| Logs |
2000-06-18
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
The Grand Levee II -- and a Bit Beyond
- The St. Genevieve siblings stay on board the Mare, or
at least near it, the day after the big expedition to the market. It is
early the next morning that Dimitri notices an otter dressed in laborer's
clothing who has been hanging around the pier, apparently working --
but without actually doing much of anything.
Dimitri leans upon the gunwales, looking down into water, across the docks, like any other time worn marine. But his ears flicker once, the earrings jingle, a soft sound only he can hear. He turns quietly, looking back, scanning the deck. Natasha... is she there? She's coaching the young warriors in their morning exercises. She glances up at Dimitri questioningly as she notices his gaze. With a silent jerk of his head he calls her over, a simple, slow, and relaxed motion. but the steel in his eyes speaks a bit more serious. The wolf nods to her warriors to continue and goes to stand beside Dimitri. "Vas?"
Dimitri stretches, almost theatrically. Then he just shrugs. "You watch the deck, Natasha. I'm going for a little walk. Just down the dock... just past that rather... lazy... otter in the brown vest. I wish I had as little work as he." With a shrug he pulls on his heavy cloak. "Tell Carroll... I'm off. For a walk, yes?"
Natasha looks rather suspicious at that. "A valk, da. Be careful?"
Dimitri nods quietly, "I will." He slings his sword over his shoulder, heading towards the gangplank. "Of course... hopefully I won't end up going where you can't watch me." And that said, Dimitri lopes down the gangplank, moving down the docks with the regimented pace of someone going somewhere. His eyes are sharp, cutting ahead through the crowd, moving past the otter as if he wasn't there... and he goes on until he can find a quiet dockside shadow where he can watch the watcher.
The otter notes Dimitri's passing, but doesn't follow. He continues to watch the ship, paying closer attention whenever anyone comes on deck. After a half-hour or so the otter leaves the dock and heads into town. Natasha watches Dimitri settle in to watch the otter, and realizes fairly quickly that he's not hidden very well. She goes belowdecks to tell the Captain. Carroll looks up as Natasha enters, murring, "Yes, Natasha?"
"We're being watched, sir. Major Dimitri's gone to try to see if he can see what the fellow's up to, but I think he's been spotted."
Carroll ohmys, and murrs, "We're being watched?" He stands and comes out to the deck, gesturing for Natasha to come with him, and goes over, apparently watching the still-drilling troops. He asks her, "Who was watching us, and are they still there?"
The wolf nods, carefully not looking toward the dock although she did make a quick sweep when she came on deck. "T'e otter. 'E's been on t'e dock all morning, but 'as not done anyt'ing."
Carroll mms at Natasha and murrs, not looking, "I wonder how we'll get Dimitri back without being obvious. And... should we follow him?" Nodding at the troops, he asks her, "Are you good at following someone?" Horatio pops his head out of the fo'c's'le, not so much alerted as to something amiss, as he is to the hour of the day.
Natasha shrugs. "Nyeh... maybe Chessie? She's 'untress, could be good."
Carroll murmurs, "If I do it myself MacKenzie will kill me... if my Father doesn't." He grins at the wolf and murrs, "She might have to do. I want to know who this person is working for." Turning away to look for Jessie, he adds, "I doubt the direct route will work, either."
The wolf shrugs. "Ve don't know for sure otter is alone, eit'er."
Carroll agrees, "Where's our scout?"
Horatio, of course not suspecting anything is wrong, stretches a little, yawns a bit, and walks over to where Carroll and Natasha are speaking. He looks around, frowning slightly, wondering where Dimitri is; usually he's watching the training. It's about this time that the otter starts up the pier back toward the city. Carroll catches the movement and murrs, "I think he's getting away. Wonder who his relief was?"
Dimitri watches the otter leave... then, his pace loose and easy, he follows. The otter ducks into a bar. By the time Dimitri follows him in he's nowhere to be seen. Leaning at the door, the big fox sighs. Slowly he makes his way back to the Mare and on board. Natasha watches as Dimitri returns to the ship, though only a sharp observer would note her relief. She returns to drilling the youngsters. Dimitri frowns and finds a barrel and sits on it. Carroll walks over to Dimitri and asks, gently, "What happened?"
Crossing his arms, Dimitri frowns. "I caught him watching us, this otter in a brown vest. He must have spotted me, not a hard task, and lost me when he vanished into a bar. I could have brought him in but I thought it would be more important to find out who or where he worked out of..."
Carroll nods and murrs, "Bringing him in would have done no good, he'd deny everything." He looks back over the ship and says, "I wonder, not if, but who, his relief is." Looking back down at Dimitri he adds, "We'll have to be ready."
Dimitri nods, "Just give me a target to hit, Carroll."
Natasha wanders over in time to hear that last. "Ve know ve are beink vatched. Is not t'e last one, t'is otter."
Carroll agrees, "Yes. We need to be careful." He chuckles and murrs, "Maybe we need to find someone who's better at following them. Let's ask around." He mentions, "I'd do it myself, except MacKenzie'd have kittens..."
While preparing to visit the queen, Alex quietly lets her brothers know that Natasha probably shouldn't be amongst the guards to accompany them. Carroll seems a little surprised by this, but doesn't press the issue. He murrs, "Jessie on crossbow, and, say, Lars?"
Alex watches Dimitri pick up the pin's box with interest, then curiously inquires, "Who's that for?" She shakes her head at Carroll, "If you really want my opinion, Carroll, don't pick Jessie all the time. The others need the experience too, and you don't want to open yourself up to murmurs of favoritism, y'know? Even if they're wrong?" She grins ruefully, "I'd suggest letting McKenzie decide all the time, myself, unless it's for special?"
Carroll murrs, "I was only considering the benefit of an accurate range weapon. Pure resource management..." After a moment, he adds, "I'll let MacKenzie decide."
Alex nods and grins ruefully again, turning so Dimitri can tie off some of her ribbons for her, "It was just a suggestion, Carroll, really." Carroll finds MacKenzie and takes his expert advice on staff to escort them.
The wolverine thinks for a moment, then nods. "Jessie! Karl! Front and center!" He turns back to Carroll. "And I think I'll head it up this time." He turns and discusses the roster with Natasha, leaving her in charge of the ship's guard detail.
Carroll murrs, "Always happy to have you along, Sam."
After Carroll's left Alex tilts her head to glance at Dimitri and murmurs dryly, "Please tell me the pin's not for the queen today?"
Dimitri looks to Alex, "A token for the Queen, I was thinking?"
Alex finishes changing her clothing, staring into the tiny mirror to make sure her hair's not standing on end, and happily patting down the ruffles on the dags and slashes of her overtunic. She tosses a grin over her shoulder at Dimitri, "If it is, don't give it to her tonight, in person -- or you'll give the wrong impression!"
Dimitri blinks, looking back to Alex. "Why not?"
Alex turns, checking her clothing from all sides, "Because if you hand it to her yourself, Mitya, you'll be telling her you're returning her interest in you. That's not fair to Natasha." She pauses, thinking, then nods, "You know what you should do, if you want to say to her discreetly that you want to be friends? Make it from both of us... her knights. I'll pay for half of it, and we'll send it, not give it to her by hand, with a nice note." She turns to study Dimitri with a critical eye... she brushes off one shoulder a bit, removes a stray thread... then beams up at Dimitri, "You look smashing! How do I look?" She pirouettes happily in front of him.
Dimitri blinks and looks across to Alex, nodding. "You don't have to pay. I won't tell." He tosses the little box to his sister. "A better thought that is."
Alex catches the box with a faintly startled look... then tilts her head at Dimitri and nods, smiling, "Okay." She tucks it carefully into a pouch, so it won't get lost, then loops an arm through his and grins happily up at him, "Ready?"
Dimitri shakes his head, his ears flushing slightly. "You look... fine, Alex."
Carroll comes out from his quarters, also dressed up for the Queen, and murrs, "Hello, family, are we ready?"
Alex gives Carroll a sweeping bow, with a flourish of her feathered cap, then replaces it with a jaunty grin, "You betcha, Carroll!" She beams happily, "We'll be the best-dressed folks in that court -- or at least the ones with the most panache!" She giggles happily and bounces out!
Carroll smiles and murrs, "Alex certainly has the most energy," and follows. Alex laughs delightedly over her shoulder! Carroll makes sure that the yellow-and-purple flowers are along safely as well.
Alex is exuberantly cheerful, singing softly to herself as she rides in the carriage, watching people go by with interest, and occasionally happily beaming at Dimitri and squeezing his hand gently. Dimitri laughs softly and squeezes Alex's hand back. "Alex... we aren't even there yet!"
Alex grins, "Yeah, I know... but isn't it a lovely day? And aren't things going wonderfully well for us so far?"
- The trip to the palace is uneventful, and the three guards
wait outside with quite a few others. The weekly levee is attended
by many of the same furs the siblings saw at the last one they were
invited to, and by some who are brand new. The baboon announces them,
for the first time in public with their new titles. "Knight Companion
Dimitri St. Genevieve. Knight Companion Alexandra St. Genevieve. Lord
Companion Baron Carroll St. Genevieve."
Alex blinks at the new title, then beams delightedly again in spite of herself, straightening and pacing proudly next to her brothers. Carroll smiles and looks around the room, completely at ease amidst the nobility. Alex glances around curiously to see if any of the ducal contingents are present. Arianna smiles at the three siblings as they are presented. "Welcome back. I trust your latest voyage had some successes?"
Alex grins happily at that comment! -but remains discreetly silent, letting Carroll do the talking. Carroll bows to the Queen and murrs, "Yes, Your Majesty. It is a pleasure to be back. We have not had, perhaps, the outcome we expected, but successes."
Arianna nods. "You'll have to tell me about it. Privately?"
Carroll smiles and murrs, "We will be all too happy to do so, Your Majesty. Privately."
Dimitri stands quietly a half pace behind, a silent shadow at Alex's shoulder. Since Carroll has already spoken he just ducks his head. "Your Majesty. It is good to be able to see you again."
The queen nods, as the next furrs are announced. "As soon as I can get away from this. Matthew will guide you." Carroll thanks the Queen and lets her finish the queue. Alex grins cheerfully at the queen, waving her fingers in a discreet g'bye! Dimitri just gives Alex a look at her coquettish wave. Ludmilla just snorts ever so faintly, from her usual position behind the Queen. Alex giggles softly, pattering off cheerfully next to her brothers.
Alex whispers happily to Dimitri, "Hey, what's the worst that happened? She got a smile from it!" Dimitri just sighs, shrugging his shoulders to his sister's inscrutability.
DeVere drifts toward Carroll as the three foxes move away from the Queen. "A moment, Baron?"
Carroll makes his way in to the gathering of Court and takes stock of who is at hand today and who they are talking to unobtrusively and automatically. He turns and smiles to the Baronet and murrs, "Good morning, Baronet De Vere." He pauses and turns to face him.
The buck nods as the siblings drift off, leaving him alone with Carroll. "A word to the wise, though I'm not sure you need it. Your ship is being watched. Her Grace asked me to pass this on... be careful who you let near her, even at night."
Alex grins at Dimitri's shrug, then cheerfully offers him a prawn from her breakfast plate! Dimitri laughs and steals a prawn or two or three. "Okay. Little prawns accepted, little sister." Alex giggles delightedly at Dimitri, leaning companionably against him as he loots her slightly overloaded (just enough for two, in fact) plate. She keeps looking around interestedly as she nibbles the hors d'oeuvres.
DeVere grins as he heads toward the buffet table himself. "But the otter is one of ours." Alex flicks an amused ear at DeVere, still nibbling and looking around with interest. Looks like none of the dukes are here... they all do rather tend to stand out.
Carroll frowns and murrs to the Baronet, "Thank you for letting me know, and thank her Grace for me, both for letting me know, and that the otter works for you." He walks quietly to the buffet, asking, "Any idea who is watching?"
Alex murmurs with a smile, "The Pravin factor's people?"
The buck frowns. "We're not sure yet who they're working for. Well, not all of them. We're pretty sure the Queen has a guard on you, but some of the others... they're good, according to our people. Hard to track."
Carroll hmms and comments, "I would have thought that superfluous with her archer aboard." He shrugs and murrs, "We're warned and will be careful. We might be safer at sea again."
The buck nods. "Indeed. At least there's no chance of assassins sneaking up on you at night."
Alex wrinkles her nose -- what a repulsive thought! She feels vaguely sorry for Arianna, living in this sort of mess all the time. Carroll nods and murrs, "The city has both its draw and its dangers." He says again, "We'll be careful." Smiling, he asks, "I hope her Grace is well?"
De Vere nods. "She is, milord. She asked if she'll be able to see you before you leave, but understands if you'll be busy."
Dimitri frowns darkly as he listens to the increasingly grim conversation. He catches Alex's gaze as she moves through the room. And when she turns he just taps the pommel of his sword, once. Alex's expression doesn't change, but her ears perk up thoughtfully, and her gaze is slightly more searching as she studies the room -- she knows that bit of non-verbal code means 'stay alert.' Carroll hmms and murrs, "I am always pleased to see Her Grace." He looks over to his siblings, then back, adding, "If it is at all possible, I expect we'd be pleased to see her. Unless things change today, tomorrow seems open enough for us, and the next day may be as well."
The furrs mingle, dressed in court garb, but Alex doesn't see anything out of place. There seem to be no overt problems, possibly due to the increased guard roster. She does note, however, that her friend from the casino is once again on duty for this event. Alex smiles quietly, noticing the raccoon... then wonders curiously what that means... hmm... probably means the palace folks still don't know who his rabbit friend's patron is. She shakes her head slightly, feeling a bit sorry for Ludmilla now too... how worrisome for her, always! Another familiar face approaches Alex as she looks around the room. The bobcat is again dressed in the formal silver and black of the Starfall Navy, and nods to Alex. "My congratulations on your knighting, milady. You realize that you've stirred up quite a hornet's nest in the Council, don't you?"
Dimitri slowly walks over to stand behind Alex. "Just Alex?" He flickers his ear, his Blackpool rings jingling.
Alex nods politely and smiles at the bobcat, "Thank you, Commander van der Berg." She grins up at Dimitri, "What, I don't get to stir up hornet's nests?" She looks back at the bobcat, still smiling, "How so, Commander?"
Van der Berg looks up at Dimitri. "All of you, Sir Dimitri. And my congratulations to you as well. Quite an impressive intervention."
Alex's smile is slow and pleased, "Stirred up? Good... I'm glad to hear that. It's well past time, in my opinion, that the Council realized what a piratical viper the mongoose is -- and if it takes us pointing out the truth then I'm proud to do so!"
Dimitri softly growls, "Thank you. Could you give my regards to the Countess the next time you see her?"
The bobcat grins. "I'll do that, Sir Dimitri." He looks around, gauging who is present, and lowers his voice. "I understand that the rest of the Council was not amused when he started agitating about the Navy's failure to patrol along the Alburtis route, when he'd been the one who forced them to pull back five years ago. Admiral Blackpool was apparently quite... inspired... in her comments about it."
Alex beams delightedly at the bobcat, "Oh, I wish I could have heard!" She giggles softly, then adds, "Did you know he's convoying all his ships together... with Impie escorts?!"
Dimitri smiles quietly, looking down at the bobcat, letting out a soft sigh. "I actually miss that. Very much. You can tell her that too, Commander."
Alex smiles up at Dimitri, slipping her small paw into his, "We'll get back, Mitya. We're doing the right thing."
Van der Berg looks surprised by the news about the Imperials, then breaks into a coughing fit which doesn't really do a good job of concealing his laughter. When he recovers he nods. "I will have to pass that on, milady Knight. Imperials? He must be desperate. Of course, you did take what, four of his ships in two months?"
Dimitri hmms and rubs his muzzle. "I thought it was two. Are the stories... growing?"
Alex gives the Commander her best innocent look, "Us, Commander? Tsk... would that be a nice thing to do?" She spoils the effect somewhat by having to hide the mischievous giggle behind one paw, of course... then grins up at Dimitri proudly, "Was not two -- was four!" She slips an arm through Dimitri's and beams at the bobcat, "Dimitri is our Major of marines... we're very proud of him!"
Dimitri shrugs, looking down to Alex, "One, two, four Pravinchandra ships, they all just blur together these days..."
Alex laughs softly, patting Dimitri's arm, then smiles at the bobcat, "So! How're you doing, commander? I don't suppose you have a ahh... 'feel' for how the Council is regarding House P, or our house?" She sighs softly, "It's a pity there's no one there that could argue our side of the story..."
The bobcat nods. "At any rate... he was not pleased when the Admiral informed him that the Sehala Passage was under the jurisdiction of Falkirk's Navy, pursuant to treaties drawn up five years earlier." Alex nods interestedly, listening intently. The bobcat grins. "And the fact that Falkirk had never actually built much of a Navy... for some reason... wasn't her fault."
Alex says, "Interesting. Do you know why Falkirk never built much of a navy by any chance, Commander?"
Dimitri's ears perk at this new bit of news. "And by that treaty, where does Starfall's Navy now hold responsibility?"
Van der Berg shakes his head. "I really wouldn't know why, milady. But as far as our jurisdiction? I would have thought you knew that, Sir Dimitri. The Andalin Sea is our responsibility, but no further east than Lancer Island."
Alex nods and smiles, "Thank you, Commander. Ahh... I don't suppose you know how much of a presence House P has in Falkirk?"
The bobcat shrugs. "Never been posted there. Couldn't really say." Alex nods and thanks the commander again. Van der Berg smiles and bows over Alex's hand in his for a courtly goodbye kiss. "No thanks needed, milady. I have my instructions, after all..." Alex smiles and bows politely in return.
Dimitri nods quietly, "Just making sure, Commander. I'm just a marine... was never quite sure of the exact political balances."
Eventually the last petitioner has his or her word with the Queen, and she retires from the Levee. The St. Genevieves mingle with the crowd for a bit until Matthew shows up to summon them to a private audience.
Blue Room
The Blue Room is aptly named. A dark blue wool
carpet matches the draperies at the windows, while the furniture is a
lighter blue, almost turquoise. The walls are covered with tapestries
depicting underwater scenes. The cloth-covered walls and floor give the
room a hushed ambience.
Queen Arianna is once again in the Blue Room, discussing something with Ludmilla and a mature mouse-lady as the siblings enter. "Welcome, my friends. I don't believe you've met my seneschal yet... Baroness DuPrei, these are the St. Genevieve privateers. Baron Carroll, Sir Dimitri, Sir Alexandra, and Lord Horatio." The mouse grins and bows, "And my thanks to you for your interruption of that unfortunate incident."
- Queen Arianna is perhaps not overly pretty, but her features
have a regal strength to them and her eyes are penetrating. The queen
is a completely dark-phase fox, her fur black as midnight, and is
shorter than she seems, her 160 cm. somehow larger than life with the
force of a dynamic personality. She has taken the opportunity to change
into a more comfortable outfit, a belted dress in her house colors and
sandals.
Alex grins cheerfully, practically glowing with pleasure at being referred to as 'sir,' and sweeps an exuberantly elegant bow to the lady mouse, "We were happy to assist, baroness!"
A bright-eyed young girl with proud carriage, her joie du vivre
is almost bubbling over with her excitement. She wears (with gleeful
panache) high leather boots and dagged rust-colored breeches gathered
at the knee. There are hints of soft yellow hosen showing through the
multiple decorative dags and slashes, and an antique gold undertunic
glows similarly from within the wide, full sleeves of her gold-buttoned
and -embroidered, dashingly scarlet, rich velvet vest. She wears her
full feathered, rust velvet, rolled hat at a jaunty angle to allow one
silver-ringed ear to be seen, and her obviously-worn, practical heavy
rapier depends from the same sturdy leather belt she's tucked her gloves
into.
Carroll smiles and murrs, "It was our pleasure to be able to prevent a tragedy, Baroness."
Before you stands Carroll Waynewright St. Genevieve, heir
to the St. Genevieve legacy. His clothes, a jacket of soft rust brown
velvet, over a slightly lighter russet vest, with a tan silk shirt, and
soft suede breeches slightly lighter and slightly redder than his jacket,
which are tucked in to calf high leather boots, are both practical for a
ship captain, yet quietly perfect in their elegance and simplicity. His
russet fur seems to glow with life, the white under his muzzle, and the
flash at the end of his full tail standing out against the red-brown
of his jacket and breeches, which blend well with his own fur. He wears
a brooch at his breast, of sparkling gold and a few tiny diamonds, the
pentacle and sword of the family's crest, clear and bright for all to
see. Gold cufflinks and watch-chain also sparkle from his sleeves and
vest. He smiles graciously and nods at your glance.
Horatio bows as well, only slightly hastily as his siblings do so, alert and quiet, still a little embarrassed that he arrived late at the levee.
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.
He wears the uniform of his family, a pair of russet breeches tucked into
a pair of high leather boots, folded down at his knees. Close across
his chest is an elegant scarlet vest, finely embroidered and buttoned
in gold but not expensively so. Beneath the vest he wears a pale yellow
undertunic, also modestly embroidered but still fitting for a noble's
son. Perched snugly and evenly atop his head is a rolled russet velvet
hat, and across his chest is the dull leathern strap to his ever-present
satchel, though, interestingly, his sword is not present.
The tallest St. Genevieve is the last in the room, a shadow rising above his sister's figure. Setting the point of his long sword upon the floor and both paws at the ricassoed blade, he leans upon it like one might a staff. His head ducks quietly. "It was our honor, baroness."
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 dusk wraps about the darkling fox, all the shades
of gray falling in severe loose folds, as if carven from weatherstained
quarry rock. Midnight black is his accent, the color of his tall polished
boots into which his stone tinted breeches are precisely tucked. A black
belt, tight, with silver fittings bright, complements his dashing tunic,
that too the color of a fell evening fog. Beneath the tunic hides the only
splash of color, where a pristine shirt of white hides, and mayhaps the
hint of fine ruffles. Each movement is simple and professional, betraying
a trained discipline. From beneath a long and rich tail occasionally
sneaks, just as dark, touched hither and yon with a highlight of deep
crimson. In one hand he carries a long and narrow package, wrapped in
black leather and trimmed with pale gray fur. As long as he is tall it
is, deadly steel scabbarded and held safe at bay.
The queen nods. "And we remain in your debt." She smiles at the foursome. "So, tell me. You seem to be back very quickly considering you didn't send in any prizes. What happened?"
Alex grins cheerfully up at Carroll. Horatio glances expectantly, albeit a little nervously, to Carroll. Dimitri simply shrugs, letting his more eloquent siblings speak... first. Carroll smiles and murrs to the Queen, "Our quarry has begun to travel in packs, it seems. Apparently the worry of one little ship is enough to make him reschedule his shipments in to convoys and keep them together." An ear flicks disdainfully as he adds, "The convoys are also guarded by Imperial ships." Thus explained, he continues, "While it would be foolhardy of us to attack them in such a group it does serve our general purpose, that of making business difficult; so in effect we're quite successful."
Queen Arianna nods. "I see. Are you planning to continue hunting his ships then? Or are you going to change your plans?"
Alex grins mischievously, still quite pleased at the social and economic hit the mongoose must be taking for this! Carroll explains, "We are following up on some things we learned while in Alburtis, your Majesty." Horatio's own expression remains neutral. He doesn't dare reveal anything about what else they've learned... or what they've found since Alburtis. Dimitri looks to Carroll, his ears askew. He opens his muzzle, and then he shuts it tight. Alex eyes Dimitri... then looks faintly relieved when he keeps his mouth shut.
DuPrei starts to stand up. "If they don't want to discuss it in front of me I can leave, Your Majesty." The queen waves her back to her seat, "I'm sure that isn't the problem, Morgana."
Carroll shakes his head and murrs, "Nothing like that, I assure you, Baroness. We may have some more information on the whereabouts of our missing Father, and it is in search of him that we go. Other than 'to Starfall' though, we have little that is concrete." Horatio remains even more impassive at his brother's words, avoiding looking directly at either the queen or the seneschal. Alex smiles at Horatio, unruffled by the emotional currents in the room. As far as she's concerned, things are going just fine!
Queen Arianna says, "Ah. This sounds like excellent news, then. I hope your search is successful." She sounds a little wistful."
Alex tilts her head a little thoughtfully at the queen as a sudden idea occurs to her. Do queens get bored with court intrigue? Do they also occasionally wish they could just take off on adventures? Her ears droop suddenly as it hits her -- no, it's not a lack of adventure -- it must be that her father can be found... Arianna's never will, no matter how hard she looks. She feels suddenly very sorry for the poor queen. Carroll murrs quietly, "Thank you, Your Majesty. It was rather disquieting to hear that Alburtis' local nobility, under urgings from House Pravinchandra, had offered rewards for our Father's capture; and a great relief to discover he had, indeed, escaped."
Both the Queen and DuPrei look pleased by that news. Even Ludmilla twitches her ears. Queen Arianna says, "And is there any hint about your father's... financial difficulties having been manufactured?"
Carroll smiles a bit and murrs, "Actually, there are some people in Starfall that it would be very beneficial for us to speak with regarding just that. At the moment however, I doubt we would receive the warmest of welcomes there." He grins wryly and comments, "I wonder why?" After a moment's mischievous, foxy grin, he continues, "Do you think there is a way you could facilitate our safely arriving there?" Horatio glances at Carroll with slight surprise, then conceals that surprise with a quiet grin. There are so many levels of meaning in Carroll's almost innocent, mischievous, 'I wonder why?' that part of him sincerely wishes the Queen could be told of. Dimitri's ears slowly return to their normal position, listening to Carroll weave the conversation.
Queen Arianna says, "I would certainly think so. I can authorize you to be special envoys to Starfall, among other things. Diplomatic immunity... though you'd have to quit hunting the mongoose's shipping while you did that."
Alex nods pragmatically, adding, "We'd need to know precisely when it began and ended, right?" Horatio nods quietly. Our hunting days are drawing to a close, I think, as it is, he thinks. Then: Why should they? He suppresses a faint shudder. He shouldn't be so eager to go after Pravinchandra's ships, not after how his first battle had gone.
Queen Arianna grins. "Well, it would begin when you left the harbor and it would end when either the mission is over, I rescind it, or you get tossed out as persona non grata."
Alex laughs! then covers her muzzle hastily, still grinning. Carroll smiles and murrs, "Your Majesty, that would be a great help and honor." He adds, "We cost him more every day he hires his guard fleet than we ever did by outright theft. Our efforts could be easily suspended while we are in your service."
Horatio grins softly. "That would at least tell us how much Starfall's council likes us..." Alex giggles at Horatio, her ears tilted mischievously back.
Queen Arianna says, "But that's the worst they can do. If they arrest you while you're my envoys they'll trigger a major crisis for the League. I don't think they're that foolish."
Carroll adds, "I do not know how we can ever repay you for such a boon, Your Majesty."
Queen Arianna shakes her head. "You already have. Or two of you have, at least. This is something I can do to repay you."
Alex blinks, then grins self-consciously, glancing at her dark brother happily. Carroll shakes his head and asks, "Is there any news of who might have been trying to attempt such a dastardly crime?"
The tigress shakes her head. "Nothing we have found yet. We've been watching Corporal Tomasi, but he hasn't done anything... suspicious recently."
Horatio says softly, "Recently..."
Alex's ears tilt back a little frustratedly. Darn him... why can't Tomasi be helpful and do something stupid again? She thinks a bit, then asks quietly, "And... Jeremy Featherstone?"
Ludmilla scowls. "He seems to have gone to ground. No one has seen him in his usual haunts for some time now... in fact, you may have been the last to encounter him."
Alex blinks! Now that's odd news... strangely enough, she hopes he's not been... er... eliminated... Carroll raises his eyebrows and murrs, "Interesting. I wonder if his vanishing was voluntary or induced?" Horatio blinks, perking his ears at the news.
The tiger's tail twitches impatiently. "A very good question."
Dimitri blinks again, his head tilting. "Survival instinct."
Alex nods a touch worriedly at Carroll's question, thinking... "It was... with the mink from Westmark's household that we last saw him..."
Ludmilla's ears twitch at that. "Westmark? Indeed..." Her purr is surprisingly... nasty.
Horatio frowns slightly. "And Imperial ships have been escorting Pravinchandra convoys," he murmurs. "I don't know, that almost seems too obvious, too... well, clumsy."
Carroll nods and murrs, "Yes, that's right." He shakes his head and murrs, "In one way or another, each of the three Dukes has made an effort to mention to us exactly how aghast they are at the entire situation." At Ludmilla's nasty purr he says, looking at her, "The Viscount hasn't said more than a handful of words to any of us." He shrugs and murrs, "I presume it's merely that he is unconcerned with the troubles of wayward traders."
Alex gives Ludmilla a faintly surprised glance. They'd told her that! Or... had it been passed on? She frowns a touch worriedly... then nods at Carroll's comment, "He was the only one that didn't seem at all worried about anything but how awful it was that Horatio had been honored as a companion."
Horatio's expression quirks into a grin. "He seemed pleasant enough at expressing displeasure," he comments.
Carroll looks at Ludmilla and adds, "If there is anything any of us can do to help you make progress on this, Baroness Kerensky," and back at the Queen, "Your Majesty, we are at your disposal."
Alex hesitates, then carefully adds, "Um... was the message about who Featherstone was last seen with not passed on to you, Baroness Kerensky?" She wonders if everything else they'd said was passed on or no.
Ludmilla nods. "Apparently it was missed. Although to be honest, I am not the one conducting the inquiries. But Westmark has always seemed to me to be a bit... theatrical."
Alex nods slowly, adding, "I... wonder what his wife or daughter would have to say..."
Queen Arianna smiles almost as nastily as her bodyguard. "Maybe I should... invite them for a visit."
Carroll smiles his foxy grin again and murrs, "Perhaps a bit obvious, but probably entertaining nonetheless." He asks innocently, "Do you think he might react differently to foreigners?"
Alex blinks at Carroll... then grins mischievously again. She thinks, then adds equally slowly, "That very theatricality... would seem an excellent cover, don't you think? either for the Viscount himself, or for someone using him?" She frowns again, thinking, "I... I wonder who his seneschal is..." She blinks a little guiltily, realizing she's thinking aloud again, and shuts hastily up. The tips of her ears turn a little pink.
DuPrei says, "He doesn't have one. He does most of his business himself. There are wardens and managers for most of his individual properties, but no overall coordinator."
Alex's eyebrows go up at DuPrei's commentary. "Whoa... so whatever's happening behind that facade... it's all him."
DuPrei continues, "I think so. Unless his personal secretary is doing it all and he really is senile. But I suspect his daughter would have protested that long ago if it was true."
Alex nods interestedly at DuPrei, taking mental notes. Dimitri blinks twice, very, very slowly getting more and more lost in the tangled intrigue. Carroll follows, listening, and thinking. Horatio nods quietly, frowning. Would it be possible that the pleasant if gruff man who nigh-accosted him at the last levee could be that scheming? Alex says, "So... his wife isn't involved in any of the economic stuff at all?" She wonders if there's any polite way to ask if someone's wife is a decorative accessory... then decides there isn't, "-and... his daughter is?"
Carroll asks, quietly and relatedly, "Who is his heir?"
DuPrei nods at Alex. "His wife is... a non-entity. No interest in anything but parties. Lucrezia seems interested in the family's affairs but her father doesn't allow her much chance to participate in things. That's why I suspect she'd be in the capital petitioning the Queen if she thought there was any chance he could be declared incompetent."
Alex frowns thoughtfully again, then adds distractedly, "Y'know what bothers me the most about this, guys? Of all the great nobles... it's Westmark that would most want things to not change in regards to relations with Starfall and all, right? So... why would he do this?" She gives the queen a puzzled look, "Did you recently make some innocent-sounding proclamation, your majesty? Something you wouldn't think would make any difference, but which he might get all worried about because he thought of some ramification you didn't?"
Horatio frowns slightly. "He'd also be the one most against the likes of Pravinchandra..." he notes more to himself. "So there's no relation there.... " He looks to Alex, nodding quietly. "Something that Westmark would take as some sort of mortal insult against the Empire..."
Alex blinks, suddenly realizing with horror that she's grilling... the QUEEN!! is she MAD?! She blushes hotly, her ears flattening in embarrassment, and adds, "Um... I mean, only if you want to uh think about tha-" she sighs -- there's NO salvaging this, she fears! -- and mutters, "Oh, forget it... I'm sorry, I'm a dope..." Alex leans so she's half hidden by Dimitri, looking horribly embarrassed...
Dimitri lets one paw fall from his sword to lay on Alex's shoulder. He speaks very quietly. "No, bratling, you aren't. At least you can follow all this intrigue."
Queen Arianna barely notices Alex's embarrassment, pondering the idea. "I don't think so. You never can tell, though... sometimes people get hooked on the idea of power and they don't always have rational motives."
Alex gives Dimitri a sheepishly grateful sideways glance... then leans slightly so she can see the queen between Carroll and Dimitri's shoulders. She whispers softly to Dimitri, "Remind me to suggest to Carroll later that he ask for a list from Matthew of things the queen's recently proclaimed? Even if it's not Westmark, maybe that would have a clue in it?"
Carroll nods, "This is true, Your Majesty. Look at our very own nemesis, whose power is merely money." He cocks his head and wonders aloud, "I wonder if Viscount Westmark could simply be bought? Does anyone know the state of his finances? Could he need a large sum?"
Horatio blinks to Carroll. "Westmark, bought? I don't know, it seems that something promoting the glory of the Empire would be more to his liking..."
DuPrei shakes her head. "He's quite possibly the richest of the four. I can't imagine he could be bought with money."
Carroll hmms. "Richest or close to it, but the least titled. Perhaps simple resentment?" Shrugging, he murrs, "I can only speculate."
Alex hesitates, then softly ventures, "Dimitri taught me that the warrior that's underestimated has the advantage on the field?" Dimitri nods quietly to his sister, and then returns to listening closely.
Ludmilla nods to Alex. "Prravda."
Alex says puzzledly to Ludmilla, "Pardon?"
The tiger blinks. "Truth."
Alex nods to Ludmilla, "Thank you, baroness," getting a thoughtful look again.
Dimitri speaks very quietly. "Why is Westmarch the one least in competition with Starfall?"
Alex says to Dimitri, "He's not shipping anything Starfall is. All the dukes are. Iron ore, minerals, luxury goods, lumber, stuff like that. Well, okay, Starfall does textiles too... but if we're going to be honest, his are better. And he does agricultural stuff too."
DuPrei nods. "While Westmark is involved in textiles and clothing, there's a reason Maidstone is the fashion capital of the League. Even the Imperials acknowledge that." Alex nods at the baroness mouse.
Dimitri shrugs his shoulders. "It just sometimes happens that when you have everything except one thing, then the one thing becomes tempting. Or maybe that's just an idle speculation."
Alex nods quietly at Dimitri, then adds, "But if that's the case... why isn't he trying to marry Lucrezia off to um... oh, say, Vortalon? Or to a lesser house that he might be able to build up to cut Vortalon out?" She glances at DuPrei, "Um... is he trying to marry her off at all?"
Dimitri softly growls, "One wonders who the Pravinchandra heir is being married off to, Alex." Alex blinks in startlement at Dimitri! then gets a very thoughtful look!
The mouse grins. "If he is, he isn't having any luck. This isn't the dark ages, you know. She isn't interested in a husband chosen for dynastic reasons. Besides, Vortalon's grandkids aren't going to inherit anytime soon."
Horatio blinks to Dimitri. "Does Pravinchandra even have an heir?"
Alex nods to Horatio, "Yah, it's one of his nephews, I think," then sighs softly. "We just don't know enough yet, I think."
Carroll concurs, "Perhaps we shall have to find out more." He murrs to the Queen, "I'm certain, Your Majesty, that this is an interesting path to consider, and assure you that we will do so as well. I'm sure however that we've taken enough of your valuable day with what must be a worrisome topic. What must we arrange to allow us to work as your diplomats and to travel safely to Starfall?"
Queen Arianna says, "Well, that would depend on whether or not you wished to take your own ship with you. If you do we have to arrange the paperwork, you'd need to fly my flag, and you'd probably have to keep your crew on board while you're in the city. I'd send a few official folks along too... probably Matthew and a staff. If you want to travel on one of my ships and leave the Mare here that would take a bit less paperwork." Dimitri's eyes narrow slightly. He glances to Carroll.
Horatio glances to Carroll, smiling quietly. "With all due respect, Captain, my recommendation is that we suffer the paperwork. Pravinchandra needs to see the Mare sailing into the harbor." Alex grins wickedly and nodnods at Horatio's words!
Queen Arianna says, "Either way the official reason would be to demand an explanation of the mongoose's apparent involvement in that assassination attempt... unless you've got something even more embarrassing to suggest?" Horatio looks to the queen, then carefully -- carefully! -- avoids looking expectantly at Carroll.
Alex glances at the queen thoughtfully... then says carefully, "Your majesty... if we're lucky we'll get our um... proof that the mongoose cheated on the supposed liens on our property. Um... would you consider that more embarrassing, or better not to have you involved with a um... private family matter?"
Arianna smiles. "That too -- but that's not a reason for you to travel as my envoys." Alex nods thoughtfully again.
Carroll smiles and murrs, "Do we have hard evidence that suggests he is involved?"
Dimitri slowly considers, and then he quietly speaks again. "Does the Crown of Maidstone undertake shipping?"
Queen Arianna smiles. "Not directly, no. House Dunbarton has some interests, but mainly in the Southern trade routes."
Carroll suggests, "I believe to cause the most distraction and turmoil it would be most effective to have the Saucy Mare as an official vessel." He adds, "Perhaps in addition one of your Navy's vessels should escort us, to forestall any rash thoughts Pravinchandra or his Imperial lackeys may have." Alex nods quietly.
DuPrei nods. "I'm sure we can do that. I believe Captain Baroness Winthrop is in port at the moment if you'd like to travel with someone you know."
Carroll smiles and murrs, "That would be greatly appreciated." Alex brightens -- she likes the new baroness.
Dimitri nods again, shrugging quietly. "Ah. So a shipping charter between the royal house and St. Genevieve wouldn't be a good reason to visit the council. Carroll is supposed to be a merchant, amongst his privateer captaining skill..."
Alex smiles and says gently to Dimitri, "Carroll is a merchant, Mitya."
Carroll chuckles and murrs, "I'd rather hope I'm more merchant than privateer captain."
Queen Arianna chuckles. "But with you four here, and your holdings confiscated, there's not much I'd have to discuss on that issue with Starfall."
Alex nods, "I think the previous suggestion your majesty made is a good one." She grins wickedly, "And... maybe we'll find our proof in Starfall, like we hope to!"
Carroll nods and murrs, "I hope we will do well there and make progress, and I believe her Majesty's reason for our being her representative is more than enough for us to accomplish our goals."
Dimitri shrugs his shoulders quietly. "He can't confiscate Ettore..." Horatio nods quietly in agreement to Dimitri.
Carroll sighs and murrs to his brothers, "Not legally, no. When has that stopped him before?" He shakes his head and murrs, "Your assistance is very gracious, Your Majesty. What details need to be resolved to put this in to action and let us move forwards again?" Horatio frowns slightly. But Pravinchandra wouldn't do that, would he? Get his Imperial friends to invade Ettore? Jessie's home...? He shakes his head. It's too much to even imagine... and yet of course he worries.
Queen Arianna says, "I hope so. I'll let Matthew take care of getting things sorted out. Is there anything else you need at the moment?""
Alex bows politely to the queen, then smiles and nods courteously to the tigress and the mouse as well, "Can't think of anything, your majesty... but I bet Carroll's the one you should be talking to about that." She grins cheerfully at Horatio and Dimitri, "Shall we withdraw?" as she loops an arm through each of theirs. Alex will, unless the queen indicates otherwise, get her younger brothers OUT of the room as neatly as possible!
Carroll murrs, "Officially and as a family, no, Your Majesty, we have used more than enough of your valuable time." After a slight pause and a nervous twitch of his whiskers, he adds, "I have something otherwise that would require but a moment if your time, if you would so indulge me?"
Looking to Alex, Dimitri hesitates. "Actually, we're her Knights, Alex. That's for Her majesty to decide."
Horatio blinks to Alex and bobs his head. "There's a lot to think about..." He looks up to Dimitri. "This is true, but... still..."
Alex gives Dimitri an exasperated glance, "Then she'll let us know, Mitya, yeesh! Come ON!" She grins and shakes her head amusedly at Dimitri! Carroll doesn't glare at his brother. Alex will surreptitiously tug on her brothers to come along with her.
The tigress and the mouse are both looking rather intrigued at this by-play, and the queen looks outright puzzled. "Certainly, certainly..."
Alex is struggling slightly not to giggle, of course, being Alex... but she heads out with both younger brothers, barring any further problems. Carroll smiles, an obviously relieved smile, unusually visible on the statesman fox, and murrs, "Thank you, Your Majesty." He gestures to one of the servants and asks for something to be brought back in.
Dimitri stands still, his shirt stretching where Alex tries to draw him away. "Your Majesty... do we have your leave?" Alex rolls her eyes, and simply drops Dimitri's arm.
Queen Arianna smiles at Dimitri. "You do, Sir Dimitri. There's really no need to be so formal here. I'll see you again before you leave, I hope?"
One of Carroll's ears flicks, which might be the only visible sign at his brother's cluelessness. He says nothing, though, and stands aside, waiting for his gift to be brought in. Alex glares at Dimitri, then bows to the queen, "I'm sure we will, your majesty." She stares levelly at Dimitri, with a 'WELL?!' expression.
Carroll concurs, "I certainly hope so, Your Majesty."
Dimitri ducks his muzzle and smiles. "I would enjoy that, yes. And thank you... good day." Then with a nod to Ludmilla, Dimitri turns. His ears flicker once, his campaign rings jingling as he steps outside. Horatio clears his throat slightly, and edges towards the door slightly. Alex walks out with Horatio. Dimitri just walks stiffly out. Once outside he leans quietly against the wall, his sword next to him, his arms crossed.
Carroll smiles and thanks the servants who have found and hand to him the potted plant, its bright yellow and purple blooms a pleasant spray. He takes it from them and brings it up to the Queen. "We were shopping in the marketplace," he explains, "-and I wondered if you might enjoy something frivolous, bright, and cheerful." He looks at the plant and adds, "Roses, which were my first thought, are apparently harder to get here than I expected." Looking back at the Queen he finishes, "I hope you enjoy it."
Queen Arianna smiles delightedly. "Captain, how thoughtful. I'm not sure anyone has brought me a bouquet before..." She looks to DuPrei, who shakes her head. "Not that I can remember, Your Majesty."
Carroll murrs, "Then I am all the happier to have done so." He bows and then murrs, "Good afternoon, your Majesty. If there is anything I or my family can do for you, please do not hesitate to let me know."
Queen Arianna nods, a bit solemnly. "Oh, I will, I will... it's the curse of running a nation. You have to use everything you have, even your friends, to keep your people safe and happy. But for now, I can help you. And if you happen to run across any clues -- maybe the mongoose was involved." She takes the flowers and sniffs at them appreciatively.
Carroll murrs, "You are an important part of your people, Your Majesty. Don't forget to keep yourself safe and happy." He bows again and takes his leave, collecting his family as he goes.
Matthew follows Carroll as he leaves, after being handed a set of instructions by his mother. "Shall we get started?"
Horatio takes in a deep breath, and once outside, can't hide a quiet smile. "This is it," he says softly. "We're nearly home." Dimitri doesn't answer Horatio. He just stands still. Alex nods to Horatio, a touch grimly. Her ears are still well back, and her tail is fluffed up slightly in irritation.
Horatio glances between his two siblings, and his tail kinks in... something unreadable. He folds his hands behind his back and hopes Carroll gets out soon. Alex notices Horatio's discomfort and smiles, laying a small paw on his arm, "You're right, Horry... we're almost there. I'm sorry... I don't mean to mess up your pleasure in the moment." Dimitri doesn't say a word, a black shadow against the wall.
Horatio shakes his head quietly. "No. It's all right. I know we've a ways to go. And I can't help but think that, since Pravinchandra cannot afford whatsoever to have --" He falls silent for a moment, considering. "Since he cannot afford to see whatever evidence we bring before the Council, that he'll do everything he can to prevent that." He frowns slightly. "We should ask Cleo -- a horrible thought just struck me. What if a mage in Pravinchandra's employ was also on Father's trail, and discerned what had happened? By now... Pravinchandra might know." He leaves his words deliberately vague. If Carroll had not seen it proper to tell the queen, he won't mention it now, even in private, but in the palace.
Alex glances at Carroll closely as he leaves... then grins happily at how he's carrying himself, and patters along cheerfully with him. Dimitri follows. Last. Without a word. Alex smiles at Horatio, "We'll make it work out, Horry. We have to." She glances over her shoulder at Dimitri, then adds to Carroll, "Um... d'you mind if Dimitri 'n' I walk back to the ship?" She adds ruefully, "If... he consents to do so..."
Carroll smiles and tells Alex and Dimitri, "Yes, Alex, feel free. Horatio, can you stay here and make sure I don't forget anything." He looks at Matthew and murrs, "Yes, of course," and discusses with him the things that must happen.
Horatio blinks and nods to Carroll. "Certainly!"
As Carroll and Matthew finish the discussion of what needs to be done, Carroll asks, "Oh, Matthew, do you suppose there would be a way to schedule a few minutes of Baroness Kerensky's time? I just had a few details of security I wished to discuss with her. I'll let her decide if they're worth bothering the Queen with."
The mouse nods. "I'm sure she can. When would be good for you?"
Carroll smiles and murrs, "My schedule is flexible. Whenever she typically has a lull would be fine."
Matthew chuckles. "A lull? For her, they come in half-minute pieces every few hours."
Carroll murrs, "Lunchtime, or shortly thereafter then, tomorrow or the day after?"
Matthew makes a note. "I'll see what I can do."
Carroll arranges a time with Matthew, thanks him for all of his help, tells him to notify him if anything changes or if he can do anything helpful, collects Horatio, and takes their waiting carriage back to the ship.
Horatio remains quiet as Carroll and Matthew confer. He glances over his shoulder past the way Alex and Dimitri went. He knows that the two had been having a rough time of things for one reason or another ever since the journey began. And yet... without them, none of this would be possible... Horatio sighs, and turns his attention back to Carroll. As much as Father's return, as much as whatever evidence they can garner implicating Pravinchandra, as much as the support of Ettore's folk -- Jessie... the name comes unbidden, yet not unwelcome, to his mind -- as much as any of that... the family, St. Genevieve, needs all four siblings. As one. And as hard as that may be. If only...
Alex glances impatiently at Dimitri, pausing a moment, and then starts briskly walking down the hill. Dimitri watches Alex storm off down the road, the tall black fox himself still and quiet. He then lets out a long, long breath, rubbing his muzzle with one paw before he slings his long blade over his shoulder and follows quietly in her wake. His pace is even, his normal easy lope upon the cobbled street.
Alex turns after a short distance to speak to Dimitri... then realizes he's nowhere near. She stops and turns, watching Dimitri reluctantly dawdling towards her with a slowly growing expression of incredulity. While he's ambling up, her gaze drifts past him to her other two brothers. To one side is gentle, inoffensive, brilliant Horatio. He hurts so much when other people are unhappy. He seems to want nothing more than to be allowed to quietly and happily tinker. There, to the other side is clever, gracious, thoughtful Carroll... who always puts the happiness of his siblings before his own, even fighting for their dreams before his own. Alex shakes her head in slow wonder, realizing, he's even willing to take the blame for our blunders. Her raised hackles and tail slowly settle as she watches them both with Matthew. Then her gaze turns once again to Dimitri, still wandering towards her, still determinedly wearing the uniform of the military group that cashiered him. He just can't bear to wear anything that marks him as being closely associated either with us or the Saucy Mare. Slowly, sadly, her ears, her whiskers, and her tail sag in resignation.
With a slow puff of breath Dimitri lets his pace bring him up to Alex, his head tilting as he watches the telltale signs of his sister's expression change. Dimitri's ears flicker, falling back down upon his head, and when he stops it's less than a half a pace away, looking down on his sister, his own expression simple and quiet. He doesn't say much, but his words are quiet and straightforward and truthful. "Would you mind walking together, Alex?"
Alex's gaze is weary as she softly murmurs, "Dimitri... you really have no idea what you've done, do you?" Her voice trails off, no more than a regretful whisper.
Dimitri shrugs his shoulders quietly. "I'm not sure. This time it is hard to tell, Alex." The tall fox continues, soft spoken and earnest. "I know what I have been taught. How a Knight or any soldier behaves with his Queen or superior officer when brought before them to discuss sensitive matters. And in doing so to stand well for you and Carroll and Horatio. That was what I was trying to do. Obviously that does not appear to have been appropriate. And I have to admit it confuses me."
Alex says gently, patiently, "Dimitri... if you were in a confusing situation... why did you refuse to follow anyone's lead?"
Dimitri shrugs quietly, "Because I wasn't sure who to follow, Alex. I spent the whole session trying to follow Carroll's lead, and not speaking of matters I thought we were going to speak of, or to contradict when I thought we might be doing something very wrong. At the end I got no sign from Carroll... and I didn't even know how to start with you. It was a very different sister I saw in there." The big fox shrugs, quiet. "So I tried my best, as I have been taught. If I made the wrong choice, explain it to me... and tell me how to put it back together."
Alex stares up at Dimitri, her expression slowly fading from disbelief to simple tiredness. Finally she shakes her head, then just turns and paces resignedly back to where Matthew, Horatio, and Carroll are standing. She stands at silent, expressionless parade rest and waits until Matthew's departed and the siblings are in the carriage before she does anything more. Her ears and whiskers droop despondently and her tail is tucked miserably under her. Dimitri slowly follows Alex back, standing at the carriage door. He looks in, one paw on the handle, stopping before he steps inside. "Am I welcome in here? I'd like to be."
Alex sighs softly, then says patiently and slowly, "Dimitri... you are our brother and a St. Genevieve. We all love you, even if we don't all agree with you all the time. You have never been unwelcome with us. Any unwelcomeness you've felt I fear you've done to yourself, and I'm terribly sorry that's happened."
Carroll looks out of the carriage and nods, agreeing, "Of course you're welcome, Dimitri." He looks at both of them, and is unable to think of anything to say at the moment.
Dimitri slowly climbs into the carriage, to sit next to Alex. Settling in, he looks between Alex and Carroll, the droop of his ears matching Alex's almost perfectly. He looks to Alex and his muzzle opens, and then he shuts it again. He nods to Carroll and ducks his muzzle. "It appears my training and the strange customs here have caused me to step where I shouldn't have again... and it's been years, Carroll, I don't know how to read your cues at all. That's not your failing, it's mine. If my apology, true and simple, means anything anymore, you have it, freely given." He then reaches forward and places his greatsword in his elder brother's lap.
Carroll looks at Dimitri for a long moment before he hefts the sword -- it takes both hands -- and hands it back across to his brother, murring, "I need you to have this. It's this that is your strength. Don't give that up." He leans out and tells the driver, "Back to the ship, please," and gets the carriage moving.
Dimitri holds up his hand, not accepting the greatsword back. "No, Carroll. It's yours. It's your sword. Hold it for a moment, please..." Then he sits back quietly. "Horatio's our heart, you our wisdom, and Alex our spirit. Me, maybe I'm our strength. I'd like to be. It's a simple way to look at things, but that's all I have. I do not want to belong to anyone but you three; Carroll, Alex, Horatio. And I don't want it any other way. So, Carroll, you own my sword. It means I'll break all I hold dear for you and our family, placing you three above my Countess and my Queen. It's always been like that. Truth, brother. If you wish to give that sword back to me, it will be my honor to accept. To place my life before yours and Alex's and Horatio's. Any penance I'll pay... any penance, Alex. I stepped wrong, let me earn my way back into your heart. Please. I'm serious about that."
Carroll frowns and murrs, "No, Dimitri." He holds the sword out to his brother again and murrs, "This is yours. You are not a commodity or something to be owned and traded. I won't accept that." He stares at his brother, firm and unshakable in this conviction.
Dimitri shrugs softly, burying his face in his paws. "I'm sorry, Carroll. I'm trying to say I'm sorry. And that you, my family are the most important thing to me..." he lets his words fall off in a whisper, eyes closing, ears flat, lost.
Carroll tells the black fox a little more gently, "There was never a question of you standing stalwart for the family; not now, and not ever." He shakes the sword, rattling its scabbard a bit, adding, "This represents the part of you that has been unshakable and true. Don't give it away." He presses the sword on his brother, letting it fall in his lap if need be.
Alex murmurs softly, gently, "Take the sword, Dimitri. If you want to earn respect back... take the sword and show us with your actions that you deserve it back again." She adds with quiet firmness, "Seriously." Dimitri nods quietly, and just wraps his paw about the black scabbard. He looks to Alex and then just nods. An unspoken... promise.
The carriage rattles back to the docks, a companionable silence enveloping the occupants. Healing silence.