| Logs |
2000-03-19
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
The Grand Levee
The morning dawns bright and clear, with the promise of another warm day in subtropical Maidstone. The carriage hired for the day is waiting at the pier -- MacKenzie and Hunter are along, riding with the driver as guards, while the St. Genevieve siblings ride inside.
Maidstone Waterfront
The area near the harbor is a warren
of small streets, with warehouses, inns, and shops jumbled together. In
the near distance, the hills of the Upper City and the Palace Keep can
be seen through occasionally.
Alex is silent, almost gloomy looking, although she's careful to sit up straight and take care her flowing dress doesn't wrinkle.
An attractive young girl with proud carriage, her usual joie du
vivre is currently tightly reined in, hidden behind her excruciatingly
"proper" behavior. She doesn't really look that happy, in fact --
just... terribly correct. Her flowing dress, however, is lovely: a
rich and glowing ruby with gold-trimmed embroidery, that complements
her soft fur well. Full skirts trail the floor, matched by the long,
flowing sleeves lined with antique-gold silk. Tasteful hints of the fine
chambray under-dress are revealed where the outer sleeves are laced to
the snug, embroidered bodice, which rises, artfully cut, into a high
collar of white lace framing her small face. The golden sparkle of the
lovely old St. Genevieve family jewelry glitters in her beautifully
coifed hair... and distractingly just above her bodice. One ring shines,
anomalously silver, in her left ear.
Dimitri sits quiet next to Alexandra, leaning his sword against the side of the carriage. She sighs at one point and leans against Dimitri lightly, letting her chin rest against his shoulder.
Midnight. Coal black he is, with fur as rich as a starless
nighttime sky. Brown eyes flash above his sharply chiseled muzzle,
quiet and sure, like a sea whose currents run deep. From one tall ear
sparkles three rings of gold, as plain as any crest, campaign rings
of Blackpool's Marines. The color of snow wraps about the darkling
fox, pristine white a sharp contrast to midnight fur. A heavy tunic,
falling in long folds like a strict avalanche, highlighted by a splash
of matching ruffles. The sleeves are slitted but the accent is subtle,
a paler shade of fog hidden beneath mercenary slashes. A tight wide belt,
knight's white, with silver fittings bright, complements the tunic. His
breeches are loose, with misty piping, tucked into tall black boots,
where his silver spurs a'jangle with each step. From beneath a long
and rich tail occasionally sneaks, just as dark, touched hither and
yon with a highlight of deep crimson. In one hand he carries a long
and narrow package, wrapped in black leather and trimmed with pale gray
fur. As long as he is tall it is, deadly steel scabbarded and held safe
at bay.
Carroll shakes his head and smiles at his sister, she who is so unhappy when she is looking so lovely. He knows trying to cheer her up would be pointless, though, and hopes things are interesting enough she doesn't brood on her clothing.
Before you stands Carroll Waynewright St. Genevieve, heir
to the St. Genevieve legacy. His clothes, a jacket of soft rust brown
velvet over a slightly lighter russet vest with a tan silk shirt, and
soft suede breeches slightly lighter and slightly redder than his jacket,
which are tucked in to calf high leather boots, are both practical for a
ship captain yet quietly perfect in their elegance and simplicity. His
russet fur seems to glow with life, the white under his muzzle and the
flash at the end of his full tail standing out against the red-brown
of his jacket and breeches, which blend well with his own fur. He wears
a brooch at his breast, of sparkling gold and a few tiny diamonds, the
pentacle and sword of the family's crest, clear and bright for all to
see. Gold cufflinks and watch-chain also sparkle from his sleeves and
vest. He smiles graciously and nods at your glance.
The carriage sweeps up the hill, pulled by four (non-morphic) horses, finally drawing to a stop before the Palace gates. Carroll presents their invitation to the guard, and a functionary leads them off to the Great Hall where the Levee is held.
Great Hall
The Royal Levee takes place in the Great
Hall of the palace, a long room paneled with the most superlative woods
and furnished with the finest fabrics and craftsmanship. Queen Arianna
presides from a simple throne at one end, where the guests are presented
to her. Security is maintained by a guard detail of twenty armsmen, ten
on each side of the Hall, in formal uniforms with the green-on-green of
the House of Dunbarton -- the queen's personal bodyguard, a cold-eyed
tigress, stands behind her and follows her around when the presentations
are completed and the queen mixes with her guests.
Carroll follows the functionary, quietly and carefully smoothing his clothing from the carriage ride, and flicks his tail to settle its long fur. He smiles confidently, as if he is at ease with the world. Alexandra wipes the emotion off her face as she disembarks from the carriage... she paces with careful pride next to Carroll, one small paw resting lightly on his arm. She may despise what she's doing, but by the stars she'll do it right for the family!
Horatio emerges from the carriage, trying to take his cue from his siblings. The stiff shirt is uncomfortable, but the past few weeks have made the impression on him as to why they must do what they are... from attacking ships on the high seas to, yes, going to the Levee. He straightens his tunic as he steps to the ground, managing to remember to stand straight yet inconspicuous, as befits the third son of a Count.
Horatio St. Genevieve wears a slightly red-tinged tan jacket,
with matching breeches. Under his jacket is a very slightly yellow vest,
which covers a buff shirt, all of which seem to work to make his fur
seem redder and thicker. Light sparkles off the gold frames of his
spectacles, as he looks about the room somewhat nervously, doing his
best at not letting his discomfort and attitude spoil the image of the
noble's son that his clothes suggest. Tonight, he is even succeeding to
some degree.
Dimitri steps out of the carriage, brushing out his new white tunic. His sword he somewhat unwillingly leaves with MacKenzie, but leave it he does.
The guests are announced into the Queen's presence in the order of arrival. It's obvious that some furrs arrived deliberately early to be toward the front of the line, while others wander in a little late, knowing that the line will not be finished before they arrive. The St. Genevieve siblings are about in the middle of the line. Each guest is announced in a loud voice by the baboon serving as chamberlain today, and then walks up the hall for a brief audience with the queen before mixing with the other guests.
Alex gives a small, inconspicuous sigh... she's familiar with the 'hurry up and wait' of court... but she never got used to it. She stands straight and tall (for her) next to her eldest brother, keeping her head raised in calm self-assurance. To entertain herself she glances around, trying to pick which male outfit she'd like best to be wearing just now. Carroll is, on the other hand completely at ease, alert and aware, without being impatient. Dimitri waits quiet as the night, as unconsciously his heels snap together, years of discipline showing through as the black fox slowly settles into his parade rest. Practiced... patient.
Horatio stands behind Dimitri in the line, managing to stifle his edginess. He glances around as casually as he can manage without seeming too nervous. For his own part, to keep from showing his apprehension he looks for little signs of heraldry, trying to recall the lessons on who was whom and how their livery was determined and just how to 'speak' a coat of arms, (Hmm, that one... argent, with a line dexter verde...') -- lessons taught seemingly decades ago.
Dimitri listens to Horatio mumble and then smiles, whispering back, "...a red wolfie an' a bright white zigzag, all spotted with fancy-dancy crosses..." Alex blinks, her ears perking suddenly towards her brothers behind her... she covers a grin, struggling not to giggle, and for a moment looks far less morose, and more her usual cheerful self.
Horatio blinks, almost stumbling over the words he hadn't even known he was mumbling. He glances to his dark brother, smiling quietly. "Sorry; didn't think I was talking aloud. Erp, here we are..."
The time finally comes when the chamberlain announces the visiting Starfallers. "His Excellency, Captain Carroll, Baron St. Genevieve. Major Lord Dimitri St. Genevieve. Lord Horatio St. Genevieve. Lady Alexandra St. Genevieve."
Queen Arianna is perhaps not overly pretty, but her features
have a regal strength to them, and her eyes are penetrating. The queen is
a completely dark-phase fox, her fur black as midnight, and is shorter
than she seems, her 160 cm. somehow larger than life with the force of
a dynamic personality. She is dressed somewhat less formally for the
levee than she would be for a full court presentation, her light green
gown unadorned except for a darker green sash and matching boots, the
state crown replaced by a simple gold circlet
Alex inhales like Nanny taught her, and paces gracefully along next to Carroll. She times her curtsey to perfectly coincide with his. She blinks at Ludmilla as she straightens, and for just a fraction of a second there's a flash of naked envy on her face -- SHE gets to dress comfortably, darnit! -- and then Alexandra's face is schooled back to proper immobility.
A tall vision in black and white stripes, the white tigress
impassively scans the area, looking for threats. Ludmilla is 240 cm. in
height (nearly 8 feet) and towers over her charge, Queen Arianna. She
is bulky with muscle, but moves faster than believable for someone of
her size when she has to. She is wearing leather armor, a kilt and
vest combination with open sandals to allow her claws free play as
well as her weapons, with a tabard in the green and green of House
Dunbarton.
Queen Arianna nods graciously. "Baron, milords, milady. What brings you to Maidstone?" Her gaze lingers briefly on Dimitri.
Carroll bows to the queen, relieved his sister is in step with him. He meets her gaze, unflinchingly but unchallengingly, and murrs, "We have come to Maidstone to find a safe harbor from difficulty with an overreaching merchant in Starfall." His eyes twinkle, and he adds, "I am terribly pleased to be able to pay our respects to you while we are here." Alex smiles politely if she's looked at.
Queen Arianna smiles. "I can sympathize with your difficulties, milord. I've had some few problems along those lines myself."
Carroll nods, murring, "That is what I have heard, m'lady. I hope we have as much success resolving our problems as you have had with yours."
The tiger stirs briefly, her attention drawn away from the four of you. Queen Arianna positively grins this time. "What, you want it to take years without a definite resolution? I hope you do better than that."
Alex gives Carroll a faintly amused, surreptitious sideways glance. Horatio glances only briefly at Ludmilla, keeping his attention focussed raptly upon the queen, trying to maintain a pleasant expression of calm good humor, and also, well, inconspicuous. He gets the distinct feeling that he, at least, is in a veritable ocean of sharks here. Carroll smiles, and murrs, "We shall do our utmost, your majesty. I have no doubt that you will resolve your issues soon."
No doubt about it, the queen is definitely sneaking extra looks at Dimitri. "How long will you be in port, Baron?"
The black fox stands absolutely silent behind the elder St. Genevieve, his ears straight-out flat, his arms crossed, eyes narrow slits and just the hint of fangs showing beneath curled lips.
Carroll answers the Queen, "We have no fixed schedule. While we are anxious to resume our vendetta against this greedy merchant, we need to assure we have support and safety to return to. Once we have established that assurance, we will go. How long that will take, I have no good answer yet."
Alex flicks her left ear absently, the silver ring glittering for a second, as she thinks emotionlessly, good answer there.
Queen Arianna narrows her eyes at Dimitri. "Is something wrong, Major?"
Carroll glances back at his brother, when the Queen addresses him, and blinks twice at his posture and expression. His own tail flicks once, in irritation or something, but his face doesn't show it and he says nothing. Alex doesn't bother turning to look... she already knows how Dimitri feels. She's just a tad better at hiding it is all. Dimitri stands tall, his heels snapping together with a loud crack "Your Majesty... nothing." Alex covers a small smile.
Horatio feels the sudden, well, subtle peak of tension. He immediately starts wondering if he should be subtly admiring something around the Hall or paying as rapt attention as he was before or... He takes in a surreptitious breath. Calm, calm, now, he thinks to himself. Just like watching the Master pour vitriol into a camber of aqueous mercury... they know what they're doing, they've done this before... and there are plenty of places to duck into if something goes *fwackoom!* He makes a much better show of hiding his nervousness after that thought. Carroll's gaze returns to the Queen, quietly judging her reaction.
Ludmilla snorts, but says nothing. The queen glances back at her bodyguard in amusement. "Be nice, Milla. You know how soldiers hate being deprived of their toys."
Alex raises an eyebrow, how... tacky.
Carroll relaxes a tiny bit. His smile doesn't falter, as he murrs, "Very true, I expect." to the tigress. Looking back to the Queen, he adds, "While both of my brothers are fine fellows who I am glad and proud to have with me in this venture, court is not a place they feel at home."
Alex's face goes absolutely expressionless. Alex's fingers, on the other hand, tighten extremely sharply on Carroll's arm... just for a second.
Horatio tries to put on a look of sheepish apology. Actually, applying vitriol to aqueous mercury would be less nerve-fraying.
Queen Arianna smiles. "Nor your sister, I suspect. That's a campaign ring in her ear, if I remember Starfall's insignia correctly."
"You do, your majesty," explains Carroll. "Alexandra is the First Mate of our ship, the Saucy Mare, and has earned that ring."
Alex lifts her chin slightly, and if the queen ever looks at her she'll meet her gaze evenly. Poking fun at her brother, the... the hussy! At Carroll's last words, Dimitri's left ear flickers, his three gold rings catching in the light. Three campaign rings won on the battle lines... and not in some quiet court.
Queen Arianna nods. "Ah, well. I need to get through the rest of the line this morning." She waves a paw in the direction of a buffet table. "I'll see you again, Baron. In the meantime, enjoy yourselves." The chamberlain begins announcing the next group almost before she's finished speaking.
Carroll murrs, "Thank you, your Majesty, I shall look forward to it," and leads his family away. Alex is moving Carroll smoothly and swiftly away even before the queen's finished waving. Dimitri's boots clatter clop on the tiled floor, his spurs jangling. He spins on his heel, as he turns his back on the Queen and her guard, as if she was something beneath his worry.
Horatio takes a quick glance at Alex. Well... there's the vitriol. The queen seems to want to be some base metal... All right, what did the Masters use when they knew they were going to be anywhere near something explosive...? He doesn't quite let out his breath in a gasp when the Queen moves down the line.
Alex lets a slightly grim look cross her face as soon as she's no longer facing the queen... and she glides less than she stalks away next to Carroll -- although fortunately full skirts are useful for covering a multitude of sins. She realizes she's glaring at one of the guards... she raises an eyebrow and looks away... then murmurs quietly under her breath to Dimitri, "Fourth guard from the entryway starboard to us... recognize our little friend?"
Dimitri's head snaps, and he smiles quietly. "Aye, aye, Sir." It is not a friendly smile. The guard that Alex and Dimitri are staring at definitely looks nervous now. He probably has no idea what you were talking to the queen about, as the voices were low and hard to hear against the background noise.
Alex nods once... then glances up at Carroll, still looking a touch grim, and says simply, "I'm sorry things didn't go as you wanted, Carroll." She speaks softly, just for her brothers... and when she's done she takes a deep breath and goes impassive looking again.
Horatio clears his throat a little as the Queen moves down the line, adjusting his collar slightly. "Well, ah..." he says quietly so only his siblings can hear, "-can one of you tell me what it was that I just completely missed? Or am I right about reading a court situation once and we were just... teased by the Queen?"
Alex's hackles abruptly go up, at Horatio's words. She makes a small, exasperated sound, and tries to flatten them down with one hand. Horatio blinks to Alex. Oh, dear. "Or, ah... at least we weren't thrown out on our tails...?" he adds a bit lamely. "She didn't seem annoyed by us being here..."
Alex finally just gives up and folds her arms, standing proudly next to Carroll, and whispers tightly, "If I had someone at a disadvantage and they were my guest... I would NOT yank their tails!" Dimitri snaps into attention behind Carroll. Now waiting... very patiently.
Carroll murrs softly to his family, "She learned much about us, and I about her. We did fine, and didn't come off as fools, and we're here as much to meet and talk to all of these other people as to her."
Alex sighs, "Right... not even any dancing..." and takes another deep breath or two. After a moment she's got herself back under control, her face again expressionless, and one small paw resting on Carroll's arm again, "Lead on."
Carroll smiles, and glances back at the Queen and her guards, then back to his family to add, his smile fading a bit, "Perhaps not, Alex," says Carroll, "-but, all things considered, I think we did all right. In fact, having her speak so openly is a good sign." Horatio frowns slightly, but nods, sighing. Carroll mentions, "What, exactly, it means, I don't know yet. Perhaps we shall find out when we see her next."
Alex gives Carroll a fraction-of-a-second sideways glance without moving her head -- he may recognize her gloomy "trapped by court" look -- then is blank-faced again as she murmurs, "If you say so... you're the one that's good at this."
Horatio says, "That's right... she did say that she would meet with you again."
Alex rolls her eyes, then flashes a delighted grin for a second, "Hey, maybe Mitya and I could be absent!" She covers a small giggle, her ears tilting back mischievously at Carroll.
Dimitri smiles quietly, "No. I am waiting to catch a raccoon."
Alex grins over her shoulder at Dimitri, "So... think we'd need to... floss the ship's cat or something? Ooh! That's a good one too!"
Carroll smiles at his sister, and murrs, "Perhaps. It depends on the situation and invitation." He looks blankly at Dimitri, and says, "What?" Alex giggles again in spite of herself, her eyes sparkling with poorly suppressed delight -- this is MUCH more fun than idle court babbling! Carroll pauses to ask his siblings, "Did I do or say anything there that has any of you upset?" He pauses to collect something cool to drink from a passing steward, thanking him, and then adds, "I tried to offend no one. Did I succeed?"
Alex smiles at Carroll a little ruefully, "Oh Carroll... you know you did fine. You always do at court... it's the rest of us that feel like we're walking around with one foot in a trashcan!" She grins delightedly again at that image... she wonders a little guiltily if she should stand with her back to the rest of the room, so she's not showing her emotions quite so clearly... she glances up a little worriedly. Is anyone watching them?
Horatio ahs, "Alex is right, Carroll. Myself... I'm a bit chagrined that she saw I was nervous so easily."
The St. Genevieves are the object of covert glances from many of the other furrs here...they are apparently an unknown in the balance of power at court, and no one is quite sure yet how they will fit in. Alex sighs softly, and lets her face go impassive again... lets a few heartbeats pass... and then casually turns so she's facing her brothers, not the room. She'll place herself so Dimitri's looking over her at the rest of the room. No one will be able to sneak up on her that way. Then she smiles in faint relief -- now she doesn't have to wear that wooden face all the time, whew! and pats Horatio's arm lightly, "Horatio, you were marvelous, really. You've been standing straight, and you haven't even played with your collar, look! See?" She beams cheerfully up at him, "You look smashing, in fact!"
Horatio's ear tips pinken slightly and he smiles to his sister. "Thanks, Alex. I can't hold a candle to you, though." He glances back a little, but when he notices that they're getting more than their fair share of looks, he turns back. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I am nervous, however. I think we're a lot closer to politics here than we've ever been yet..."
Dimitri becomes quieter and quieter. Alex grins at Horatio amusedly, "Horatio... this is court... this is politics! Now do you understand why I hate court?"
Carroll knows they're the unknown, and expects them to be the center of some discussion. He murrs, "If we can, we should try and meet the Viscount and the Dukes." He looks at his family, and shakes his head, murring, "You're all doing well. Relax, and if you get nervous, think about the buffet. It's always a correct distraction."
Alex grins again at Horatio, a little ruefully, "Well... I'm guessing you didn't glare at anyone, so in that respect you did much better than I!" She sighs faintly then, and nods to Carroll, "All right... moment..."
"Alex, if I had ever doubted that for a moment, I certainly don't know." Horatio glances around a bit, and nods to Carroll. "True..."
The first to break the ice and actually approach the family is a middle-aged buck deer who was introduced as 'Baronet de Vere,' if they remember correctly. He nods to Carroll. "Am I intruding, your Excellency?"
Alex takes a few breaths again, letting her court mask cover her face, and stands properly next to Carroll. She nods gracefully at the deer's approach. Dimitri just gives the deer a dark look. Carroll smiles, and murrs, "Of course not. The Baronet de Vere, was it?" He introduces the member of his family, by name and position. Alex curtseys just as gracefully when she's introduced, although her lovely smile doesn't reach her eyes. Horatio inclines his head, smiling politely and pleasantly to the deer as he's introduced, half-wondering if this fellow is going to poke fun at his siblings and him. Oh, wait, no, he's a baronet. Think, Horatio, think!
The deer bows to each of you, paying a bit more attention to Alex. "Charmed, milady." He turns back to Carroll. "You probably don't know who I am, being new at Court. I'm Duchess White Haven's representative to these little get-togethers."
Alex nods internally to herself, here they come... first testing -- no, second, the queen was the first, and was parried... now he's testing for his lady. Carroll ahs, and murrs, "There are a lot of people here I don't know yet, indeed." He smiles, and murrs, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir."
The baronet smiles in a rather self-deprecating fashion. "I usually just take advantage of the chance for a free breakfast, I'm afraid, but this is rather more interesting. I understand you are declaring vendetta against Pravinchandra?"
Alex smiles again at the baronet's comment about Pravinchandra... although this one is not a nice smile. Carroll murrs, "We have declared such already, yes." He asks, quietly, "Would you know what the Duchess might think about such a declaration?"
De Vere smiles, matching Alex's as closely as someone without fangs can. "Let us say that she would not at all object to anything that might discomfit the mongoose. While the quality of Starfall's metalwork may be said to be a bit superior to ours -- just for the sake of argument, you understand -- Her Grace believes that we could compete in price if he was unable to make his contracted shipments."
Alex actually grins as darkly as her ebony brother for a second there, before she wipes it off her face. Carroll smiles, murring, "He has a way with those contracts, doesn't he?" Sipping from the glass he managed to find, he adds, "It's reassuring to hear that we are not the only ones who have been... inconvenienced... by them."
The buck frowns. "And it does seem that there is an unwarranted amount of piracy in that area -- we can certainly defend our ships against it, but the expense of adding so many guards..." He sighs. "I really do not understand why Chandra doesn't have the same expenses, since he has an even longer journey to cover." His protestations of ignorance are obviously feigned... you can tell he has suspicions.
Carroll smiles, murring, "Interesting how he avoids it so well, isn't it? I don't know how much longer he'll continue to be able to, myself."
De Vere smiles. "It would be a pity if something were to happen to his... arrangements. Are you by any chance planning to recruit for your vendetta while you are here?"
Alex tilts her head to glance curiously at Carroll... she doesn't think they need any more crew, but she's interested in how he'll answer that one. Horatio's not quite as able to hide his surprise at the buck's words regarding piracy, but he should have expected it; what else were the crew of the ship who attacked them at the start of this? Carroll shrugs, and murrs, "At the moment, no. Our rather limited financial situation, and the difficulty of knowing no one in a new town, at the least, must be resolved before we can even think of it. After that, well, it would depend on the situation that presented itself." Alex nods quietly to herself, and lets her gaze drift along the crowd, idly curious as to which representative will be next.
De Vere nods. "I understand, of course. But if you need backing, you may find you have more friends here than you might expect. I hope we'll have a chance to meet again, Baron." He bows politely and wanders off, stopping to load up a plate at the buffet.
Carroll smiles, and murrs to the buck before he leaves, "I am beginning to see this. Good afternoon, sir."
Alex smiles at Carroll, her eyes sparkling for a second as she whispers, "That went much better, yes?"
Horatio glances to his siblings. "Offhand, yes... He... seemed really eager to be of assistance..."
Carroll murrs quietly to siblings, "It get more difficult now, though, because we want to talk to all of them."
Alex smiles again, less brilliantly this time, "Oh, they'll be by... sheer nosiness if nothing else." She sighs, then straightens, "Well... I'll see if I can reel in the next one. Moment while I go get a nibble. Anyone want anything from the buffet table?"
Carroll nods to Alex, "Today, that's in our favor." He shakes his head, and murrs, "Not yet for me, thank you. You three go ahead."
Alex smiles and nods, and wanders off towards the buffet table alone... she knows some folks prefer talking to women, and some prefer talking business only to men... this way she's opened up options for either sort to turn up and chat with them. Dimitri quietly begins to stroll, making an odd loop, small circles, with a raccoon at the center.
Horatio blinks to Carroll. "Are you sure? Wait, of course you are..."
Carroll nods to his brother, murring, "Yes, I'll be fine." He continues to smile, and looks quietly over the other gathered people, his ears flicking to hear when a new name is called, so he can spare them a glance to put a name with this face.
A few more furrs wander over to exchange pleasantries with Carroll, with no obvious motivations except to be seen with the new arrival at court. After a few of these, a coatimundi femme wanders up and introduces herself. "Dame Lucy Winthrop, Captain of Her Majesty's Ship 'Valiant.'"
Carroll smiles and gives the lady a small bow, murring, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Captain. An auspicious name for a ship."
Alex will wander back eventually to stand next to Carroll if no one comes up to her, nibbling delicately from a small plate of goodies and sipping something non-alcoholic. She'll set the plate aside when folks walk up, to be the polite lady of the family. She can also, from this angle, watch a tall black fox coming up on a smaller raccoon guardsman's blindside. She may appear, from Carroll's point of view, to be artfully casually watching something else, when no one's talking to him... something that occasionally makes her light up with barely repressed amusement. However, at Dame Winthrop's approach she'll curtsey politely, glancing surreptitiously to see what Dame Winthrop is wearing. A uniform. Alex has trouble, once again, covering her momentary flash of envy -- darnit, she MUST make captain SOON!
Captain Winthrop smiles. "I like to think so. Her Majesty called me in today to get a medal for an anti-piracy action. Shouldn't be anything involving you folks, if I understand it correctly."
Alex's ears perk up in sudden interest, "May I ask what sort of ship it was, captain?"
Carroll murrs, "I certainly hope not. I would hate to mar this pleasant gathering with unpleasantness." At his sister's question, he adds, "Perhaps you could tell us of it?"
Alex flashes a momentary glance at Carroll repeating her question, then sighs in faint chagrin at herself -- when will she learn to hide her emotions better while in court? She schools her face determinedly to polite expressionlessness again... although the urge to chat animatedly with this woman about ships and shipping and fighting and pirates is hard to squelch!
Winthrop nods. "Quite a big one, as things go. Frigate size -- and I was second in command of a sloop not much bigger than your Mare. My captain was killed early in the fight, so I had to take over and finish the battle. The Queen was apparently impressed by it, so I got a medal and a promotion out of the deal. I must say that it's turning out to be more of a headache than I anticipated."
Alex's eyebrows go up -- she's impressed!...then a bit envious. She grins in faint sympathy, "More red tape and protocol than you wanted to deal with?"
Horatio listens intently and interestedly. She's certainly talking with us a lot more comfortably than any of the others... she's definitely not... uhm, 'stuffy!'
Captain Winthrop rolls her eyes. "Just a bit. I get the impression that the supply bureaucrats resent parting with any of their supplies."
Alex covers a small giggle, then nods amusedly, "Bean counters... yeesh!"
Carroll introduces, finally, "Captain, this is Alexandra St. Genevieve, my sister, and first mate aboard our ship, the Saucy Mare." He smiles, and then adds, "Unless I miss my guess, you are like her in that you would much rather be there aboard your ship to simply get on with it, than to have to cope with some of the other, admittedly often irritating, details." He continues, "I find it reassuring to hear that a small ship can do well against a larger, too."
Alex blushes faintly, "I'm so sorry, captain, where are my manners? It's a pleasure to meet you." She looks sheepish.
The coati nods. "There are some things less fun than a battle... and bureaucrats are one of them."
Alex nods a little glumly, as her unwittingly glance drifts across the gathered levee -- it's pretty obvious she'd much prefer being someplace else. She asks curiously, "So when do you have to go do the official stuff up there? And do you have to hang around afterwards?" She nods slightly towards the throne-end of the room. She eyes the captain's clothing consideringly, trying to remember any tricks she was taught in how to wear the formal stuff more comfortably... she's not sure the captain would welcome that though... she dithers mentally for a bit.
The captain looks a bit rueful. "Soon, I hope. I need to get back to beating supplies away from them." Her eyes widen a bit, and she bows just as you all become aware of a looming presence. "Your majesty." The receiving line is finally done, and the queen -- and her tigress -- have left the throne to join you.
Carroll is caught by surprise. He turns to face the queen and bows himself, murring, "Your majesty," rather behind the other Captain. Alex abruptly, almost shockingly goes blank-faced, and is beautifully expressionless when she turns, her paw correctly and lightly on Carroll's arm, her curtsey timed to follow his bow. Horatio *erks* at the captain's sudden mentioning of the arrival of the monarch. He draws back slightly, to make room for the queen and her HUGE bodyguard, bowing as well with his siblings and the captain.
Queen Arianna smiles graciously and gestures everyone up. "Please, this is supposed to be an informal affair. That's what they tell me, at least. Captain, we should be ready for things shortly. I just wanted one more word with the Baron here before the Levee ends."
Carroll inclines his head at the mention of his name, smiling at the Queen, respectful but undaunted. "How may I be of service to you, your majesty?"
Captain Winthrop starts to withdraw. "By your leave, your majesty..." The queen interrupts. "No, please stay, Captain. I would like your professional opinion, I think." The coati stands again and looks curiously at Carroll and her monarch.
Alex concentrates on looking proper... Nanny's words keep running through her mind, 'a closed mouth gathers no flies' -- much though she'd love to speak freely, she won't hinder Carroll or the family. She idly watches the bodyguard instead, wondering if she's as fast as she is. Horatio remains quiet as well; though the lesson he learned was from different hands, it still amounts to the same thing. He's waaaay out of his element, and while he's started to make some interesting parallels between political and social interactions and alchemical ones, he also remembers that unbalanced reactions tend to... well, explode.
Queen Arianna says, "If you wouldn't mind, Baron? I quite understand why you would feel driven to make a private vendetta... I'd like the Captain's opinion on whether your ship is a reasonable match for what you'll be facing."
Alex's chin goes up a little at that -- she's quite proud of the Saucy Mare! -- but she remains silent. Ludmilla watches impassively, her eyes flicking across the room and back to the immediate vicinity of her monarch. She notices Alex's glance and the faintest hint of a smile appears for a moment before vanishing again. She nods. Horatio's ear flicks just a little. More than a little bit of pride that Alex feels in the Saucy Mare is shared by himself as well; the rigging, her ballistae...
Carroll ahs, and murrs, "On the contrary, your majesty, I would be interested in knowing what an able representative from your fine Navy thought of our vessel."
Alex looks faintly startled that Ludmilla even noticed her! -then, cautiously, she gives a small, friendly nod in return. Dimitri slowly steps in front of the raccoon, drifting through the crowd, a random mote. Until he stops in his tracks, when seeming bound for a bite of food, silently coming to an unexpected halt behind the tigress. Watching over Carroll. Ludmilla glances back at Dimitri, nods again, and moves to the side, letting him stand between her and Carroll.
Winthrop looks a little less nervous at Carroll's response. "Thank you, Captain." The queen notices the by-play, and smiles ruefully. "That wasn't the most tactful way to put it, was it? I'm sorry, Baron, but I do need to consult someone I can trust and who has the necessary technical skills."
Alex hesitates... then takes a deep breath and says, "Perhaps the captain would like to visit the Saucy Mare first, so she can make an informed report to her Majesty. My brother Horatio has made several noteworthy refinements on the Mare, after all." There's a touch of pride in her voice.
Carroll murrs, "I understand completely. I'm always interested in learning about how we can improve our ship or our crew, as well." He nods, agreeing with Alex's words, murring, "That is a good suggestion."
Alex stands very straight... and hopes Carroll's not peeved... it had seemed like a good idea at the time... she relaxes slightly at his words and smiles a tiny bit. Whew! Horatio blinks, and straightens a little, a touch of pride at Alex's words that matches that in her voice. Alex flashes a quick, proud grin at Horatio despite her best efforts at staying expressionless... then she grabs control again, and looks proper again.
Queen Arianna smiles again. "Good, then that's settled. Baron, would you care to watch the award ceremony? And the rest of you, of course."
Alex gets a faintly amused glint in her eyes for a moment... Carroll really is good at this! Carroll answers the Queen, "Of course, your majesty, I would be pleased to." He glances at his siblings, expectantly. Alex gives Carroll a faintly amused, faintly resigned look. He knows darned well they can't abandon him now. She says with perfectly even correctness, "We'd be delighted, your Majesty." She mentally thanks Nanny for all the court training whacked into her, and also mentally apologizes... Alexandra never had been able to put any life into it, even if she knew all the rituals perfectly.
Horatio manages a smile, and nods; inside, well, an award ceremony would be bearable. After all, someone else will be the center of attention. Dimitri stands perfectly quiet, still behind the Queen's bodyguard.
Queen Arianna says, "I have to go change... the Chamberlain will announce when things are ready to go. Don't get lost before then, Captain."
Alex sighs internally... are they going to be required to change? She hopes not. She gets ready to curtsey in time with Carroll again. Carroll smiles to the Queen, and bows as she makes her way away.
The queen heads for her private door, exchanging nods for bows as she crosses the room. Ludmilla turns to follow her, giving a slight nod of acknowledgement to Dimitri as she faces him briefly.
Alex lets her ears relax after they're gone, and sighs softly again. Horatio lets out a breath, but holds any comments he might make while the captain is present. Dimitri just smiles a small dry feral grin as she leaves. Carroll looks at the other Captain, and murrs to her, "You must be terribly proud."
Winthrop relaxes as well when the queen has vanished. "I suspect I won't find anything bad, Captain. If the reports I've heard so far are correct, you've done quite well with your ship. But... orders are orders."
Alex raises an indignant eyebrow, "Certainly not! My brother Horatio is a brilliant theoretician, and the Saucy Mare can outsail any ship of comparable size!"
Horatio says, "Er... captain... if I may be so bold as to ask a question...?"
Winthrop nods to Horatio. "Certainly, milord."
Carroll chuckles and murrs, "I am looking forward to what you find." He smiles, adding, "I was trying to think of a polite way ask you aboard anyway, both to look at the ship and to talk with Alex and I of successful tactics and planning." He sips from his near-forgotten glass and then adds, "I would be a fool to think that I know as much as you do about this new endeavor of mine."
Alex flattens an amused ear at Carroll, "Why not just invite her aboard, silly?"
Horatio seems surprised a bit by the praise, and grins to Alex. "I don't know about the 'brilliant' part, Alex, but thank you..." He seems a bit flustered by the use of 'my Lord' in reference to him, and resists the temptation to look behind him to see what noble is standing there. "Er, Captain, I was just wondering. And... this may be an improper question, but... ah, my impression is that most... er, privateers that arrive in Maidstone aren't... uhm, don't come to the attention of the Queen. I ah... please feel free to say that I should not be asking this, but I er, am wondering why she would show that interest..." Alex tilts her head at Horatio, then looks with suddenly alert interest at the captain... she's curious as to how that one's going to be answered. Carroll thinks it's a bit improper of Horatio and wouldn't have asked it himself, but it is a fascinating question and he doesn't interrupt. Horatio sighs softly, looking down. "Actually, the person to ask would probably be the Queen herself... and even that might be improper." He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that." He smiles wanly. "As my siblings could probably tell you, Captain, I'm... er, not the most courtly of us."
The coatimundi looks quizzical. "I'm not sure myself... I was going to ask you. I suspect that it's because you ARE a noble house, rather than a run of the mill pirate. And you're from Starfall, which is also unusual. Few privateers want to run the risk of facing their Navy. To be honest... I suspect that she just doesn't much care if a merchant from Liska or Skaergaard or St. Avery wants to declare a vendetta... Starfall is our only real competitor."
Carroll murrs, "I can't do more than guess at the reasons either, and those are all probably good ones. I admit, I'm not looking forward to facing the Starfall Navy myself." He cocks his head, and gives the Captain a look up and down, before asking, "Captain, may I make an observation?"
Horatio nods quickly. "Thank you, Captain, thank you very much." Then he falls silent before that raging curiosity AGAIN makes him say something improper.
Winthrop looks a bit arch. "I can hardly keep you from making it. But I'll try not to take it badly."
Carroll ahs, and murrs, "I assure you I mean only well, Captain." He pauses a bit, apparently a touch unsure this is the right thing to do, but plunges on, "I have noticed that you, to be blunt, seem uncomfortable, both with the uniform, and with being here right now." He pauses again but before she can object, he adds, "I think that either Alex or myself knows, and would be happy to show you, a trick or two that would make it both look, and feel better to wear."
Alex glances at Carroll with sudden relief -- she'd been wondering how to say that! She smiles tentatively at the captain, hoping she doesn't take offense. The Captain looks surprised and embarrassed for a second. "It shows, does it? The uniform isn't that bad... I prefer not to get mixed up with politics, to be honest. I doubt there's any tricks you could show me about that."
Carroll murrs to her, "Today, being here, you have nothing to worry about. You're a success, and a hero. Relax, and remember that you've done something many of the people here likely never will -- you've done something. Be proud of who and what you are, and you will be so very much at ease." He smiles, adding, "I realize that is a very simple thing to say, and a very hard thing to do, but, you can start now." He hmms, and murrs, "And the uniform... may I try? Or, Alex, if that would make you more comfortable?"
Alex smiles at Carroll, "Why don't you guys all go get the captain and me some drinks, mm?"
Horatio blinks, "Errr... certainly. Shan't be long." He knows better; a suggestion from Alex is not merely a 'suggestion' from anyone else!
Carroll laughs, and murrs, "All right, we'll leave you to it." He tells the other Captain, "Relax, and remember you're a success. That's the most important thing." He collects one brother or another and moves off to the now-demolished buffet, murring, "Oh my, I wonder if I have time for a quick bite?" and making idle chatter.
Dimitri pauses and just gives Alex a contrary look. "Four paws between Carroll and Horatio and I am not thirsty."
Winthrop twitches a whisker at Alex. "And you're only the First Mate? Hmm."
Alex grins cheerfully at her brothers, drawing the captain away a bit with a light paw on her arm, "Turn to face me, captain, and no one will be able to see if you're shifting clothes a bit." She laughs softly at the captain's words, "Yup, that's all! They're just real nice to me... nicer than I deserve, I think." She smiles, thinking a moment, then nods, "Okay... some of this can't be changed right now, but you might want to try for later? Like... get custom made boots -- the military ones never fit quite right, according to my brother Dimitri, and he knows. Um... and you can carry the hat -- I don't know why Navy always gets stuck with silly looking hats, but if you carry it under your left arm you can look more dignified. And... the collar, I can recommend a few suggestions on which tailor to use for later -- see my brother Horatio? He hates those stiff collars, so we cheated and had it lined with something silky so it wouldn't itch! Um... oh, and if you tuck the shirt in front and back, not over your hips? It rides better that way, and doesn't pull up from your pants when you move around." She grins, "Hope that helps some?"
Carroll finds a nibble to eat, while he has a lull. He also gets something cool and nonalcoholic to drink, and quietly checks over his own clothing and fur, hopefully unobtrusively.
Alex steps so the captain is blocking view of her by the crowd, and carefully re-does the cravat, then tucks her hankie neatly between the area where the fur is getting rubbed messily and the collar, "There, is that better? Now, fluff your natural ruff over that, and keep your shoulders really back, and don't turn your head much... turn your entire body to face them. It looks more impressive, believe it or not." She grins cheerfully, "It's always worst the first time, captain! My debut ball was terrifying, until the dancing started!"
Winthrop gets a bit fluttered by all this attention. "Oh, don't worry about it now. I'll keep it in mind for next time. If there IS a next time."
Alex smiles thoughtfully, "You picked up the reins of command in the middle of a battle, and triumphed in the face of adversity, captain... I'll lay odds there will be a next time. So... shall we rejoin everyone else?"
Before the Captain can answer the chamberlain announces the awards ceremony. As the guests start to drift toward the throne room, he hurries over and collects Captain Winthrop, whisking her off somewhere.
Alex grins, giving the captain a cheery, "Best of luck, captain!" She wanders back over to stand next to Dimitri and relax a moment, with a faint sigh.
Bright and early the next morning, the newly minted and still slightly stunned Captain Baroness Winthrop, back in her normal working uniform, is rowed over to the Mare. "Ahoy! Permission to come aboard?"
Dimitri sits quietly at his post, next to the quarterdeck stairs. His sword is in his lap as he carefully oils the blade. Alex grins and waves, her watch just about over, "Welcome aboard, Captain Baroness Winthrop... and congratulations again!" Carroll is just coming on to his shift, himself, crisply dressed in his "casual" clothes. He smiles, and also waves to the lady Captain.
Alex glances at Carroll while Winthrop is climbing aboard, "You want to take over, captain, and I'll go find Horatio?"
Carroll murrs, "Please, Alex, that would be good."
Alex nods crisply and gives a quick half-salute, "You have the deck, sir," then patters quickly off to wake Horatio and make sure he's presentable.
Carroll meets the Captain as she climbs aboard the ship, and murrs, "Good morning, Baroness-Captain Winthrop. Welcome aboard." Alex vaults lightly over her dark brother sitting by the stairs, with a grin, and bounces off to wake Horatio and help him get ready quickly.
Winthrop returns the salute. "Thank you, Captain." She still looks like she's been hit with a brick. "Was anyone else as surprised by this as I was? My father was a baker!"
Carroll laughs, and murrs, "No, Captain, I'm not surprised a bit. Success leads to success. I'm sure you'll do fine." He adds, "You look more comfortable today, too," and smiles at her.
The coatimundi nods. "Just a bit. I really don't know what I'm going to do with an estate, but it'll be nice to have some cash now and then."
Winthrop has been looking around, noting the subtle differences in the rigging as well as the general condition of the vessel. "You run a tight ship, Captain."
Carroll smiles to the Lady Captain, and murrs, "An estate is both a benefit and a responsibility." He gestures towards the quarterdeck and murrs, "Let's start up here, I think. Follow me, please." He leads her up to the helm.
Carroll murrs, "I have a good crew, and an excellent engineer." He looks over the ship, and then back to the visitor, murring, "In fact, unless you object, I'll leave you in his capable paws, to show you whatever it is you'd like to see, and to explain -- probably in excruciating detail -- the changes we've made." He chuckles, and adds, smiling, "I always like to have someone who actually knows what they're talking about do the talking, you know?"
The coati grins. "I've always found that to work well, yes."
Carroll nods, and murrs, "I will be terribly curious to hear what you decide about our little ship, and, particularly, any improvements we could make." Looking down at the forecastle, he murrs, "Ah, I think that's Horatio with Alex now."
Horatio blinks at the sudden commotion. He had been sleeping at his books -- again -- but of course he's just surprised at the sudden passage of time. Alex grins, shoving a mug of coffee into one of Horatio's paws, deftly scooping books away from him, swiftly combing his hair, and if he's still too bleary to do it himself she'll even rub his face quickly with a damp washcloth, "Time to wake up, Horatio, the captain baroness Winthrop's here!"
Horatio blinks, suddenly finding himself in the center of a veritable tornado of activity. It takes him a moment to realize that (a) it's Alex, and (b) there's only one of her. "Captain Winth- Captain Baroness Winthrop? Erp! Right, moment, have a comb right here..."
Alex has, with the ease of long practice, one of Horatio's arms up in the air so she can pull his shirt off and put on a nice clean one, "No problem, Horatio, just drink up fast, we'll comb your hair again -- put that arm down now, right, now switch coffee hands and raise- right, that's it -- we'll make sure you're tidy before you leave the cabin, okay?"
Horatio downs the coffee, almost choking on the bitter brew, feeling less like Alex is actually all but dressing him as she is neatly throwing him into a new shirt. "But, but Alex, I'm awake, I've only been reading all night..."
Alex grins, "Uh-huh... you were reading with your head resting on the book, eh?" She hustles Horatio up, then stops him just before he opens the door, checking him over once with a critical eye... she straightens his collar, uses the damp rag to flatten an errant curl of fur, "There we go. You look very nice." Then she grabs Horatio's arms gently, leaning close to say quietly just to him, "Horatio... you are brilliant, and don't you forget it! Daddy would never have altered the Saucy Mare if he hadn't believed in you, and we wouldn't have kept the alterations if they didn't work wonderfully -- and they do. So you just remember that, okay?"
Horatio blinkblinks. "Ah... I'll try to, Alex, and... thank you... thank you, I just..." He shakes his head. Now isn't the time to go into what was going through his head when he fired the ballistae in their last battle and it hit some of the crew of the Pravinchandra barge. "Erk... that is... I mean..." He lets out a breath, and smiles wanly. "And thanks for helping me look decent this morning..."
Alex grins and gives Horatio a quick, tight hug, then beams at him, "You're always decent, silly! Now c'mon... don't want to leave Carroll all alone with the fierce new baroness!" She giggles, taking Horatio's hand and dashing outside, then trotting quickly up the stairs just in time to hear Carroll's comment! She beams and steps aside for Horatio.
Horatio *erks* again as he comes out on deck, squinting slightly in the morning sun. "Oh! Ah... good morning, Captain, Baroness!" He proffers as good a salute as he can manage.
Carroll smiles, and reintroduces, "Captain-Baroness Winthrop, may I present our ship's engineer, Horatio St. Genevieve, my youngest brother. Horatio, I'm sure you remember Captain-Baroness Winthrop from the levee yesterday. At the Queen's behest -- and my intense curiosity -- she is here to examine and review our ship, as we discussed yesterday. Can you please show her everything of interest, and answer any of her questions?"
Winthrop returns the salute again. "They tell me you're the one who designed the new rigging. How does it work?"
Horatio erps, and nods quickly. "Certainly, Captain, it would be my pleasure! Ah, well, we may as well start from the bowsprit. Baroness, if I may, this way, please..." He starts, yes, literally, working from stem to stern, pointing out in modest detail to the Maidstone naval officer the changes he's made to the rigging of the ship. Certainly the ones that are blatantly obvious he points out and explains, along with some of the not so obvious ones. To preserve everyone's sanity though, he shows a remarkable amount of restraint and doesn't go into the most mind-numbing detail of the more subtle changes.
Winthrop is quite impressed with things, and if she catches on that there are details left unmentioned, she doesn't press. They'd be different on a larger ship anyway. "Now, what are the hull hatches for below the main deck? I would think they'd be a problem in storms."
Horatio glances at Carroll at Winthrop's mention of the bowchaser ballistae for some sort of clue or hint as to what to say. Most likely he'd want him to show her, but he'll check first... Carroll tells his brother to go ahead and show her, but to do it from the inside, without opening the hatches. "If she wants to see them in action, we'll have to go out of the harbor a bit, which we can do."
Horatio nods, "All right. Baroness, if you'll come this way, please..." He leads her belowdecks to the cramped fo'c's'le compartment that houses the two oddly arranged ballistae. Winthrop follows Horatio belowdecks. Horatio manages to open the compartment enough for the Baroness to see within. "The hatches open just enough to allow us to use the ballistae," he explains. "They're typical for what one would find on a ship, it's mainly their positioning and their concealment that are their main advantage.
Winthrop nods. "I see. Not necessarily an advantage for a Navy ship, but yes. Very practical for a privateer."
Horatio nods slowly, perhaps somberly. "They're... effective at taking other ships by surprise. Also, their position as bowchasers is fairly advantageous when it comes down to maneuvering."
Winthrop and Horatio come back to the deck. "A fascinating tour. I'll see you all on Saturday, apparently -- I've been invited to that ball, too." She salutes Carroll and goes back down the ladder to her waiting boat.
Carroll smiles pleasantly, and murrs, "Another reason to look forward to it then. Fare well, Baroness," before she departs.
Alex slips back down the stairs, out of the way, and settles happily next to Dimitri. She sighs contentedly, leaning her chin against him, but carefully so she doesn't get in the way of his sword polishing. Dimitri shifts so his sister can join him as he finishes the final touches on his sword. "Exciting times, aye, sir?"
Alex grins happily at Dimitri, "I think so... think about it, Mitya! Once we've got all this taken care of we can start really looking for Daddy too!"
Dimitri looks across to Alex. "Next time... it will be a bit bloodier, you know, sir."
Alex nods, her expression getting serious, "Yes, Mitya... I know. But... well, I'm not looking forward to it, but it has to be done, you know? It's for the family. And..." she falls silent, thinking for a moment, then adds very quietly, "...it's all right when you're there..."
Dimitri nods quietly, "I don't think Carroll's realized that yet, actually. Not until we have bodies. That should be my job."
Alex looks a bit confused, "He's not realized the next one will probably be bloodier? How could he not? We've been very lucky so far. Wait... what should be your job, Dimitri?"
Dimitri shrugs, sheathing his sword, "My job to kill them before they get to you and him."
Alex grins dryly, "Don't you think for a second that I'm not going to be there too, Mitya! Some first mate I'd be if I expected my people to take chances I wasn't willing to take myself!"
Dimitri looks back, quiet. "Actually if you were a first mate you'd stay on deck, working the bow while the Captain worked the aft... and here, in case anything did happen to the Captain."
Alex frowns, thinking about what Dimitri's said. She looks torn as she slowly says, "Are you saying... you'd rather not have me watching your back, Mitya?" She smiles and waves as Carroll sees Winthrop off the Mare, then looks back a touch unhappily at her dark brother.
Dimitri lets out a long slow breath. "No. No one but you..."
Alex brightens in relief and hugs him warmly, "Okay!"
Dimitri pauses then, "...but its always you who says to think of Family and Ship first."
Alex frowns, thinking again... "Well, then let's resolve it." She straightens and calls, "Captain? Do you have a moment?"
Carroll looks over, and pads up to his brother and sister, and murrs, "Yes. What's up?"
Alex looks up worriedly from where she's seated next to Dimitri. Her voice is pitched to carry just to the three of them as she murmurs, "Dimitri pointed out that um..." She shifts uncomfortably, tucking her tail into her lap and absently stroking it as she continues, "-that um... that the first mate usually doesn't go on um boarding parties? So um... I wanted to know what you thought about it, since you're captain and you're the head of the family right now?"
Carroll hmms. He thinks about it, then murrs, "We do a lot of things different than 'usual,' and we don't have enough skilled fighters as it is. Promise me you won't do anything stupid and get yourself killed, then I think you should go." He grins and adds, "If I feel particularly vicious, I'll stand at the helm and shoot at them."
Alex whews! in sudden relief and beams up at Carroll, "Okay!" She hugs Dimitri again, "See? It's all fine!" She glows happily -- she's glad other folks think she and Dimitri make a good team!
Dimitri hugs her back quietly, strongly. But what Alex cannot see is his expression. That only Carroll can see. Not happy. And worried. Carroll looks at his brother and murrs, "You both be careful. I don't want to lose either of you." He walks away, worried by his brother's worry, which leads him back to worrying about politics and why the Queen would send someone to examine the ship, and if the ship passed that examination.
Alex looks after Carroll with a slightly puzzled expression, then curiously says to Dimitri, "Wonder what's ruffling his fur the wrong way?"
Dimitri blinks and leans back. "He's Carroll. He wouldn't be happy if he wasn't worrying."
Alex leans back against Dimitri comfortably, "Huh... I guess. Well, it was sweet of him to be concerned." She smiles, relaxing.
Dimitri reaches over and just ruffles her ears. "He does have his good points. Sometimes." Alex giggles and pokes Dimitri companionably in the side!
Alex just relaxes against Dimitri for a while, completely still except for the wind occasionally ruffling her fur gently... then after a while, when no one's nearby, she murmurs softly, "Mitya? Why're you tense? Is something wrong? You've been tense since we were talking to Carroll?"
Dimitri shakes a bit, and then his head atop hers. "I still worry. The reason I fight is to protect you bratling. "
Alex blinks, trying to tilt her head without disturbing him, "What? Why're you worried though, Mitya? You're the best trainer and fighter I know -- I couldn't have a better person to be teamed with!"
Dimitri lets out a long, long breath. "There's the thought, and you are right. But when it becomes real. That's when, times like now I do worry."
Alex sits silently for a bit, her fur glinting in the sunlight occasionally as the wind ruffles it, puzzling things through. Finally she murmurs slowly and confusedly, "But... what thought? I... don't understand...? Wait, Mitya... if you hate fighting so much... why did you stay with the Marines?"
Dimitri shrugs quietly. "Someone's got to do it. Someone's got to stand between us and them. And mostly I had always hoped that by me fighting Carroll and Horatio would never have to."
Alex takes a deep breath, smiling faintly as she continues to lean comfortably against her favorite brother, "Then... I'd like to help, Mitya... 'cause you're right, somebody has to stand between us and them."
Dimitri shrugs again. "You'd never listen to me if I told you no anyway. And the worst problem is you know I would never ask you to stop. I could never keep you from anything you wanted. Some role model, bratling."
Alex grins happily up at her brother, from under where his chin is resting on her head, and cheerfully agrees, "Yup! The best, silly... nobody else made me want to try my best like you did, Mitya. You didn't patronize, you didn't try to talk me out of it, and you didn't soft-pedal... you just insisted I keep up. And... it took me a while, but I like to think eventually I could." She rolls her shoulders slightly, settling in a bit more comfortably against him, then reaches up and grabs a tuft of dark-hued cheek ruff between her fingers and tugs gently on him, "You worry too much, big brother."
Dimitri yerfs and blinks and wraps an arm about her and starts leaning towards the water. "I think you have to do a bit more to keep up. I flattened my cat. Your weasel was still standing, after all."
Alex laughs, wrapping both arms around Dimitri's strong arm and grinning up at him again, "Flattened pfoo! I was doing three things at once, I'll have you know -- keeping that little squirrel from running away, watching your back, and keeping the weasel busy, so neener neener!"
Dimitri laughs. "And so I was doing nothing?"
Alex giggles, "No, silly, you were busy making flatcats to get to the captain!" She grins lazily, "'Sides... it's too nice a day to argue. Sun feels nice on your fur, yes? So... when're you going to quit worrying so much, Mitya, mm?"
Dimitri softly growls, "When you are married and closeted away with a hundred puppies."
Alex blinks in shock, straightening up abruptly, her ears perked up in startlement -- then she gives Dimitri an exasperated grin, "YUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK! Why would I want to waste my time that way?!" She hmfs, settling back against her brother, grumbling softly, "For heavens' sake... why would I want to do something that silly? that'd be dumb..."
Dimitri brightly tickles, "No, bratling, that basically means never!."
Alex giggles delightedly, squirming madly, "STOP that- eep! Hey! None of- ack!" She catches his hands with both hers and hastily tries distracting him, "Hey! So what am I supposed to do when you run off and get married and start having puppies, hey?!"
Dimitri laughs and realizes he is in big trouble... for if he stops, she'll tickle him! He blinks and then skates backwards -- then just shakes his head. "Oh, I have that figured. Who would ever want to marry me in the first place!"
Alex laughs! "Ha! Caught you there -- you have no idea how often the girls stare at you, do you?" She giggles delightedly, turning the attack wickedly back on him, "Tickle me will you!?" and tickles madly!
"Yeehaahaahaahaahaahaahaahaa... oh... yah... like who... heeheehee boy you heehee just wait heehee for tomorrow's heehee practice!" The big fox's best defense is to just sit on his darling sister.
Alex laughs delightedly, slipping agilely out from under him, until she's breathless and can't tickle any more... at which point she just flops happily on her favorite brother, still giggling softly, "Serves you right -- fink!" She giggles delightedly again, her eyes dancing with mischief, "Wouldn't you like to know who watches you, mm?"
Dimitri looks down on Alex and just shrugs, "No. I'm the patient one, remember?"
Alex pokes him gently in the side, "Aww! You don't tease worth beans about that, no fair!" She grins mischievously again, scanning the ship, and adds, "Horatio does though..." She giggles softly, then shifts to lie more comfortably on Dimitri again, "So... if you won't quit worrying, try worrying less maybe?" She grins lazily up at him, relaxedly content in the sunshine with him.
Dimitri looks down quietly at his sister. "Always has. Especially now with Jessie on board. I think I'll assign her to his cabin for the watch."
Alex snorts amusedly, "Going to get her to pick up after him? I swear, sometimes I think he needs Nanna more than any of us did -- just to make sure he gets to bed at night and doesn't put on clothes he's already worn, the next morning!" She giggles quietly.
Dimitri softly smiles, "No, go to keep him company and make him all nervous and puppyish all night."
Alex chuckles, "Just as long as he's alert enough to work during the day..." she pauses, thinking a bit, and adds a little more seriously, "-and as long as she doesn't hurt his feelings."
Dimitri tilts his head, his earrings jangling. "You really think she would?"
Alex gazes evenly up at Dimitri from where she's comfortably flopped across his lap, "Mitya... the Ettore kids consider her a terrible tease... and I'm guessing she wouldn't deliberately, but... well... have you ever seen Horatio tell anyone no?"
Dimitri shrugs quietly, "Then I'll leave the matchmaking to you."
Alex looks a little startled, "What?! Er... wait, what? I ah I don't think I'm the person to be doing stuff like that, Mitya -- I mean, I slugged that girl at um... what party was that, Horatio's 15th birthday party I think? -because she said Horatio was a wimp and you were- er, well, because she was rude?"
Dimitri laughs again, his dark eyes filled with fell mischief. "Well, you do realize that if you don't do it... Carroll will. And not tell us."
Alex blinks, looking shocked, "He wouldn't! Er... would he?" She looks doubtful, then frowns, looking faintly worried, "He better not try that with me! No way am I not making captai- oh! that's right..." she grins in relief, "He said he wanted me to make captain too... so he wouldn't mess that up." She giggles softly, "Although... you did say you didn't like fighting that much, so maybe he would for you!"
Dimitri looks back, his ears level. "Your really think he wouldn't? This is Carroll."
Alex smiles serenely, "I don't think he would. And if he did... I'd just scare the guy off! What primping noble's son is going to want a wife that threatens to skewer him if he touches her?" She grins mischievously.
Dimitri softly growls, "One who has a son as fierce as you, bratling!"
Alex laughs! "No problem -- in that case I'll just threaten them with you!"