| Logs |
2000-03-12
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
Ashore at Maidstone
The night passes quietly, with no odd happenings. Early the next morning the port agent returns, checks the paperwork declaring their privateer status, and directs them to a permanent anchorage near the Naval docks. By mid-morning the Mare is in her new position, her official privateer colors flying at the masthead and her personnel given permission to land.
Carroll stands on the deck, watching the tying up, and keeping track of who is where and doing what. When he looks at the city his eagerness in going back into society shows in the set of his ears and the gentle flick of his tail. Horatio finishes rolling up all of the charts and locking them and the navigation tools away in the captain's cabin in the chart cabinet. That done, he straightens his tunic and heads up onto the deck, blinking in the morning light as he makes his way to the quarterdeck. Galumfing up to the deck, Dimitri pauses at the gangway. He looks across the portside town, rustling his ruff with one hand. Alex is determinedly still in her usual mode of dress, and she grins with a bit of relief at seeing Dimitri come up deckside. She patters over, "Hiya! So, we're in port... where to first?"
Dimitri smiles quietly, throwing his scabbarded sword over his shoulder, a bright and rakish move. "In search of a good ale and decent bread."
Alex beams up at her brother and brushes back one cheek ruff absently, "Sounds great! Let's go!"
Horatio glances over to Dimitri, and then back out at the harbor. Yes, that is a Pravinchandra flag flying over that ship. He turns back to Dimitri and says, "And, ah, anything else?"
Dimitri shrugs quietly. "Maybe to hear what certain captains might be boasting about... before they realize the company they might be keepin'."
Alex grins wickedly, "Sounds like a great idea!"
Dimitri shrugs and walks down the gangway, heading into the port. He will search for the taverns, to see what flavor of drinks and conversations may be found. Horatio takes in a breath, and lets it out. "I'd better see if they have an academy here, then. I do need to brush up on my herbology... especially if they get into trouble..." He looks to Carroll. "I'll be back before evening, Captain -- Carroll. I don't imagine the academy's all that far off, and I'll take the evening watch."
Jessie looks up from where she's working on some arrows. "By yourself, milord? Shouldn't you have a guard?"
Horatio blinks in surprise, and suddenly whatever he was thinking of has exited, stage left. "Ah... oh, ah, I don't imagine there'll be problems, I hope, I think, I mean... er, it's a free city and all, and..." His gaze manages to catch the fluttering Pravinchandra flag across the forest of masts and rigging. He blinks. "Er... that is... I mean it... might not be a bad idea, er... I mean... actually..." Actually, there are much, much worse things than having Jessie guard your back, above and beyond the fact that you wouldn't mind her company one little bit, isn't that- He squashes the mental lecturing he was giving himself, and manages a smile, "Ah... if you're not busy with anything... I mean, I don't want to take you away from anything you might want to be doing, that is..."
The mink shrugs. "Nothing more important than keeping you safe, milord. It may be friendly or it may not, and if you stay late the night can be much different from the day."
Horatio blinks. She's got an impeccable point there. Of course. "Oh, then ah, I'd be very much glad for your company... a-and protection, though ah, I really hope that nothing happens..." He really should learn not to say or even think things like that.
Jessie grins and scurries for a rapier to go with her bow. "I rather hope nothing bad happens, myself. Still, you never know..." She follows Horatio off the ship, looking around alertly.
Horatio nods to himself, glancing across the harbor again as he steps down to the pier. That flag does nothing but disturb him, especially since they sailed in with that selfsame flag flying upside-down. In a low voice, as he makes his way through the streets, he asks Jessie, "You saw the Pravinchandra flag on that ship?"
Jessie nods as she follows Horatio down the gangway. "Aye, saw 'em last night. Mr. MacKenzie made sure we stood a double watch, too, just in case."
Carroll watches his brothers and sisters, go. He makes sure the ship can manage without him for a couple of hours, and then forays out in to the town to see what he can see of marketplaces, people, fashion, and politics.
The harbor front is busy, though not quite so much as Starfall's is. There are a number of taverns, already doing a booming business though it is still early, ranging from elegant to seedy...
Alex patters happily along with her favorite brother, looking around with interest at the new city, chattering cheerfully about what she sees with Dimitri, and generally enjoying herself to the hilt. The tall black fox walks with an easy lope. He listens, mostly to his sister's fast patter, noting very different things to her. "There, with the black and red tabard, those are ship colors, and the sword he wears, 'tis not for decoration." A turn and a handful more paces, "No, not there. You can tell with just a whiff that they water down their beer." He stops in a mid-ranked place, better than average but not elegant. "They are a house on the rise, but not yet noble. They will be making airs in the better establishments... and looking down their snouts at those who traffic the very best. Let's try here."
Alex sniffs interestedly, trying to follow her brother's lead... then dashes to keep up with him as he enters the place he's selected. She pauses only to tilt her head back to see the name board of the establishment.
The tavern Dimitri has chosen, the Horn and Hart, does indeed look like it's trying to be an up-scale establishment in a mid-level location. The signboard, a white stag bounding over a hunting horn, looks to be freshly painted and the interior is elaborate if not the most spacious. Some of the patrons turn to look at the foxes as they enter, others do not... no one seems particularly interested.
Alex looks around with alert interest as she patters in next to her brother. She doesn't realize it, but she does not radiate street-wise-ness! Dimitri slowly crosses the commons, looking hither and yon, seeking for a recognizable uniform or house colors, before choosing a place for himself at the bar. He recognizes a small group in the gold and black of House Allende, and a soldier in the emerald and forest double green of the House of Dunbarton who is talking to a rather nondescript civilian. Alex settles on the stool next to her brother, half turned so she can curiously regard the tavern's clientele. Dimitri sets his sword up against the side of the bar. "An ale, barkeep." Then he turns around to lean back against the polished wood. His ears perk, his narrow-eyed attention falling first to the soldier, of course.
The rabbit tending the bar replies, "One ale, yes, milord... and for your friend?"
Dimitri looks back to Alex and digs his elbow into her side. "Put your jaw back in your mouth and order... sir."
Alex oofs! almost getting knocked off the stool, her ears perking startledly at Dimitri... she grins, centering herself on the stool again and smiles at the bartender, "Same for me, please!" Alex grins and pokes Dimitri in the side with a finger as the bartender turns away.
The bartender blinks, obviously thinking that's way too high a voice for a 'sir,' but nods. "Of course."
Reaching to his side, Dimitri takes a good long drink from the goblet, wiping his muzzle with his sleeve as he lowers the mug. His whiskers twitch... the ale is actually quite good here. Slowly the big fox's ears turn, to perhaps listen to what might be intriguing of Dunbarton's.
Alex sips her ale with unwittingly dainty fastidiousness, curiously watching people over the mug. She knows she's somewhat out of her depth here, as far as gathering information, and she doesn't want to mess up whatever it is Dimitri is doing... so she decides she'll stick quietly by his side, and be his backup. interesting... that civilian just passed that soldier guy a small pouch under the table... like a money pouch. She whispers quietly just to Dimitri, "Hey, Mitya... that civilian next to the soldier in green tones... can you tell what he is or what he does?" Alex is beginning to attract attention, but Dimitri is a bit intimidating and no one seems to have the courage to approach her. Alex, of course, hasn't realized this yet.
He ducks his muzzle, whispering back to Alex in return, "That would actually be my question. Be an interesting thing to know."
Alex nods and whispers back to Dimitri, "Yeah... and why he just paid the soldier off."
Horatio nods slowly, starting to make his way to the port office. They'd be certain to know where the academy is. He sighs. "I have a feeling that with them and us in town, it's like a fire-pot just waiting to be spilled..."
The port agent seems a bit puzzled by Horatio's request for directions to 'the Academy,' but a few words of explanation straighten things out and the fox and his self-appointed bodyguard are soon on their way to the local Alchemists' Guild. The late-morning streets are starting to fill with traffic and shoppers, but they reach the imposing, if slightly smoke-stained, edifice without undue incident.
The massive stone structure appears to be in excellent repair, except for one or two smudges at windows where it appears that perhaps, someone was less than successful with a fire potion of some kind. The double-wide entrance doors are open and inside appears to be a waiting room, with furs sitting until called into private rooms.
Horatio stops at the doorway, and looks around, fretting slightly. Then he takes in a deep breath and steps in, glancing around, and discretely finds a seat for himself and Jessie. "We may have to wait a bit," he says quietly. "I imagine most of the masters are involved with teaching at this time of day."
The next furr who enters the Guildhall walks over to a table at one end of the room and holds a short discussion before sitting down. A few moments later the clerk calls out a name, another furr comes up to speak to him briefly, and then enters one of the side offices.
Horatio pads over quietly to the table, taking in a deep breath. "Excuse me..." he says quietly, and as un-haughtily as he can make it -- which all things considered should be fairly easy for him.
The clerk looks up as Horatio comes over. "Name and business, sir?"
Horatio adjusts his collar slightly, and when he speaks it is quietly, so his voice doesn't carry beyond the desk. "Good morning. Ah, my name is Horatio St. Genevieve, I'm a student out of Starfall's Academy. We've been traveling and I was wondering if here is where I might be able to replenish reagents and material."
The clerk nods, and makes a note on the wax tablet in front of him. "Is there anything in particular you need?"
Horatio taps his chin. "Actually I would greatly appreciate the chance to talk with someone about locally available reagents, but I can understand that would be difficult to arrange."
The clerk nods patiently. "Yes, sir. And are you looking for any particular reagents? Any specialty of alchemy? Or a more general selection?"
Horatio says, "Oh, more of general, really. And I'm interested in what reagents are peculiar to this region."
The clerk nods again, and makes another note. "Probably Mistress Thorn, then... she'll be free in about a half hour, if you'd like to wait?"
Horatio nods, smiling. "That would be fine, thank you very much."
Dimitri's eyes narrow as he looks across the bar. "Who looked happier, Alex?" is his question, quietly whispered.
Alex thinks for a few moments, sipping her ale, then whispers, "I'd guess the civilian's done this enough before to be good at it -- he looked like he didn't know what his hands were doing, y'know? The solder looked nervous and pleased, though?"
Dimitri crosses his arms, leaning back. "Sounds like a first time bribe."
Alex's ears perk interestedly at Dimitri, "You think so? Oooh..." She pauses, then goes back to artfully casually sipping her ale... although her tail is slowly and unwittingly swishing -- this is exciting! Dimitri sips his ale again... quiet. He does, however, watch to see where the guard and the merchant go off to, after their business had been finished. Alex continues to observe. She may not get to do much as Dimitri's backup, she thinks, but by the stars she'll be a good observer!
The merchant... if he IS a merchant... leaves soon after finishing his drink. The soldier stays where he is and orders another ale. Dimitri slowly considers, and then just shrugs. He takes up his sword and crosses to the table. Laying the long blade across its diameter, he sits down opposite the guardsman. He shrugs, letting his ears twitch, the gold rings jangling, as he sips once from his goblet. "Good morning. Or should I say, profitable morning?" Alex stays at her seat at the bar, watching... she has a good view here of what's happening at the table, the rest of the room, and Dimitri's back. She can guard well here.
The soldier looks up, at first annoyed at the intrusion, and then frowning at the words. "I beg your pardon?"
Taking a second sip from his ale, the big fox simply shrugs. He speaks quietly, "Don't worry, buck. I'm not planning on making a scene. You just need to lose the nervousness from your whiskers next time. Actually, being new in port, I'm more interested in... let's say... knowing what is expected of folks to make sure... the peace is kept? So one doesn't accidentally step where they shouldn't."
The soldier, a fairly young raccoon, glowers back at the fox. "One thing that can keep you out of trouble is not making accusations against one of the Queen's Own, foreigner."
Alex hides a grin behind her mug. Dimitri shrugs quietly, looking down at the smaller raccoon. "Actually, all I've done is offer a bit of advice. Because if a green foreigner could notice something amuck, certainly there are sharper eyes than mine."
The raccoon starts and looks around nervously. "And how would you..." He stops, and glares again. "He was just paying off some gambling debts he owed me."
oh right... under the table... Alexandra thinks.
The black fox nods, finishing his ale in a single gulp. His eyes sparkle, as he stands, and i a bright motion sweeps his sword back off the table. He takes a grand step towards the door. "Wonderful! ...I can find the merchant and probably hook up with a good game, aye?"
The raccoon looks startled, then grins. "Yes, you probably could at that. He's usually at the Silver Talon. Need directions?"
Dimitri answers, completely flat and dead panned. "Or might you just show me?" Alex wonders thoughtfully if the coon would be more susceptible to a female... then mentally shrugs. Dimitri knows best how to handle situations like this. She'll just keep close.
The soldier says, "Not now... I go on duty soon and have to get going. It's not far... two blocks down, and one inland. Vladimir would be happy to see a new player."
Dimitri turns and heads out of the bar, nodding... Alex gulps down the last of her ale hastily with a "thanks!" to the bartender, then patters off after Dimitri... she grins and winks mischievously at the young raccoon soldier as she leaves.
His pace takes him a few buildings down, and then Dimitri steps back against a shop, taking a wee bit of shelter from a barrel or portside crate. For a good bit of time Dimitri just watches, silent, the entrance to the Horn and Hart. Alex slips quietly behind her brother so he shelters her from view from the perspective of the tavern, and watches the street the other way.
After the suggested half-hour and a little more, the clerk calls Horatio's name. Horatio looks up, and stands, glancing to Jessie. "Shall we?"
The mink stands. "Might as well...this waiting around is getting dull."
Horatio grins softly to Jessie. "This is true. It should be worth it, however." He pads over to the desk. "Yes?"
"Mistress Thorn is free now. Room 7." He points to the left.
Horatio nods, "Thank you, thank you very much," he says with a smile, and glances to Jessie, then takes a deep breath and heads down the corridor to the room.
Mistress Thorn turns out to be a doe, perhaps thirty years old. She is dressed in a tan robe with a few burn marks on it. "Good day. What can I do for you?"
Horatio inclines his head in greeting. "Good day, Mistress. My name is Horatio St. Genevieve, and I am... well, no, still am, sort of, a student at the Starfall academy. I have studied under several of the masters there but have been... traveling of late. I'm eager to continue my studies and experiments aboard, however, and have been practicing. However, as is all too common in the Art, I'm slowly running out of reagents. Since we're new to Maidstone I was hoping to talk with someone about reagents available locally, but in particular to learn about reagents peculiar to this region. I, ah... honestly had not expected to speak with a mistress of the Art. I hope this is not an inconvenience for you."
The doe smiles. "From the Academy? Welcome to Maidstone then, sir. It's not an inconvenience at all... we all take turns at the consultation desks. This is simply my day on that duty. You are aware of the rate schedule, I assume?"
Horatio says, "Actually I'm not. May I ask what it is please? And thank you very much for the welcome."
Mistress Thorn says, "Ah... all right. It's 50 League dollars for a one-hour consultation, and 25 per hour after that. If you merely wish to purchase reagents or finished potions, however, the consultation fee is credited toward your purchase."
Horatio nods, "Thank you, Mistress. That shouldn't be a problem, and I don't imagine this will take very long."
The doe nods. "I really don't think we have anything 'local' that is not known at the Academy. What sorts of reagents do you need?"
Horatio describes a modest selection of some of the more inexpensive reagents he's found use for over the past several weeks. None of them are hideously expensive, and most are relatively common in alchemical circles. Ms. Thorn goes over the list with him, asks a few questions about what he's using them for, and invites him to accompany her to the storeroom to pick them up.
Dimitri and Alex wait only about a quarter hour before the raccoon emerges from the tavern and starts off. Alex quietly whispers to Dimitri, while they're waiting, what the small bag looked like, in case he needs to know while talking. Dimitri smiles quietly, "Shall we follow... or shall we watch and see how long before he shows up at the other tavern... with friends?"
Alex tilts a curious ear at her brother, "Which would be smarter?"
Dimitri laughs, "Smarter is to wait... more dangerous, and thus more interesting, is to follow."
Alex frowns thoughtfully... she should be smart, like her brother... and she knows she's not very good at shadowing people... but... she looks up at Dimitri and grins hopefully, "Follow?"
Dimitri nods quietly, "After you... you first, and I watch your back this time, sister. I kind of stand out in a crowd."
Alex blinks, her ears perking in startlement -- her first? "Um... Mitya, I'm um... not a very good..." she pauses, thinking... then nods firmly, "Okay, I'll give it my best shot, Mitya!" She slips out after the young coon.
The big fox slowly follows his sister, careful, his ears sharp and attentive. Besides, when given a choice between him and his sister, what young buck wouldn't be flattered by being followed by Alexandra St. Genevieve. The raccoon doesn't seem to be in a particular hurry, nor does he seem concerned about being followed. The two foxes follow him for several minutes, and after a while it becomes obvious that he IS moving in the direction of the fortress that overlooks the town from the hill at its center. Alex smiles quietly to herself... this must be a very young person.
The soldier does stop and look around at one point, but Alex steps into a doorway in time, and he doesn't spot her. He continues up the hill toward the royal compound, and turns aside just before reaching it into the courtyard of the barracks of the Queen's Own. Alex pauses back on the street as he turns into the barracks and slides back out of casual view, waiting for Dimitri. Dimitri quickly walks up, and pulls Alex to the side. "Now... now we find a shadow, a shadow and we watch some more." Alex nods and follows her brother. A little wistfully she wonders why the exciting, dashing stories she always loved hearing don't include the boring waiting parts... she wonders worriedly if the real life occurrences include all the swashbuckling she liked so much. She sure hopes so!
Dimitri laying one arm against the alleyway wall, he rests his head upon it, and waits patient. Dimitri, unlike Alex, is very patient. Alex settles behind her brother with a small sigh, watching his back again... and tries hard to emulate his patience.
About an hour after arriving, they see their quarry marching up to the palace in formation. Apparently he really was going on duty... Dimitri laughs quietly, "So much for intrigue. But at least we know he is not angry at us. Sorry, Alex."
Alex smiles a bit wanly up at Dimitri, "It's okay, Mitya. We had to be sure, right?"
Dimitri shrugs. "Shall we find the Talon, then?"
Alex adds a bit hopefully, "Maybe we could get something to eat too?"
Dimitri softly growls, "Food? Doesn't the captain of the ship feed you well enough?"
Alex chuckles, her normal good spirits resurfacing as she rises and tucks an arm through his, "Oh, he's all right... but it's nice to be ashore too. I'd like to celebrate, even if it's only a tiny one, y'know?"
Dimitri softly growls, "Aye... and if we spot a jeweler's on the way, call out?"
Alex tilts a curious ear at Dimitri, "Sure, Mitya... whyfor?"
Taking a long stride back towards the dock and the tavern district, he says, "Something special."
Alex gives her brother an amused glance, "Oh, riiiight..." but trots along happily enough with him. She sniffs the air again hungrily.
Dimitri starts looking along the streets and shops for two destinations... one a jeweler's shop... the other the tavern the young guard had spoken of. The raccoon's route had led them through progressively nicer parts of town, and there were a number of jewelry shops along the way. High-class inns are also easy to find near the palace. Alex gently tugs Dimitri's arm at the savory scents coming from one of the inns, "Here?" Dimitri selects one of the finer shops on the way in and steps inside. He doesn't look, he doesn't shop, instead he just goes straight up to the first counter or clerk. Alex blinks, looking a little hurt at being ignored... she sighs and follows Dimitri in, hoping her stomach won't rumble. She glances around incuriously at the displays, and steps up next to her brother.
The proprietor is apparently a bird, but of a species neither of them has ever seen before. His black-and white plumage looks sleek and formal and almost furry, and the wings are stubby. "May I help you?"
Alex's eyes widen slightly at the unique looking bird, but she's polite enough to not stare. Dimitri softly growls, "I need fifteen silver earrings. Excellent, simple, and finely crafted."
The proprietor draws himself up. "ALL our goods are of the finest craftsmanship, sir. Fifteen identical silver earrings... let me see. How quickly do you need them?"
Dimitri softly growls, "The next day? Or is that too soon?"
The chubby little bird waddles over to a display case. "It is too soon for anything not in stock, I'm afraid. It will reduce the available selection." He pulls out a tray of silver earrings, thinking about it. "How fancy a pattern would you like?"
Alex covers a grin at the um... interesting walk of the little bird! She manages to look calm and composed by the time he turns around again. Dimitri folds his paws behind him. "I like simple. My own rings are very plain. It's their tale that is important." He flicks his own ears, so his three rings jangle.
Alex's ears perk with sudden realization and she draws a sudden, excited breath -- then keeps silent, merely beaming glowingly up at her brother. Dimitri looks to Alex and simply questions, "And what would you recommend for Skeee?"
Alex thinks for a bit... then says, "An anklet, Mitya. It won't flap around in flight and potentially hurt her."
Dimitri looks to the clerk, "And an anklet, also silver."
The jeweler nods and pulls out a few. "We have these-" He arranges a few samples on the counter. Silver hoops, some rounds of various thicknesses, one which is a very thin disc -- a strip of silver hammered flat and curled up -- one which is braided, looking almost like a silver rope, and a final choice which is like a tiny loop of chain, but with the links frozen. "An anklet to match the earrings, sir?"
Alex nods thoughtfully, "It should be like the earrings, yes, so she feels part of it too. Don't you think, Mitya?"
Dimitri softly growls, "That goes without saying." Alex beams, then turns and nods happily to the penguin. Dimitri selects a simple hoop. "Like this."
The penguin nods. "An excellent choice, sir." He puts the samples away. "Just a moment, please." He heads into the back for a few minutes, returning with fifteen of the simple silver hoops, and one anklet which appears to be the same thing five times larger.
Alex beams excitedly -- this was worth waiting lunch for! Dimitri chuckles and smiles, laying out a proper amount of coins upon the counter. "Thank you sir. Now, where can I get this lassie's ear pierced?" Alex doesn't quite bounce excitedly on her toes -- but she's obviously very thrilled! She pulls out her own coin purse to help her brother pay the large bill... this, she thinks, is important.
The penguin lays a small card beside the jewelry box. "I can recommend this lady, milord. She is quite careful."
Dimitri snares up the card, and collects the rings. "Thank you. And good day." Alex beams happily at the penguin, then patters swiftly out after her brother.
Dimitri looks at his purse, "Can we afford lunch?"
Alex grins, "Sure, as long as we go to the cheaper side of town!"
Dimitri laughs and smiles, and tucks the bag inside his shirt. "This way, then..."
Alex bounces along exuberantly with her wonderful brother who really thinks she's a campaigner too now! She excitedly asks, "So can we get my ear pierced before we go back to the Mare, Mitya, huh, can we please, can we?!"
Heading back towards the dock, Dimitri searches for a quiet and less expensive place. But at his sister's words, he takes a look at the card. "Sure. Let's see if we can find this place." He looks at the card.
Alex yips happily, "Yeah!"
The address on the card, combined with directions from the passersby, eventually leads the two to a quiet side street. To Alex's discomfort, the door ("Madame Riscutti, Midwifery and Minor Surgery" is painted on it) is answered by a porcupine. "Come in, come in."
Alex blinks... then steps in firmly. She's getting a campaign ring... a mere porcupine quill pales next to that exciting occurrence! Dimitri walks in, a quiet contrast to his sister. He smiles, "Madame? Might we have a moment of your time?"
The porcupine leads the foxes into a small but neat office -- they recognize the accouterments of magical healing from Hildy's office back in Ettore. "Certainly, certainly. What do you need this fine day?"
Alex is beaming again... this is so exciting! Dimitri tilts his head in Alex's direction. "She needs to add a ring to her ear. Or..." He smiles grimly, "…to put it in another way, she needs another hole in her head." He takes out a single earring and then lifts his own ear. "Like mine, but one. A new one, because this stays in, and it's not for fancy party baubles." Alex grins and sticks her tongue out at Dimitri when he mentions another hole in her head!
Madame Riscutti nods. "Ah, yes, of course." She briefly inspects the earring. "Come sit over here, please..." The chair she puts Alex in has an adjustable headrest, not very comfortable but giving excellent support. "Quick heal, or natural healing?"
Alex glances inquiringly at Dimitri. She has no idea if there's some ritual involved with this, but she sure doesn't want to mess it up! Dimitri looks back and smiles, "It depends." He looks into his purse. "On the cost. Though Alex is tough... and this is much better than when I got my first ring."
Alex grins cheerfully, "It's okay, Mitya, if we're short cash."
The porcupine shrugs. "10 LD for the piercing, 20 for the quick heal."
Alex beams, "Quick heal then, please!" when she sees by Dimitri's face that they have enough.
Dimitri softly growls, "Do a quick heal, mi'lady. I'll spare Alex the smith's awl heated red hot."
Alex's ears go straight up! "Eeeew!"
The porcupine nods. "Hold still, dear. This will hurt just a bit." She gets Dimitri to confirm the spot for the piercing, rubs it with a powder - and then plucks one of her own quills and jabs it through. Alex holds her ears and body perfectly still, although her tail twitches sharply. She can't see it, but the quill and Madame Riscutti's hands both glow as she works... and though the pain of the piercing is fairly intense, when the quill is drawn completely through the hole is already healed. "There we are."
Dimitri looks to Alex and shrugs. "The trick is not dealing with the hurt, Alex. The trick is not minding it."
Alex takes a long, slow breath, then smiles, "Now the earring?" She starts to nod, then freezes her head still, her small paws tight-clenched on the chair's arms, and murmurs through gritted teeth, "Daddy used to say breathing deeply helps too... it works for when you fall off horses, at least..."
The porcupine nods. "Do you wish to do the honors, young sir?"
Alex beams again! "Would you, Mitya?!"
Dimitri quietly walks up to Alex, taking out the ring. Then he lifts her ear. "Silver's for first blooding, Alex. You did good." He snaps the earring in.
Alex sits very still while the earring is put in place... then, when Dimitri's done she leans forward suddenly and hugs him very tightly around the waist, leaning her head against his chest. She takes a deep, shaky breath a few moments later and straightens, her eyes very bright as she smiles a little tremulously at her brother, "Thank you, Dimitri." Her ear flicks once, then twice, adjusting to this interesting new weight... then she says curiously to the porcupine, "Do you have a mirror, madame?"
The midwife smiles and produces a hand mirror from her desk. "Certainly."
Dimitri wraps an arm around Alex, steadying her. He does hug back and nuzzles her unpierced ear. "You did, you know." Alex grins shakily up at her brother, almost tearful in reaction... she leans happily against him as she accepts the mirror, studying herself intently, as if she's never seen herself before. An earring. A real campaign earring -- of her own, that she earned! She takes a long, slow breath again... then straightens a little, handing back the mirror with a carefully calm, "Thank you, madame." Her eyes are shining, and her expression is one of almost dazed pride... as if she'd never thought she'd actually get to this moment.
Dimitri leans quietly down. "It fits. Though I should explain something sister. Silver is first blood. You should know, because Blackpool's Marines, my marines, will know you now."
Alex nods, silent and wide-eyed up at Dimitri, then asks, "What does that mean, please?"
Dimitri softly growls, "It means that if a big marine with five gold rings in his ears throws you up against a wall and says "Where did ye get that, pup?" you will answer, "First Blood, Sargent Dimitri St. Genevieve gave it to me, Sir!"
Alex beams at Dimitri, "Yes sir!" She grins more mischievously, "But... he has to catch me first, Mitya!"
Dimitri smiles, "Depends on how many of them are in the tavern at the same time."
Alex grins again, "Okay." She blinks as her stomach suddenly rumbles at mention of the tavern, and adds a little sheepishly, "Um... speaking of taverns...?"