| Logs |
2001-05-27
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
The Family Grows
The siblings are still in a bit of shock at the sudden discovery of a half-brother, but their initial conversations are positive, and they decide to see if Sten would work out as an officer on the Saucy Mare. Since he is under contract to the Mercenary's Guild, the first step will be to hire him officially...Carroll suggests returning to the restaurant where he met with Don Carlos, the Dragon's Garden. The food was excellent, and unusual enough that he suspects Alex will be intrigued by it. Sten arrives a little after the others, nervous about meeting prospective employers who... aren't, exactly.
Alex is delighted at the prospect of trying something new! She's already perusing the menu intently, trying to suggest ordering everything to the ever-patient Carroll, when the proprietor arrives and shows them all to a private room, set up with a buffet of interesting foodstuffs and a hot beverage apparently made with steeped leaves. Alex brightens -- a buffet! Now she really can try a little of everything!
Carroll smiles, when Sten arrives, and says, "Good afternoon, Sten. I'm pleased you've come. Let's order a meal and then we will have plenty of time to talk." He easily fends off his sister's enthusiasm.
Alex waves cheerfully at the big canid, "Over here, Sten!"
Carroll carefully warns Alex, "That one is quite bitter. And that one a bit spicy," and tries to remember what else he had last time he was here. He makes sure Alex, Horatio, and Sten all have plenty of food, and even remembers to take a little for himself.
Alex nods interestedly, listening to Carroll and sniff-niffing fascinatedly at all the unusual new smells. She ends up with quite the plateful of food, which she happily sits down with, and promptly shares with her brothers. She will, if Sten lets her, both get him to teach her how to use the little stick-like things, and cheerfully show him when it's fun to sneak a bit of food into someone else's mouth and when to take a quick lick-'n'-a-nip out of someone else's chopsticks as they're about to raise their fingers to their mouth... and when to lick one's fingers as opposed to using the damp towelettes -- even on one's whiskers! It's rather obvious that for Alex, meals are a fun and filling time, sharing with her family.
Sten picks up his chopsticks and cheerfully wields them with slightly-better-than-novice skill. His plate bears evidence of either making assumptions that he'll really like certain items, or that he actually has favorites from this style of cuisine. Alex has an enormous amount of fun learning how to use the chopsticks, although there are occasional pauses to retrieve particularly recalcitrant bits of food that have made a break for it. Nimble fingers don't hurt any, of course...
Sten quite cheerfully attempts to show Alex the proper way to use her chopsticks, despite having only a little more practice than she does. He doesn't seem at all offended or bothered by her antics; his eyes are actually a little wistful at moments as he watches the siblings play, though his upbeat expression never changes. Carroll is considerably more restrained than Alex, although this isn't difficult. He also does seem to genuinely enjoy the meal, when he remembers to eat some of it. Most of his attention is spent watching Sten, and trying to think of questions to ask him. He starts off with, "So, Sten, have you thought about the possibility of working for us for a while?"
Alex looks up interestedly at that question, her whiskers wiggling as she chews, "Mmhmmf! Hmmmf?"
Sten blinks at Carroll and collects his thoughts while swallowing... then says carefully and very politely to Carroll, "Do you have need of a mercenary?" Alex gets a slightly mischievous glint in her eyes as Sten is speaking, and her gaze falls to the tasty piece of cooked meat he has waiting in his chopsticks. She grins, picking up a different tasty bit of food and dunking it in sauce... then waiting quietly, with her best innocently interested look on her face for him to finish speaking. Carroll probably knows that look...
As Sten raises the chopsticks towards his mouth, his gaze still politely on Carroll, Alex's gesture is quick and efficient -- with her fingers she neatly whisks the piece of meat out of Sten's chopsticks and pops it into her own mouth! Her eyes are dancing teasingly, and she's stifling giggles as she chews.
Carroll appears, if anything, mostly relieved to have Alex's mischievous attention directed at someone else for a moment, and merely answers Sten's question, "Considering the number of times we've been attacked lately, and that our father, a member of the Starfall Council and head of the St. Genevieve household, is coming in to town, I can say that we probably do need one, if not more." He casually watches for Sten's reaction.
Sten nods professionally to Carroll, "That's certainly a wise decision, then. I-" and stops, expression quite unprofessionally befuddled, as Alex steals his bite... he blinks again, then a quiet grin spreads across his face. With a relaxed air, he lifts a morsel off Alex' plate with his chopsticks and eats it before turning back to Carroll. "I'd be interested in joining you, yes." Alex giggles delightedly, then neatly and swiftly presents her own chopsticks before Sten, complete with tastily sauce-dipped nibble, when her new brother blinks bemusedly at her! Sten daintily accepts the bite, completely unruffled again, and watches Carroll. Alex grins, looking pleased, and glances inquiringly towards Carroll too.
Alex chews up a nibble casually 'borrowed' from Horatio's plate, then curiously asks Sten, "So... may I ask a somewhat personal question, Sten? How do you want to be known on board ship?"
Sten looks cheerfully at Alex. "I answer well to Sten." He tilts his head at the siblings. "Beyond that... I would think it's more your choice than mine. I'm accustomed to discretion, and will abide by your wishes."
Carroll smiles as he watches this interplay, having seen that befuddled look before, and pleased with Sten's quick recovery. He doesn't let himself become distracted by the thought of how the Queen responded to the same situation, and sips his tea, saying, "I'm pleased to hear that. You come well-recommended by the guild, and I would be more than satisfied with that alone. It seems that you're family, which is very interesting. Do you wish to be part of the family, or merely hired help?"
Alex hms thoughtfully, absent-mindedly licking a chopstick clean. She nods at Carroll's question, "Yeah, I think that's the big question there, really." She tilts her head curiously at Sten, the two gold earrings in her left ear jingling softly as her ears both prick alertly at the big canid.
Sten looks seriously at both siblings. "You barely know me. As one, coming into many... I think that's best decided by your wishes. I'm willing to abide by your feelings on the matter, as I said... either way that you decide." He takes a quiet bite, from his own plate this time so as not to confuse the dynamic... Strict employers, after all, do not feed one off their own plates... and I am not a sibling yet. That might have been a first AND a last, back there with the sibling games. He tries hard to keep the wistfulness safely in his heart, and out of his eyes.
Alex frowns thoughtfully at her plate, considering... then looks up at Carroll a bit uncertainly. Carroll smiles and says, "We have discussed that, Sten. While it's true we do but barely know you, you have been only upright and honest with us, even in the slightly shaky situation in which we met. You have a locket from your mother and father, and your guild confirms this and recommends you highly. When given all of these things, I feel that to turn you away and try and deny that you are part of the family would be a terrible loss, both for you and for us." He sips his tea and adds, "In short, we would be pleased if you wished to make it known that you are related to us, and that you are part of the family."
Alex brightens, looking pleased, and absently swipes another tasty nibble from Sten's plate as she cheerfully adds, "Welcome aboard the Saucy Mare, and into the family!"
Carroll adds, "And I can hardly wait to introduce you to your father." He grins, a wicked fox's grin. Alex giggles at Carroll delightedly as she chews. Carroll continues, "However, I don't want to make that decision for you; if it is something you want, then we are pleased to welcome you. It may be a little sudden and a surprising thought to be a part of an," he glances at Alex, "-energetic and close family, and that is a decision you must make." Alex beams cheerfully and unrepentantly at Carroll, as she swipes a nibble from his plate! Then she giggles and offers him a bite from hers as well. Carroll cheerfully eats the offered bite, letting Sten digest this message, and try and keep up with the family interplay.
Sten sits very still, as emotions shut off for -- seven months, now? -- swell. It's too much, without enough warning... C'mon, Sten, nobody likes a sobbing mercenary... He blinks rapidly and manages to say "I would be honored. I am honored... I don't really know what to say, honestly." He stops before he starts babbling and tries to re-center himself...
Alex blinks at Sten a bit startledly, her chopsticks still in her mouth as she pauses... whoa, she's seen that look before! She hesitates... then puts the chopsticks down, and carefully puts a hand on Sten's arm. Quietly she says, "We're glad you're joining us, Sten... welcome home." Sten recovers himself enough to grin shyly but happily. Alex's words almost undo his control again, but he holds on with tooth and nail -- there's been a lot of practice shutting things off since Mom died, after all.
Carroll smiles and says, "You have said enough, Sten. You are welcome, because of who you are, and because of how you have acted in the past. You bring your own honor to the family, and I hope we can do it justice and that you discover that St. Genevieve is something you can feel proud of." Sten nods mutely at Carroll, eyes full.
Alex tilts her head thoughtfully at Sten... then smiles, a little more sure of herself that he won't mind. She stands up so she can gently hug her new brother, wrapping her arms as far around the big canid as she can reach. Sten stiffens at first, but relaxes quickly into Alex' hug and actually returns it, gently aware of his sister's diminutive size. He shuts his eyes for a long moment, and when they open again they sparkle wetly before he casually reaches up to scratch his ear and brushes them dry on his arm-fur. Alex smiles quietly and just happens to discreetly tuck a hankie into one of his paws... as she's reseating herself. Sten grins softly, touched at the gesture, the promise of teamwork it brings... and a healthy sense of humor at himself. Sobbing mercenaries, he reminds himself.
Carroll smiles, and moves in to give Sten a hug too, probably surprising him and not giving him quite the time to recover he'd like, murmuring, "You're not alone any more, Sten," in his ear, before sitting down. Sten finds himself grateful for both Carroll's hug, and his own newly recovered sense of balance. He promises himself time to react properly later, and just hugs Carroll back (harder than he hugged the smaller Alex) and lets the information about how the siblings work collect in the less emotional part of his mind.
Alex picks up her chopsticks again, looking pleased, "Okay then! So, what's next, Carya? Do we go to the guild's hiring hall first, or go talk to the queen?" She grins sideways at Sten, and he can catch perhaps the slightest flash of a cheerful wink -- and then she's munching on something as she looks inquiringly at her eldest brother? Sten eyes Alex discreetly, wondering... was that a wink? I think I'm going to like having family again...
Carroll answers Alex's question, and says, "Well, I thought while we finish lunch, I'd send a note to the Palace and see if the Queen can see us this afternoon. Then we can go to the merc's guild and cope with that paperwork. After that we can go and see how the Queen's schedule worked out, and when we can see her."
Alex nods briskly, "Excellent. Okay, then, go ahead and write the note!"
Carroll nods and says, "I shall." He makes arrangements to do so. The restaurant is happy to provide a thin rice-paper and brush pen, which Carroll finds rather to his liking, and uses to write a dramatic looking if boring note, which he signs with a flourish and a twinkle in his eye. Once it is dry he arranges a messenger and returns to lunch, oblivious to the fact that Alex has eaten more off of his plate than he has.
Alex eyes Carroll's plate, then tsks and briskly serves him several more servings! Carroll obligingly nibbles at them. He also feeds them to Alex, Horatio, and Sten rather cheerfully. Alex continues her cheerful assault on both lunch and her brothers' plates, chattering happily about how well don Carlos reacted to finding out she was a good fencer, giggling softly over his shock at her inviting him to go have a bath with her, and ruefully noting the don's description of the sorry state of affairs his country's bureaucracy is in.
Sten feels mischievous and tries a morsel-snatch off Carroll's plate and watches for the reaction. Alex giggles! Carroll merely asks, "Do you know what that is called? It's a bit spicy for me, although, good with the rice." He is, apparently, used to and enjoys this game. Alex blinks! -then watches Sten delightedly to see how he reacts to the spicier piece of food he's just put into his mouth!
Sten smiles quietly, heartened. Yes, this may work... "Oh, that's Dragon's -- uh, -Breath beef. I like it."
Alex huhs interestedly... then cheerfully spears a piece to cautiously test it herself. She hmms thoughtfully, gazing off into the distance as she contemplates the flavor... then suddenly blinks! and hastily grabs for her tea! She gulps it down, then blinks her watering eyes again and says a little wheezily, "Whoo! You can have all that one, Sten!"
Sten grins innocently. "Thanks!" He snags another one.
Carroll comments, "Rice works better, Alex," and pushes the bowl towards her, helping himself to another egg roll or two, happily munching on the delicate crunchies. Alex takes a few chopsticks-full of rice, and looks far more relieved a few seconds later, her fluffed tail returning to normal. She grins ruefully at Sten, then laughs and swipes something else less hair-raising from his plate for herself!
Sten says helpfully, "Avoid the green curry, Alex. It's hotter than yellow or red." Alex grins and sticks her tongue out at Sten!
The Guildhall is unchanged when Alex and Carroll arrive, and the guard salutes and passes them in with little delay. Young Kevin is their guide again as they go to the hiring hall. Alex grins and nods politely to folks as they're passed through, watching with interest the small differences in how Sten is treated from how Carroll is. Carroll smiles and follows the young wolf in, making quiet conversation. Once at the hall, and having found the right person to talk to, he explains, "Yes, we have decided to bring Sten on as part of our staff. I feel he will make an excellent addition to our crew."
The young buck in Hiring nods and gets the paperwork for Sten, then sits down and begins filling it out. "All right, sir, we need to know the intended duration of the contract..."
Sten gives his siblings a quiet, questioning look. Carroll says easily, "I would suggest that we begin with a three-month contract, with an option for renewals at the end of it. We can review at the end of that time how we want to handle things." He asks Sten, "Will that be all right with you?"
Sten was about to suggest something similar should they not answer quickly; he nods, then adds verbally, "Yes."
Alex smiles. Carroll looks at the buck and says, "That was easy, then."
The clerk scribbles for a bit, then asks the next question. "Duties?"
Sten grins softly. "Would you like me as a bodyguard, or other? I've done that before, as well as the typical fighter gig..."
Carroll says, "Bodyguard, master of marines, weapons instructor, and defense of the household." He asks Sten, "You don't mind teaching weapons skills do you? I expect we have at least one highly energetic vixen who will learn anything you can show her." Alex grins cheerfully!
The clerk glances up at Sten in some surprise, then shrugs and writes it all down. "All right... local contract, milord, route march, or open?"
Carroll says, "Open, please. We may sail anywhere in the world."
The clerk nods and finishes up the paperwork. "There you are. Take this over to the Bursar's office and you'll be all set."
Carroll says, "Thank you," to the buck, and proceeds to the bursar's office, pausing to read over the paperwork he has been given. Alex peeks over Carroll's arm to peruse it as well, with Horatio... and Sten also if he wants.
The buck winks and whispers to the half-wolf. "Congrats, Sten. Word is these are good folks." Sten grins not TOO hugely back at the clerk, and winks in return. Then he wanders deliberately over to inspect the papers as well. Carroll is happy to let Sten have a look at them, having nothing to hide from him. Sten thinks, Here's a plateful... thank goodness I've instructed before. He grins.
The paperwork details Sten's pay and records data, and gives the data for the proposed assignment and employer. Everything seems to be in order. Alex eventually nods approvingly, "That looks good to me, Carya."
Sten finds himself quietly pleased, and nods accordingly. "I approve. All looks as it was requested."
Carroll nods and says, "To me as well," and hands them off to the bursar. While they're worked on, he smiles pleasantly at Sten and says, "I'm very pleased to be able to do this." Alex stands quietly and properly on Carroll's right... although she's just barely not bouncing delightedly on her toes!
Sten returns Carroll's smile. "My thoughts, too."
The bursar, another retired mercenary who looks, if anything, even tougher than Sergeant-Major Eisenberg, checks a few things and then presents Carroll with the bill. "Three month contract, open, guard, supervisory duties and instructor... seniority... That will be 3000 LD, and the standard repatriation bond of 1000 LD for his rank."
Carroll smiles and says, "Very good." He finishes the transaction out, paying the full amount up front via bank draft.
Sten nods to the St. Genevieve siblings, "I'll just be a moment, meet you back in the entrance hall?" and heads off to find Becky in Records and give her his new assignment, lest his russet pelt be at severe risk for messing up the careful orderliness of her department. Somehow he doubts that forgetting procedure due to over-excitement at finding a long-lost family would be enough of an excuse for Becky.
The old vixen nods as Sten gives her the information, and duly enters it in the records. "Looks like you've really impressed them, Sten. This is the first they've hired anyone senior from the Guild; they mostly have their own people. Do a good job, all right?"
Sten grins at 'their own people,' and nods to Becky, "I'll do my best, ma'am. I wouldn't dare let you down." He gives her a saucy smile. "I'll be so well-behaved they'll decide to adopt me, how's that?"
Becky snorts. "I'm sure. Get along with you, you scamp." Sten gets, grinning.
The sibs lead their new brother/employee back to the Mare and let him stow his gear. Alex will cheerfully make sure Sten's locker is neatly tucked under the bottom bunk in the room they'll be sharing. Once he's settled, she bounces back out to ask Carroll if there's been any news in regards to them going to the palace? A note has arrived from the palace offering an evening meeting, so there is time for going out to upgrade Sten's wardrobe. Carroll smiles, and says, "Let's make sure you're presentable in court, Sten. Have you spent much time in court before?"
Sten says cheerfully, "That, I have not, Carroll. Wouldst thou be my native guide to a reputable clothier?" He sweeps a mischievous bow, grinning. Alex giggles!
Carroll smiles and says, "I'd be pleased to do so." He gathers up the needed entourage of guards and staff for leaving the ship and heads off to the marketplace. En route, he asks the new member of the family some questions to determine how much of court etiquette he knows, and fills him in on many details, making sure he's been told at least the broad swaths of what he needs to know by eventide. He smiles as they enter the tailor's area of the marketplace, not quite rubbing his paws together, and saying, "Now... what will you need?" and giving the big canid a critical eyeing.
Sten says thoughtfully, "What do you advise?"
Alex grins commiseratively at Sten, then stagewhispers, "Hang in there... he doesn't usually go for dresses immediately..."
Sten's eyes sparkle. He leans to mock-whisper to Alex, "Oh, well. I'll be around for awhile!"
Alex laughs aloud! then giggles, "Excellent -- you can have all of mine then!"
Sten tells Alex with a straight face, "But they make me feel so free."
Alex eyes Sten amusedly, then deadpans right back, "My dear -- they're yours. Far be it from me to stand in the way of your freedom!"
Carroll advises several things, including a dark set of formal clothes, a set of clothes which matches the ship's uniform they have decided on, and some semiformal attire, which is all light colors. It takes several shops to find all the components needed for all the outfits, but Carroll is deft and sure in his directions, stopping to have Sten try things on. At the last shop the outfits are complete, and Carroll nods happily, saying, "Not bad at all." Most of it is probably silkier and lacier than Sten would normally wear, but Carroll seems so sure of himself when he chooses it.
Alex just raises her eyebrows a couple of times, and grins cheerfully throughout. Clothing is not her forte! Sten shrugs a tiny bit, and accepts Carroll's choices with the same easygoing good humor he's displayed most of the time. He thanks Carroll sincerely and politely for the artistic assistance, smiling. Carroll smiles and says, "I can lend you some of the family sigils, until we can have some of your own made up."
Sten smiles a little shyly, with almost childlike delight. "Sure! Thank you... this is fun."
Alex grins, and says quietly when Carroll's paying for things, "Hey, Sten? You look really nice."
Sten's ear tips flush. "Thanks, Sis."
Alex giggles, "'S'truth, silly!" She gives Sten a quick, cheerful hug, grabs his paw, and heads out after Carroll with him.
There is a moment for a quick snack and a change into formal clothes before it is time to head to the palace. MacKenzie heads the detail himself again, not sure what to make of the family's newfound member. There is a brief delay when Alex and Carroll show up with a new person, with Ludmilla finally showing up to get the details herself. Alex grins cheerfully at Ludmilla while Carroll explains, with his usual aplomb.
Carroll smiles and says, "Good evening, Baroness Kerensky. It is a pleasure to see you again. It is also a pleasure to be able to introduce you to someone." He gestures to the large red fox-cross and says, "This is Sten Rivard, whom we have just discovered to be our half-brother." To Sten he says, "This is Baroness Ludmilla Kerensky, the Queen's bodyguard and personal adviser. She has been extremely helpful to us."
Sten feels a little odd letting his pendant hang outside his clothes for a change... he pulls himself away from the distraction, and bows politely as he is introduced. "A pleasure, Baroness."
The white tigress looks at Sten, then glances at the others, while Carroll explains. Finally she grudgingly gives permission to bring him in. "But no veapons, understandink?"
Carroll nods and explains to Sten, "It is the Queen's strict policy, Sten, that no weapons are allowed near her person. Alex, Horatio, and I, as well as several others, have explicit permission. Hopefully you won't ever get permission, because it usually involves stopping something unpleasant from happening." He grins and says, "So, shall we go?"
Alex gives her eldest brother a ruefully amused glance, then nods and follows the tigress on in. MacKenzie is used to the drill and takes Sten's gear for safekeeping. Sten nods and becomes obediently weaponless, then proceeds to follow his siblings in. Sten takes a little while to get entirely weaponless. Alex watches Sten shed weaponry with interest... then grins quietly as she follows the mouse and the tigress.
Matthew and Ludmilla lead the way into the maze of the palace down a route which seems a bit familiar to Alex and Carroll -- sure enough, the queen is waiting in the Blue Room again. It seems to be one of her favorites.
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.
The queen is waiting, and smiles -- almost grins? -- at Carroll as they enter. "Good evening, Captain, Sir Alex..." Her voice trails off and she twitches an ear as Sten enters on Alex's heels. "And who is this?"
Alex grins rather proudly, standing at parade rest on Carroll's right so Sten can stand on his left. Sten watches postures and positioning with great but quiet interest. Carroll enters the room behind Ludmilla and Matthew. Once they are announced and enter, Carroll smiles pleasantly and bows to the Queen, and says, "Good evening, your Majesty. It is a pleasure to see you again." He turns and gestures towards Sten, saying, "This is Sten Rivard, your Majesty. We have discovered, much to our pleasure, that he is a hitherto unknown half-brother. We met on the streets, and he comes highly recommended from the mercenary's guild. We are happy to be able to welcome him as part of our family now that we have found him."
Sten fills with a warm, silent pleasure at Carroll's speech. I belong... do I belong? He watches for the Queen's reaction. Carroll does too, hopefully not too obviously. Alex unwittingly but happily flicks her ears, still looking rather pleased.
The queen smiles graciously and nods to Sten. "Indeed? Welcome, then. You have found a very honorable family to be related to. Half-brother on which side?"
Alex beams at the queen's words -- then grins wickedly, "Daddy... we'll be introducing Sten to him when he arrives!" Carroll's grin echoes Alex's mischievous tone of voice. Sten stands straight and quiet, there being as yet no direct request for him to open his mouth in the presence of royalty -- and Alex' tongue is quicker.
Arianna also echoes Alex's mischievous grin. "Oh, dear. I take it he doesn't know? Better not spring that on him right before the talks are scheduled."
Alex covers a giggle! Sten notes the Queen's possession of a sense of humor with well-hidden relief. Carroll chuckles, "I hope we have a day or three to prepare before the talks, in which time we can inform our father of this." He doesn't mention exactly how he plans on doing this, but the grin suggests he has something in mind.
Arianna smiles at Sten again. "You look quite presentable for someone they picked up off the street, Lord Sten. Where have you been keeping yourself all this time?"
Sten bows slightly, neatly, to Arianna. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I've been off on campaigns in other parts of the world, mostly; Mother was a mercenary."
Arianna nods. "And a wolf, unless I am greatly mistaken. There is a family resemblance, though."
Alex smiles quietly. Sten says, "You are not mistaken, Majesty. I'm very curious to see my father."
Arianna nods. "I'm rather anxious to meet him myself. Somehow I missed him the last time he was in Maidstone." She grins at Carroll while she says this, though. It's apparent that there are no hard feelings. Alex grins to herself, remembering the Duchess meeting the Count also. She's not sure, but there might have been a few sparks there. She stifles a giggle, thinking, How many ladies now is this that want to meet Daddy? He's not going to have a leg left to stand on, if he objects to what I'm doing!
Carroll nods and says, "Yes. She was apparently a mercenary, and trained Sten well. He brings his own honor to the family with him from his campaigns. All mirth aside, it will be a pleasure to introduce him to his Father -- for both of them, I am sure." At her words, he says, "That leads me to the reason I felt it important to speak with you, Your Majesty."
The queen's ears twitch forward, then. "Oh? A problem with the visit?"
Carroll explains, "As my note suggested, this is a slightly more formal meeting than we have tended to have lately, as there is an issue which I hope we can bring to a good resolution." He murrs, "The League is sending representatives here to meet and discuss several issues. As you know, our father will be among them. While I will be pleased to see him, and even more pleased to be able to introduce him to yourself and some of the other notable personalities here in Maidstone, I must admit that I am not looking forward to his arrival. You see, I fully expect him to be somewhat disappointed with my handling of the family name and reputation while I have been here. I can't blame him for that feeling, either."
Carroll continues, "Since we have been in Maidstone, our family has been near the center of some relatively turbulent issues. As those issues unfolded, the family has been used, lied to, manipulated, kidnapped, attacked, and had to defend themselves at every turn. I am pleased that we have had your assistance, your Majesty, and that of some of the other noble houses here. Without it we would not have been able to succeed, or perhaps even survive, much less enjoy the time we have spent here nearly as much as we have.
"However, the family's honor has been seriously blotted by this set of actions on Westmark's part, as we have been able to have no response or satisfaction to his abuse of our good name. It appears that we are quite willing to be used as someone's patsy and that it can be done with impunity. This, as you can perhaps imagine, is not the image I wish the arriving Council members, the other noble houses of Maidstone, the government of Costa Yermo, or my father to have of our family. In order to make it clear that this is not something which is acceptable or allowed, we must be able to take some action against House Westmark, preferably against the individuals involved."
Looking at the Queen, Carroll says, "I understand why you have taken the position you have regarding the former Viscount, but it has made it difficult to recover our family's honor. I wanted to come discuss this with you, to see if there was anything which could be done about it, before I resort to other, somewhat more heavy-handed measures to show our justified unhappiness."
Alex' ears tilt back and her expression gets slightly grim. She represses the small urge to snarl quietly at the thought of the arrogant, faithless cougar. I hope the queen isn't upset, thinks Carroll, But this is something I have to do; an issue I must resolve before Father arrives, both to prove to him I can do it and, to a lesser degree, to prove it to myself.
Arianna frowns, listening to Carroll's presentation of grievances. "I did not mean to offend you, Captain. Or your sister. What do you suggest as a remedy?"
Carroll shakes his head and says, "Your Majesty, you have done nothing to offend myself, Alexandra, or the House name. All the offense has been laid upon us by Westmark. Please be assured of that." He takes a breath, and his whiskers twitch once as he makes certain his words are chosen well before he continues, saying, "A public apology from Westmark would have sufficed. However, because of his incarceration, I'm not certain it would be treated as something freely given and serious. A duel, to give us a chance to recover our honor in single combat, certainly would. Other solutions exist, but they are more complex." He adds, "And the current head of Westmark may not be exempt from our unhappiness, if she were involved in all of these things. I hope that is not the case."
Alex glances at Ludmilla and murmurs, "You were going to look into that... did you get any results back, baroness?"
The tigress looks annoyed, and her tail twitches back and forth. "Nothing that we can establish. If she was involved, she hid it well. We've picked up one of her father's contacts, but he was just a courier and doesn't even know who retrieved his messages."
The queen nods. "All we know is that he must have had a senior partner. We have no idea who, and that business at the embassy might have been intended to dispose of loose ends in that respect, if Rivera was in on it."
Alex glances gravely at Carroll, "So... the entire family, or just the former viscount?"
Carroll looks levelly and outwardly calmly at the Queen, while thinking far too many thoughts, I hope she's not upset with these demands, and Wonder if Sten had any idea what he was getting in to, and if he's all right so far? He's handling himself very well. I'm quite pleased, and I hope I'm doing the right thing. His rampaging thoughts are interrupted by his sister's query, to which he answers, "Given that information, I see no reason for it to be anything more than the former viscount. I would be happiest not to have to declare vendetta against one of the great noble families of Maidstone."
Alex nods quietly, "All right. We can wait until we know more, in regards to the daughter. Besides... it wouldn't be right to blame her unless we were sure." Sten stands calmly silent. Is an upcoming assault what they needed me for? Hm.
Arianna looks pained. "I don't see that you have a valid pretext either, Captain. I'd prefer that you don't do that." She nods to Alex. "Exactly. From the viscount's attitudes, I doubt he would have brought his daughter in on his dealings in any event."
Alex nods a little ruefully, then says politely, "Your majesty... if Carroll allows me, I would like to clear the family's honor by dueling the former viscount." She glances inquiringly at Carroll, already pretty sure that she knows the answer. Sten's ears perk reflexively with his sharpened interest. Indeed. Noble families get into a lot of trouble, apparently.
The queen looks at Carroll. "Do you think you can stop her?"
Alex raises an eyebrow at the queen's query. Carroll smiles and says, "Of course I could stop her, your Majesty. She is my First Mate, and will do exactly as she is ordered, despite her personal feelings on the issue." After making that point he adds, "However, I do not wish to stop her. I feel this would be a much less damaging course than any of the other much more visible and less directed forms of reprisal we have available to us, and I hope that none of them are necessary." Alex straightens a bit more (if that's possible), and raises her chin proudly. Sten makes a mental note that his new siblings seem to be maybe just a little bit violent-natured.
Carroll, the fox thinks to himself, you have just threatened a Queen. Not only that, you have just threatened the Queen you're very carefully courting. He waits for her reply, still considering, And... there was nothing to do but to do it. You'd have to live with having let the family take such abuse for your own personal goals. And you couldn't do it, could you?
Arianna looks at Alex. "It's all right with me if you deal with him. We already know everything we can get out of him, I believe. Why should he be willing to fight you, though? He's not as good as you, and he knows it. Why would he want to risk getting killed in a duel when I've promised him that he won't be executed?"
Alex smiles, "Your majesty, our goal is to clear the family name. If he is too much of a coward to duel me, and publicly shows this, then we have won back our family's good name, and he is revealed for the honorless cad that he is." She pauses, then adds curiously, "Now how would he know I'm much better than he? I would have thought he would deny any female smaller than he could be better?"
Arianna grins, and Ludmilla's purring chuckle is a deeper counterpoint to her words. "Now, he's not as stupid as that. He thinks females aren't as clever as males. He knows full well that they are at least as fierce on the battlefield."
Alex nods quietly, but finds herself wondering why the queen's dodged her question. She wonders a second later, a little disturbedly, if the queen's manipulating her again... she frowns, then shakes her head. Carroll's welcome to that level of constant uncertainty. She certainly doesn't like it at all, though.
Carroll says, "It doesn't matter if he does, Your Majesty. As Alex notes, that will serve to clear the family name, at the cost of his own. Considering what he has already done to his own honor, I don't predict any other reaction. That doesn't change the outcome, though." Alex simply folds her arms and stands quietly next to Carroll, slipping on her impassive court face.
The queen considers this for a moment. "And it would be more effective if I announced that he could leave and live in exile elsewhere if he wins. So everyone would know that he has an incentive to fight -- and if he doesn't, then they'll know for sure he's a coward. Would you agree to this, Sir Alex?"
Alex glances at Carroll for his preference as head of the family here. Carroll says, "That would certainly drive home the point, should he refuse. It would satisfy me also if the duel were only to first blood. He need not risk his life for this. We don't want his life; we just want it known that we did not let him use us without reprimand."
Alex nods firmly, then looks back to the queen, "If that is acceptable to your majesty, it is acceptable to us also."
Carroll comments, "Honestly, your Majesty, he's a fool to do anything but refuse. They'll find him and kill him otherwise. We shall see."
Arianna smiles, then. "Very well. First blood, and if he wins he is free to go into exile. But... don't let me down, Alex. I'd rather see him stay in the dungeons."
Alex smiles, although her eyes are icy, "Your majesty... I shall not let down my family either." She pauses, then adds calmly, "If he were to receive a facial scar that allowed him to wear his dishonor publicly... would healers feel compelled to attempt to correct that?"
Ludmilla shrugs. "Only if asked to. If is truly honorable scar, and not disfigurink, they vould not."
Alex frowns, obviously already planning carefully, hm, this may take some effort... Arianna smiles at her bodyguard. "Dishonorable, Milla. They won't if I ask them not to."
Alex looks pleased, "Exce-! -er, how nice, your majesty." Then she glances at Carroll, "Will you be my second, Carya, please?"
Carroll smiles and looks somewhat relieved. He says, "I am sorry to have to bring this issue to your attention, your Majesty, and appreciate your assistance and generous offer of the incentive to encourage him to actually fight. This is a distasteful situation, which I will be all too glad to have resolved." He looks at Alex, and says, "I would be pleased to do so."
Alex smiles quietly, looking a bit relieved... she knows no one better to make sure everything goes properly, and her back is covered. "Thank you." Sten makes no sound, but sighs inwardly a little. Well, you didn't really expect a place in this, did you, Rivard? You're not really a St. Genevieve yet. It touches them far more personally than you -- as Arianna said, they found you on the street.
Arianna smiles. "It solves a problem for me as well. Duels are much more approved of by the nobility than trials. Someday we need to change that..."
Alex raises an eyebrow, but doesn't reply. Carroll smiles and says, "I hope not, your Majesty. They are so much more satisfying. And we could end up like Hamasura. Nice people, but I find their government baffling." Alex nods amusedly in agreement with Carroll.
The next morning, Don Carlos drops by for what is becoming a regular practice session. The former caballero is still a bit rusty, but is getting better under Alex's tutelage. He waves as he comes up on deck. "And how are you thees morning, my dear Alex?"
Alex looks a little startled at the sudden endearment, but politely smiles and waves back, "Quite well, thank you. I was hoping you could make it today... I need to practice lots for the next few days! By the way, have you met Sten yet?"
Carroll comes out on deck and greets the Don politely and correctly, and then says, "Yes, you must meet Sten!"
Sten is going through his own neat exercises a safe distance away, but notices the Don's arrival and pauses upon hearing his own name. He drifts over. Carlos bows politely as the half-wolf wanders over. Alex smiles, "Sten Rivard, this is..." She takes a breath, then carefully and slowly enunciates, "Don Carlos Chavez e Altimara, Conde de Punta del Fuego, and the Costa Yermo ambassador to Maidstone." She looks rather pleased with herself once it's all out, then glances surreptitiously at the coyote to see if he winced at all. Doesn't look like it -- excellent!
Sten bows courteously to the Don. "Ambassador. Will you be joining our practice this morning?"
Alex takes another breath, still looking pleased, and continues, "Don Carlos, this is Sten Rivard, our half brother."
The coyote nods politely at the introduction. "Lord Sten. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. You have only just arrived een Maidstone?"
Sten nods amiably to the coyote. "Pleased as well. And that's right, I arrived here a few days ago. Friendly place."
Carroll smiles and says, "A friendly place indeed! We met Sten while he was in the midst of being robbed. One of the things they took from him, which was recovered, was his pendant, his mother's, and the only thing he has from his father. A pendant in the form our the St. Genevieve family crest, and engraved as being from our father." He chuckles, and adds, "I think father will be quite surprised once he arrives here."
Alex grins cheerfully (if also mischievously) at that imminent prospect. Sten grins quietly at Carroll and Alex. Carlos stiffens for a brief moment, then shakes his head, his voice not quite concealing his astonishment. "Your father does not know?"
Alex smiles calmly, "Not yet! He will though. He's the Council representative for the meeting the League is holding here soon." She gives the don a curious glance, wondering why he's astonished.
Carroll murrs, "We don't believe so. He never once mentioned his affair to us, and he left before the child was known. Sten has made his own way through the world, and made a respectable place for himself in the mercenary's guild. I am pleased to be able to bring him back in to his family. I only wish it had happened before his mother had passed away." Alex nods thoughtfully. Sten stands quiet, face calmly impassive. Alex glances to see if anyone else is going to say anything... if not, she's got fighter practice to do!
The coyote's expression is controlled now, but he is obviously confused by something. The internal struggle lasts for a few seconds, then with an almost visible effort he thrusts it aside and smiles at Alex. "Shall we begin, then?"
Alex brightens, "Certainly!" She gives the don another curious glance, but politely decides to ask later, not now.
Carroll smiles and says, "Don't let me interrupt," moving back out of the way to watch.
Alex is brushing up on a new sword technique that Bryn taught her years ago... if the don and Sten are willing, she wants to practice it with them. She'll ask Sten to critique her method, and practice with the don first. Once she's done that a bit she'll swap them off and work with Sten while the don critiques. Sten moves to the best spot from which to observe the exchange with a careful eye.
Alex salutes the don, then falls into stance, her face serious and focused. When the don attacks she parries easily, then frowns and does a complicated wriggle of her practice sword. She looks a bit surprised, then elated, when the don's weapon goes flying! "Whoa, it worked!" She beams and bounces cheerfully over to get the don's sword, then returns it to him with a bow.
Carlos is rather surprised. "Eet certainly deed. Thees ees sometheeng new?"
Alex grins, "Well, Bryn taught it to me ages ago, and I've not practiced it in a while... I thought it best to brush up, y'know?" She smiles as she returns the don's practice weapon. Then she nods and does the slight bow from the hips, then falls into stance again. Unfortunately she's not as good as she hopes... the next passage of arms is inconclusive. In the third she defends successfully and touches the don, but cannot quite pull off the technique she's practicing.
However, by the time the fourth passage of arms occurs Alex is warmed up -- and performs it perfectly. She looks pleased again! -then rather relieved. She'd wondered if that first time had been a fluke! She adds cheerfully, "Bryn taught it to me with a dagger, but I figured it could be used with a rapier as well!" as she glances inquiringly at Sten for his input?
Sten nods approvingly to Alex, "An excellent move, and appropriate for your purpose to come. Very nice adaptation from dagger, Alex." Alex beams! He thinks for a moment... then adds, "Try loosening up your wrist slightly just before the strike, so you don't foreshadow your intent."
Alex nods, her face getting serious again, and goes back to working with the don. This time Carlos is concentrating hard on holding his grip, enough so that Alex is able to poke him instead on one of their passes. After that he guards against the standard sorts of techniques and Alex manages to disarm him again. He snorts in a little bit of disgust at himself and retrieves his weapon again. "What deed you mean that thees was an auspeecious time for practeece, Sir Alex?"
Alex takes the pause as a chance to catch her breath as she replies, "Oh... 'cause Carroll's my second for a duel in a few days, that's all." She automatically drops into stance again as the don straightens with his sword.
Carlos nods, then does a double-take. "You are going to be een a duel, milady? But..." He stops, realizing that his objection is going to be rather silly considering that she's bested him in every practice they've had so far. "Against whom?"
Carroll stands on the deck, casually flicking daggers in to the wall of the cabins, apparently aiming for a knothole, and doing a reasonable job of it. When the Don seems a bit surprised he smiles cheerfully at him. Alex smiles, but replies politely, "The former viscount Westmark, senyor."
The coyote nods, then, his ears back. "Bueno. May I weesh you a worthy vengeance on heem, then?"
Sten eyes the non-martial interchange between the Don and 'dear Alex' with carefully unobtrusive curiosity. Alex's smile stays on her face but fades from her eyes, which get rather cold as she considers the upcoming duel, "I shall have one, regardless of his wishes on the matter... for St. Genevieve." She takes a slow breath, then nods politely to the don, "So... that's why I'm brushing up on all the techniques Bryn's taught me over the years."
Carlos nods. "I theenk thees Breen was a very good warrior, milady."
Alex grins, "Er... sort of, I guess?" She chuckles, "She was Daddy's batman. When he was in the Navy." She adds with polite formality, "Shall we continue, senyor?"
The ferret sticks her head out of the crew quarters upon hearing her name. "Steward, me girl. Batman is what they call it in the Marines." She slouches out into the sunlight, wearing a pair of breeches and nothing else. "Is this your new boyfriend, Alex?"
Alex says, "Heya, Bryn!" She laughs, then introduces everyone, "Bryn, this is Don Carlos, and you be nice or you'll embarrass him!" She turns and gestures, her grin widening, "And this is Sten Rivard, our half brother." It's too late for Carlos, as the ferret's state of dress -- or lack thereof -- has already made his ears turn pink. Bryn ignores him and Alex, to stare at Sten. Alex pauses, then says puzzledly, "New? I've had others?" She thinks a moment, then stares indignantly at Bryn, "Someone was interested in me -- and you didn't TELL ME?!" Alex's tail is unwittingly fluffed up in righteous indignation. Carroll doesn't laugh, not while Alex is still armed.
Sten takes in the ferret responsible for teaching Alex tricks, and grins. His grin widens at Alex' outburst. He bows elegantly to Bryn and winks. "Delighted. You just missed Alex showing how nicely she converted a dagger disarm you taught her to rapier."
Carroll manages to clear his face and turns back to the cabin wall, collecting his daggers, before meandering over to the controversial ferret and saying, "Hello, Bryn."
Alex hmfs, shaking her tail out with dignity, "You're just teasing again, Bryn... I don't believe you!"
The ferret nods to Sten. "She always listened when I taught her tricks like that. She's never paid much attention when I tried to give her lessons on males. You... caramba... you would have to be the wolf's son. Aye?"
Alex yelps indignantly, "I did so!" She pauses, thinking, then honesty compels her to add, "Er... well, how to stop them, mostly..." She hmfs again, straightening back up from combing down her tail with her fingers, "But I learned that quite well, thank you very much!"
Sten tilts his head at Bryn with deeper interest. "You knew my mother Joiselle?"
Bryn snaps her fingers. "Joiselle, that was it. I never even knew she was pregnant. Did Timothy know?"
Carroll remains quiet while this revelation goes on, letting Bryn talk. Interrupting Bryn is foolish, he knows that by now. Sten says wryly, "Apparently not -- if so, Mom didn't tell me and he didn't tell his kids. I came as a surprise to the Terrible Trio when they ran into me on the streets." He adds, "And they were a complete surprise to me."
Alex rolls her eyes in amusement when she realizes Bryn's focused on poor Sten, and just goes to get a drink of water. She'll be nice and offer the poor shaken don some too. Carlos takes the offered water, grateful for the distraction. He's been carefully trying to look anywhere but at the ferret. Alex smiles and whispers to the don, "Maybe it would help if you imagined her fur was a shirt?" She looks up and grins at Sten's referring to herself and two of her brothers as the 'Terrible Trio,' then looks back at the don curiously, whispering again, "So what were you so puzzled about earlier, when we introduced Sten?"
Carlos looks uncomfortable at Alex's question. "Eet was just a surprise to me... that you would so happily accept a bastard as an equal family member."
Alex's head swivels around and she stares in shock at the coyote. She almost forgets to lower her voice, "Excuse me?!"
The coyote sighs. "I should have realized that eet would not matter to you of the League, for the same reasons that you do not care about species. Everyone ees accepted for what they are, not how they were born."
Alex looks a little puzzled, but just nods, "Well... of course-! ...er, no, wait, I understand now." She sighs softly, then shakes her head slightly, "That's... so weird to me... how people react in Costa Yermo." She pauses, realizing how that must sound, and politely adds, "Excuse me, I didn't mean that to be rude."
Carlos nods. "Eet ees not, any more than I was rude, and probably less. Eet ees just a deeference, and I fear eet ees not a compareeson to our advantage, si?"
Alex nods quietly and pats one of his paws lightly, "It's... well, it's different. Um... let's not talk about this with the others though, please?"
Carroll relaxes a little, and seems relieved that Bryn and Sten are getting along, as evidenced by the nickname. He asks the ferret, "So, Bryn, you knew Joiselle? Are there likely to be any other surprises lurking about?" Alex snorts amusedly at that last question!
Bryn snorts. "He didn't tell me either, if he knew. I don't see how he could have unless she sent him a letter. It was a fairly brief but intense affair. Special circumstances, Carroll. He rarely strayed, but that was just after you were born and your mother had been sick for a while... he was worried, and far from home. And he helped her escape from the Empire. They parted when we reached St. Avery." Alex's ears prick up suddenly at that... then she looks faintly relieved. Sten listens rather hungrily. Any news of his mother from this point has to come from the past... and here is a source!
Carroll nods and says, "Interesting indeed." He notices Sten's eager look, and says, "Maybe you can give us all the details later, Bryn? We'd like to hear the story."
Bryn smiles. "Sure thing, if'n you're buying the ale, Cap'n!"
Carroll smiles and says, "Sure, Bryn, sure." He looks up at Sten and says, "When we're off-shift we'll go out and have a drink with Bryn, mm?"
Sten grins cheerfully at Bryn and Carroll, "Damn skippy we will. When Carroll goes under the table, I'll keep buying... I want to hear it all."
Carroll gives Sten an odd look and says, "You expect me to go under the table? Now, I'm hurt, Sten. Why would you assume a thing like that?"
Sten smiles at Carroll, "I'm not doubting your tolerance. I'm just betting that neither of us is going to be able to match such a well-traveled lady as this... and I'm bigger than you, so I have a fighting chance of being second to go."
Bryn chuckles. "Sounds like the best offer I've had all week." She scratches under her breeches, then walks over to the rail. "But for now, I need to take a quick swim. Coming, Don Carlos?" She grins wickedly and starts to strip off the rest of her clothing. The coyote blushes again and resolutely stares off the other side of the ship. Unfortunately, this tempts the ferret into sneaking up behind him to try pinching his tail before diving off the side.
Alex rolls her eyes in amusement at her oldest two brothers getting ready to start drinking games... then gives Bryn a smile as she comes slinking over, "Be nice, Brynnie. He's trying hard."
Carroll laughs cheerfully! and says, "That, Sten, is probably true. Neither of us is likely to keep up with Bryn."
Alex will casually step in the way if Bryn insists. Bryn pouts, but doesn't follow through on her original plan. She turns back to the harbor side of the ship and vaults up on top of the rail. "Sure you don't want to take a peek, Don Carlos?" She dives in then.
Alex grins and shakes her head, then murmurs quietly, "She's overboard now, don Carlos."
Carlos shakes his head. "She's almost as bad as that crazy duchess."
Alex laughs! "Oh, definitely worse, I assure you!" She smiles affectionately towards the far side of the ship, adding, "And as loyal as the day is long. She's nice."
A voice comes up from the water just below Alex... Bryn apparently dove in and swam under the ship. "I'm loyal, right enough, girl, but nice is not one of me many talents."
Alex leans on the railing and laughs, "Okay, I won't tell anyone -- your nasty reputation is safe with me!"