Reality Fault - Starfall: Logs for 02April2000

The time has arrived for the Royal Ball. The cream of society has been invited, including the ambassadors to Maidstone as well as the local notables. An invitation has been issued to the St. Genevieve family as visiting nobility.

The Grand Ballroom is full tonight, the glittering, gold-framed mirrors that line the walls reflecting a crowd of brightly dressed furs. The room is filled with the nobility, military, and officials of Maidstone, all dressed in their finest clothing. Most of the younger females are resigned to a less than outstanding evening, fearing that the Queen has a terribly unfair advantage in attracting attention, but the younger males are quite eager. Each hopes to impress the Queen with his knowledge, charm, wit, connections, and/or accomplishments; for it is well known that Arianna has not yet chosen a consort, and in fact broke off the negotiations with Costa Yermo that her Regent had initiated for a marriage arrangement, preferring to make her own decision.

As the St. Genevieve siblings arrive, they are again announced by the loud baboon. "His Excellency, Captain Baron Carroll St. Genevieve. Major Lord Dimitri St. Genevieve. Lord Horatio St. Genevieve. Lady Alexandra St. Genevieve."

Alex smiles politely as she glides in on Carroll's arm... although her brothers may hear the faint sigh. She looks around in mild curiosity, and hopes the dancing starts soon.

Alexandra is an attractive young girl with proud, if rather stiffly formal, carriage, wearing an elegant ruby silk dress with a full and flowing skirt. Gold beading and embroidery sparkles splendidly, dancing across the full, flowing skirt and glowing radiantly on the snug, sleeveless bodice. Gold ribbons spill artfully from the gathered waist and shoulders, and from her coifed hair. More gold glitters, jewelry this time, from her throat and slender fingers -- even her small fan shimmers with gold tracery. When not dancing, there's a decided aloofness to her movements, as if she's not happy with the current state of affairs. If she's stared at, she tends to get a rather irritated glint in her large green eyes, and an annoyed flick to her luxurious, white-tipped, scarlet brush. When dancing, however, she comes alive, glowing with pleasure as brightly as her golden ornamentation.

Carroll enters the ballroom, graciously escorting his sister. He leads her out of the flow of traffic, and looks quietly around the room to see who is here and to whom they are talking, eyes and ears alert.

Tonight Carroll is dressed formally, wearing dark brown breeches, a matching jacket with tails, slit so his own tail doesn't leave them askew, over a gently redder vest with gold threadwork through it. The family crest shows clearly at the corner of the golden silk handkerchief in his pocket, the red matching the blaze of the red ascot at his throat. 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 darker clothes, which highlight the color of his fur. Gold cufflinks and watch-chain also sparkle from his sleeves and vest. He smiles graciously and nods at your glance, apparently relaxed and at ease here, ready to cope with whatever may arise.

Horatio gives only a bit of a start, this time. That whole 'Lord' thing still throws him.

A bit shy of five and a half feet tall, Horatio is the shortest of the St. Genevieve sons and the youngest. He has some noble fox features to him, though they certainly appear muted and subdued. His clothing this evening is formal, a dark brown doublet of simple cut, with high collar and red-brown highlight; an autumnal melange. The full sleeves are slit, revealing the hunter gold sleeves of the undertunic. The doublet is cinched at his waist by a simple black belt, with a subtle silver buckle -- perhaps the most ostentatious thing on him -- with the St. Genevieve crest flanked by a pair of tall ships. His breeches are a darker brown, complementing the doublet's color.

Slowly following a step behind, the tall black St. Genevieve sibling spends the least time at the focus of entrance attention. One heartbeat, then two, then it is a simple sideways step back, to find a corner of the ballroom he might claim.

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.

Alex's gaze wanders. She notices the flow of young male traffic around the queen, and smiles faintly -- should be an easy night for her. She wonders if she'll have to ask her brothers for all the dances... she hopes they won't mind too much. Probably not. She wonders if the queen ever gets tired of all the focused attention... she shrugs. Not like the queen is likely to ever tell her. She wonders if she knows anyone here.

Horatio tries to maintain a middle ground between his siblings, but finds that he's starting to be more on his own than with all of them. He feels a momentary panic -- Erp, what to do, what to do...? -- then calms down a little; no need to panic, just meander a bit orbiting Carroll and Dimitri and Alex, see what there is to see, smile a lot, say little, hear much... He recites his mantra mentally as he starts to wander about the hall, some of the architecture catching his eye.

Dimitri silently watches the assembled nobles, gauging the ebb and flow of the crowd as one might a treacherous battlefield. Who traffics with whom, and who, like him, prefer not to garner attention. The currents which wrap around the grand room, including the whirls and eddies about the young queen.

There are a few present that the siblings remember from the Levee. Baronet De Vere stands by a buffet table in conversation with a middle-aged lady mink who is resplendent in a dangerously low-cut gown of blue and silver. Captain Winthrop is standing off to one side, looking rather uncomfortable in a red gown with black highlights. And approaching Carroll is a bobcat in the black and silver of a Starfall Navy uniform, with commander's insignia on the shoulders.

Carroll decides he will not be caught by surprise again, and looks about for the Queen, trying to keep quiet tabs on her, lest he be rude again. He also looks for Baroness-Captain Winthrop, which is why he sees the Navy officer approaching. He decides the lady mink is probably Duchess White Haven, and makes a mental note.

Alex straightens slightly, watching the bobcat approach. She can't help it... her left ear flicks once, proudly, before she can keep it still and look proper next to her brother. They may be privateers, but they're still well bred! His ears perking, Dimitri pauses, to track the feline approaching Carroll. Carroll looks to the approaching officer and nods, murring, "Good evening, sir." Dimitri slowly meanders forward, until he haunts above Carroll's right shoulder. He does remain quiet, letting his Captain speak, of course.

The 'cat bows briefly. "Baron." He looks a little uncomfortable. "Are you sure you wish to go through with this?"

Alex smiles a small smile and gracefully offers her small paw to the Commander, "I don't believe we've had the honor, Commander...?" She'll be damned if she'll let anyone treat her or her family as not worth the courtesy and respect their name and family status is due.

Horatio's orbit brings him around to where Carroll and Alex -- and now Dimitri -- are, and where the bobcat is. He manages to catch Alex's greeting as he comes up on Alex's right. Carroll looks at the officer and murrs, "I..." He trails off, and finally murrs, "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. What are you referring to?"

The bobcat sweeps an elegant bow over Alex's offered hand, briefly touching it with his lips. "Frederick van der Berg, milady." He turns back to Carroll. "The vendetta, milord. You realize that you'll be declared an outlaw? Your holdings confiscated?" From his expression, he doesn't really think you're that stupid, of course, but apparently he's been ordered to ask.

Alex nods quietly to herself -- well, at least he's well mannered -- now Carroll has something to work with. Horatio's ear flicks slightly, and he refrains from stating the obvious: their holdings have already been confiscated, sort of. Glancing sideways, Dimitri's sharp gaze catches his sister's, and can't help but recognize her somewhat predatory cues. With a subtle motion, his paw slashes a few inches of air, a cutting off type motion. Hold. Alex's ear flicks to acknowledge Dimitri's movement... but aside from that she'd appear to be entirely, politely focused on the bobcat.

Carroll ahs quietly and murrs, "As unpleasant as those consequences sound, sir, they are less onerous than the alternative. Not only have we already lost our holdings, our honor and very lives were simply to be taken away by a merchant's greed." He has remained calm and relaxed, asking, "What other course have we, than to try and rebut the one who would so casually destroy us?" Alex nods quietly to herself, her gaze firm on the Starfall naval officer. Horatio glances to Carroll and for a moment remembers the two ballistae shots that seemed to change everything for him... He nods, soberly and quietly, before looking back to the bobcat.

The bobcat looks startled. "What? What happened?" He glances over to Dimitri.

Alex glances sideways up at Carroll... then continues to hold her tongue, although her brush is starting to bristle slightly. Carroll smiles, and tells an abbreviated version of their story; the loss, the suspicious loans, the foreclosure, the cargo, the pirates. He leaves out Ettore and the grain ships, simply giving the reasons they would take this drastic action. Alex's small, polite smile is a tad fixed and grim by the time Carroll's done, and although she's not aware of it she's almost glaring irritatedly. Carroll is calm and unruffled, as he concludes, "Perhaps our decision seems less rash now?"

Van der Berg looks very thoughtful. "Indeed. Well, this is certainly interesting... though you realize I'll still have to report all this to the ambassador. Perhaps..." he nods to himself. "Perhaps I should make sure that that report goes through naval channels as well..."

Carroll nods and replies, "Yes, I understand completely. I will leave it to your discretion as to whom to inform. I will mention to you, as I have tried to make clear to everyone, that any discontent we may have is purely with House Pravinchandra and no one else. All others have nothing to worry from us." After a tiny pause he adds, "Perhaps it's about time they began having trouble with pirates, like everyone else, isn't it?" and smiles.

Alex's smile gets suddenly mischievous -- then her gaze abruptly wanders elsewhere, and she concentrates on looking innocent. Pausing first to cast a sharp look at his sister, Dimitri looks back to the Starfall Officer. His first words are quiet and sure. "Congratulations on your promotion, Commander van der Berg. And I remember a lesson a young lieutenant on the Intrepid used to drill into his crew. About honor and politics never often sharing the same slip."

Alex glances at Dimitri, then regards the bobcat with a bit more interest. Carroll ahs, and murrs, "I see you know my brother Dimitri." He introduces his other two siblings, as well. Alex smiles and curtsies politely to the commander... he can't be all bad, Dimitri thinks well of him. Horatio files away a question to ask his more knowledgeable siblings later. On the outside, he just inclines his head politely to van der Berg in greeting.

Van der Berg sighs. "I understand you completely. But I fear the Council will suddenly become interested in anti-piracy operations along that route again. It's been some time since we patrolled that far, you may be aware. And we of the Navy will follow our orders."

"I would not have expected any less, Commander. It is dire times that finds us on opposite sides of the gunwales. But if our sails do cross, you can be gladly assured that an even younger marines will remember his lessons." Dimitri nods, "Hopefully, that will never come to pass."

The bobcat smiles back at Alex. "But for now, enjoy the dance. This is neutral ground, after all."

Alex grins with sudden cheer, "Thank you, commander... although I find it hard not to enjoy dances!"

The commander bows politely again and takes his leave to continue circulating around the room. Shortly after he wanders off, the orchestra begins to tune up. Alex's ears perk up noticeably, and her face brightens as the music starts tuning up.

Alex smiles quietly to herself, then looks at her brothers, "Well. That didn't go too badly, eh?"

Carroll chuckles, "No, it could have gone worse. We'll simply have to be places they don't expect us to be."

Horatio glances after the departing commander, then turns to his siblings. "Do you think Pravinchandra has enough pull to have the navy hunt after us?"

Dimitri looks to Horatio, "No. Not on his own... but the Navy has its duty, brother. We might, Carroll, want to chose our travel lanes carefully, so we stay outside of Starfall's area of concern."

Carroll nods, adding, "Extra naval coverage in those areas will lessen Pravinchandra's advantage there anyway. How can I complain about that?"

Alex murmurs gravely, "If he demands naval escort it won't lessen House P's advantage... but that could well be a good time to go looking for Daddy, maybe?"

Horatio says, "Why will it lessen his advantage? He's shipping legitimately. His ships will be under Navy protection... oh, that's right... I forgot he pushed to keep the navy closer to Starfall."

Alex frowns thoughtfully, "Or wait... the Navy won't play favorites, right? They'll guard everyone... so that would work out poorly for him, over all."

Carroll murrs, "And all the others who are currently having piracy problems will have less, and will therefore need less protection, and can compete better with him."

Alex smiles, "Sounds fine to me, either way. Well... let's mingle, guys, shall we?" Her tail is beginning to swish slowly in time with the small snatches of music the tuning-up musicians are testing out.

Carroll smiles and murrs, "A lovely idea, Alex."

Alex grins happily up at Carroll, "May I have the first dance, brother mine? I'm guessing that's as proper here as at home?"

Carroll smiles, and replies, "I would be pleased, Alex."

The orchestra finishes their tuning, and the Queen nods to her chamberlain. "Milords and miladies. Welcome to all of you. Her Majesty wishes it to be known that she will try to dance with all the young gentlemen she can, but there is only a limited amount of time." He pauses as the assembled guests chuckle. "For the first dance, a gavotte." He stands aside, letting the queen and a young squirrel in a gray uniform lead off the first dance.

Alex sways slightly, not quite impatient, waiting for the moment when everyone can start dancing. Carroll can hear her humming faintly along with the music, under her breath, and her eyes are alight with anticipation. Dimitri mingles. He returns to his corner of the ballroom and then stays quiet, mingling in his own particular manner. Horatio glances over at the orchestra, and gulps a little. Dancing... oh, dear, with his coordination is dangerous. He edges to the edge of the dance floor as his other two siblings swirl out onto the floor.

Alex grins and winks over Carroll's shoulder at Horatio, "You're next, other brother Horatio -- I recognize that 'I'm going to run away' look!"

Horatio blinks to Alex. "Oh, ah, wouldn't dream of fleeing in abject terror, Alex, honest!"

The queen and her partner do the first measure of the dance, then are joined by the guests as the music continues.

Alex giggles delightedly at Horatio as she follows Carroll out onto the dance floor, as the music begins! Carroll smiles at Alex, and escorts her on to the floor and dances with her, enjoying the dancing and the good partner, while trying to keep an eye on who is with who. Alex, as usual, comes alive during the dancing. Her usual tightly restrained formal demeanor is wiped away by her pleasure in the swirl and delightful movement of the dance. Horatio considers himself somewhat lucky, of course. Since the queen's dance card is most likely more than full by now, he'll simply look forward to dancing with Alex and hoping he doesn't step on her toes too many times.

The first dance ends in a flurry of motion. The queen changes partners during a brief respite. Alex smiles up at Carroll, "Thanks, Carroll. Um... I hope you don't mind if I dance quite a bit with you tonight? I'll go dance with Horatio this next time, though, so you can have a breather?"

Carroll smiles, and murrs, "You don't think that these other young fellows would settle for a dance with you?" He chuckles, and murrs, "I'll be happy to dance with you, Alex."

Dimitri hides and tries to blend into the architecture. Alex beams and waves at Horatio, "Dance, Horatio, please?" She grins at Carroll before she leaves, "Then I guess they better look away from the queen for a moment, and step lively, eh?"

Carroll smiles and shakes his head at his sister, and looks about for the Captain-Baroness, still quietly looking at whom is around and with whom. The coatimundi Captain is off by the sidelines, having watched the first dance. Carroll makes his way around the dance floor to the coatimundi, smiling and approaching her slowly. Captain Winthrop nods to Carroll as he approaches. "Good evening, Baron."

Carroll murrs, "Good evening to you, as well, Baroness-Captain." He gestures to the dance floor, and asks, "Would you care to dance?"

Winthrop blushes. "I'm not really very good at these things...but I suppose I'd better start learning. Why not?"

Carroll murrs, "I'm sure you'll do fine." He offers his arm, quietly reassuring, and smiles, "I'm happy to help." Carroll leads the lady Captain easily, doing his best to make her both as successful and at ease in the dance as he can, without being heavy handed about it.

Alex giggles at Horatio, "Yes you will do fine, silly -- you know perfectly well we look fine together! Who'd I learn to dance with, after all, eh? Just loosen up and enjoy yourself!" She beams encouragingly at him, "It's fun if you just relax, Horry, you know that!"

Horatio blinks, and looks around -- no, it's him that she's talking to. He smiles to Alex, and bows to her. "I'd be glad to, Alex." He pads over to Alex, and proffers his arm to her, praying and praying and praying that he doesn't blunder into anyone. Just imagine it's the workshop, he thinks to himself, you know: one wrong move and the building is charred stone.

Alex beams and happily dances with Horatio... years of dance lessons with him as her partner means she can make them both look good, and she obviously enjoys doing so -- her trailing golden ribbons swirl lazily around them both as they whirl smoothly through the steps of the dance.

Horatio whirls and spins with Alex on the dance floor. He knows by now that she compensates for them both, and is as grateful for it as ever. Unlike whatever Starfall soirees he's been dragged off to, he can actually grasp now that there are some subtle undercurrents to everything, that what they do will reflect on who they actually are, at least in some peoples' eyes. He doesn't think he particularly likes that, but it seems to be a truism. Nevertheless, despite his nerves and his somber thoughts, he manages to enjoy the dance more than he ever has danced before back in Starfall. Alexandra beams happily at Horatio, "Is it just me, or are you having more fun dancing with me now?"

Horatio grins softly to Alex, glancing around at the hall. "Maybe... well, yes... I'm not sure, really, Alex. I guess this is the longest I've been away from the Academy -- well, longest I've had to be away from the Academy, that is."

Alex tilts her head curiously at her brother, continuing to step lightly in the dance as she asks, "Is that... bad, or something? Does it matter to how much fun you have?"

The coatimundi joins Carroll for the dance. She's not as bad as she fears, but she is definitely following his lead. Alex grins and waves cheerfully at her oldest brother and the Baroness-Captain, over Horatio's shoulder, as they dance by... then looks curiously back at Horatio.

Horatio blinks to Alex at her question, then chuckles softly. "No, not bad at all. 'Eye-opening,' I think."

Alex says, "Oh, okay." She smiles, "I was worried there for a moment." She pauses... then asks curiously again, "So you are having more fun?"

As he watches the ballroom panoply, Dimitri every now and then glances to the mirrors, to catch a reflection of a different view of the proceedings. A mouse in Dunbarton livery approaches Dimitri during the second dance and whispers to him briefly.

Dimitri looks down at the little mouse, his head tilting. "She wishes to dance with me?. Surely there are ones far nobler or deserving..."

The mouse shrugs and quietly replies. "There may indeed be nobler ones, milord, but the queen finds you more deserving than some with longer pedigrees and... shall we say, shorter resumes?"

Dimitri's flicker, the earrings jingling. He smiles dryly. "It is an honor I cannot refuse..."

The mouse bows. "Thank you, milord." He scurries off, consulting his list and looking around.

Horatio laughs softly. "I'm sorry I'm confusing you, Alex. I guess... I'm just finding that things are a bit different than how they were... I mean, well... that's a given, actually. Yes, I think I am having more fun.

Alex smiles, "Good, Horatio. I'm glad you're having more fun." At sight of the mouse she grins quietly to herself, then nudges Horatio gently and nods towards Dimitri, "Guess who that's for, mm?"

Horatio glances over at the mouse speaking with Dimitri, and flicks an ear slightly, nodding. "I'm a bit surprised, actually. I thought things had been... strained when we met her at the levee."

Alex snorts in soft amusement, murmuring to Horatio, "Must make life easy when you can just snap your fingers for a dance partner." She grins to Horatio and softly adds, "Maybe she has a thing for black fur?"

Carroll smiles to the coatimundi and comments to her, "My, my, Dimitri gets a dance with the Queen. What a smashing couple they will make on the floor, mm?" He grins, and his eyes twinkle mischievously.

Winthrop watches the exchange between Dimitri and the messenger as well. "Interesting. I wonder what she has in mind?"

Carroll murrs to his partner, "I haven't the faintest idea. Perhaps she just wants to dance with someone who isn't desperately trying to impress her, for a change?"

The coatimundi nods. "That could be it, actually. She does seem to have a lack of interest in flattery. Drives the older courtiers up the wall."

As he waits for the song to end, Dimitri knits his fingers together and stretches, his knuckles cracking.

Alex swings to a slow stop with Horatio at dance's end, gleefully doing a pirouette under his hand as a flourishing finish... she beams happily at Horatio, "Thanks, Horatio! You should dance more... you're better than you think, I think!" She wishes she knew more folks here... she'd try to be like Hildy at Ettore, and help Horatio find nice ladies to dance with!

Horatio chuckles softly, and bows over her hand as the dance finishes. "Thanks, Alex. I guess that if I can apply vitriol to essence of iron without burning down an entire building, I can, at least a little bit, dance."

Alex giggles, "And that took practice, didn't it? Well... so does dancing!" She happily tucks her hand through his arm as they head for the side of the floor... Dimitri gets an amused, sympathetic glance as he goes by.

Dimitri works his way across the dance floor as the music slowly fails, approaching the queen.

Alex hmms to herself, looking around... maybe she should see if she can talk Horatio into another dance, since Carroll's busy and Dimitri's taken?

Carroll nods to the coati and replies, "Honestly, I can understand how she feels. She must have it a thousand times worse than I ever have."

Horatio walks with Alex to the edge of the dance floor, glancing around, trying a little of that magic that Carroll seems to have, in being able to apparently look at a crowd and understand all there seems to need to be understood about it. He gives up on it in short order; outside of people-watching, social interactions are certainly not his strong point...

Dimitri approaches the queen, and offers her his arm, with a military precise and most proper bow. His eyes stay sharp however, ears perked, aware of the swirls of circulation about him. "Your Majesty. I could not refuse... such a kind request."

Quite a few of the guests are looking on in surprise now as the queen smiles at Dimitri and offers her hand to the tall, dark fox. "Thank you for accepting," she says for his ears alone. "I fear I offended you at our first meeting." She adds with a twinkle in her eye, "I'd apologize, but queens aren't supposed to do that." She steps out onto the floor as the music begins for the third dance.

The darkling fox nods, "There is no need for a queen to apologize, your Majesty. Even a simple marine understands honor... and duty." And at the first three quarter beat, Dimitri sweeps the young lady out across the floor. And while his steps are smooth and fine, surprising for a marine, and his flourishes fine, it is not for him that his steps focus, but to bring attention to his partner, so that upon the floor it is obvious Her Majesty is the most graceful, and deserves the most attention.

Alex grins hopefully at Horatio, "Um... Horatio? Are you um... tired?...or... do you feel up to another dance?"

Horatio blinks to Alex. There's just no tiring her! Then again, she's only had two dances; she can go all night. He starts to mentally groan, then rebukes himself: it's no different than him staying up all night studying random things (even if he doesn't realize he's actually sleeping half the night.) "Oh, not at all, Alex! I know you like... er... what kind of dance is this, again?"

Alex beams and gives Horatio a quick hug, "Thanks, Horry! It's a waltz, no worries... all you have to do is keep swirling around, and I'll direct, okay? Promise, it won't be any trouble... I just love waltzes too much to pass them up." She sighs happily, "They're... so dreamy... like floating away on the music, y'know?"

Horatio smiles to Alex quietly. He really should learn to live as much as she does, there's something to be said... against... squirreling one's self away in a workshop for hours if not days on end, no matter how fascinating alchemy and mechanics is. "I'll try to remember that, honest. Lead on!"

Carroll's ears perk at the music, and he murrs, "Ah, a waltz." He asks the Captain, "Would you join me again, or would I be keeping someone else waiting?" He smiles at her cheerfully.

The Captain nods. "I don't see why not. Lead on!"

Carroll smiles and murrs, "I am pleased to do so," and leads his partner through this dance as well, clearly enjoying the dancing and the environment.

Alex beams again at Horatio, and they sway easily into the dance. Waltzes are easy... Alexandra leans lightly and decorously into Horatio's arms... although she's aware how risqu� a waltz can be, she doesn't want to embarrass her very-tolerant brother... and this means she can hum quietly and happily under her breath as she dances, her eyes dreamy.

Horatio is, of course, blissfully unaware of whatever risqu� elements might exist in the waltz, though he perhaps sees a shade of that in the other dancers'. Nevertheless, he enjoys the dance, letting the endless drone of formulae and calculations going through his mind subside for a time, and just lets Alex lead, keeping up with her to the best of his ability.

Carroll quietly asks the Baroness, as they dance, "Have the hungrier courtiers realized that you have been appointed an estate yet?"

Winthrop smiles. "Oh, yes. Her Majesty got me set up with that already. Why?"

Carroll smiles, and murrs, "Yes, the estate is set up. I meant to ask if you have you had handsome young fellows suddenly paying attention to you all of a sudden."

Winthrop blushes again. "Oh, a few. But only one actually had the guts to accept when I suggested a fencing practice for a date. And he didn't fare very well. That's him sulking over there in the corner..." She points to a cheetah standing stiffly by the chairs off to one side.

Carroll chuckles, and murrs, "Did Alexandra give you notes on managing the suitors, or did you realize how distressing that might be to a gentleman?" The tone on the last word makes it clear that many of them don't impress him, either.

The queen nods, realizing what Dimitri is doing, and pleased that he understands the politics. Under cover of the music, she says, "I talked to Baroness Winthrop today, milord. She gives a very good report of your ship and crew." She pauses as the dance continues, "Your arrival has given us some interesting insights on some of the things your Council has done recently... Maidstone and Starfall have always been rivals, but it has become less friendly of late. Now we may know why... and for that we owe you a debt of gratitude."

Dimitri draws the queen back in a swirl, a tall backdrop to her manner and grace. "Your hospitality is thanks enough. And I am sure my brother Carroll knows more about the machinations of politics." His ears flicker, his earrings jingling. "But aye, to be able to reach into Lady Blackpool's Own. That should be disturbing news."

Arianna nods. "Very much so. In spite of our traditional rivalry, Starfall always covered the north against pirates, and we covered the south. Since this Pravinchandra gained power, it seems that Starfall has not been keeping their end of that bargain."

Dimitri nods, wrapping their path around another couple, gracefully setting the others in their shadow. "It has been my experience that Pravinchandra, Your Majesty, is very careful about looking out for their own interests... and against interference in their practices."

Arianna sniffs. "Shortsighted, is what he is. And greedy. He gained a temporary advantage, but now look what is happening."

Dimitri keeps each step and beat to match the music, his own pace light. "Aye... foxes are not very good prey. We foxes do tend to be predators."

Arianna chuckles, a bit wickedly. "Oh, yes. As a few of my esteemed vassals are discovering." As the music comes to an end, she smiles up at the taller fox. "Thank you for a most diverting dance. Perhaps we'll have a chance to do it again sometime."

Dimitri spins away with a courteous bow. "The honor was mine, your majesty."

Suddenly the tall fox moves, one long pace putting him between the queen and the musician, reflexes befitting one chosen by the Countess Blackpool. If he does glance aside, for less than a heartbeat, it is to the queen's ferocious tiger companion, a sweep of his paw indicating there!. His sharp gaze though is focused on the strange device, even if it means running down its barrel.

Horatio gives a start at the sudden movement of his dark brother. What the...? Alex gives Dimitri a puzzled look -- then her eyes widen as she looks past him to the musicians. That's Dimitri in the way! Her shouted, "NO!" is as sudden as her movement is smoothly reflexive -- she yanks someone's decorative dagger from their waist and snaps her small paw out in a throw -- is it too far? No, she won't let it be!

Carroll's ears flick for a moment at Alex's cry, and he turns only in time to see her throw something across the room. It's only then that he notices his brother still near the Queen. He watches, in helpless horror, as events beyond his control unfold in front of him.

The dagger moves in a seemingly impossible trajectory...it actually seems to skirt around Dimitri and the queen and intercepts the dart halfway to its target. Ludmilla's thunderous roar as she bursts into motion at Dimitri's move scatters the musicians as she scoops up the would-be assassin and shakes him into unconsciousness. Carroll doesn't quite gape. Horatio is only a bit closer to gaping than Carroll is. Alex is already in motion, darting swiftly across the ballroom, skirts gathered up with no thought for modesty as she heads for Dimitri.

Dimitri stops, and spins on his heel, his dark eyes narrowed. He simply notes the tiger's attack upon the soon to be battered musician. That allows his steel gaze to sweep across the room. First, for any co-conspirators looking for their chance in the confusion. Then to find the royal fox. "Are you all right, Your Majesty?" Alex slides to a halt, bristling, her back to Dimitri. There's a fiercely focused look on her small mask, and her visual sweep of the room mirrors Dimitri's, although she's not aware of that.

The queen was about to snarl at the sudden move when Ludmilla's reaction told her what was happening. She's a bit disheveled, her crown askew, but she nods. "I'm fine. What happened?"

Dimitri slowly relaxes, his hackles only slowly falling. "A bad musician wanted to start a funeral dirge." Alex is still bristling, but starting to calm... her gaze continues to sweep the room warily.

Carroll tries to hear what's going on, but isn't going to press forwards, as others need to see and be there more than he does. The people he'd most want there already are, anyway.

Arianna giggles, partly in reaction and partly at the bad joke. "Thank you." She turns toward her bodyguard as the guests start to mill around in panic, now that things are over. "Who is it, Milla?"

Ludmilla scowls. "I thought it was Jonathan. But it isn't... it's someone disguised to look like him." The assassin does indeed look different now, a wig dislodged from his head by the tigress' pounce.

Alex gets a faintly disgusted look for a fraction of a second -- and then her face goes quietly expressionless. She stalks over to pick up her dagger, then returns to murmur to Dimitri, "You okay, Mitya?"

Dimitri takes a step back, laying a paw upon Alex's shoulder. "Stand down, bratling. Look sharp, but step back. Show calm, so folks know its over." He nods, "I'm fine... and we need to talk."

Alex nods to Dimitri and murmurs, "I'll be on the sidelines." She turns and pads quietly away, to courteously return the dagger to its true owner, hilt apologetically first. The owner, apparently a young noble, takes it rather nervously. He looks like he's about to keel over in a dead faint. Dimitri nods and slowly, step by step by step, allows himself to vanish into the crowds also. Alex remembers Dimitri's words... she moves, decorously and head proudly held high, to Carroll's side, to rest a small paw on his arm. She looks relaxed and almost, not quite bored... the excitement's over. Pish posh, doesn't everyone lob daggers and darts around at balls here?

Carroll is still standing off to one side, with Baroness-Captain Winthrop. He smiles, and murrs to Alex, "Very nicely done, Alex."

Alex smiles, just a small smile but very pleased, and murmurs just as quietly back to her brother, "Thank you, Carroll."

Horatio is trying to look calm, but he's at least not in a panic like some of the other guests. He lets out a breath, shaking his head. "What you did with that dagger, Alex, breaks half a dozen laws of mechanics...!" Alex smiles at Horatio and holds up one small finger to her lips.

Winthrop adds her congratulations as well. "I think we owe you a reward, Lady Alexandra." She looks puzzled. "Where did you learn to throw like that?"

There is, for a fraction of a second, a rather bewildered expression on Alexandra's face... then she waves a small paw and airily explains, "Oh, Dimitri taught me everything I know about fighting..."

Carroll nods and murrs, "Later, Horatio." He looks at the Baroness, and asks her, apparently unruffled by the commotion, "Would you like a drink before they close the bar? I know I'd like one, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Alex did, too."

Alex tilts her head thoughtfully, then smiles, "A nice light wine might be nice, Carroll, thank you so much." Dimitri quietly settles in at Alex's side, his eyes still narrowed. Alex smiles calmly up at Dimitri, although there's an utterly bewildered tilt to her ears and eyebrows noticeable by anyone that knows her. She whispers, "That wasn't you, was it?" to him.

Dimitri looks down, and then he just chuckles. "No. Trust my sister to be able to do the..." The big fox pauses for a long, long moment, "...impossible."

Horatio glances between Carroll and Alex and Dimitri, Dimitri and Alex and Carroll, and instead of blurting, 'how can you at a time like this?!' it dawns on him that this is perhaps a penultimate example of... well, whatever it is that lets someone face total chaos with absolute unruffledness. He lets out a breath, and just shakes his head a little. "At least our stay here is going to be anything but uninteresting from now on..."

Alex grins quietly at Horatio, then tilts her head thoughtfully at him... then nods slowly, "You look quite dashing tonight, Horatio... did I remember to tell you that earlier?" She blinks at Dimitri's words, and looks up at him a little worriedly, "Um... I thought that was impossible too...?" She sounds a little uncertain.

Queen Arianna has the baboon silence the crowd. "Thank you. No one is to leave for now while this is sorted out, so we might as well continue the dance. I'll be back shortly." She walks out a side door with Ludmilla and two of her guards -- the rest of the guards close the exit doors and stand in front of them. The musicians mill around for a bit before starting to play again.

Carroll nods, and murrs, "It may be a longer evening than we expected."

Alex blinks again slowly as what she did hits her... her fingers tighten slightly on Carroll's arm -- then she takes a deep breath and says a little shakily, "Actually... I would very much like a drink, Carroll, please?" She keeps her head high and her ears and tail carried calmly... but up close her brothers can see the slightly spooked look in her eyes.

The Baroness nods. "Please. Whatever is handy, I think."

Horatio blinks to Alex. "Dashing? Me? Sister mine, I was completely blind to what was going on even as you two were the dashing ones...'

Carroll ah-has, and murrs, "Let me find you one." He excuses himself and vanishes in to the crowd.

Dimitri blinks. The darkling fox nods and then takes a silent step back, letting Alex find her balance and security with her eldest brother. Alex sways a little, then leans towards Dimitri, stumbling slightly when she realizes he's not there. She blinks again, looking around puzzledly... there he is! She steps back to lean against him... better. She grins a little shakily at Horatio. Dimitri is there. An arm wraps protectively around his sister, strong. And patient. Patient for the night's investigations to begin. Alex sighs, relaxing and leaning her head against Dimitri... she'd ask if they saw what happened too, but obviously they did... even if it couldn't have happened... but it did... which it couldn't have... her thoughts run around in confused circles.

Carroll returns a few moments later, with several glasses held upside-down by their stems, a bottle of white wine, and a small plate of hors d'oeuvres, murring, "It's always pleasant what you can find if you know who to ask." He offers the plate to the ladies, then asks, "Horatio, would you take charge of this, please?" Horatio blinks, and takes the plate off of Carroll's hands, holding it as Carroll pours the wine. After handing it off, he begins to pour wine for everyone. Alex nibbles an hors d'oeuvre a little dispiritedly, looking around... she recognizes it's going to be a long night also. She's got a touch of headache, and idly wishes there were some chairs nearby or something. Dimitri lets his grasp shift, so that Alex may lean more of her weight upon him. Carroll offers Alex a glass of wine, and then the coatimundi, asking her as she accepts, "Does this happen often?" smiling mildly.

"Maybe also at the roulette wheel." Dimitri considers.

Alex leans gratefully against Dimitri, rubbing her forehead tiredly. She looks up belatedly, "Uh... what? Uh, I mean, pardon me?" She accepts the glass of wine and sips a little thirstily.

Alex gives Dimitri a puzzled look, "You mean what you said about me being lucky, Mitya? I don't know... I don't remember it happening before...? -but um... I guess I could have missed it? I thought the roulette wheel was just... easy, you remember?"

Winthrop smiles, a bit shakily. "It doesn't happen very often, no. Only once before that I know of."

Alex looks a little tiredly blank, "Are we talking about roulette here, or am I on the wrong subject?"

Dimitri quietly shrugs, wrapping his other arm about Alexandra. "Too lucky and the shot was impossible. Then again, bratling, I've always know you were special."

Carroll hmms, and murrs to Alex and Dimitri, "Don't worry about it now, family. I expect the Queen or her staff will want to talk to both of you, in a bit, and you'll have quite enough of it then." Looking back at the coatimundi he replies, "Well, it's good to know we haven't interrupted a regular occurrence," and smiles to her.

Winthrop just shakes her head. "I must say, you are an interesting family."

Alex smiles quietly up at Dimitri... her expression is tired and unguarded for a moment, and she looks utterly, peacefully relaxed, completely and absolutely sure of her current safety. She sighs softly, closing her eyes and leaning her head against Dimitri's chest... softly she murmurs a calm, agreeing, "Mmhmmm..." to Winthrop's comment. Dimitri just rests his head atop Alex's. Where he belongs. Alex smiles slightly, peacefully, her eyes still closed.

Carroll chuckles and responds with, "Oh, come now, you must know some other displaced noble outlaws?" and a grin.

Winthrop shakes her head. "I don't believe so, no."

Carroll isn't ignoring his siblings, but trying to make everyone else do that. Unlikely, he knows. He murrs to the lady Captain, "Well, I suppose there is a first time for everything. What do you think so far?"

Horatio glances around slightly, to see just what's being done with the investigation. "I would start to wonder who would do this," he murmurs, "-but I get the feeling the answer would be, 'far too many.'" He also leaves unsaid that an assassination attempt would necessarily focus Maidstone's attentions internally for a time, (conveniently) away from... Pravinchandra? No, that's attributing too much to the mongoose. This was internal to Maidstone.

The queen returns, for once without Ludmilla, saving the coatimundi from having to reply. "Shall we continue, then, my dear subjects and guests?" The musicians pick up their instruments and begin to retune them. The mouse scurries over to another one of the nobles, who follows him rather dazedly.

Alex opens her eyes, then smiles slowly, almost seeming to revive with the music. She grins upwards at her darkling brother, "Mitya... can I have this dance?"

Carroll ahs, "The dance resumes."

Horatio blinks to Alex. There is just no stopping her! Alex grins wryly, looking around at the crowd, then back at Dimitri, "I'm guessing neither of us will have many partners tonight any longer, eh?" She tilts her head inquiringly at Horatio's look... then can't suppress a giggle!

Dimitri nods quietly. "Have I ever been able to say no to you?"

Alex gazes gravely at Dimitri, then nods slowly, "Which is why I've always tried to be careful about what I asked for, ever since I realized that, Mitya'schee. Would you care for a dance?"

Dimitri slips Alex beneath his arm. "Of course. You..." he whispers, "...dance better than a queen." Alex beams dreamily at Dimitri, for a moment completely unaware of anyone else in the room... then she happily follows him out onto the dance floor, her eyes bright with emotion.

Horatio watches as Alex swirls back onto the dance floor, and shakes his head in wonder. "One minute she's half asleep... the next more awake than I am on even my best mornings," he 'complains' good-naturedly, with a smile. "I think the only thing that would make her as excited as dancing would be her sword practice..."

Dimitri steps out into the music. And again, again it is to make his partner the most desirable lady upon the floor with each twirl, turn, and formal step. And this time, as they slip into their comfortable and familiar pace, maybe they even outshine a royal majesty. But with Alex it's easy. Older brother, beloved sister.

Other guests filter onto the dance floor, unwilling to be outdone in sheer collectedness by the Queen and her newest defenders. After a little while things have returned almost to normal. While the dancing is continuing, the mink who had been talking to de Vere drifts over to Carroll and Winthrop. "Good evening, milord, milady."

Carroll looks over and bows, briefly, murring, "Good evening, milady." He introduces himself, the Baroness-Captain, and his brother, with all the titles, and then asks, "Would you perchance be Duchess White Haven?" Horatio inclines his head in a bow to the Duchess.

The mink twitches her ears. "I have that honor, Baron. You are better informed than I thought you might be."She continues. "I must say, that was an impressive bit of work by your sister. I don't think I've ever seen a throw like that."

Carroll smiles and murrs, "Informed by your own Baronet De Vere at this last levee, and who I saw speaking with you earlier." He glances at the dancers, and then looks back to the Duchess, "I haven't either, I must admit. She's usually best with a sword." Horatio remains silent, keeping his 'breaking the laws of mechanics' comment to himself, though no less standing by it.

Carroll continues, "I fear I haven't been able to follow up on the Baronet's suggestion that I come and see you, Duchess, for things have been very busy. I am pleased to have a chance to speak with you tonight."

The Duchess smiles. "Ah, I see. Still, it means you were paying attention." She shifts her position, jiggling the ample cleavage she's displaying in this particular gown. "There are those of us who are quite sympathetic to your problem, Baron. I daresay you might find some here who would be willing to provide more than moral support if you were interested."

"I shall need more than moral support," he replies to the Duchess, utterly unfazed by her dress or what it may expose, "-if our venture is going to be a success, so I must admit that I am quite pleased to hear such things."

Horatio actually finds it rather easy to not stare; the Duchess, being a mink, actually brought into his mind the remembrance of Jessie (which probably shouldn't be a surprise) and who he typically sees dressed much more conservatively and practically... and whom, since he knows much better, feels closer to... and at this point Horatio's mind is wondering what in the world is he thinking, and tries very hard to draw his attention to a nice piece of masonry over there, yes, over by the door, no, to the left, yes, and just above...

The mink nods. "Feel free to call on me while you're in port, then. I think we may have matters of mutual interest to discuss." Carroll thanks the Duchess and assures her that he will. She makes her good-byes and drifts off again, scanning the young fellows present, looking for a likely dancing partner... one she doesn't have to discuss politics with...

Alex dances for a while oblivious to her surroundings, lost in the music and in her partner... then she blinks, seeing the queen dance by, and looks thoughtful. Finally she leans into Dimitri, disguising it as part of the dance, and whispers just to him, "Mitya... what kind of person expects their people to defend her... only with their flesh and blood bodies? -denies them a weapon in her defense?" She sounds genuinely puzzled.

Dimitri leans close, quietly shrugging. "I doubt she does. Fate, however, cares nothing for its pawns."

Alex dances silently for a while, swaying happily with the music and enjoying the feel of silken skirt and ribband as she swirls in Dimitri's arms... she's still thinking intermittently, even though her rather dreamy-eyed focus is more on the dance than the fox-queen of Maidstone... finally she tilts her head up to whisper again, "I guess... I guess I'd rather trust my people, and it's obvious she doesn't really... is that too idealistic of me, Mitya?"

Dimitri can't help but smile again, with his dear sister in his arms, gliding across the dance floor. He listens, her his focus, quiet. "Oh I am sure that she would prefer to trust her people. But politics is never a matter of trust. It is a matter of power."

Alex frowns thoughtfully, not missing a single, gliding step as she considers... then confesses honestly, "I... don't think I know very much about power and politics yet, Mitya... I think maybe I'll have to learn fast." She's silent for a moment... then smiles quietly and happily as she sways smoothly through a spin, "But tonight, just dancing now, I think, yes?"

Dimitri slips Alex out in a fancy turn. "Aye, for tonight, for the rest of the night, just dancing for the heroine."

Alex laughs joyously, her eyes sparkling with delight at her favorite brother, "But it was you, Mitya, that noticed -- so shouldn't you be the hero tonight?" She beams happily as she spins easily back close into his arms... she likes this dance!

Dimitri laughs quietly as he moves in perfect harmony with his sister, tall and strong matched with beauty and grace. "Aye... but they will only remember the toss of your dagger."

Alex grins wickedly up at Dimitri, and whispers, "Bet Arianna will remember you... and want to thank you personally!"

"Just what I need..." and Dimitri spins back around, sweeping Alex back down the room, dark eyes bright and laughing.

Alex giggles delightedly, then adds contentedly, "We make a good team, right, Mitya?"

As people start to recover from the shocks of the evening, the party gets closer to normal, and several furrs ask to dance with the heroes of the evening. Dimitri lets Alexandra be swept away, a long bow graciously offered as the music ends, "Aye Alex. A good team." Alex looks over her shoulder at Dimitri as she's led away to the next dance, hearing his comment. Her look is just for him -- glowingly proud -- and then she's being courteous to her next dance partner. She's faintly surprised that anyone wants to dance with them... she'd have thought, from the petrified look on the face of the young man she swiped the dagger from, that this wasn't a particularly umm... aggressive court. Still she is polite, accepting dances, only reminding Dimitri with a grin that she still has two dances to go with him!

Carroll looks around the room and then smiles to Captain Winthrop, asking her, "Do you know Viscount Westmark?"

Winthrop shrugs. "I've seen him once or twice. He's hard to mistake. He always dresses at least a century out of fashion, and talks that way too. Archconservative in some ways. Which is odd, since his companies are at the forefront of modern fashion, too." She grins. "I guess he isn't too conservative to make a profit."

Carroll hmms, "Interesting. Is he here tonight?"

Winthrop shakes her head. "No. He doesn't usually spend a lot of time in the capitol. Claims it's too newfangled, according to folks I know who've actually met him." The coatimundi narrows her eyes. "Why do you ask? Do you suspect him?"

Carroll ahs, and murrs, "A pity. He sounds like an interesting fellow." He grins, and adds, "Perhaps someone who will appreciate defending your titles." At her question, he murrs, "Oh, no, not at all! I don't know who to suspect at this point."

Winthrop nods, calm again. "White Haven is the only one of the Great Nobles who regularly attends these affairs. Vortalon is too old, Westmark doesn't care for them, and the Queen never invites Redtail unless she absolutely must."

Carroll murrs, "Interesting. What has Duke Redtail done to irritate Her Majesty?"

Winthrop shrugs. "No one is sure, but rumor has it that she suspects him of arranging her father's death."

Carroll murrs to the lady, "Well, I can honestly understand how that might put you off of someone." He frowns a bit at this, and adds, "I wish I knew what had become of my father, in fact."

The dances continue for some time, Alex developing a steady supply of partners as furrs recover their nerve and try to be seen with someone who can only be going up in the Royal favor. It's about two hours later when Ludmilla comes back, escorting a doe wearing a drab brown robe that seems horribly out of place here. Horatio blinks at the entrance of Ludmilla and the doe, and smiles a little. Carroll looks on curiously.

Alex is actually (doubtless much to Horatio's surprise) starting to look a tad tired by the point that Ludmilla returns. She looks faintly relieved at the entrance of the tiger and the doe, curtseying to her current dance partner, then heading off to lean very tiredly against Dimitri, if he's not busy.

Queen Arianna glances at them as they arrive, and Ludmilla shakes her head slightly. The queen nods in acknowledgement and finishes the dance. When the music stops, she leaves with the two of them. Alex covers a yawn, then murmurs, "Wonder what all that was about..." quietly to Dimitri.

Dimitri wraps an arm once again about Alexandra as she leans against him, quiet. "I'm not sure. Watch and see."

The mouse finds the four of you shortly afterward, and asks the four of you to follow him. Alex is struggling with yawns at this point, and walking rather slowly. Carroll smiles, excuses himself from Captain Winthrop, and goes with the mouse.

Alex is tired enough she's not thinking clearly of what's proper... she's forgotten to play the lady and walk with Carroll. She just leans gratefully against Dimitri as they walk, and nods at his words. Dimitri quietly follows, behind Carroll. Horatio trails along after his siblings, trailing along after mouse.

As the baboon announces that the exits are now open, the mouse leads you through a side door and down some smaller corridors until you reach what appears to be a council room of some sort. The queen is there, along with Ludmilla, the doe, a badger, and a yawning fox kit. Alex looks around a little sleepily herself... she can't help smiling with some sympathy at the fox kit. That must be... Katrina, she thinks?

Carroll enters with his family and bows wordlessly to the Queen. Horatio bows as Carroll does to the queen, if the doe looks his way, he smiles and inclines his head in greeting to her. Dimitri straightens up and then gauges the situation. He keeps his arm around Alexandra, so she can lean upon him. Alex straightens enough to bow correctly with Dimitri... then, although she tries to stay straight, she sags slightly... the evening's catching up with her. She leans her head back to whisper to Dimitri, "The party part of the evening's over now, yes?"

Dimitri nods and smiles, "Yes. And now it's family and family. Though one still is royal."

Alex sighs, looking faintly relieved, and starts stripping off rings and brooches. She tucks them neatly into a pouch on Dimitri's belt, then runs her fingers through her hair, pulling out hairpins. For a few moments she looks quite the hoyden... then her hair falls more naturally around her face and she smiles, "Much better."

Dimitri's sword is standing in the corner, and the queen gestures to it. "Major, this time I will apologize. Please, feel free to carry your sword. We owe you more than we can repay for tonight, but we'll try nonetheless." She pauses. "The assassin didn't have anything useful to tell us, I'm afraid. Can you tell us anything we might not know about this?" She places the blowgun and dart on the table, very carefully.

Alex looks faintly envious -- how come she didn't get her sword too? -- but doesn't say anything, just beams proudly at Dimitri. She'll give him the 'I told you so!' later! Horatio blinks in surprise as the queen offers Dimitri his sword. Is it just him, or is this unprecedented? Carroll shakes his head wordlessly, looking at his two brothers curiously. If anyone knows, it won't be him.

Dimitri looks up, blinking. "Thank you." With slow, even steps he crosses to retrieve his blade. On his return trip he does respectfully keep Milla between him and the queen, until he returns to Alex's side. "You do me honor, Your Majesty. As for the device..." he pauses, turning to Horatio. "Brother, you are the most knowledgeable of all of us?"

Horatio looks at the blowgun, fretting. He shakes his head, fretting. "The mechanics of the weapon are common enough -- the blowgun dates back centuries, in many places even well before the spear -- but there's nothing more than that I can tell from this, your Majesty, I'm sorry." Alex just looks sleepy more than anything else, although she's trying hard to look alert and interested. She'll lean back against Dimitri when he sits back down.

Dimitri slowly considers as Horatio speaks, his sword across his lap. He rubs his whiskers. "Hamasura. I remember a jaguar, a crossbowman, telling me of hidden tribes with poison blow darts. He was from Hamasura, I think."

Alex tucks her small feet under her flowing skirts... while Horatio's speaking she surreptitiously takes off her dainty slippers, and massages her tired toes. She'll hastily cover her feet when Dimitri starts talking, so hopefully no one notices. Horatio blinks, and looks over to Dimitri. "You were saying about 'most knowledgeable,' brother?" he asks wryly, with a grin. Carroll smiles a little at his brother, but doesn't say anything.

Alex smiles affectionately at Horatio, "Diff'rent specialties, brother."

Dimitri shrugs his shoulders. "Swapping tales below decks on the Intrepid."

The doe nods. "Well, the poison part is true enough. Nasty stuff, it was." She turns to the queen. "That may give your furs a starting point, at least." The doe winks at Horatio. "Been keeping busy, young sir?"

Alex raises a curious eyebrow at the doe's reaction to Horatio. Horatio smiles wanly to the doe. "Circumstances have made it so, Mistress Thorn." His smile fades a little. "Though, of course, with business like this... I'd rather idle and ferment, I think..." Alex covers a grin at the mental image that comment gives!

The queen nods. "I don't want to keep you when you're already tired, but... I needed to ask you two if you would accept a knighthood from me. If you have political qualms about it, I understand."

Alex looks a little blank... who's the queen talking to? Dimitri and... she looks around puzzledly. Horatio's ears perk up sharply, and he glances over, looking surprised and more than a little proud, at Alex and Dimitri. Carroll raises his eyebrows, and looks at his brother and sister, smiling at them, encouragingly, if possible. Alex blinks again... Dimitri and... her?! She straightens abruptly, completely startled -- she glances at Dimitri for some help on how to react!

Dimitri stops, his head slowly turning. So slowly does he move, his ears slowly turning up and forward. Dimitri looks back, and he slips from the chair, and lays his sword upon the floor in front of him, bowed to one knee. "A... you do me too much honor, Your Majesty. Too much. If my Father was here, he'd tell you that I am not as noble as one might believe by chance of blood. I stood on the line, that is where I belong, not even an officer before I was cashiered. But I do understand. A Knighthood should be earned, and we have but just met... and a Knight by your hand would have responsibilities to you... and those I would take seriously, but I pray ask you not to take me away from my sist..." he pauses, quiet, "...my family."

Horatio just... blinks. He's hardly ever heard his dark brother say so much at once, all the more so the words themselves... All of a sudden, pride in his family makes him shiver, and he cannot but help but think, How dare Pravinchandra try to crush this!

Carroll contradicts quietly, "Our Father is not always right, your Majesty. I do not doubt your choice for a moment."

Alex looks down at Dimitri, her eyes wide... then looks back up at the queen... then suddenly blushes hotly, "I... I can't accept, not in um... not in good conscience, your majesty. I..." she stares at her fingers, entwined in her lap, and her voice is soft, "I threw to- to save Mitya... I'm afraid I w-wasn't thinking of you..."

The queen shakes her head. "Do not take this badly, Major, but I think your father was wrong. Nobility has nothing to do with blood -- one of the greatest nobles in my land is responsible for treachery beyond belief." Her eyes narrow dangerously,"...and one day I will prove it. You acted to save my life, and I will not demand any further duties of you, nor ask you to leave your quest. This is simply some small way I can reward you and assist you. And as for standing on the line -- where else can a knight show bravery?" She turns to Alex, "And while you may have thrown to save your brother, you may very well have saved me instead. The assassin was skilled, and even a scratch from that dart would have killed whoever it hit. Your intention may not have been to save me, but the result is there." She smiles again. "Besides, you'll be a grand role model for the young girls. Why not let me do it for them?"

Alex opens her mouth to reply... then realizes she has no idea what to say. She blinks... then glances at Dimitri for some help- no, wait, he's kneeling towards the queen -- Carroll? She wonders a little desperately how one politely asks a queen for what one really wants... for that matter, what does she really want?! Carroll can't do more than look reassuringly and encouragingly at Alex, though. Hopefully, she'll realize she's being honored and accept, or even just ask what's bothering her.

Dimitri slowly turns his head, looking to his eldest brother. "You are head of our household, milord Carroll. This needs your word."

Alex closes her mouth so she's not gaping, and pulls herself together. "Uh." Oh, that was smooth! she thinks irritatedly. Okay, think! What does she want... to carry her sword so she can watch Dimitri's back properly... to help the family. She nods once to herself, gathering her courage, then says hesitantly, "Um... may I ask a question or two, majesty, or is that um... rude?" Her glance flickers towards Carroll again -- she suspects he's more likely to give her a true answer, instead of just a polite one. Then she acks! mentally -- great, that was even smoother, interrupting Dimitri! She blushes... this has been a really strange night! Her ears twitch nervously back and forth, until she takes another deep breath and goes still, her face going blank. Expressionless is always safe... like Nanna always used to say, a closed mouth gathers no flies.

Horatio remains about as calm as everyone else was up above and which, oddly enough, they aren't now. Not having every been offered knighthood, or likely ever to be, which suits him well enough, he can only look encouragingly to his siblings, and proud, but at the same time is more than sympathetic to their distress... well, Alex's, anyway... Dimitri is being... more than eloquent.

Carroll murrs, "You, of course, have my permission and approval, both of you. Her Majesty offers you an honor, and I am proud of both of you for it."

Queen Arianna nods, and grins just a bit. "Certainly you may ask. This is supposed to be a reward, not a punishment."

Alex takes another deep breath, her ears tilting back in relief. Okay, she's not flubbed everything... yet. She pauses, trying to plan out how to ask politely... then tentatively says, "Your majesty, I... I appreciate the honor you offer me... I do not wish to seem greedy, so I... I would like to ask for this, an' it so pleases you? My brother and I, well, we're a team." She can't help the touch of pride that creeps into her voice as she glances at Dimitri. She straightens slightly, and continues, "I... understand I may be asking too much of you, but what I would petition is that I be permitted to carry my sword also, so that I may continue to be a good team mate to my brother..." she raises her chin, "-as he continues to teach me about both fighting and honor... and... and anything else I would wish is to help my family regain its honorable name." She gives Arianna a slightly worried glance, "Um... I hope that's not rude to say... here...?"

Carroll looks curiously at the Queen. If you had to put a name to the look on his face, it would probably be 'bemused' because he expects a knight can carry a weapon, although, he could be wrong. The queen looks a little surprised. "Of course you can. That's one of the privileges, after all. I'm sorry, I should have thought of that. Your brother was more obviously anxious to carry his before, which is why I had it brought here. Did you bring your weapon with you tonight?"

Alex phews softly... okay, that wasn't too disastrous! She thinks a minute... did she forget anything? She smiles a tad uncertainly, "Um... then..." she ducks her head slightly, "-then I... I would be tremendously honored to accept, your majesty?" She grins sheepishly and nods, "Um... well, yes. It's rolled up in a change of clothes in the carriage. I um..." the tips of her ears turn a little pink again, "I... prefer clothing that doesn't hamper me?"

Arianna smiles. "Well, you can bring it along next time, if you wish. Although after that dagger throw tonight, I'm not sure you need one."

Alex's eyes widen at a sudden thought -- eagerly she says, "Do knights have a uniform, majesty?"

The fox-queen grins, obviously suppressing a giggle. "Well, not as such, but you'll certainly be entitled to wear the uniform of my Guard if you wish."

Dimitri shakes his head, and spins his sword, so that the pommel faces Queen Arianna. "You do us great honor. If that is your wish, I would shirk neither honor nor duty..." he pauses then, "...if it is what you wish... but might this not set Starfall against Maidstone?"

Alex cheers happily, "Yesss!! No more court dresses!" -then abruptly blushes hotly again. Weakly she murmurs, "Um... how um... unguarded of me... goodness, I must be tired tonight..." She looks like she'd happily sink into the couch and vanish. Horatio blinks at Alex's outburst, managing to suppress his own laugh at her exuberance. Carroll makes a mental note; Saucy Mare officer's uniform for he, Horatio, and Alex.

The queen just shakes her head fondly. "I've thought about that. My advisors don't all agree on the issue, but to be honest... we're coming close to a serious break in the League if your Council doesn't start meeting our expectations. If this Pravinchandra is at the heart of the problem, then helping you oust him will probably prevent a war in the long run."

Alex looks a bit pleased at that. She thinks a bit about Dimitri's words, then nods. She wonders what duties this entails too... and then worries a little. Hopefully they won't expect her to always throw a dagger like that... she has no idea how that happened! Carroll remains quiet, thinking about larger scale politics than even he is used to.

Dimitri slowly nods, "Then if we may help in that... thank you."

Queen Arianna nods. "You may be a key to that, Major. And even if not, your treatment by the Starfall government is unwarranted, and I would like to go on record as supporting you."

Alex smiles quietly at Dimitri's words, thinking... then slips off the couch to carefully drop to one knee next to him. She beams quietly to herself. She always knew Dimitri was special... it's nice to see other folks recognize it too!

Queen Arianna says, "This will have to be a public ceremony, of course. I'm not going to do it here and now, so please get up, both of you. Are you planning to be in port for another few days yet?"

Dimitri shrugs again, and manages a dry chuckle. "That is up to our Captain, Your Majesty." Alex settles back on the couch at Arianna's words... very comfortable couch, she thinks absently and sleepily.

Carroll answers, unhesitatingly, "Yes, your Majesty."

Queen Arianna nods. "Then we can probably due this at the next Levee. And maybe I should make a point of inviting representatives from all of the ducal courts..."

Dimitri slowly stands, gathering up his sword as he does. Alex wonders, "What are the duties of a knight?" She blinks... did she just say that out loud? For that matter... why's she so exhausted tonight? She rubs her face with both small paws and straightens, trying hard to focus.

Horatio blinks a little. All the ducal courts... in other words, everyone who elected the Regency over her. His pride in his family becomes tempered by the very real worry that they'll be caught up in an awful, horrible political battle.

Katrina is yawning, and her badger bodyguard puts one hand on her shoulder so she doesn't fall over. The queen glances over and nods. "But I think you need your rest, and so does my sister. I'll send a messenger over in the morning so we can arrange the details."

Alex gives Dimitri a worried look, then nods to the queen, "Thank you, your majesty."

Carroll is not worried about the politics, rather, he is looking forward to it. He murrs, "Thank you, your Majesty. The next levee is a good time for us. We will await your messenger, and are at your disposal."

Queen Arianna stands, then. "In that case, I think we should all get some rest. It was a long day. Thank you again." She turns to the doe. "Can you show them the way out, Mistress Thorn?"

The alchemist nods. "Certainly, your majesty."

It is a thoughtful group of siblings that enter their carriage for the trip back to the Mare. The Queen has provided a small escort to ensure their safety, and the riders' hooves as well as the carriages provide enough background noise that any discussions here cannot be overheard.

Alex is almost out on her feet... she's clinging to Dimitri's arm as unnoticeably as she can, trying not to stumble over her own feet or skirts. Dimitri slips a strong arm about his sister, tight about her waist, carrying most of her weight, making sure she never stumbles. Carroll is contemplating the meanings of the night's events, trying to figure out what it will mean and what message it will send to the Dukes and other nobles.

Alex practically collapses against Dimitri in the disguising darkness of the carriage, with a deep and heartfelt sigh of relief. Her voice is low and rough with exhaustion, "Made it..." A moment later she lightly pats Dimitri's belt pouch and mumbles, "Don' f'get... Mummy's stuff's in there..." She's silent for a moment, leaning against Dimitri, then adds sleepily, "So was it th' racc'n guard we saw g'paid off tha' let th' ass'ss'nnn in?"

Horatio sits in the carriage, thinking deeply, just reflecting on the evening's events. A lot has happened tonight; a lot is going to happen in the next few days. He can't shake the feeling though that they're being dug deeper into something rather large here in Maidstone... something that'll threaten to be larger than their quest.

Dimitri blinks, quiet. He just looks at Alex. "Alexandra, how did you make that connection?"

Horatio blinks, looking over at Alex. Good heavens! Alex blinks blearily up at Dimitri, "Uh? Oh... th' pouch, 'course." She sleepily pats Dimitri's belt pouch again, smiling, then snuggles up against him, "...hadda pouch..."

Carroll is looking the other way, only one ear cocked to the sleepy mumbling of his sister, who his other brother has had well in hand. When he unravels her words, his whiskers spring out straight and both ears flick over that way for only a moment before he looks, somewhat shocked, at the two fighters and says quietly but intently, "What?!"

Alex doesn't immediately react... then Carroll's sharp tone penetrates the fog of her exhaustion and she blinks owlishly at Carroll, "Uhm?"

Dimitri goes stock-still. "Carroll, stop the carriage. What do you mean, Alex, the pouch?"

Carroll leans out and calls to the driver, "Hold a moment, please!" and then looks back at his brother and murrs, "What does she mean, raccoon guard that got paid off?!"

Alex sways as the carriage's motion abruptly changes, and says a little confusedly, "Uhh... th'raccooon, Mitya? Th'rabbit gambler gave him a small pouch of money, 'member? I tole you, at th' inn?"

Dimitri softly growls, "Yes... and what of the pouch?"

Alex rubs one small paw across her face, madly fluffling up her fur in an attempt to wake up, "Well... uh, that's what I meant. I was talking about your pouch, where I put Mummy's jewelry, y'know? While we were talking to the queen... and then I remembered th'other pouch. The one the young raccoon guard got, at the inn, from the gambler rabbit." She blinks as a few facts sink in, and says in a slightly worried tone of voice, "Um... should we tell the queen about him?"

Horatio blinks. "Offhand... er, yes.

Dimitri looks back, "But how does that pouch tie into the assassination attempt, Alex?

Alex says, "Oh... uh, I was wondering if that was payment, to let the fake musician in, y'know? tha's all...? I mean, someone had to let him in...?"

Carroll tries very hard not to gape. He at least mostly succeeds. He looks at Alex, and then at Dimitri, and murrs, "Yes, we should tell the Queen, or Ludmilla, if we have any idea that the Queen's guard has accepted a bribe." He pauses, swallowing, and then asks, "Do you remember anything about the person who bribed him?"

Dimitri shakes his head, "No. We don't tell the Queen. We tell Ludmilla. Now."

Horatio nods, "Even better, she can shake him till there's no tomorrow..."

Alex beams at Carroll -- that, at least, she's clear on! "Oh yah! He's a rabbit, and I saw him again with Mitya at the Silver Talon!" She adds helpfully, "He's a gambler there."

Dimitri smiles quietly, "Sure do. Plays cards a bit better than me."

Alex blinks at Dimitri a little startledly, then loyally says, "Does not... it was you who took money home!"

Carroll nods and agrees, "We tell Ludmilla. Now." He turns, again, and you can hear him telling the driver, "We've forgotten something important. Can you take us back to the Palace, please?"

As it occurs to her, Alexandra adds, "Th' bribe was at th' Hart 'n' Horn, 'r som'thin', right, Mitya?" she beams sleepily at Carroll, adding proudly, "I saw!" A huge yawn almost splits her face. She leans back against Dimitri, closing her eyes, "'Scuse me..."

Dimitri nods, "Here, my shoulder is always yours, bratling." Dimitri's gaze, however, is stern and sharp. Alex smiles sleepily without opening her eyes at Dimitri's comment, and curls up against him, despite the dress.

The driver stops the carriage and then there is a brief discussion with the leader of the squad guarding the carriage. A moment later he knocks at the carriage door. "What's the problem?"

Carroll smiles to the guard, and murrs, "There's something important that we needed to take care of. I've just been reminded of it, and will need to speak with Miss Ludmilla, tonight."

The subaltern looks suitably impressed. "You WANT to speak to the Tigress?" He was obviously thinking of sending a messenger back, but now isn't sure he wants to... Horatio blinks at the subaltern. Suddenly talking to Ludmilla doesn't seem like a good idea.

Alex is slowly going limp as she slides off into sleep. Dimitri frowns looking down upon Alex. A strong arm wraps about her, almost drawing her into his lap, to make sure she stays close and comfortable. Dimitri looks to Carroll with a flattened ear expression. "I'm trapped."

Carroll murrs, as persuasively as he can manage in the situation, "Yes, I would like to. Alex has remembered an important detail from tonight's disturbance, and I feel that we should tell Miss Ludmilla as soon as possible." Barely pausing, he adds, "I am more than happy to take any responsibility needed, if you are worried she will be distressed at the hour. She can be unhappy with me. I'd rather risk that than have her unhappy because she didn't know later, mm?" The subaltern talks to the driver and the carriage slowly and painfully reverses, then heads back up the hill.

Carroll looks at Alex, and shakes his head. He looks to Dimitri, and murrs, "If you'll tell me what I need to know, I'll talk to the tigress, or, if you'd rather, you can." He seems... intent somehow, but not angry or afraid.

Dimitri softly growls, "I think I should. I can identify the guard."

Carroll nods, "That's good. Do you know the other gambler's name or affiliation?"

Dimitri nods his head, "I could describe him, too." He slowly untangles himself from Alex, but in return wraps her up in his cloak, making sure she is comfortable and safe. A corner is rolled up, to form a makeshift pillow.

Alex makes a small sound of protest, raising her head slightly and blinking blearily, "We home yet?"

Dimitri shakes his head, "Not yet, Alex. I have to talk to a tiger for you."

Carroll murrs to Alex, "I fear not, Alex. It will be a bit."

Alex makes another small, disappointed noise, laying her head back down... then murmurs, "D'you nee' me, Mitya?"

Dimitri softly growls, "Only if you can wake up, Alex."

Alex's eyes widen -- so he does need her! She takes a deep breath, then rubs her face fiercely to wake up. "C'n do it, Mitya... gimme sec..." Alex's fur looks wildly ruffled at her attempts to wake up... but she's upright and walking, darnit.

Soon enough you are back at the Palace. Alexandra needs a little help navigating the steps down from the carriage, and clings to Dimitri's arm... but she's determined not to let Dimitri down. She holds her eyes open wide, trying to stay awake, and walks with the slow deliberation of the punch-drunk-on-exhaustion. Dimitri never lets Alex out from beneath his arm, there for her to hold on to, and even rest against. That's his job.

Carroll stands, and takes a minute moment to straighten his clothing, again, and runs his fingers quickly through his fur. He watches his sister, and would worry except that she's got a brother that's there for her. He glances at Horatio and gives him an encouraging smile, and once again seems prepared for anything, standing in front of his siblings, and waiting patiently for whoever arrives. One of the night guard ushers you back in to a sitting room. A servant is sent scurrying off to fetch Ludmilla.

Horatio nods to Carroll, then flags down a servant, asking them quietly and politely for some coffee for his sleepy sister... then reconsiders, and asks for coffee for all of them. A yawning servant brings in a pot of coffee shortly after you arrive, and has just poured a few cups when Ludmilla arrives, barefoot and wearing a short bathrobe. The servant hurries out when the tigress glares at him. "You are needink to talk to me?"

Alex stares blearily at the mug offered her... her nose wrinkles slightly at the wafting aroma, and then she murmurs, "Oh! Coffee..." She sips the hot drink carefully, then cradles the mug in her small paws... she blinks, looking faintly more awake, and notices Ludmilla. She smiles sleepily at the tigress... lucky thing, always gets to wear comfy clothes...

Dimitri gathers himself, Alex still tucked beneath his arm. He nods once, "It's about a raccoon of the Dunbarton Guard and Jeremy Featherstone."

Alex nods sleepily again, and has another big sip of coffee.

Ludmilla nods. "Yes?"

Alex smiles sleepily at Ludmilla again, "Did he pay the raccoon off to let the assassin in?"

Ludmilla gets a very dark look on her face. "You are havink evidence? Who?"

Alex blinks at the tiger's dour look... huh, I'd've thought she'd like knowing... She tries unsuccessfully to cover another huge yawn.

Horatio is polite for his sister enough to not notice her yawn, keeping his attention on Ludmilla. Dimitri looks to his sister. "Actually, it's all Alex's insight. She's the sharper of the two of us. Earlier in the week at the Horse and Hart we saw this raccoon in the House colors accept a large sum of money from Featherstone.

Carroll murrs, "We couldn't help but think that you'd want to know as soon as possible."

Dimitri shrugs, "The raccoon claimed it was a gambling debt... but after stuttering a bit... and the merchant just clammed up real fast when later asked."

Alex adds with sleepy relaxation, "Saw 'im... was in Levee t'oth'r night..."

Ludmilla growls. "Nichyevo.. not obvious beforehand. You knowink his name?"

Dimitri shakes his head. "No. But I would recognize him.

Ludmilla pauses, obviously running that days' guard roster through her head. "That would be Tomasi. He took money from gambler, eh? He lose money mostly in the barracks."

Alex nods, adding simply, "He w's young... 's not a good liar 'r gambl'r, I think."

Dimitri softly growls, "And he looked like he ate a hedgehog when we walked in the door at the Levee."

Ludmilla nods. "Spasebo." She scowls, then repeats herself in Standard. "Thank you. We can check this out quietly."

Alex covers another huge yawn, then has more coffee... she leans against Dimitri, blinking slowly, gotta stay awake...

Carroll nods, and murrs, "I felt you would want to know as soon as possible." He smiles a gently predatory smile, adding, "I have no worry at all that you are quite capable of handling this. If there is anything we can do to assist, you have but to ask."

Dimitri shrugs, quiet. "It could be something. Or nothing. But now you know.

Alex's eyelids are starting to droop again... she jerks her head up with a start -- stay AWAKE! she thinks! "Right!" She blinks, and wonders embarrassedly what she just agreed to... she has more coffee to cover.

Ludmilla says, "Could still be coincidence. We will check things here." She pauses, looking uncomfortable. "And thank you again. You give me time to do my job tonight."

Carroll smiles, and looks proudly at his brother and sister. Alex smiles sleepily at Ludmilla... that's nice, that she thanked Mitya! She leans against Dimitri, looking sleepily pleased.

Carroll looks to the tigress, and finally replies, "We are pleased to have been able to offer what assistance we could."

Dimitri rests his head atop Alex's. "You're welcome. You have a need, just ask." Alex mmms contentedly, her eyes drooping towards closed again...

Ludmilla says, "I need to go back to my post. Will see you soon." The tiger turns to head out, then turns back briefly. "We might. Need to pass this on. Goodnight."

Carroll bows for the tigress and murrs, "We would be happy to assist in any way we can. Goodnight."

Ludmilla stalks out, her tail twitching in agitation. A few minutes after she's left, the subaltern sticks his head back in. "Ready now?"

Carroll smiles, and murrs, "More than ready, sir. Thank you for your assistance and understanding."

Alex's small paws are slowly losing their grip on the coffee mug. Dimitri reaches out and snares the mug, finishing her coffee himself. Alex mms? faintly as the mug leaves her paws... then sighs softly, starting to sag in utterly limp relaxation again.

The young officer guides you back out through the maze of the Palace and sees you all settled in the carriage again. "Anything else you'll need to come back for, milord?"

Dimitri looks to Carroll, slowly standing, literally sweeping Alex off her feet, his eyes closing for a moment. When they open, his balance is regained. "I have to get this one to sleep, brother." Alex droops limply in Dimitri's arms... she's more passed out than asleep at this point.

Carroll murrs, "I hope not, at least tonight." He nods to Dimitri and then tells the officer, "Let's be off, before anything else comes up." The carriage and its escort rattle off again.

First thing in the morning, Carroll is up and about. He looks in on the two tired fighters silently, and then goes off in search of Cleo. Dimitri murrrphles, eyes refusing to open, only the flicker of his ears noting Carroll's perusal, content with his Alex pillow this morning. Alex doesn't even stir... she's sleeping the sleep of the innocent and the deserving!

Cleo is eating breakfast and getting ready to patch a few brawling injuries when the Captain finds her. "What can I do for you this morning, sir?"

Carroll smiles to the feline, and murrs, "When you've got everything else in hand, I'd like to talk to you about some things that happened last night. I need to know some more about magic."

The cat nods. "Shouldn't take me long. Mostly these goofballs have hangovers anyway. Two bells?"

Carroll murrs, "Perfect. I'll see you then."

Cleo knocks on the Captain's door about the time she suggested. "Reporting as ordered, sir!"

Carroll opens the door, and murrs, "Thank you, Cleo, please come in. I've a couple of questions about something that happened last night."

The healer-mage comes in and closes the door behind her. "I've heard the scuttlebutt already. Saving the queen from assassins. What happened that you need my help for?"

Carroll gestures loosely towards a chair and murrs, "Have a seat." He settles in to his favorite place and murrs, "Well, let me give you the important parts..." He explains to her what happened. When he's done explaining, he murrs, "It's something Horatio said that made me wonder. Horatio said, 'She's just broken the laws of physics!' and couldn't see how. The only way I know to break those laws is with magic... could her throw have somehow had some in it?"

Cleo takes the offered chair. "It's certainly possible. Magic doesn't actually break the rules, it just adds other energy sources to them. I'd have to test her to be sure, though. She's not shown any sign of mage ability before?"

Carroll hmms, "Not that I'm aware of, no. Would she become tired after she'd done something like this? Almost immediately after this, she was exhausted. Admittedly it was late, and an exciting evening, but she was more tired than it seemed to me she should have been... is there a way to tell?'

The cat nods. "Certainly sounds like it... an unschooled mage using her own energy instead of the chaos energy... that would be a side effect."

Carroll hmms, and murrs, "Well, if you can test, then we ought to do that. Let's go see if she's up yet."

Cleo nods. "There are things I can check... we should do that."

Alex wakes up slowly, warm and comfortable and contented. She yawns slowly, her pink tongue curling up at the end, then stretches, fore and aft... she sniffs slightly, eyes still closed. Mm... warm/safe/furry/Mitya smell. She opens her eyes, smiling... she wants a bath and... and... and FOOD!!

Dimitri just opens his eyes, just a slit. A strong arm reaches out, pinning her back against the bed. "Stay put." His eyes close.

Alex lifts her head to look at Dimitri, and wriggles, "'M huuuuungry, Mitya!" She grins and adds coaxingly, "Baaaacon, mm?"

Dimitri softly growls, "M'not due on watch f'r another four bells. Smart m'rines sleep." He does, however, stretch himself, from tip of tail to his nose, lapping at his muzzle a bit. "Bacon... no. Maybe some beef..."

Alex flicks her tail around to tickle the tip of Dimitri's nose, giggling. Alex says, "Smart marines gotta eat sometime, ya?" Dimitri ah'chews and nips, slowly rolling over. Alex laughs and bounces out of the bed, "C'mon, Mitya! It's a gorgeous day, time's a-wasting, and someone's gotta cheer Carry up and put Horry to bed instead of to books!" She adds in a heartfelt tone, "-and I'm really hungry!!" She

Alex bounces once on Dimitri too, for sheer exuberance!

Dimitri slowly draws himself up and then is ooomfed. "Fine, I'm awake. Now. I will remember this, bratling, when we practice later..." He snares his tunic and breeches, and makes himself at least the littlest bit presentable. "Do you even remember what happened last night?

Alex laughs happily and bounces back onto Dimitri's lap, hugging him happily around the neck, "Aww! Don't you like playing with me?" She leans back enough to remain hugging him around the neck, but also look him in the face... he can see the memory return as she suddenly blinks, then looks worried, "Uh... yeah. Yes... um... Mitya, was Horatio right? Did I really break the laws of physics? And um..." her voice gets a little small, "What does that mean, please? Am I sick or something?"

Carroll taptaps on the door, calling, "Anybody up yet?"

Alex's eyes get wide, her head snapping around to stare at the door -- then she looks back at Dimitri and whispers, "How'd he know we were talking about that?!"

Dimitri loops his arms back around Alex and then just tickles. "Bloody morning bratlings..."

Alex EEEPS! and squirms, caught unawares -- Carroll hears the squeal, and a moment later some thumps and giggling, and a muffled, "Ow! darnit..." as Alexandra falls out of Dimitri's lap.

Cleo grins. "Just offhand, sir, I'd say she didn't take any harm from it, whatever it was."

Dimitri softly growls, "Come in Carroll. It's just us.""

Alex gives Dimitri a sheepish grin from the floor, "Well... ask a stupid question..."

Carroll peeks in and murrs, "I hear giggling." He smiles, and comes the rest of the way in, gesturing for Cleo to come in with him. He chuckles, and murrs, "I didn't think so, no."

Alex rights herself and starts pulling her shirt on. She grins and waves as it goes over her head, "Hiya, Cleo!"

Dimitri looks down, "Can I finish getting dressed, now? Alex giggles muffledly at Dimitri's comment from within her shirt -- and then ears, then her head pops through the collar as she yanks it on. Carroll chuckles at his sister.

The doctor just grins. "No need to hurry on my account." She looks more seriously at Alex. "The Captain told me about what happened last night. How do you feel this morning?"

Alex grins ruefully at Carroll, "I sure hope you wanna talk to Dimitri, 'cause I am RAVENOUS!! Back in a minute!" She weaves neatly between the folks in the doorway, then freezes outside, looking back at Cleo, "Uh... really hungry?"

Dimitri shakes his head ad draws on his own shirt, taking his time to adjust the front ruffles and lace. He lets out a long breath. "Don't get in her way, Carroll, she's also very hungry this morning."

The cat nods. "Okay... but bring your food back here, please?"

Alex beams, "Sure!" She pauses only long enough to rap lightly on the little round window to Horatio's room, "Waaaake up, Horatio!" then bounds hastily off towards the galley, with a few cheery greetings as she dashes by folks.

Cleo nods her head as Alex dashes off. "Looks like you might be right."

Alex is back a moment later, laden with food and drink, and gnawing hungrily on a large hunk of cheese and bread, "'rough' fome fo' 'oo 'oo, Mi'ya!" She settles cross-legged on Dimitri's bunk (next to him if he's still there) and looks alertly up at Carroll and Cleo, still chewing busily.

The cat sits down beside Alex. "When you threw that dagger, did you feel anything... unusual?"

Carroll explains, "Remember the dagger throw last night, Alex? And how, afterward, Horatio said that it broke the laws of physics? That got me thinking -- maybe it did."

Alex swallows, her face going still... she nods, "It... yes. I could feel I did something. I... don't know what, though?" She looks unhappily down at her paws... then abruptly starts eating again.

Cleo shakes her head. "Oh, it's nothing bad, ma'am. Did anything like this ever happen to you when you were younger?"

Dimitri softly growls, "She's also won, every time, playing roulette, yesterday." He steals a piece of cheese.

Alex looks faintly relieved, her ears coming back up. She thinks a while, still eating... she glances at Dimitri and nods, "'fere wa'f v'at, ya... nuffi' el'f v'o..." She swallows, then corrects, "Nothing else besides that though, that I can think of? Um... Carroll, can you think of anything?"

The cat flicks her ears. "Every time?"

Carroll murrs, "How many times?"

Alex grins happily, "Yup! Roulette's easy -- don't know why more folks don't play it! Um... four, Mitya, was that it?"

Dimitri softly growls, "Four times... high odds."

Alex adds a touch proudly, "We made back all the money we spent, and then some! Carroll wasn't annoyed at all!"

Cleo nods. "It's not easy to win, ma'am. Most times you lose, and the House has the odds in its favor. I suspect you were subconsciously influencing the ball."

Alex blinks at Cleo uncomprehendingly. Carroll murrs, "Alex, the odds of four in a row are very high indeed."

Alex looks up at Carroll, "They are?"

Carroll umms and adds, "Well over a one-in-a-million chance. I'd need to write it down to get a more accurate number."

Alex blinks at Carroll blankly... then looks at Cleo puzzledly, "You're saying... I did it? That I wasn't playing the game right?"

Cleo nods. "I'm afraid you were... helping it along. Don't worry, those places are usually crooked anyway. They deserve to lose once in a while." She sits down directly in front of Alex. "Now... close your eyes, and concentrate on me."

Alex gives Cleo an aghast look, "I was... cheating?!"

Carroll chuckles, and murrs, "I'd say you were playing much better than most can," and he gives his sister a sly look.

Alex gives Carroll the same aghast look, "I was cheating?!" She looks shocked... she blinks, then adds, "I... I should give the money back then, shouldn't I."

Cleo looks a little uncomfortable. "Well, it wasn't intentional, so it wasn't really cheating. But maybe you shouldn't play that game any more." She adds after a moment's thought. "If it bothers you that much, you can go back and lose it later."

Carroll chuckles, and murrs, "Well, the House has to have a certain percentage of winners to encourage people to play and keep them from realizing how slanted towards the house things really are."

Alex says, "Yes, but didn't I just mess that all up, Carroll?"

Carroll shrugs, and murrs, "Maybe. Certainly not deliberately. Don't play that game any more. I'll teach you how to beat the House at cards instead."

Dimitri quietly nibbles on the cheese... then growls, "Don't give it back, Alexandra. 'Lose' it to them... or you'll get yourself into trouble."

Cleo tries to change the subject. "Ma'am... please? Close your eyes and concentrate on me."

Alex sighs, looking a touch guilty... she takes another huge bite of bread and cheese and nods, then closes her eyes and concentrates on Cleo, still chewing. would explain why I'm so hungry I guess... no, Cleo... think about Cleo... still hungry, though!

Cleo rolls her eyes at Carroll and waits for Alex to finish chewing -- too much distraction. Alex swallows and opens one eye, "You done?"

Cleo looks exasperated. "I haven't started yet. Now concentrate on me and not on the food."

Alex looks guilty again, tucking her handful of bread and cheese behind her, and closes her eyes again. She tries hard to concentrate on Cleo, and not bread, meat, or cheese smells. Suddenly she starts slightly, her ears suddenly perking up towards Cleo, although she remembers to keep her eyes shut. "Oooh... Cleo, you're glowing!"

To Carroll and Dimitri, the cat is just sitting quietly.

Alex cautiously pokes out a finger to the glow, keeping her eyes closed. Carroll blinks and looks over to Cleo. He then smiles, but remains quiet. Alex is carefully keeping her eyes closed as she breathes, "Oooooh... guys, can you see it too? Look! she's got like... like green and yellow baby lightning bolt- oh! Oh, it got me -- oh, how neat, I'm orangey red now!" She's trailing her finger slowly around in the air, eyes still closed, playing with the colors and glow she can see, trying to tell what it will do. She giggles delightedly, "It's warm!" The others don't see a thing except Cleo sitting quietly watching Alex, and Alex doodling in the air with her hand.

Carroll asks Cleo, "So, does that answer my question?"

Cleo nods, then takes Alex's hand. Alex starts slightly at the contact, her eyes opening. In a wondering tone of voice she says, "What did you do? I... I'm not ravenous any more...?"

Cleo nods. "Just fed you back the energy you used up last night. You're definitely a mage, ma'am. Probably a kinetic, judging by what you've done unconsciously. We'll need to train you, so you know how to tap energy other than yourself... you can kill yourself that way if you don't know what you're doing."

Alex says, "A whatie? Ahh... oh. Er... yes. Yes, I think I'd rather not kill myself that way, thanks all the same." She blinks, then her head tilts as she stares curiously at Cleo... can she see any remaining glow? Now that she knows what to look for, the glow is still there, in a sort of superposition on the cat. Alex grins with curious delight, "It's still there! What is it, Cleo? The glow, I mean?"

Cleo repeats. "A telekinetic. With the ability to move things by magic. The glow? That's my energy reserves. I'll train you how to do that -- you tap into the universal energy and store it to do things. Moving marbles and daggers you can do by yourself, but a good kinetic can lift crates or even an entire mast by magic -- and your own body doesn't make enough energy to do that.

Alex says, "Huh! That..." she blinks, then brightens, "Ooh! That could be useful for a ship's captain, don'tcha think, Carroll? Do I glow?" She stares curiously at her hands, trying to see.

Carroll nods, eyes sparkling, and murrs, "Extremely, yes."

Alex beams up at Carroll, "What a relief... I was wondering if I was sick or something, just before you came in!" She hms... then tilts a thoughtful ear at Cleo, "Um... why's yours sorta green and yellow, and mine's more reddish? Is there a reason?" She stares with intent curiosity at Dimitri, "What color are you?"

Carroll chuckles, and murrs, "Well, that's why I brought our healer along, isn't it?" He looks to Cleo and asks her, "How much of Alex's time will you need to train her?"

Cleo shrugs. "That will depend on how quickly she wants to learn, how much she wants to learn, and how well she picks it up." She turns. "For starters, there's a good deal of mathematics involved in the theory...how are your math skills?"

Dimitri and Carroll both appear to have a dim reddish glow to Alex's new view of the universe. Alex grins at Cleo, diverted from staring intently at Dimitri, "Daddy's a trader, Cleo... I think we're all comfortable with our sums!" She bounces a little on the bed, excited, "So, how much can I learn?"

Cleo chuckles. "Bookkeeping? That's not wizard math. Just the beginning." She smiles. "As much as you want, milady. I can't teach you everything you'll need, my skills lie in other areas."

Alex says, "Okay, that's fine. Um... when?" She tilts her head at Carroll, then hms... "Is magic like um... well, I mean are you the same color as your siblings, Cleo?" Horatio walks in, yawning and stretching, attracted by the sound of Alex and the smell off food. Alex studies Horatio curiously... is he reddish also, like the rest of her family and herself?

Cleo grins. "It's not who you're related to. I'm a brighter color because I'm storing a higher energy level. What you're seeing on the others is the natural life-force level of energy."

Alex says, "Oh! Huh... interesting..." She drags her fascinated stare away from the probably puzzled Horatio, who's done nothing to deserve being stared at, and beams at Cleo, "So, can we study before I have to do nightwatch? Is that okay with you?"

Horatio blinks at the discussion halfway to grabbing some bread. "Er, beg pardon?"

Carroll hrms, and asks the healer, "Can you teach her enough so she's not likely to hurt herself?"

Alex grins happily at Horatio, "I've got magic! I'm not sick... that's how I moved the dagger, Horatio! Well... I've got something..."

Horatio blinks to Alex. "Erp?" He looks to Cleo, then back to Alex. "Magic? Oh, dear. That would explain that fantastic throw..."

Cleo smiles at the suddenly eager vixen, remembering her first days after learning what she could do. "We can start this afternoon if you want. But I must warn you, it will be a month or two before you can really start to use the power safely. Right now, I'd better go see to my own duties." She bows to the assembled family and heads out the door.

Alex nods, "Okay, thank you, Cleo!" She turns and grins happily at her brothers, "Wow... very strange, yes?" She brightens, absently nibbling some cheese, adding, "Neat! this could be fun too!"

Carroll looks at his sister, and murrs, "Alex, listen to Cleo, please. Don't hurt yourself."

Alex nods vigorously, "I will, Carroll, believe me! It'd be stupid not to... like rushing into a duel with no training. That'd be... dumb."

Horatio sits and helps himself to a small cheese wheel. "It would also explain how those lizards got into Nanna's dresser without anyone being near there..." he adds with a grin.

Alex looks puzzled, "But... did I do that? Huh..." she grins ruefully at her brothers, "Now I'm going to wonder about all the odd things that happened when we were kids, you know..."

Carroll nods to Alex, and then snickers at Horatio and looks at his sister, "Oh, and all this time you said you were helpless..." He giggles, then outright laughs...

Alex starts, giving Carroll a highly indignant look, "I am NOT helpless!"

Horatio laughs softly. "If it was unconscious talent even all the way back then, we're going to have to review our entire catalog of 'who did what and when!'"

Alex hmfs, and throws a piece of bread at Carroll, still looking indignant... she glowers at Horatio, "Well if I were any good at it, d'you think for a second that I'd have let Carroll get away with any of his nasty pranks!?"

Carroll harumphs! and murrs, "I never played nasty pranks!" He tries to look indignant while saying, "They were all good ones..."

Horatio looks cheerfully innocent to Alex. "I suggested nothing of the sort, Alex, just that we'd have to reconsider who we think did what. Those lizards, for example. And I seem to remember some essence of salt that found its way into a washbasin once..."

Alex glowers fiercely at Carroll from under her brows, "Dying half of me green and putting the dye on Horatio's hands?!" Alex hmfs again... then ruins the effect of dignified affront by sticking her tongue out at Carroll!

Carroll says, meekly, "That took forethought and careful planning, I'll have you know..."

Horatio looks to Carroll. "Oh, that's right, the essence of salt was in your washbasin, wasn't it? Made a bit of a mess, as I recall."

Carroll murrs, "I always thought you did that." to Horatio.

Horatio says, "Did I? I don't know, if Alex had that kinetic magic talent of hers way back then..."

Alex yelps indignantly at Carroll, "You're proud of it?! Oh, you fink!!" She bounces to her feet, hurling herself over Horatio at Carroll, "I'm gonna tickle you 'til you can't breath, you -- you -- ooooh!!"

Horatio erps! as Alex launches herself over him. Carroll erks, and tries to keep Horatio between them, murring, "Now, Alex..." and then getting pounced upon and tickled.

Alex yalps indignantly, her hands a quick, tickling blur as she impacts with Carroll, "YOU didn't have to deal with Nanna! YOU didn't have to get dunked in soapy stinky chemically water repeatedly to get it off! I'm not sorry at ALL I put that burr under your horse's saddl- erp!" she sits back, covering her mouth guiltily with both hands... then tries to look demure again as she hastily adds, "-what saddle."

Horatio blinks at Alex, then can't hold it in. He completely collapses in fit of laughter at Alex's expression.

Alex ruins the effect again by giggling, "You looked wonderful when you came up out of the pond with the lily pad on your head though, Carroll! Almost made being greenly frizzy 'til I shed out worth it!" She grins sheepishly... then wrinkles her nose cheerfully at Carroll, "ALMOST worth it!"

Carroll eeeps! and fitfully tries to escape tickling, and then looks at his sister and then laughs. He adds, "And, if you think I didn't get all green and then have to bleach myself, you need to think about it again."

Alex grins and folds her arms, still sitting on Carroll's chest, "Seems only fitting, to me! Don'tcha think so, Horatio?"

Horatio laughs, finally recovering from his fit of laughter. "Oh, certainly. I'd say the books are even all around."

Carroll nods, adding, "I hope we're past that now."

Alex giggles cheerfully at Horatio... then bounces up off of Carroll and snatches up another piece of cheese, "Okay, works for me!" She grins at Carroll, her eyes sparkling, and offers him a hand up as she's chewing.

Carroll lets Alex help him up, and straightens his clothes absently, murring, "Another interesting thing for a future knight." He grins at Alex, and murrs, "I'm very proud of both of you and Dimitri for the rescue."

Alex beams over her piece of bread at Carroll, her hair all mussed up from all the bouncing around, "Thanks! Although Mitya did most of the work... um... what's another interesting thing for a knight?"

Carroll asks his sister, "How many knighted magic-using noble ship captains do you know?"

Alex thinks about that one for a bit... then bounces happily on her toes, "Oh, this is going to be really neat! Daddy can't possibly say no now!"

Carroll only laughs, and murrs, "Alex, don't worry again about what Daddy has to say -- it's not important."

Alex smiles up at Carroll, "I know... but I don't want to hurt his feelings. I bet it'll be scary for him... we're all grown up. We're not his little pack anymore. I don't want him to think we don't love him any more."

Carroll chuckles, and murrs, "I'll see you at night watch. Listen to Cleo." and makes his way out.

Alex smiles and waves, "I will!"

Last modified: 2000-Apr-10 11:14:03

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