri looks down upon the gaggle of newcomers and nods to each of them in turn. He takes his time, considering carefully. "I will not mislead you. We cannot take many. And I am sure that you would agree that we also must post some of our best here in Ettore, to protect our families here in our stead. However, if you are truly interested, it's not to me you come. It's to Master MacKenzie. An hour before dawn, tomorrow, for his review and application. So what is it that you do?"

Jessie is a little intimidated by the two warriors, but not much. "I'm the second best archer here, sir." The other two mumble and hem and haw a bit, not really having specialties and more than likely simply not wanting to look like cowards.

Dimitri glances over his shoulder towards Natasha. "We are both tired of certain albatrosses aren't we?" But then he turns, his sharp glare focusing upon the only one who spoke up. "You have hunted other than targets, Miss Jessie, yes?"

The mink nods, a little disdainfully. "Of course. Dad started taking me hunting when I was still a little girl." She pauses. "We'd be hunting other furrs, though wouldn't we?" She shakes off what is apparently an unpleasant mental image, and straightens. "It's for a good cause, after all."

The music starts up again at this point. Jessie takes advantage of Mikhail being right there to pull him onto the dance floor. Dennis looks put out, starts to look toward Natasha, looks at Dimitri, and wanders off to try his luck elsewhere.

Alex dances happily with her shyest brother, doing her best to make him look good too. Years of dancing lessons means she has a good idea already of his skill... and how to help him! She smiles, pleased that he's getting admiring glances. Dimitri escorts Natasha back to the floor, if she's willing of course... Natasha smiles and joins Dimitri on the dance floor. It soon becomes crowded again as the villagers return.

Horatio dances with his sister, his mind still spinning. Ask someone else to dance? On his own? Getting asked to dance by Jessie was a harrowing experience in and of itself for a few moments when she basically took him up in hand, but he managed to get over the shyness. How could he just up and ask someone else? And what would she think? He blinks, and hides a shudder and grimace. The workshop is seeming more and more like a pleasant memory far and away, now.

Carroll graciously thanks Millie for the dance, and lets her find one of her more regular partners. He asks one of the girls she introduced him to if they would like this dance, and when she accepts, leads her to the floor and dances through the dance, his skill carefully covering her nervousness and most of her clumsiness.

It is a bit into the dance before Dimitri relaxes again, and the dashing bounce returns to his step. He keeps himself and his partner to their corner of the floor, the more distant from his siblings the more comfortable. He does, however, seem quite happy with his partner, and make no move to find a new one at all.

Alex leads her brother through the dance, almost as adept at it as Jessie was. "So who do you think you'd like to ask?"

Horatio blinks to Alex. "Ah... ah, I really don't know! I mean, I haven't, er, been good at meeting many people here... I mean, aside from the boatmen, the smith, the glassblower -- I think he was the glassblower, I may be wrong, though...

Alex chuckles at her brother. "Well, which of them do you think look pretty, then?"

Horatio erks, as his heart tries to make a break for it through his throat. "I... oh, dear, I mean... Alex, you know I've been all but cloistered in the Academy...!"

Alex sighs. "Then it's past time to get you working on your social duties, big brother. Shall I pick one for you?"

Horatio erks! and glances over to the side of the dance floor. "Er... Alex, I, uhm..." Well, on the one hand it would simplify things and he would feel like... wait, wait, wait... he barely met Jessie and he already doesn't want to risk raising her ire. Too fast, too fast, even sublimating calcium takes patience and a slow flame, not a raging naptha flame...! He gulps. "Ah, maybe, if, ah, you would, but, ah, perhaps, er, I could speak with Jessie first for a moment...?" Well, one thing's for certain: at least his old Master would approve of his interpretation of his Ethics classes. He hopes.

Alex gives her brother that Look again. "You've already met Jessie. You need to meet some of the others, don't you think?"

Horatio cringes a little at the Look. He wonders briefly yet in all seriousness if Pravinchandra wouldn't buckle under that Look. "Er, well, yes, this is true..."

Alex thinks about it. "Probably not anyone else planning to come with us, though..."

Horatio bites his lip, glancing around. "Ah... all I can say to that, Alex, is that we'll know after Mackenzie goes through the volunteers. I don't know just how many there'll be... but..." He falls silent and almost misses a step, even with Alex's skill.

Dimitri's smile grows a bit brighter with each step of the dance, until there is a dark flash in his dark eyes, one twirl after another in the company of a wolf. Natasha smiles at her partner. "Too bad they have no balalaikas, tovarishch. I could teach you dance from home."

With a nod Dimitri spins Natasha out and then draws her back in close, his heavy boots tapping out the dance's bright rhythm. "We might just have to do something about that."

As the music comes to a stop Alex nods to Hildy. The matronly beaver comes bustling over, neatly intercepting the pair before Mikhail and Jessie can intervene. "Who's next? Who's next? Horatio, why don't you dance with Delia?" She points out an attractive young rabbit, then notices a handsome young otter. "Alex, have you met Garry?" Alex shakes her head, but adds, "I promised Dennis he could have the next dance." Hildy momentarily frowns, but nods. "Well, you can dance with Garry next time." Hildy bustles back to her husband as the next tune starts up.

Horatio blinks, and opens his mouth. "Ah... Hildy...?" He is quickly left rather on his own with Delia. "Errr... good evening, ah, m'lady... ah, Delia, is it?"

The rabbit nods, shyly. "Should we dance? Missus Hildy wanted us to."

Horatio says, "Oh! Ah, certainly, if you wish...?" Delia smiles and offers Horatio her hand. Horatio gulps, managing a wan smile as he takes Delia's hand, and already estimating the damage that's about to be caused. If he's as bad at dancing as he was at his first laboratory exercizes at the Academy, the building should be leveled in, approximately, the next five minutes.

Carroll smiles and thanks his partner, escorting her back to her friends quickly when the music pauses. He misses Hildy's intercept, but swings one of his own, walking up behind Jessie and murring, "Excuse me, would you be kind enough to share this dance with me?" even as he gently taps her shoulder to get her attention, before she can get to Horatio.

Jessie's eyes widen, then narrow briefly, then she grins. "Sure! I'd love to!"

Carroll smiles easily and murrs, "I saw you talking to my brothers, and thought I'd make a point to meet you."

Jessie smiles brightly. "Oh, really? You do notice everything, don't you. Dad says a good captain should." She is an excellent dancer, but will follow Carroll's lead for now.

The music starts in earnest as the musicians get past the intro, and Delia, although not nearly as pushy as Jessie, realizes that Horatio isn't that good on his own and helps gently. They don't look as good as Jessie and Horatio did, but it's not a disaster. Horatio is immediately glad that Delia's a good dancer. He manages to make his dancing look less like a controlled shamble and more like -- though only passingly -- the grace that all three of his siblings have shown.

Carroll does lead, although not heavy-handedly. He dances well; perhaps not with the abundant joy of his sister, but with more than a little enjoyment. He smiles and murrs, "I try." After a moment of the dance he asks, "What do you think of my brothers?"

Jessie thinks about this for a little while. "Dimitri is... deep. Impressive, kinda dangerous in a good way, if you know what I mean, sir?" She grins. "Horatio is sweet."

Carroll nods, but doesn't comment immediately. He continues to dance, smiling, and eventually murring casually, "Why did Alexandra introduce you to Dimitri? Is there a reason, or is she just showing him off?"

Jessie's face freezes for just a moment, as she wonders how to answer that one, then she smiles. "Probably because I asked Horatio who I should talk to about getting to come along with you when you leave. Lady Alex took us all over to talk to him about it, but he said we should talk to Mr. MacKenzie about it."

Carroll ohs, murring to Jessie, "Yes, that would be the person to talk to. You want to come with us?" He seems surprised but not distressed.

Jessie nods firmly! "I do! I'm the best archer in the village aside from my daddy! And they need him here for hunting."

Carroll smiles broadly and murrs, "Well, try out with Mr. MacKenzie and we'll see how it works out." After only a couple of heartbeats, he adds, "I expect Horatio wouldn't mind a bit, though, if you are one of the ones who comes with us."

Jessie grins. "I hope not. I think we were getting along just fine before Lady Alex interrupted."

Dimitri continues in this dance, his robust steps sure and smooth, and yet each flair and splash only making his partner look more fair, look more romantic, allowing and making Natasha the center of not just his attention, but all. Alex smiles as her dark brother gets into the spirit of the party, making the family look good by his attention to his partner. Natasha is a flashing, if dangerous, vision in gray and white fur and a fiery-red dress, with a dagger at her belt and leather military boots showing as the skirts swirl.

Horatio dances with Delia, enjoying the relaxing tune, and managing to follow the steps without causing too many stumbles for either of them. The music is invigorating despite the hour (and despite what he would like to think, by now he's usually taking a pre-midnight nap, his head resting comfortably on the open pages of a massive book).

Carroll nods, and murrs, "I hope so. As to Alex interrupting..." he grins, "Well, there will be plenty of time for you to talk to Horatio. Tonight I fear you'll have to share." Jessie nods, obviously calculating... and agreeing. She does seem confident that she can get a billet on the Mare if any archers are needed. Carroll looks over Jessie's shoulder for a moment and lets the dance carry them around for a few steps. He glances down and smiles, murring, "You know, I've asked you all sorts of things. Was there anything you wanted to ask me?" to the mink.

Jessie thinks for a bit. "Do you think there's a chance we'll get rich?"

Carroll looks down at Jessie, pondering the question. He finally murrs, "There's a chance, of course, but it's not terribly likely. What we're doing is, by its nature, difficult and expensive."

Jessie nods. "That's what I was afraid of. But if you win you'll have your money back, and you can pay for guards and things, right?"

Carroll nods, and murrs, "I suppose so. We'll also have new trades coming in, and need that sort of staff." Still dancing, he murrs, "Why do you ask?"

Jessie giggles. "Because I'd love to be rich, that's why!" Carroll shakes his head, and chuckles, smiling at his dance partner. Jessie grins back, and returns her attention to the dance.

When the third dance of the set ends, Alex thanks her partner and looks for Hildy's proposed candidate for the next one. Hildy, meanwhile, seems to have taken over Horatio's dance card, sending him a new partner at the end of the dance. Horatio blinks at Hildy, trying to remain civil and genteel to the next person Hildy throws him at. Which isn't hard, to be honest. He is starting to enjoy himself a little, and it is long past being a chore for him to be here. Carroll murrs, to Jessie, "Thank you for the dance, m'lady. You're an excellent partner." and smiles, lingering long enough to make sure Horatio has another partner, before letting her go.

Dimitri spins Natasha away as the final dance ends, ending with a low bow and flourish over her paw. "Thank you again, Natasha. More than a pleasure this night has been."

The dancing continues, with the smaller cubs sleeping along the walls or by the fireplaces while their elders keep themselves awake with tea and cider. At the next break, the musicians stretch and sip tea, then slip out to use the necessary... ending their dance next to the bar, Dimitri spins away, his pace only losing the beat when he walks back to Natasha, a goblet of wine in each paw. "Thank you again, mi'lady fair. A drink, to cool off a bit?" Carroll also finds something cold to drink, looking rather relaxed and pleased with the evening.

Natasha smiles. "Spasebo, milord. Most welcome."

Dimitri takes a sip of his drink, nodding quietly. "So where do your plans take you, Natasha? Where would you like to be this time next year?"

Natasha shrugs. "Next year? I am not knowink. I would like to go home again sometime, but is not urgent yet. I am thinkink I would like to help you deal with your problem first. Is maybe my problem too, da?"

Dimitri takes a slow, slow sip of his wine. "If Pravinchandra wanted to go to Karaganda for legitimate reasons, and saw someone else going for it... if it was Father, he'd take Father out, because we represent the threat of a major house. but if Master MacKenzie was an independent, the smart move would have been to buy MacKenzie out or offer to patronize his mission, especially if MacKenzie was looking for investors, like you said. And it would be silly not to try and hire someone who lives there... but that's not what happened. It's something... else.. So perhaps you are right, if Pravinchandra for some reason doesn't want folks going there... then it just might be a problem shared."

Taking another sip, Dimitri just shrugs. "Besides, I'd have to look for another Lady to dance with then, next year. And I don't think I could do better at all. This has been a better night that I would have thought, mi'lady. Thank you."

Natasha blushes, just a bit, and bows. "Spasebo, Gospodin. Bol'shoye radushya."

Dimitri chuckles quietly. "And by next year I suspect I'd understand what you just said." Looking down at his goblet he blinks. "I think I need a refill, yes? And I will be back."

Natasha nods. "I will wait. Gospazha Hildy seems to have the young bucks under control." She grins wickedly. "So I will not be need to hurtink any of them, da?"

Dimitri looks back over his shoulder and smiles, "No. Not until tomorrow, if Sam signs any of them on."

Carroll smiles and talks to people, moving over nearer Horatio, probably trying to make sure he's not overwhelmed by the young ladies, either to distract them, or to merely scare them off. Horatio does manage to hold his own, somewhat. Hildy, and of course Carroll, are of inestimable help in this. That anyone would want to dance with him is baffling to him. That anyone would want to dance with him after seeing his dancing is even more amazing. Most of Hildy's picked girls have had a dance or two with Horatio by now. Most of them knew what they were doing well enough to prevent anyone getting hurt. Jessie has been hovering in the background, but only insisted on one more dance so far this evening. She looks smug for some reason, though, as the other girls crowd around Horatio at the break and try to make small talk.

As Dimitri refills his drink, this time again with cider, he does wander away for a bit. When he returns, tucked up one sleeve is a nice flourish of holly, concealed until the preparations for the next dance begin again.

The first few dances in the last set are energetic circle dances, to get everyone's energy up. After a couple of these, it goes back to couples dances again. Alex claims Carroll for the first couples' dance... Carroll smiles and murrs, "I'm always pleased to dance with you, Alex." and leads her out in to the floor, as the music is barely beginning.

Alex beams at Carroll, still ebullient and energetic -- night watch has done wonders for her ability to stay up all night and still be perky at the end of it! She leans into Carroll's arms as they whirl gracefully around to the flowing music, and murmurs, "Thanks, Carroll, for being so nice tonight... especially on such short notice, about Mitya?"

Carroll smiles, happily enjoying the dancing, and the company of his sister. He murrs to her, "I'm not usually nice?" but lightly. He follows it with, "I'm not about to prod him during a party, Alex, as much as I want to know what I've done to upset him."

Alex grins and wrinkles her nose at her eldest brother, "You know what I mean, silly! About leaving him alone tonight... that was nice of you!" She grins more ruefully, then chuckles dryly, "Nice... hmmm... well, there was the time you put the 'kick me' sign on my back... and the time you put the burrs under my pony's saddle blanket and assured me the groom had already checked the tack... and the time that- um..." she grins a little grimly and shakes her head, "Sorry, shouldn't be reminiscing tonight. I think you're much nicer now, yes."

Alex continues to sway gracefully through the couple-dance, leaning easily and relaxedly into her brother's arms, humming quietly to herself. Her eyes are dreamy as she murmurs, "By the way, Carroll... at some point tonight isn't it proper for us to swap out partners with Gunther and Hildy?"

Carroll nods, and murrs, "It would be a good idea, yes." He continues dancing, quietly blissful himself, pausing a moment before murring, "Would the next dance be all right, or have you promised it to someone else?"

Alex grins, "Nope! Next one's fine with me."

Carroll smiles, and murrs, "Well, then, if we can catch Gunther and Hildy between dances, we should." He adds, still smiling, "And if we don't you'll have to endure another dance with me."

Dimitri quietly follows Natasha to the first of the circle dances, stepping light to the bright country beat. And yet there is a quiet tautness to each step, like a soldier setting out on a secret mission. He waits, and when the first partner change sweeps Natasha away, she finds a bright flourish of holly in her paw; soft green, bright red berries, the perfect complement to her holiday dress. Natasha smiles gaily, and quickly sticks the holly sprig into her bodice for the moment. She smiles back at Dimitri as she is whirled away in the dance, a wink promising a thank-you later. Dimitri nods quietly back to Natasha, letting the dance sweep him away, knowing that all circle dances eventually return one back to the start. And one's first chosen partner.

The song comes to an end, and again there are a few minutes to switch partners or grab a quick snack before the next one begins. Alex's laughter is softly rippling... she's obviously not broken up at the prospect! She beams contentedly, letting her skirts whirl round dramatically in the final pirouette... then she looks around for Gunther and Hildy. Carroll also looks for them and, spying them, offers Alex his arm and then leads the way there. Alex patters along happily with her eldest brother, still glowing faintly from the pleasure of the dance.

Carroll approaches the older couple with his sister, and nods to Gunther. He turns to Hildy, and murrs, "Hildy, would you do me the honor of this next dance?"

Alex smiles and nods politely to Gunther, and beams at Hildy, adding, "This is by far the nicest Solstice party I've been to in years, Hildy!"

Hildy actually looks a little flustered, but recovers quickly with a nice smile. "I'd be glad to, dear. Just take it easy on these old bones."

Alex giggles, and pats Carroll's arm lightly as she adds to Hildy, "He's quite a peachy dancer!" She doesn't add the usual latter part of the saying, for courtesy's (and mischief's!) sake...

Hildy nods. "So I've seen." She looks for Horatio, seems to be satisfied that the girls are sharing him nicely, and offers a hand to Carroll. Carroll smiles and takes her hand, leading her on to the floor.

Alex grins quietly, watching... then looks hopefully at Gunther. Gunther says with a bit of a twinkle in his eyes, "And what am I to do now? I don't suppose you'd be willing to keep an old codger like me company on the floor?"

Alex's face lights up happily, "Thank you, I'd love to!"

Gunther offers his hand to the young ladyfox as the music begins. "Let's be off, then, missy!"

Alex laughs delightedly, cheerfully taking his paw and pattering out to dance with him.

Stopping for just a breath himself, Dimitri offers his arm again to Natasha. "May I?"

Natasha smiles at Dimitri. "Of course. Who else I be wishink to dance with, da? Two workink furrs we are!"

Dimitri laughs quietly, "Good. I like that too."

Horatio has managed to for once avoided being all but bodily thrown at another dance partner, and takes the opportunity to catch his breath. He hadn't thought dancing was so strenuous. Alex and Carroll -- and good heavens, Dimitri! They make it seem so easy. Still, it hasn't been an unpleasant night. He settles in for at least one number of crowd-watching if he can, watching the dancers appreciatively.

Carroll begins to dance with Hildy, leading conservatively and smiling at Hildy, both gentle and sure in his motions. Gunther and Hildy are actually quite good. Not as much native talent as some furrs, but a lifetime of experience and a sincere enjoyment of the art. The number is slower than some, which makes it easy for the oldsters to keep up. Carroll settles in with a pleased smile, enjoying the dance, and a slower number. He murrs, "You dance well, ma'am. This has been a pleasant evening."

Hildy smiles up at Carroll's comment. "It's been the most exciting Solstice we've had in quite some time, young sir. I'm glad you're enjoying it."

Carroll nods and murrs, "Oh, yes, I think we all have. I hope things continue to go this well." He continues the dance, obviously enjoying it.

Hildy looks at Carroll rather sharply. "The hard part hasn't begun yet. Make sure you take proper care of your injured... if you can get them back here, I'll make sure they get put back together."

Carroll looks at Hildy, seriousness creeping across his face. He nods and murrs, "I know. As to injured, we'll do everything we can, of course. We'll have to make sure we know all the first aid we can, too. I hope you can help us make sure we know all we need to."

Hildy nods. "Your doctor isn't bad, but he doesn't know the Art. Take young Cleo along with you... she's my apprentice, she'll be able to help that way."

Carroll nods and murrs, "If Cleo wants to go, I'm certain she'll be welcome."

Hildy nods. "She probably will. I'll suggest it to her if not. She needs the experience, regardless."

Carroll murrs somewhat sadly, "Not the way I'd choose to have someone get experience, but I fear she'll be able to get plenty."

Hildy gives a surprisingly nasty grin. Must be those long wicked-looking incisors. "She's fine at repairs, young sir. She needs the experience in the real world."

Carroll nods and murrs, "I understand. I feel much the same way about myself."

Alex dances exuberantly, but is careful to let Gunther lead, of course. She grins and waves once over Gunther's shoulder at Horatio as she dances by, then beams at Gunther, "You and Hildy have been so kind... I've never seen Horatio enjoy himself so much at a dance before!"

Gunther grins. "Well, that's mainly Hildy's doing. She keeps the young'uns under control somehow. Don't know how she does it, really -- they must think it's magik or somethin'. Her magik's mainly healing, though... it's really just knowin' the kids so well. Don't tell 'em, though."

Alex nods quietly, still smiling, "I can understand that... Hildy's been there and cared for them forever, right? Daddy always told us that it was the folks we'd been around and cared for forever that were the ones who'd be there when the chips were down..." A faint shadow passes over her face for a moment... she adds softly, "I wish he could be here. I think he'd have had a wonderful time too."

Gunther nods. "He's here in spirit, lass... the four of you are carrying on the family as well as anyone could hope. And maybe you'll find him soon and he can be here in person next year."

Alex is silent for a moment, moving easily through the steps of the dance with Gunther... then she looks up and smiles sincerely at Gunther, her eyes a little brighter than usual, "I hope so too. Thank you, Gunther."

Gunther gives his liege-lady a rather non-regulation hug. "If it can be done, lass, you'll do it."

Alex grins and gives Gunther a quick, shy hug in return, "We're certainly doing our best."

Dimitri certainly enjoys the dancing, as it gets later and later in the night. Hot, sweet cider to keep one's energy up, and a fine partner makes the time pass by so fast. For all his dash it is Natasha who is showcased, from bright circle dances to the more formal couple dances.

The dance ends all too soon, and the Long Night is almost over. A faint glow can be seen in the southeastern sky, the Hare dropping into it in his backwards path among the stars.

Alex curtseys and thanks Gunther prettily for the dance... she rather enjoyed it, she's pleased to note. Once she's on the side lines again, she looks around for her favorite brother... she patters over and beams at Natasha, then happily says, "Mitya! May I have the final circle dance with you?"

Dimitri pauses, quiet, his paw still holding Natasha's. He looks between the two of them and quietly nods. "I promised. I would. But there's mi'lady fair here? I'm not sure how to thank her for the lovely evening, only to abandon her to the side?"

Alex blinks, looking a touch guilty... then hastily adds, "Well... umm..." she frowns, thinking quickly, then gives Natasha a hopeful look, "Would you um... maybe we could each take a hand?"

Natasha cocks her head a little, puzzled by Dimitri's problem. "Is a circle dance, nyet? She stands on one side, I stand on other, da?"

Alex beams in sudden relief, "Exactly!" then turns happily to Dimitri, "How's that?"

Dimitri shrugs quietly, smiling. "That would be fine for me..." He chuckles then, quiet. "Never ever had this problem before..."

Alex looks puzzled, "What problem, Mitya?"

Dimitri smiles quietly, "Two ladies to share an evenings dance with, Alexandra Susannah Saint Genevieve.

Alex listens quietly to Dimitri's explanation... then laughs delightedly, "Oh, horrors, Mitya!" She grins conspiratorially at Natasha, adding mischievously, "He is a darned good dancer, although he won't admit it... don't you agree it's about time he danced more, Natasha?"

Natasha winks at Alex. "You think he has problem? Look at Horatio." Alex's youngest brother seems to be in the middle of a controversy. Jessie has firm hold of one hand, and the young ladies are squabbling over who gets the other.

Dimitri just gives his sister another one of those looks. Alex giggles delightedly, glancing over her shoulder towards Horatio, then grins happily at Natasha, "I think it's nice... that they're both dancing more!" She glances around quickly, checking to see if anyone's watching... then, seeming utterly unfazed by Dimitri's look... she sticks her tongue quickly out at him! then covers her mouth, giggling softly.

But then Dimitri just shrugs and escorts the two to the big circle, paw in paw. "I suppose there could be worse quandaries." Alex laughs happily and almost dances along beside her favorite brother, following him to the circle, not quite skipping. She's elated at what a nice time everyone seems to be having!

The villagers gather outside as dawn begins to touch the sky, forming into a single large circle to dance through the sunrise. Horatio is flanked by Jessie the mink and Delia the rabbit. Natasha stands at Dimitri's left, Alex at his right, and Mikhail has wormed his way into the position to the right of Alex. Alex grins cheerfully at Mikhail, then beams happily around at everyone, not quite bouncing on her toes with excitement! Carroll finds a place in the circle himself, smiling happily with the two partners he's wound up with, neither of which he knows. He asks their names and makes quiet, idle conversation. Carroll looks over the circle, looking at the faces of the people he knows and the ones he doesn't, but probably will soon. He lingers on his family, smiling at seeing his brothers and sister happy for a little while, and is made happy by that fact himself. Dimitri slowly begins to tap the beat with his boot...

The musicians have left their instruments behind and joined the circle, too, and the kids have been woken up and chivvied into line as well. Cubs too small to walk are held by their parents... everyone is in the circle for the Welcoming Dance. Gunther and Kerry gauge the sky, and nod to each other. Gunther gives the signal, and the Song of Welcome begins... every voice joining in, feet tapping out the beat at first, and then the dance begins just as the first rim of sunshine peeks above the horizon.

Alex sings happily with everyone else... then, in spite of herself, laughs delightedly as the dancing starts, throwing herself wholeheartedly into the music, the company, and that first, perfect moment of sunrise. Taking Alex's paw and Natasha's, the black fox looks quite comfortable. Almost, but only almost, calm and harmless. His dark eyes catch the first mornings rays, and then he is off!. Carroll dances with energy but not abandon, buoyed by the liveliness of the circle, and of the dawn, after the long night. The song and the dance continue as the sunrise slowly brings Pangea's star above the horizon.

His words might have been little more than a softly whispered chant, but his dance makes up for it. Not formal, but strong and sure, Dimitri's steps are more rustic than noble, and each making the two lovelies beside him shine all the more. Alex glows as she whirls to the music, her emerald eyes sparkling and her soft fur giving back fiery glints to the rising sun's scarlet rays. She looks like she could dance forever.

The sun clears the horizon into a deep blue winter sky, and the song and the dance reach their finale, a rousing cheer of welcome! The tired furrs begin to break into smaller groups as families gather their children and head to bed for a few hours of sleep after the long vigil. Gunther shouts over the hubbub, "Remember! Those who want to volunteer, tomorrow morning at dawn with Lord Dimitri and Mr. MacKenzie.

Alex is laughing as she throws her arms around Dimitri when the group starts to break up, "Thank you, Mitya -- it was a lovely morning's Final Dance!"

Natasha yawns widely, showing sharp teeth and a curled tongue. "Spasebo, milord Dimitri. I am believink I have the next watch section, though, and then I will need sleep. Tomorrow mornink with the volunteers, da?"

Alex beams at Natasha as she straightens, "Natasha, thank you too for your help last night!" She giggles softly, glancing mischievously sideways up at Dimitri, then waves airily, "Gotta check on everyone else -- you guys have fun!" She skips off lightly, absently forgetting that she loathes dresses as she swirls the skirts slightly so they flare with her half-dancing steps, heading over to check on her other two brothers.

Not caught off balance, Dimitri spins his little sister once around in a circle of his own. Then, he nods, his gaze capturing the tall wolf's. "Da. Tomorrow morning. And thank you. It's been my honor, all the night,... m'lady Natasha."

Natasha raises an eyebrow at Dimitri, but bows in acknowledgement. "Rememberink you are the officer in charge again. Should not call me that."

The tall fox pauses, quiet. His ears flicker, the campaign rings jingling, sparkling in the morning sun. "From one working class fur to another, Natasha. Thank you."

Carroll thanks his partners from the dance, and watches as everyone finds their way to their homes, lingering a bit, watching things wind to a stop. Horatio wanders over to say hi to his siblings. He seems a bit bemused by the fact that neither Delia nor Jessie seems to want to let go of his arms, but heads down toward the docks.

Alex oopses, whirling to dash back and give Mikhail a quick hug, "Thanks, I had a lovely time -- I hope you did too, Mikhail!" She beams at him... then patters happily off, oblivious to any reaction she might have caused. Mikhail just stands there, grinning from ear to ear and letting the glares of his friends bounce off of him like pebbles from plate armor. Dimitri quietly walks past Mikhail, but when he does, he just stops and looks down on him. He considers for a long, long moment, and then just as darkly mysterious, continues on his way. Alex bounces happily over to hug Horatio, despite his um... escort, "Happy Solstice, Horatio!" She giggles again, glancing at the two young ladies, adding mischievously, "Have fun!" and patters off towards Carroll, "Hiya!" She tilts her head consideringly at him... then decides he looks like he's in a good mood -- she hugs him, "Happy Solstice, Carroll!"

Carroll smiles, and returns his sister's hug, murring, "Happy Solstice to you, Alexandra. Did you enjoy the dance?"

Alex practically glows at that, and her words tumble out all over each other in a rush, "Oh, yes, Carroll! It was lovely -- it was lots more fun than the last few we've had at the manor -- everyone had a good time and Daddy and Mitya weren't raising their hackles at each other and you seemed relaxed and there weren't a lot of bored girls around making snide comments and the boys seemed to like dancing with me and I had a wonderful time did you too I hope?!"

Carroll smiles and blinks, carefully unraveling his sister's happy words. He murrs, "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was nicer than some of the latest, rather forced dances we've had, wasn't it?" He turns, leading her to the remains of the drinks table, continuing, "I did have a good time, yes."

Alexandra tucks a small paw into his arm and beams up at him, bouncing slightly on her toes with happiness, "So, want to get a mug of hot cider before we go back to the ship? Did you have fun? Did you get to dance enough? You looked really nice but you always do but Horatio and Mitya looked really nice too don'tcha think?!"

Carroll pauses a moment, looking down at his sister and laughing, then murring, "Yes, the boys did like dancing with you." His eyes twinkle, and he murrs, "You sound surprised that boys would like to dance with a beautiful, energetic, intelligent vixen?" He adds, almost an afterthought, "Horatio was quite popular, too. I hope he enjoyed it."

Alex giggles happily, sipping from a mug of hot cider and glancing over the edge towards her sable brother... she sighs happily, watching Dimitri, then turns to grin mischievously up at Carroll, "Well, they weren't um... what's a good word for it... well, like the ones at the manor always felt like they were there because they had to be, and it was like a contest or something, y'know? Like... like they had to pretend so hard that they weren't having fun that... that they weren't any fun to be around, y'know?" She pauses, frowning, and adds a little reluctantly, "And... it didn't help any that I knocked that girl down that was snippy about Mitya, a few years ago..." she watches Dimitri leaving, then adds with soft intensity, "But she deserved it, and I'm still not sorry!" She waves a paw airily and adds, grinning, "Oh, Horatio's probably still unaware of what's going on." She grins with lazy mischief up at Carroll, adding, "Y'know... as the current head of the household you're the one that gets to talk to him about proper behavior around the crew, on board ship?"

Carroll nods and collects a mug of cider. He doesn't drink from it right away, holding its warmth in his paws and looking over the emptying meadow in the early morning light. He murrs, "There's a couple of things I'll have to talk to him about. I'm not worried about that, actually. He'll take it very responsibly, and do fine." His tail droops and he looks away from Alex, at the mug of cider, murring quietly, "The talk I'm not looking forward to is with Dimitri."

Alex tilts her ears towards Carroll... then nods quietly over her mug, "I... yah. I think he's wanting to yell again. Like he used to do every time he and Daddy were in the same room."

Carroll asks, "Why does he want to yell at me? I'm not going to yell at him."

Alex shakes her head, "I don't know for sure, really. It's about Miriam, I know that... if I'm understanding correctly he feels she should be adopted into the family... that giving her a safe place to stay, where she'll be needed and cared for and around people she's comfortable with... somehow doesn't make up enough for what's happened to her?" Alex's voice sounds doubtful towards the end of her statement... as if she's not sure she's got it right. She sighs and pats Carroll's arm commiseratively, adding, "He really does mean well, Carroll..." She finishes her mug of cider, then sighs and stretches her arms over her head, standing on tiptoe... then grins ruefully, "Gotta go change, Carroll... gotta get some sleep so I'm awake for the watch after this one. Talk to you later!" She patters swiftly off, humming some of the dance music to herself under her breath as she goes, looking for Hildy, to thank her and get her usual clothes back.

Carroll nods quietly. He looks up, watching Alex move away. He murrs to her, "Of course. Goodnight, Alex." He finally sips at his mug of cider and turns, walking quietly towards his own bed, thinking.

Pausing at the edge of the dancing field, Dimitri watches the others slowly depart. Then, one of the last, he continues his own way, returning to the very end of the pier. Natasha walks down to the dock with Dimitri, his presence keeping Skeee's complaints about the late relief to a minimum... she's in a good enough mood anyway, having been able to do her own Dance while on duty, high above the village.

Dimitri pauses at the end of the pier, folding his paws behind him. He watches the sun dance out across the cove, and then looks up to the watch. "Aye, Skeee, take your rest." He looks to his companion and nods, "We have the watch." The bat looks like she's trying very hard not to grin as she makes her way to a warm perch belowdecks...

The day after solstice is just as clear and cold as the solstice day itself. The stars are fading into the first light of dawn when the would-be apprentice warriors gather on the common. There are about fifteen, standing around in the pre-dawn chill in small groups. Jessie, carrying her favorite bow, is chatting with an unarmed young feline who looks a bit disgruntled to be up so early. Mikhail and Dennis are each talking to a few friends and occasionally pausing to glare at each other across a dozen meters of ground. The loudmouthed boar is there, chatting with a young bear. Most of them are young males. Alex is there in her more usual clothing, swathed in a thick wool cloak with the hood up. She wants to watch and see who her new crew is likely to be. Watching from the edge of the clearing, Dimitri haunts the little gathering. Coincidentally he stands at the eastern side of the group, silhouetted against the rising sun. He waits until all are gathered. "Mister Mackenzie. They are all yours."

Carroll emerges from his cabin, looking over the new recruits, from a distance. He doesn't interfere, letting others do their work, listening, and trying to learn everyone's names without having to ask. Horatio rubs sleep from his eyes, but tries not to be too obvious about it. He hadn't been able to sleep terribly well, even for a bit, and so his little inspection of the ship went off after all. He had returned to shore on a small launch, reasonably satisfied with the condition of the rigging. No more saboteurs, at least as far as he could tell. At this point in time, a saboteur would be absolutely disastrous. Now, as he comes off of the pier, he spots the gathering of hopeful recruits, and stays -- or tries to stay -- inconspicuous and unnoticed, curiosity taking him.

Alex turns to glance at the arriving Horatio from her spot standing silently next to Dimitri. She smiles and waves, then turns back to watching. Horatio waves to Alex, so much for being inconspicuous! I never was able to sneak around all that well, I guess., and watches the course. Swordfighting is a bit foreign to him; he had always planned on avoiding direct fights, and what sword training he had was absolutely rudimentary anyway. A part of him wonders why he carries a sword if he doesn't know how to use it as well as his siblings, and what will happen when the Saucy Mare gets into a tussle. He ruminates on this a bit, as he watches.

MacKenzie nods. "All right, let's see what we've got here. Cleo?" The young cat straightens up, suddenly attentive. "Miz Hildy tells me you've volunteered as a healer. You won't be required to pass the course, but I will recommend that you learn at least the basics of swordplay and self-defense. The rest of you -- we're not going to take anyone who doesn't have the ability to learn how to fight. We don't have enough room on the Mare for all of you anyway, but if we're successful there will be other ships to man. If you keep practicing, you may be good enough to be accepted later." He looks around, projecting an air of profound skepticism that ANY of these furs is worth the effort to try to train.

Dimitri waits for MacKenzie to finish. "And some of you, the more promising ones, will also be asked to help protect the Cove and Village here. Your homes are what we are fighting to protect, aye?"

MacKenzie nods. "Some of them might be good enough to do that. With a lot of work and a little luck." He nods to Natasha, who starts distributing practice swords. He waits until everyone has a weapon. "All right. Mistress Natasha, will you do the honors? Line up, cubs -- she won't be trying to hurt you too badly, we need to see what you do with a sword." There's a bit of shuffling, most of the young boys torn between getting close to Natasha and getting their heads handed to them. Finally, the big elk decides to try first.

Alex grins quietly, watching, then murmurs softly to Horatio, "Hey, have you had a chance to speak with Cleo? She's a healer too?"

Horatio blinks to Alex, and says quietly, "Oh! I hadn't met her yet. Most ships have only one person who knows healing arts, if that..."

Alex grins happily at Horatio, "We're going to be lucky then! You might want to talk to her, since she's probably going to be working under your direction if there's a battle?"

Horatio smiles quietly to Alex. "I have a feeling she'll know more about healing than I would, Alex, I'm kind of a generalist... but thank you for the suggestion, you're right, I should do that..."

Dennis is big and apparently strong, but he turns out to be decidedly slow with a sword. Natasha doesn't even have to parry, she just weaves and dodges and jabs him with the wooden practice sword over and over again. "Next!"

Dimitri adjusts his grip on his own scabbarded blade, his eyes narrowing. He takes a few steps forward, watching the combat. His ears are forward, perked. His long stride takes him to the edge of the try-out. Alex smiles, unsurprised at how Dennis moves after having danced with him... but she politely keeps her hood up so her face is shadowed and her lack of surprise cannot be seen. Carroll watches quietly, without response. He smiles quietly to Alex and Horatio, and Dimitri, if the black brother will look at him, which he doubts. He remains on the periphery, neutral, but paying attention. Alex grins and gives a small wave to Carroll when he arrives, although she's careful not to be distracting to the hard-working folks in the try-out ring.

Natasha runs through the line. Some of the cubs are quick but weak, some are slow and strong. Jessie makes a decent showing, actually forcing Natasha to concentrate part of the time, as does Lars the boar. Cleo is terrible, in spite of a fair amount of speed -- she doesn't seem to have the knack. A bare half-dozen seem to show promise at all. MacKenzie sighs as the sun rises, shaking his head at his lackluster recruits. "Pathetic." He turns to Jessie. "You. Let's see what you can do with that bow." The mink nods, picking it up from where she'd left it, and strings it easily. The wolverine points at a target set up at the edge of the common. Carroll watches Jessie a little more closely, curious to see if she's as good as she claimed to be. Horatio smiles quietly to Carroll, then as Jessie picks up her bow he perks his ears and watches. If she wishes to get onboard, this will be her time to show her ability matches her desire.

Dimitri quietly walks back to Mackenzie. He ducks his muzzle, speaking a soft whisper, his ears flat. "The healer. If she learns to fight it will be a long, long, long trip. But do we take her on and treat her like the ship's carpenter?"

MacKenzie nods to Dimitri. "She doesn't need to be a fighter to be of use to us, sir. I assumed she was here because one of you told her to learn what she could?"

Dimitri smiles quietly, nodding. "She was told to show up in the morning. I don't think Natasha was quite what she expected. If that's true, just standing there took a bit of spirit."

MacKenzie turns back to Jessie. "Whenever you're ready." The mink nods and knocks an arrow, barely seeming to pay attention as she fires. The arrow sinks into the target a hand's-width from the bullseye.

Carroll doesn't watch the arrow. He watches MacKenzie's reaction, instead. The arrow isn't going anywhere. His ears flick that way at the thump of arrow in target, though. The mink's eyes narrow and she fires again, this time sinking the arrow into the bull's-eye. She nods in satisfaction, and puts two more arrows into the black in quick succession. Horatio narrows his eyes, trying to see down that far the range. He's frankly impressed anyone could hit a target he'd need a spyglass to see.

MacKenzie is actually a little impressed, though no one but Dimitri and Natasha can tell. "Not too bad. Any of the rest of you sorry cubs up to that?" There is a general lack of rushing forward by the rest of the volunteers, and MacKenzie shakes his head after a pregnant silence. "I thought not. Okay, the mink is in. The rest of you... it'll depend on how much you can learn in the next week. If you want to try, be back an hour after lunch. Dismissed!"

Alex stands quietly on the edge of the field, observing... although her hood is back by now. She glances at Horatio curiously. Horatio blinks. That was rather quick... Dimitri rests on his greatsword like a staff, looking down the line. He looks at the four closely marked arrows. "Now, how can we be sure she'll be as cool when someone trying to kill her?"

MacKenzie shrugs, and Natasha grins mirthlessly. "No way to tell until it happens. But if she's got that much skill, she ought to be able to get close even then."

Dimitri softly growls, "Thank you, Mister MacKenzie. You and Natasha did a good job ranking the lads and lassies..." He then throws his sword over his shoulder and turns. "I'll check on the other lady, the healer." Letting his long stride quickly close the distance, Dimitri ends up walking besides Cleo. He matches her pace with military precision, taking a handful of steps before he speaks. "What did you expect, this morning?" Alex turns and patters slowly and quietly off after Dimitri...

The young cat looks up, startled. "I didn't hear you, sir! I... don't know what I expected. Mistress Hildy told me to be here, she thinks you'll need my skills."

Dimitri nods as he takes one step after another after another. "And why did you take a sword up against Mister Natasha?"

Cleo sighs. "It seemed the thing to do... everyone else did. I don't think I want to be in combat, though."

Dimitri nods again, considering. "Did it feel like the right thing for you to be doing? That must have taken a bit of courage, to stand up to the big wolf, especially after seeing how she polished off that tall stag."

Cleo chuckles. "Dennis? He's a big clumsy oaf who thinks he's the gods' gift to women. What worried me more was how she polished off Lars and Mikhail." Alex's ears prick curiously at that, although she continues walking silently.

Dimitri softly growls, "Worried? How's that?"

The cat smiles, a bit raggedly. "Those two are actually a little bit good at this sort of thing. If they couldn't touch her, I knew I couldn't."

Dimitri softly growls, "But you tried anyways. Why?"

The young cat doesn't even really seem to know herself why she did that. "I... just needed to see how I'd stack up."

With a small smile, Dimitri comes to a stop. He lets her take a few more steps, before speaking again. "If you wish, throw your gear in a duffel and present yourself to my brother Horatio."

Cleo grins up at Dimitri. "I think I'd better stick mainly to magik, after that."

Dimitri actually chuffs out a small laugh. "Yes. But we don't get many mages brave enough to face Mackenzie and Natasha. Get your gear, and I'll ask Horatio to sign you on as the doctor's apprentice."

Cleo nods. "That I'll do, sir."

Dimitri softly growls, "Thank you."

Dimitri turns on his heel, returning dockside, his eyes peeled for Horatio.

Alex grins quietly and lets her pace take her away from the discussion... she doesn't need to talk to Mitya after all. She glances around curiously, wondering how the other young folks are doing. She's somehow unsurprised that of the two Cleo mentioned as actually knowing something about fighting... one was one of the best dancers from the Solstice dance... although she's not sure they know that much fighting. She heads for the small knot of siblings she sees.

Horatio pads up to Carroll following the first trials. "Uhm... Carroll... the Mare's going to be at anchor for about a week, isn't she?"

Carroll looks over to his brother and murrs, "Hello, Horatio." At his question he murrs, "Hmm. I don't know. We haven't discussed it. We ought to leave before the ship with the household staff arrives though, so they don't see the Mare in the bay."

Horatio bobs his head. "Certainly. Uhm, you don't want them to see the Mare?

Carroll murrs, "Well, the household staff wouldn't bother me, but the crew of the ship they're on doesn't know we're here, and it would be nice to keep it that way as long as possible."

Horatio blinks. "Oh! Oh, gosh... I understand, thank you!"

Carroll nods, and murrs, "So, I don't know when we'll leave. Relatively quickly. Why, what did you have in mind?"

Horatio says, "Oh! I was wondering if there was enough time for, well... to see what I might be able to apply from my Academy learning to help, besides improving the rigging."

Dimitri quietly walks up to the two. "And take on an apprentice as ship's doctor, Horatio."

Alex wanders up next to her brothers, tossing the cloak back on her shoulders. At Horatio's words she asks, "What do you need to make a lab on the Mare, Horatio?" She nods at Dimitri's words, looking pleased.

Horatio blinks to Dimitri. "You mean Cleo?" He smiles. "Alex was telling me of her. I suspect she'll know more about healing than I." He looks to Alex. "I don't know if I should do that, Alex. There are some experiments that are distinctly... er, well, unfriendly to wood."

Dimitri softly growls, "Yes. She's getting her gear now."

Carroll murrs, "Well... I think we'd better have you with us, Horatio."

Alex nods at the comments about Cleo and happily adds, "She knows the magikal healing arts, guys -- I thought that was really nice of Hildy to send her with us! Hmm... so Horatio, you really need a specific kind of place to do stuff, right? Could you make one here, maybe?"

Horatio nods to Dimitri, "I'll look for her, then! It'll be good to have her aboard." He looks back to Carroll and Alex. "I'll have to do what research I can here then, Carroll. I should do them in a nice, out-of-the-way place, a shack or something that, ah... people won't mind, er, well... you know... blowing up, or something..."

Alex covers a giggle. Carroll erms, and murrs, "We'll ask Gunther if there's anything handy." Looking at Alex, he adds, "Not nice of her, but wanting to get everyone home alive. I hope it's enough."

Dimitri places the point of his greatsword on the ground, and wrapping both paws about the pommel gently leans upon it, listening. Alex says calmly, "It was kind of her, Carroll... regardless of whether she might have ulterior motives or no." She looks around at the practice field, idly wondering if she'll have any trouble with folks from here that have seen her only as the St. Genevieve daughter who loves dancing... she shrugs quietly. They'll either accept her as first mate... or they'll not fit in well on the Saucy Mare.

Carroll shrugs, and murrs, "She also said the hands-on experience would be good for her." Anyway, there's an important question to be answered still, and I'm glad we're all here... what next, family?"

Alex nods, "Exactly. That's what I wanted to ask you guys... I was thinking we might want to include both Gunther and Jared in the discussion too, 'cause we're going to both need their experience and their support in this, I'm thinking?"

Carroll nods approvingly, murring, "Good thought, Alex."

Alex blushes faintly and beams, murmuring, "Thank you! And then I um I thought maybe we should figure out which of us is doing what... 'cause we need to not lose sight of our goals?"

Dimitri softly growls, "Bring in Mister Mackenzie too."

Carroll and Horatio both nod. Carroll comments, "Another good thought. Any other crew who should be there?"

Alex grins ruefully at Carroll, "I'd think that's quite enough? There'll be 7 of us. We do want to get things settled, after all... not have a committee?"

Carroll asks, "Have we lost sight of our goals?"

Alex says, "Well, we've got three right now, right? Um... actually, shouldn't we discuss this in the meeting?"

Carroll murrs, "All right. Let's do that soonest."

Alex says, "Okay. I'll go get MacKenzie and the bosun -- shall we meet in the hall, captain?"

Carroll nods, "We can all find that. I'll go find Gunther." Dimitri nods quietly, watching the little group disintegrate to their separate tasks. Alex grins happily at Dimitri, then patters off swiftly. Carroll hmms and asks, "Actually, Horatio, can you go and find Gunther? I'd like a moment with Dimitri." Horatio blinks and nods, heading off to find Gunther. Alex's tail and ears flick once in rampant curiosity at Carroll's comment... but she manages to keep trotting off, instead of listening avidly! Dimitri blinks once, and just looks up.

When Horatio and Alex seem to be off on their errands, Carroll turns to Dimitri and murrs, "I know I've done something to upset you, Dimitri, and I don't understand what it is. I want to know, to understand." He pauses, and looks around, making sure there's no one lingering, continuing, "Now is not, I fear, a good time, but whenever we can find that moment, I very much want to understand what you're thinking, what things you're unhappy with."

Dimitri softly growls, "Miriam."

Carroll cocks his head, and murrs, "Miriam? The girl you and Alex rescued, right? I saw her at the dance. She smiled and danced with the boys. Is something wrong?"

Dimitri's ears slowly rise, as his eyes narrow slightly. "She has no one. And we rescued her. It was my choice, and Alex's, to take her in. That makes her our responsibility. And it is not right to take someone who is our responsibility and just pass her off on another. She is not a piece of cargo one trades on the dock."

Carroll blinks twice and looks quietly astonished at his brother. "What... I... of course she isn't, Dimitri," is what Carroll finally says. He swallows and then murrs quietly, "I don't understand yet, and we've a handful of people coming. As I said, I fear now isn't a good moment." He looks rather pole-axed still as he finishes lamely, "I just wanted to say something, so you'd know that yes, I did want to talk about it. I don't want to have something festering between us, to explode at inopportune moments."

Dimitri shrugs his shoulders, quiet. "Is there ever a good time?"

Carroll ahs, and then smiles wryly, murring, "Perhaps not. But please, let's make an appropriate time, soon. Sometime when we won't have the world watching, and waiting on us."

Dimitri nods. His answer is very dry. "Of course." Standing, he shoulders his sword and heads down to the hall to meet the others. Carroll watches Dimitri walk off, and suddenly understands how his Father could scream at him. And, oddly, how utterly wrong a thing to do that would be. He follows, quiet.

The others are waiting when Dimitri and Carroll arrive. Alex waves and smiles, "Hiya, guys!" She looks faintly relieved that neither of them are bristled up or growling. Dimitri walks slowly into the room, to find a corner to claim his own. Alex settles back into her chair, the rapier neatly tucked so it won't tangle with her feet or cloak. She grins happily at Dimitri and pats the chair next to her... which just happens to be in the corner? With a shrug Dimitri sets his blade next to the wall, and settles down in the chair.

Jared is sitting with his feet up on one of the tables. MacKenzie is pacing back and forth, pausing to peer out the window at the recruits training with Natasha. Gunther is talking to Jared, but looks up when Carroll arrives. Horatio is also present, and is just tucking a sheaf of notes into his satchel. Carroll comes in and sits tiredly near, or more likely at (if that's what's left) the head of the table. He murrs simply, "So, here we are. What next?" to let these people around him dive in and get started.

Alex takes a sip from her mug, waiting 'til everyone's seated... then she says politely, "Captain, you asked me to relate our goals? Would you like me to do that?"

Carroll nods, "That's a good idea, Alex. Please, do so."

Alex ticks off on her fingers, "Well, first we have to find Daddy, to restore the family's name and honor. We also have to keep Pravinchandra off balance, so he doesn't come looking for us, and that's where the crew come in -- they want to hit back at him too, since he's the reason we're all in this state. And finally, because we're going to be striking at the mongoose, we need to be sure our families and friends are safe." She looks up, "Those are the three main ones I can think of, captain. Did I miss anything?"

Carroll murrs, "Sounds right to me. Anyone else have anything, lest we forget it?"

Horatio shakes his head at Carroll's question. Carroll looks expectantly at Dimitri and the others. Dimitri shakes his muzzle back and forth, once. Alex glances at the other furrs present, her ears tilted forward inquiringly. Jared clears his throat after a moment. "Sounds like what we agreed before. Are we working on how today?

Alex nods, "That, and I was thinking the when and who as well. Like... what are we going to be doing first with the Mare? Searching for Daddy, trying to take a Pravin ship, or what?"

Carroll looks to Jared and nods, murring, "Pretty much, pretty much." He looks back to everyone, and asks, "Have we gotten the last one, securing families and crew, taken care of?"

Alex looks at Gunther for that one. Jared nods. "Everyone's out who needs to be. The one who stayed behind should be fine, she works for a family who's not too fond of House P. either." Gunther nods. "We're working on putting up some new housing for 'em. They'll be mostly all set within the week." Alex looks relieved at that.

Dimitri softly growls, "Karaganda." Horatio blinks, looking over to Dimitri.

Carroll nods, murring, "That's very good. We'll need a place for Horatio to work, too, that he can, say, burn down by accident and not upset anyone." He turns to Horatio and murrs, "After the meeting why don't you ask Gunther if there's a place that meets what you need already, or when one can be built? Worst case, it'll be ready when we get back." He looks at Dimitri, and murrs, "Uh, what?"

Dimitri softly growls, "That's where Father's last trip was to be. And that's also, or so I've been told, where Mister MacKenzie was trying to go before he fell into the bad graces of House Pravinchandra. Which confuses me, because if Pravinchandra was interested in trading there why didn't he just become Mister MacKenzie's patron. What is it that makes Karaganda valuable enough that the mongoose doesn't want anyone going there?"

Alex nods, "That's a good point... we can ask Daddy that when we find him. Or... was he just attacking Daddy, and Mr. MacKenzie happened to be in the middle, like us?"

Horatio blinks to Dimitri. "Maybe we should ask that question before we try to find Father."

Dimitri nods quietly. "Horatio is right.

Alex says pragmatically to Horatio, "We have no idea if Pravinchandra was trying to stop Daddy from trying for there... or just basically trying to stop Daddy. Let's not borrow trouble here, okay? We certainly have enough on our plate currently, I'd think?"

Carroll nods, and murrs, "So, finding father sounds like the next best idea -- it sounds like that to me, too. Before we raise Pravinchandra's ire, let's slip off and see if we can follow this up. Does that seem right to everyone else?"

Alex says, "Follow what up, Carroll?"

Carroll ers, "What happened to Father. Sorry."

Jared looks puzzled. "How do you propose to find him?"

Alex says, "So... does that mean we're going to go looking for him?"

Dimitri softly growls, "Are you sure? Carroll, right now Pravinchandra is off balance. Maybe we should hit them hard, first, now, before they regain their balance."

Carroll looks at Jared and Alex and murrs, "I don't know. That's the hard part; what can we actually do about that?" Looking at his brother he murrs, "True. After we've done that, though, we'll have a much harder time moving around, and the people here in the village will be more likely to be interfered with, wouldn't you say?"

Alex takes a breath... then says, "Actually... I've been wondering about that, guys? Why did everything get um... confiscated... except here?!"

Horatio blinks. "Well... Pravinchandra didn't think that here was worth the effort to confiscate."

Carroll looks at his sister rather blankly. He murrs, "Interesting thought." He thinks about it for a moment, and asks, "What did Father do that leveraged that much of the family assets, anyway? How could one trip lose so much, all at once?"

Dimitri looks up, quiet. "Because, what was it... this place is held out of Jarrow. Beyond his reach. Maybe there are folks as unhappy with him as we are?"

Carroll nods absently at Dimitri's words and murrs, "Yes, that's right, this is a grant from Jarrow, flat out to the family." He's thinking, but getting nowhere quickly.

Alex gives Horatio a puzzled look, "He'd grab the manor house... but not here?!" She looks at Dimitri, her ears flicking puzzledly, "That... that's another thing, Mitya... is this the only thing St. Genevieve holds out of Jarrow?" She turns suddenly at Carroll's words, nodding, and says a little fiercely, "Carroll, how could you not have told any of us how deeply we were in debt?!"

Carroll looks at his sister and murrs, "I didn't know we were that in debt. On the other hand, I didn't know all of the family's monies and loans and things; our accountant handled most of that, with Father."

Alex blinks slowly, "Wait... but you would have been privy to Daddy's..." her voice trails off as she thinks furiously for a few moments, her ears flattening... then she says slowly, in an odd tone of voice, "Carroll? If we weren't that much in debt... then how did Pravinchandra get everything except here -- which we're guessing he didn't know about, and is granted out of Jarrow?!"

Dimitri blinks quietly. "Just what did happen to our book keeper?"

Horatio frowns. Economics was one science that always eluded him. Alex says, "-and our family solicitor?!"

Carroll murrs quietly, "The records I had didn't look anything like as bad as what the collectors started coming and demanding, actually. I... oh, my." Alex stares at Carroll, her hackles rising slowly and unwittingly at the horrible idea that's just occurred to her. Carroll murrs, "The solicitor worked hard to keep things at bay, and we... I didn't ever thing that the things that came in weren't actually valid or whatnot. The bookkeeper resigned. I don't know what's become of them."

Horatio blinks. "Pravinchandra?"

Alex growls softly, "I'd like to talk to our bookkeeper... or maybe just sic our solicitor on him!"

Carroll's rather stunned still. He's mulling a thing or two over, murring, "So, he didn't try and claim this holding... out of inability, or simple lack of knowledge?" He's not talking to anyone in particular.

Dimitri softly growls, "Carroll, just how much influence does Pravinchandra have outside of Starfall?" Alex drums her slender fingers on the table top, her ears flat again as she continues thinking furiously...

Carroll nods to Dimitri, distracted, murring, "A lot, in the Empire. Elsewhere, not much."

Alex looks up at Carroll, her eyes grim, "We need to know that, Carroll -- why he didn't try to grab here too. We need to send someone to Jarrow to find that out... or we need to get our solicitor to do that -- and to look into why our family debts suddenly seemed so huge! I'm guessing he'd help us -- he was an old family friend, after all, right? He was a really nice man the times I met him... I bet he'd like to see Pravinchandra go down for illegal activities!"

Carroll looks up and murrs, "He had to have done this. It makes the extreme measure of trying to kill us all make sense. If we're dead no one has the time to ask hard questions, to try and follow up. It's not just him being complete, but him closing the deal, making sure nothing challenges him on what may be legally shaky ground."

Alex nods, her fists clenching around her mug. Dimitri looks over to Carroll, his eyes narrowing. "Then all the more important it is to keep House Pravinchandra off balance.

Carroll looks at Dimitri, then Horatio, asking, "Does that make sense?" He looks, too, to Jared, Gunther, and MacKenzie, apparently more than willing to hear anything they have to say.

Horatio blinks, not liking this at all. Recalcitrant elements, meandering herbs, he can deal with. He can even deal with Pravinchandra simply wanting all of the St. Genevieve family holdings. This... this is very much above him, yielding a level of almost perverted cunning on the part of the mongoose that sort of stuns the young scholar. "I think it does, Carro- er, Captain. Ah... I think Dimitri is right. Pravinchandra might not stop with St. Genevieve. I would almost daresay he's a threat to the Empire."

Carroll looks back at his brother, nodding slowly. He murrs, "I... yes." He looks to Alex, and murrs, "Sending our solicitor to Jarrow is a good idea, too. Let him go try and find that out, while we keep Pravinchandra busy."

Jared looks extremely perturbed by this whole line of reasoning. "Are ye sure that yer father had actually taken out all those loans? I canna imagine a cargo for the Empire that would cost close to that much."

Alex glances at Jared, her eyes smoldering, "That's our point, bosun -- Daddy would have told Carroll if he had -- and he didn't!"

MacKenzie snorts. "The Empire is a pretty big threat to itself. The provincial nobles spend all their time plotting to see who gets the throne at the next election."

Dimitri innocently asks, "Like Pravinchandra?"

Carroll answers Jared quietly, "The paperwork I had when he didn't come back didn't seem to paint as grim a picture; yes, a loss; yes, a ship, crew, but not everything. A setback, even a reasonable sized one. But... we were served with collection notices. The bookkeeper had resigned, and left the whole mess to the solicitor and I, which meant we had a lot of things we didn't know in complete detail."

Horatio looks to MacKenzie. "That's the problem. They won't see Pravinchandra as a threat. I'm not so proud as to think that the St. Genevieve holdings would be enough to make Pravinchandra a threat to the Empire, but... well, I don't think he'd be willing to stop there."

Jared and Gunther both look extremely upset. Carroll isn't doing that well himself. He'd be pale if he weren't furry. Alex frowns in sudden thought, "Hey guys... we should get our solicitor to look into the last couple of family fortunes Pravinchandra's taken over, don't you think? 'Cause I bet he's done this more than once... and maybe the enemy of our enemy will be a friend!" She looks bristly all over with anger.

Carroll murrs, his voice flat, to Alex, "Not if they're all dead, like we were intended to be."

Dimitri softly growls, "Or maybe there's a friend in Jarrow we don't know about. The one who granted us Ettore."

Carroll nods, murring, "Jarrow. Yes. And I don't have any contacts there; Father did all of that." He murrs, "So we need to try and reach our solicitor and see if he can help with that, and to find out where all this money went."

Alex looks up at Carroll, "We're still here. Maybe there's some few folks, hiding... if there are, they deserve a chance to help take the mongoose down too! And if the solicitor can find them... then there's just a tiny few more folks all working actively -- to stop that damn assassin!" Alex takes a moment to breath deeply a few times... her scarlet fur's all standing up and her eyes are sparking emerald with fury.

Carroll nods, quiet. He murrs, "We'll have to find a way to pay the solicitor too, and for continuing rations for this village. To do that we need someone who we can trust to come here and pick up trade goods, both lumber, and whatever else we wind up with. We need to talk to our solicitor. And, we need to distract Pravinchandra."

Horatio says, "That would mean another trip to Starfall?"

Carroll murrs, "Probably, Horatio."

Gunther hmms to himself. "Who did Miriam's liegelord get taken over by?"

Dimitri softly growls, "The warehouse you eyed with an incendiary glance, Carroll."

Carroll looks at Dimitri and then grins a nasty grin. He murrs, "If not, that and as many of his ships as we can arrange." Horatio bites his lip, thinking... and also calculating a bit.

Dimitri nods quietly. "Though we have to be careful; if the whole dock goes up, no one will love us."

Carroll only shrugs, murring, "Pravinchandra's paying the leases on the docks."

Alex looks at Horatio and grins, "Speaking of things that go boom..."

Jared smirks. "Tempting, but I can't think anyone in Starfall would thank you for messing up any of the piers..."

Carroll nods, and murrs, "True, true." He murrs, "So, we seem to have an idea what we're doing, don't we?"

Alex thinks a bit, "We're going to ask our solicitor to look into the property confiscations... we're going to ask him to look into Jarrow and why here wasn't grabbed... we're going to hit Pravinchandra hard to distract him and to get some income so we can pay the solicitor and keep rations coming here... and we're going to find Daddy. Works for me!"

Much later, Alex is wandering around in some of the lonelier and higher spots on Ettore's rocky shores. She sits quietly, feet hanging over the cliff edge, just relaxing and enjoying the solitude, the occasional lonely bird cry, the wind sighing softly through the pine boughs overhead, the soft carpet of pine needles and the stark beauty of the ocean dashing itself against the rocky outcroppings down the mountainside... mm, lovely... hmm... wait. Pine needles? Aren't pine needles poisonous to farming fields? ...and rocks...? -aren't they really bad to plow around? Now that she looks about her she doesn't see much flat or non-rocky soil... uh-oh... this is

good farming terrain, she thinks! -which means... she

needs to talk to Miriam...

Alex patters back into the hall and looks around curiously, ears up... then grins when she sees Miriam and trots over. "Hiya, Miriam! May I sit and chat with you for a bit?"

The filly looks up and smiles shyly. "Of course, milady."

Alex settles down next to Miriam, tossing the cloak back over her shoulders and settling the rapier scabbard neatly between her feet so no one will trip when passing by her. She hmms, thinking for a bit, then looks at Miriam seriously, "Miriam... if you don't mind, I'd like to talk about you."

Miriam looks a little confused, and nervous. "About... about ME, milady?"

Alex pats Miriam's hand gently, "Yes, Miriam. It's not a bad thing... you're a nice person. But... hmm. First I guess I should apologize. See, things have been a little um... hectic around here." She grins wryly, "I guess you've figured out why by now, what with all the speeches and the work we've been doing for the Saucy Mare and for defending here... and so I'm afraid I haven't been as careful and attentive as I should have been, with you. So... I'm sorry I sort of ignored you for a bit. That wasn't right of me."

Miriam definitely looks flustered now. "Oh, milady... you have important things ta worry about. 'Tis grateful I am that you and your brother rescued me from that horrid gang; you needn't worry about me here. These are nice folk here."

Alex says, "Well, here's the situation right now. I'm the first mate on the Saucy Mare. I'm going to have to leave when we sail. That means I want to do right by you before I have to go." She looks faintly embarrassed, "I'm afraid I made several rather um... rude assumptions, Miriam... I assumed you wouldn't mind if I did all your planning, and I assumed you'd just stay here and farm." She gently squeezes Miriam's hand, adding, "That, I apologize for also... because my brother Dimitri is right -- you're not a pile of luggage to be tossed around as is convenient for us. So this is my best attempt to fix my stupidness in how I handled things earlier." She takes a breath, "Miriam... I don't have a lot of resources now, which I am ashamed to admit... but please, will you tell me what you want, and I'll do my best to make it so for you?"

The young mare looks astonished at this concept... someone asking her what she wants to do? She stares at the floor for a minute, then looks up at Alex... then looks down again in embarrassment. "Och... 'tis silly..."

Alex tilts her head and smiles at Miriam, "Dreams aren't silly, Miriam... tell me, please?"

Miriam looks nervous. "Promise you won't be angry?"

Alex blinks startledly, then grins, "Miriam, why on Pangaea would I be angry? Go ahead, please." She squeezes Miriam's hand gently and encouragingly again.

Miriam looks a little nervous still. "Well, you were so excited that I knew somethin' about farming... I wanted to get away from farming, 'tis one reason I went back to the city after Daddy..." She pauses and her eyes start to tear up...

Alex looks surprised again... then suddenly gets a slow-dawning realization on her face. She understands completely not wanting to do precisely what one's father has planned out for one's life... she notices Miriam's state, and gently presses a hanky into Miriam's hand, murmuring softly, "It's all right, Miriam... I understand, I think. Go on... tell me what you've always dreamed of doing."

Miriam takes a few minutes to get herself back under control. "You really mean it? What I always wanted to do... I always loved when minstrels would come by when I was little. I always wanted to learn to play myself, and join them, and travel around and see things, and always have music." She smiles shyly again. "I've done some traveling now, at least..."

Alex hmms! a bit, her gaze thoughtful... "Minstrels, huh? All right, let me think a bit and see if I know any..." She falls silent, thinking furiously... minstrels, minstrels, who does she know or know of that's trustworthy to send Miriam to?

Miriam looks at Alex, a little less awed by her rank now that she's thought about something... "Besides, 'tis no way to farm around here. The soil is awful, all rocks and pine needles."

Alex nods wryly, "Yes... I was noticing that earlier today, while I was wandering around and thinking. It was one of the things that made me realize I'd made a mistake in how I'd dealt with you." She brightens suddenly, "I know just the thing, Miriam! You need to learn how to play and sing first, right? And you need a little time to get your feet under you... so how's this? Would you like me to ask Hildy to ask the musical group here to teach you? It'll be a good learning experience, and when you're good enough you could even try joining a traveling group if you wanted!" She grins happily... then adds more seriously, "And Miriam... please remember this. A traveling minstrel sometimes lives quite hand-to-mouth. So... if things ever should get bad for you while traveling? please feel free to come back here to Ettore. I'll make sure it's okay by Hildy..." she sighs softly, smiling, "and someday, when we've found Daddy and restored our family fortunes you'll be more than welcome to come play at the manor." She thinks a bit, then grins and adds, "I'd like that, I think... I'd like to see you make a success out of your dream too."

Miriam claps her hands to her mouth. "Oooooo! D'ye really think I could?"

Alex grins happily at Miriam, "I don't know, Miriam... but I do know Daddy used to think I should never be command crew on a ship -- and now I am! So... yes, I do think you should try -- if that's your dream, make it happen, Miriam!" She bounces to her feet, taking Miriam's hand with an infectious grin, "Shall we go talk to Hildy right now, if you'd like?"

Miriam stands, the vixen's infectious enthusiasm dispelling her earlier gloominess completely. "Sure, and let's do that! Music..." She starts humming one of the dance tunes as the two head for the doors -- she does seem to have a potentially good voice, at least... Alex grins quietly to herself, feeling much better. She looks around for Hildy... any sign of her?

Alex leads Miriam down the village's main street to the rambling building that Hildy and Gunther share with the hospice. Alex's knock on the door is quickly answered by Cleo. "Miz Alex! Come in, come in...who's hurt?"

Alex grins, "No one, Cleo, no worries. I just wondered if Hildy had a moment to talk to Miriam and myself?"

Cleo steps aside and waves you in. "I would think so, milady. Please, come in."

Alex smiles, "Thank you, Cleo," and enters with Miriam.

The main infirmary room has a bed with an oilcloth sheet on it, and smells rather strongly of medicinal herbs. Cleo leads you through to a smaller room where Hildy is grinding up something with a small mortar-and-pestle. She looks up as the three young furs enter. "Good afternoon, Miz Alex. What can I do for you?"

Alex sniffs the air and grins, reminded of some of Horatio's... less explosive experiments. She smiles at Hildy, "Good afternoon, Hildy. I have a small favor to ask of you, if I may. I've been talking with Miriam and we've come to two conclusions. One is that the land here unfortunately just isn't suited to farming at all... and the other is that Miriam has something she would like to do." She grins happily at Miriam, then continues, "Miriam would like to learn to sing and play an instrument, Hildy, so she can be a minstrel. However, she'll need a safe place to learn in, and trustworthy folks to train her. I was wondering if you could possibly introduce her to the musicians here, that played so nicely during Solstice Vigil... so she could perhaps learn from them, if they were willing?"

Hildy looks very pleased about something. "I'm sure I could persuade a couple of them to try their hand at teaching. What instrument would you like to learn, Miriam?" Alex grins quietly to herself... she doesn't know why precisely Hildy looks pleased, but she's pleased that Hildy seems to consider this situation a Good Thing!

Miriam thinks about this for a moment. "Guitar. Definitely guitar." She looks vaguely embarrassed at her next question. "D'ye think... that nice young stallion could help teach me?"

Alex hastily does her best not to giggle, but rather gets a carefully thoughtful look at Hildy! Hildy still looks pleased with something. "Alan? I'm sure he'd be happy to help you. He's working over at the mill right now, though... He learned from his father, though. Bailey's not up to doing lumber work any more, so he's got a bit more free time. Cleo, why don't you take Miriam down and introduce her, see what he's up to today."

Alex grins happily at Miriam, and adds softly, "Good luck, Miriam... remember, you have to play at the manor for me someday, okay?"

The cat nods. "No time like the present. C'mon, Miriam, we'll see what we can find out." The mare nods to Alex, and blushes a little. "Thank you, milady. I hope I'm good enough someday, it'd make at least a start on repaying you."

Alex waves at Cleo takes Miriam out... then settles down in a chair near Hildy for a moment. She sighs and smiles with quiet relief, "Thank goodness... now I'm more sure she'll be happy. Thank you, Hildy."

The old beaver nods and turns more serious. "No thanks needed. I'm glad you realized what she needed on your own."

Alex looks faintly embarrassed, "Well um..." she blushes as she admits, "I... didn't. I had to ask her first." She sighs, "I'm still learning how to tell."

Hildy grins. "How else? No one expects to be a mind reader. But you realized she wasn't altogether happy about what you'd planned. That's the important part."

Alex looks faintly envious, "I hope I'm as good at it someday as Gunther says you are, Hildy." She grins ruefully and nods at Hildy's last comment.

Hildy just smiles again. "Dear, I'm just a few years ahead of you in experience. And I've got... certain advantages. You're doing fine."

Alex thinks a bit more... then smiles, "Well good -- I'm glad Miriam's going to be happy now, and I'm glad that apparently I'm um... not a hopeless case when it comes to stuff like this." She grins... then adds, "And now..." she stands and takes a deep breath, bracing herself slightly, "-now I have someone else I have to talk to." She heads for the door, then pauses to wave to Hildy, "Thank you again, Hildy!" Her grin flashes over her shoulder as she slips out the door.

Hildy waves goodbye. "No problem, dear! Take care, and say hi to your brother for me." Alex laughs to herself as she goes... was she that obvious? She grins -- probably -- and looks around for her favorite brother. She's a little excited... she hopes he's pleased by her news!

The second eldest St. Genevieve brother is once again at the end of the dock, his brigantine hauberk over his knees, returned to the task which was interrupted last night. Heavy black waxed thread and perfectly cut pieces of leather, bits of buckles and hooks, and a steady hand makes the time go by at a nicely measured pace. Alex patters happily down the dock, her small feet making a light, swift thunder on the boards. She plops down next to Dimitri, tossing back the cloak, her eyes sparkling, almost bouncy with excitement, "Hiya! Guess what I've just been doing, Mitya?"

Dimitri looks sideways at his sister, a bit suspicious. "Well, I think I can discount getting Father annoyed at both of us... again."

Alex blushes faintly at old memories... then hmfs! and grins, "Hey, usually I tried to make things better between you and Daddy!" She giggles, then beams happily at her sable brother, "Well... I was wandering around, admiring the wilderness of the area and thinking it'd make for good hunting... and it occurred to me that this would be terrible farming land -- all rocky and pine needles everywhere. And I started thinking about what you'd said -- that Miriam's not a pile of luggage to be tossed around at our convenience... so I decided the thing to do was to go to Miriam... and ask her what she wanted to do! So... I did!" Alex bounces excitedly a few times, giving Dimitri a happily expectant look.

Dimitri raises one tall black ear, "And what does she want?"

Alex beams! "She wants to learn to sing and play an instrument, so she can be a minstrel! So I took her in to talk to Hildy, to ask if Hildy could introduce her to the nice musicians that are here, that played all the Solstice Vigil dance music? and get this, Mitya -- Miriam seemed excited! She asked if the nice young stallion, Alan, that plays the guitar, could be the one that trained her!" She exuberantly gives Dimitri a quick hug, careful not to mess up his stuff, then adds with a happy sigh, "It was so nice to see her brighten up, Mitya... you were right." She swings her feet over the edge of the dock, beaming happily, "And y'know? Hildy's right too... it feels nice to help folks do what they want!"

Ducking his muzzle, it just looks like all Dimitri is doing is nodding... but hidden within is a small smile. "Always could trust you to do the right thing."

Alex brightens instantly as she whips her gaze around to her favorite brother, her ears perking up and her eyes shining, "Really?! You really think so, Mitya?" She bounces happily again and hugs Dimitri again, "I sure hope so... I'm really trying to do the right thing, Mitya, really!" She sighs a bit, smiling ruefully, "It's just... hard to tell sometimes. I don't always see it as easily as you do, y'know?" She looks a little crest-fallen at that admission.

Dimitri quietly shrugs. "Maybe not. But you are the one who's better at figuring out what to do about it. That's why we work well together, aye?"

Alex beams again, practically glowing with happiness, "Yeah! We make a good team, I think!" She sighs happily and leans carefully against Dimitri's shoulder, so she doesn't inhibit his arm and his working on his hauberk... and just sits companionably.

"Hand me that piece of leather, please." Dimitri considers as he works, "Does she need anything to get by until she can stand on her own?"

Alex hands Dimitri the piece of leather, "Um... don't think so. I'll check with Hildy before we go, to be sure even if she needs something after we're gone that she'll be covered."

Dimitri nods again, as he reinforces a set of buckles. "Everyone needs a place to start from, after all."

Alex grins happily, gazing out over the bay at the Saucy Mare, "Yup!" She murmurs softly, a moment later, "Isn't the Saucy Mare beautiful, Mitya? So elegant and swift looking, even for a cargo ship." She grins contentedly, still leaning against Dimitri, "I hope she's my starting place."

Dimitri smiles quietly. "She's pretty. Aye. Mostly though, because she's ours."

Alex laughs softly and happily, "Yep! Isn't that a lovely thing?" A moment later she hmms thoughtfully, then tilts her head to glance up at her brother's dark mask, "Mitya? Will things be better between you and Carroll now? I don't want the two of you unhappy with each other on a small ship, after all... it'd be bad for both the crew and yourselves... and..." she pauses, then admits in a small voice, "-I... it's hurtful to be around you both when you're fighting. I keep feeling that I should do something... but I don't know what!" Alex tucks a small paw in at Dimitri's elbow, gently, so as to not impede his working, "I... want you to be happy, Mitya..."

The black fox looks up and just laughs. "That was one of the best things that happened when I left home. I was on the road, and had bought some supplies. A bit of bread, a hank of meat, and it was so delicious. It was my first sandwich. As for you..." He pauses then as Alex's words continue to tumble out and distract his thoughts. "Don't worry about Carroll and me. I said I would help. I will. I wonder if he realizes just how much like father he is... sometimes."

Alex nods quietly, then adds, "He sorta has to be like Daddy, Mitya, don't you think? 'cause... someday he's going to have to replace him." She thinks about Dimitri's words, then smiles, "Yeah... I can kinda understand that. It's why I want to sing so much on the Mare... I... well..." she grins a little sheepishly, "She's mine kind of, when I'm on night watch, you know? My responsibility. I... really like that." She grins shyly, "Although knowing you're there makes it better."

"Of course. My responsibility is looking over you." Dimitri lets his words pause for a practiced, mischievous, and tenuous heartbeat, "...and those other two guys too."

Alex giggles and lightly punches Dimitri's side in play, "Hey, I can take care of myself -- and watch your back too -- and don't you forget it!" She grins mischievously and flicks an ear in a non-verbal hmf! "Some team we'd be if you had to always cover for me, and I never covered for you!"

Dimitri gently nods and ooshes his sister back, leaning into her with his strong shoulder... not so gently maybe, perhaps helping her off the pier... Alex blinks! then hastily grabs firmly onto her brother, half laughing, "Dimitri St. Genevieve, you push me in the water and you are coming with me!!" She hastily adds, "And you said salt water was bad for hauberks!"

Dimitri nods, "Fine."

"ShriiIIIEEE-!" *SPLASH!*

Last modified: 2000-Apr-30 17:29:59

All material on this site is
Copyright © 1999-2024 Lou Erickson
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster