Nils Alvstad funeral

["Jason Howson" <howsonjay@mediaone.net>]

Dining Hall -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)

 

        Despite folding screens depicting typically Alvst oceanic motifs, the Dining Room is stylistically modern and Galach. A massive oak table is set in the center of the room, running far enough to easily seat thirty people; a smaller table on a slightly raised dais crosses it at its far end, creating a 'T'. Each of the massive oak chairs that accompany a place setting is thickly padded with velveteen cushions; while all marks of luxury, those seats behind the crossed table appear particularly large.

 

        The walls of the room are filled with dark-polished wooden cabinets showcasing delicately painted bone china inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Neither chandelier nor glow-globe is present here; instead, a handful of candelabras set along the tables at regular intervals provide a low, intimate light at all times. Aside from the main entrance, twin doors lead off at either side of the far end of the room, presumably to the kitchens and serving room.

 

Players:
 Martin                                             Elsa
 Ophelia                                            Dirk
 Pers                                               Pavel
 Bjork                                              Lena
Exits:
 Oak Doors <E> leads to Hall of Viscounts -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)

 

The doors to the Dining Hall open three times in succession to let in Pers, Mintor, and Dirk in turn. The Viscount appears a bit on edge this evening, and but boasts of no obvious crack in his Alvst facade. I suppose we'll just have to wait for the Alvsmead to settle in for that one.

 

Bjork is stood on the edge of a pool of light, giving instructions to a black-clothed servant. Several guests and the Lady Androgoras stand near her, waiting for their refreshments.

 

Pavel walks beside Bjork, smiling and taking in the architecture all the while. He turns slightly to view the new arrivals, then turns his attention back to the lady.

 

Mintor walks up slowly and somberly to Pers.. he bows deeply.. "I offer our most humble condolances on behalf of House Atreides, M'Lord."

 

Pers just looked at you.

 

Scaurus is led in on the arm of Lena, who disappears momentarily to speak with other guests. As the doors open, the Treasurer begins to turn slowly, watching with an impassive expression as the trio enters. Pers is given a slight dip of the head, and the Treasurer's gloved hands rest behind his back, waiting for the Viscount to finish with the Lord Atreides before speaking to him.

 

Pers turns to face the former na-Duke. "Lord Atreides," he says in somber greeting, his voice pitched low. "Many thanks, and I am pleased to see that you were able to attend the wake. Was your journey pleasant?"

 

Mintor nods.."Yes, M'Lord.. It's quite reminisent of Caladan during the winter time actually.."

 

Dirk walks from the Hall of Viscounts. His attire, a matted black, marks the mournful occasion for which he has come to attend. The death of the old Viscount. Having a pronounced stride but with a quality of sufficient gloom seen by the slow pace and the bending at the knees, Dirk makes his way to the outskirts of the room.

 

Pers offers Mintor a quiet nod. "I've yet to visit the Atreides fief, m'Lord. Perhaps I shall have some time in the future to do so. Won't you excuse me..." The Viscount offers the man a brief bow before pressing further into the room, his gaze veiled as though he were discretely trying to stare down every last person in the room, one by one. "Lady Andragoras, Noble Cousin," he says in greeting to Lena and Bjork before turning to offer bows to Scaurus and Pavel. "Welcome to Alvsgaard, gentlemen."

 

Mintor finds a quiet place to stand, taking in the sites of the great palace..

 

Bjork nods firmly to the servant, who quickly departs into the shadows beyond the main tables. Lady Bjork clasps her hands, and offers the Imperial Justiciar a slight smile. "They will be just one moment, your Excellency." she says to Pavel quietly. She looks at the Alvstad Viscount for a long moment as he passes, her expression unchanging before she bows approriately.

 

"Lord Viscount," Scaurus intones in his bass, plain tone, "A pleasure. It is a pity the visit cannot be in better circumstances. The old Viscount was a businessman worthy of mention in these modern days." His voice is its usual cold tone, though there seems to be truth in his words. One businessman to another, so to speak.

 

Dirk just looked at you.

 

Lena returns from her wanderings in time to curtsey to the Viscount. She slightly grins at the Lady Illset and awaits the refreshments with quite a thirst.

 

Pers bows his head to accept the Treasurer's praise. "Indeed, Lord Scaurus. His presence shall no doubt be missed within the Halls of CHOAM, as in other places."

 

Pavel nods in appreciation to Bjork, "Splendid, my dear. Splendid." With a measured bow, he greets the Viscount Alvstad. He keeps quietly to himself, allowing Scaurus to make his condolences first.

 

It is difficult to see into the gloom beyond the tables, even more so to track the black-clothed servants. Several such step out of the darkness carrying silver trays etched with the Alvstad Heraldry. They move through the guests, offering Alvsgaard delicacies: Fried tortoise tail, skewered Kal-octopuss, several black shell fish with sharp spines which look very difficult to eat, and the height of Alvsgaard cuisine.. Capricinefish-gut sausage.

 

Scaurus offers his arm again to the Lady Andragoras, while speaking to Pers, "He had acumen worthy of the Alvstad, and the Combine Honnete." The Treasurer looks over to Pavel for a moment then, apparantly finished.

 

Pers passes on the sausage for now, but moves with a surprising rapacity to sample some of the fried tortoise tail, this being the peak season for tortoises, turtles, and seaslugs.

 

Pavel nods to Scaurus then says to the Viscount, "Deepest condolences from myself as well, my Lord. I knew Nils when I was but a magistrate. A good man, to be sure."

 

Lena's eye glint with life as the table is filled with food, but she waits for the guests to have the first taste. She first pours herself a glass of vodka to accompany the drinks she had prior to their guests arrival.

 

Pers accepts Pavel's condolences in between bites of tortoise tail. "His political insights were quite prominent during his term on the Landsraad High Council, Lord Justicar. I regret that I did not know him in that capacity until quite late in my own career."

 

Bjork just looked at you.

 

Mintor quietly takes a drink, watching the goings-on..

 

Scaurus glances over at the table filled with food, and hrms, before gesturing for a servant, and taking a glass of vodka. He then stares at some of the curious looking creatures on the table, and, seeing Pers has gone for the tortoise tail, does the same, hiding some amount of disgust he might have for the meal rather well. When in Rome...

 

Dirk walks over to Mintor after disappearing from the scene for a whole two minutes with a glass of Alvsmead in his hands. A pint of the stuff. Obviously, it was against regulation to have more than one glass at a time per individual (to reduce the risk of overdose and to keep the funeral going smoothly). Dirk wanted a little more. So after a brief 'chat' with the funeral supervisor, he got what he wanted, the pint. He nods to Mintor. "Good evening, Lord Atreides. I hope your voyage was a comfortable one." He takes a large swig of the alvsmead pint.

 

Mintor nods.."Why yes, Master Nathanielsman.. As I was mentioning to the Viscount, the ferry ride reminding me much of my sailing days on Caladan."

 

Lena pours herself another glass of vodka and moves among the guests. Seeing what the Master Nathanielsman holds in his hand she squints her eyes intensely and makes her way in that direction.

 

Pavel smiles as he reaches for a vodka as well. As he starts sipping it, he grimaces ever so slightly, not quite used to Alvst vodka. He smiles broadly at Bjork and leans over to ask her a question quietly.

 

Scaurus sips the vodka, then allows a large cough, choking somewhat on its strength. He frowns, brushing his jet black hair back and tapping the glass, which has suddenly become ornamental in his hand, rather than something to drink. He purses his lips and looks to the outside of the Palatz, idly listening to any conversation around him.

 

Dirk smiles, "I've always had much interest in seeing your world, Lord Atreides. It sounds beautiful. As a Mariner, you see, I have a certain fascination with the sea. I used to sail, but now I find myself drifting more and more towards agriculture."

 

Mintor nods.."Yes, well, it's better to branch into different fields..To keep your interests fresh.."

 

Lena interrupts the conversation and bows to the Lord Atreides. "M'lord. It's nice to see you again. Thank you for coming and paying your respects to our dear Viscount." She grins as she overhears the Mariner Guildsman. More like drifting to the Alvstmead early.

 

Pers clears his throat. "I believe," he announces carefully, "That we should begin making our way to the Leap. The wake proceedings will no doubt begin shortly." He indicates the exit with one hand, quickly making short work of his appetizer with the other. "The Alvstadpalatz Ferry will provide neccessary transit."

 

Bjork also seems to obtain a small glass of vodka, though while Pavel speaks to her, she guides him to the edge of the pool of light. Discretely opening a small silver vial that hangs from her wrist, she empties the contents into her glass. She sips silently, watching the Lords approach the Alvstad Viscount, while listening to Pavel.

 

Ophelia walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Oak Doors.
Ophelia has arrived.

 

Elsa walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Oak Doors.
Elsa has arrived.

 

Martin walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Oak Doors.
Martin has arrived.

 

Caro walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Oak Doors.
Caro has arrived.

 

Dirk bows to the Lady Andragoras as she enters their conversation.

 

Mintor bows to Lena.."Yes, It is nice to see you again, M'Lady Andragoras.. My only regret is that it is not under better circumstances."

 

Small clusters of people are ringed about the Dining Hall; appetizers and light drinks are being served. The mood is somber, and conversation takes place under hushed and low tones.

 

Scaurus returns the vodka glass, still half-full, to the table at the Viscount's announcement. He looks to the side, and, noticing Pavel has departed, blinks in a hint of confusion. He begins to make his way to the door in any case, giving the Siridar-Countess a modest dip of the head as he passes her.

 

Lena nods in agreement. "How do things fair in your House M'lord? I haven't been able to call in quite a while."

 

Mintor nods as he heads for the door.."Quite well. My sister is running things nicely, and everything is quiet.. I couldn't ask for more at the moment.. And you?"

 

Following a small group of people all having arrived on the same ferry, apparently, the young Sister Elsa walks in silently, dressed, how appropriate, in her black sleeveless aba, and looking about to find familiar faces, or just taking in the room.

 

The Contessa Moritani enters, appropriately somber, and, appropriately late. Just as she steps through the doors and gets a drink in her hand, she sees that people are moving towards the doors and sighs inaudibly. Stepping to the side, she stands up on her toes and cranes her neck to see over the crowd, apparently looking for someone.

 

"Quite the same M'lord. Do stop by our Embassy when you are in the area. We would be pleased to offer you and your House our hospitality."

 

Scaurus is the first to depart on his way to the ferry, giving the Countessa Moritani an incline of his head as he walks out the door, valet in tow.

 

Scaurus walks to the east and passes through the Oak Doors.
Scaurus has left.

 

Mintor nods.. "most certainly.."

 

Mintor places his glass down and heads for the door..

 

You walk through the Oak Doors.

 

Hall of Viscounts -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)

 

        The Hall of Viscounts serves as a Foyer and main hallway for the Alvstadpalatz, stretching five stories upwards to a narrow, black spire; an ancient stone stairway winds itself about the chamber in a clockwise spiral, but two small Ixian lifts at either side of the chamber also provide access to the upper levels.

 

        All along the walls of the chamber, fine paper-thin tapestries of silk hang like gossamer bits of waves. The ground floor, as its name would suggest, serves as an Art Gallery filled with portraits of the former Viscounts of House Alvstad, each in its own well-lit exhibition along the floor like an abstract maze. Although many a Siridar opted for the traditional watercolor print, several chose more contemporary styles. Screens have been pulled away to bring special attention to the ego-likeness of Nils IV on this occasion.

 

        A handful of doorways lead on to various small chambers off to the sides of the Hall of Viscounts, but its intended destination is clearly visible at its far end: a magnificent trefoil arch, several meters high and wide enough to accomodate perhaps fifteen men abreast, leads on to the Audience Chamber.

 

Exits:
 Oak Doors <W> leads to Dining Hall -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
 Trefoil Arch <N> leads to Audience Chamber -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
 Stone Stairway <U> leads to Dansteater -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
 Bluestone Doors <S> leads to Palatzplats -- Archipelago One (Alvsgaard)

 

You walk through the Bluestone Doors.

 

Palatzplats -- Archipelago One (Alvsgaard)

 

        Verticality: a thing never quite so enforced on Alvsgaard as it is here, in the plaza situated before the Palace of Blue Stone, hereditary home of the Viscounts of House Alvstad. Stretching multiple stories above the square is a sheer and straight vertical wall of blue stone topped by three black-roofed spires, each flying a seperate flag.

 

        A thin causeway leads from the front docks to a tiny composite-rock wall of roughly two meters height surrounding the square. Within it, tiled footpaths cross marble statues, glinting pools, and delicate gardens to lead up to the opening gates of the heavy stone fortress. Uniformed guards wielding massive harpoons and battle axes are arranged in dizzying chevrons and files; though stoic and imposing, they take the time to hear out locals, as this is the first of many barriers which petitioners before the Viscount must cross.

 

Players:
 Scaurus                                          
Objects:
 Call Bell                                        
Exits:
 Bluestone Doors <N> leads to Hall of Viscounts -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
(OOC) Scaurus says, "Assume I'm not here. ;)"
(OOC) Scaurus is idling.

 

Bjork walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Bluestone Doors.
Bjork has arrived.

 

Pavel walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Bluestone Doors.
Pavel has arrived.

 

Lena walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Bluestone Doors.
Lena has arrived.

 

Dirk walks in from Hall of Viscounts through the Bluestone Doors.
Dirk has arrived.

 

Bjork approaches the call bell and rings it once. The bell tolls loudly, alerting any and all ferries in the area that a passenger is waiting.

 

Alvstadpalatz Ferry appears on the southern horizon and sails slowly into shore, sidling up to the dock.
The ferryman hops off the deck and onto the dock. He ties the ferry fast to a post and glances about in search of passengers.

 

You step off the dock and onto the ferry.
Alvstadpalatz Ferry

 

        The inside of the ferry boasts several long benches beneath a low plasteel ceiling. Reinforced windows look out over the ocean, although they are more frequently than not fogged up. The other passengers are a polite group who keep to themselves, taking advantage of the journey to sleep briefly or catch up on business. The ferryman, a short little fellow wearing thickly woven clothes beneath a bright yellow slicker, grins happily at the boarding passengers in the hopes of a tip from a confused off-worlder. Nonetheless, he knows what will earn him his reliable pay, and quickly moves to launch the ship towards the required destination.

 

Lena steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

Dirk steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

The ferry casts off, pulls away from the pier, and proceeds to sail away at a quick clip; the island from which you departed gets gradually smaller and smaller until it is a mere dot on the horizon.

 

The ferryman turns to face his passengers, and asks, "Soo, whar yinz folk wan' go to-dee?" He points to a laminated map of the nearby archipelagos.
<For a list of valid destinations: dest/codes>
=========================================================================
-----------------------------Alvsgaard Areas-----------------------------

 

  1: Archipelago One
        Palatzplats                     Alvstadpalatz

 

  C5: Archipelago C5
        Gustafsplats                    St. Gunnar's Cathedral
        Bureau of Husbandry             Militaarbas Island
        HES Kraken

 

  23: Archipelago 23
        Halbergen Shipping Yards        Guild Spaceport
        Varldsmarknadsplats             Rubikssen Hotel
        Elvissen's Fiskrestaurang

 

  520: Archipelago 520
        Fiskmarknadsplats               The Salted Rat Tavern
        Fryvaktaar Island               St. Herbert's Leap

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
To select a destination: dest <destination code>
=========================================================================
The ferryman says, "Aye," and steers the boat toward the east.

 

There is a slight sense of acceleration as the boat gradually gains speed.

 

Time passes.

 

More time passes.

 

A flock of birds flies overhead, creating a messy and embarrasing situation for Mintor.

 

Finally, the ferryman glances up, and, in a tired voice, calls out, "Land." Through the haze, you can barely make out an island-like shape.

 

As the island enlarges to life-size, the ferry sidles up to the only pier and docks.

 

Lena steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Dirk steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

You step off the ferry and onto the dock.
Fiskmarknadsplats -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        The wide, bowl-shaped Fiskmarknadsplats is always packed. One doesn't walk here; one struggles through or is carried along by the currents of the shifting, noisy crowd. Somewhere in the eye of this storm of activity is the economic center of the Vorus Fishworks. At the nucleus of the Plats rises the local clock tower. Splayed around the tower in a haphazard fashion are a variety of merchants selling wares of all sorts. Traders comb through the market stalls, rummaging for bargains, scorsing for gossip, chatting up the hussies, and discussing politics with the local bean-grinders.

 

        Around the periphery of the square lie many of the more permanent establishments: including the Merkantchle Hotel to the west where the members of the Polymerchantile and Vorus Fishworks live in relative comfort. Flanking the hotel are several small eateries of dubious quality and the inveterate Salted Rat: a decrepit, decommissioned fishing vessel moored off the southern pier, which does duty as a tavern and brothel. Outposts of shabby hovels and meager tents skirt the edge of the commercial center doing their best to keep out the uncompromising winds that ravage the island.

 

Players:
 Dirk                                               Lena
Objects:
 Alvstadpalatz Ferry                                Call Bell
Exits:
 Stone Bridge <NE> leads to Fryvaktaar Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Wooden Plank <S> leads to The Salted Rat Tavern -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

You walk along the Stone Bridge.

 

Fryvaktaar Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        Placed far away from the hustle of the Fiskmarknadsplats, Fryvaktaar Island is now as close to an abandoned island as one is likely to find on Alvsgaard. It's small size makes it good only for two manors, and one of these stands empty. A brick-lined path, grown over with hardy plants flourishing in the salt-heavy air, winds its way from promontory to beachhead, pausing along the way at the remains of the lighthouse of Archipelago 520. The coasts here are untouched by the industrial market, leaving only the pristine elegance of Alvsgaard's dark sand strewn with the occasional piece of washed up seaweed. On occasion, the somber chatter of seabirds interrupts the gentle rush of the tides and the distant call of business.

 

Exits:
 Stone Bridge <E> leads to St. Herbert's Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Spiral Staircase <U> leads to Lighthouse -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Stone Bridge <SW> leads to Fiskmarknadsplats -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

You walk along the Stone Bridge.

 

St. Herbert's Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        Reddish rocks, jagged-edged, rough, and reminiscent of blood, dominate the bluffs below the leap. The ocean crashes upon the rocks continually and chaotically, causing a constant, reverberating din. The sea floor drops dramatically a few hundred feet from shore, causing the beaches of the island to be brief, short, and turbulent. A small harbor is broken by a long wharf which stretches far out into the ocean, with mooring points all along it. The small fishing village of the island is quite close to shore; only a thin strip of the beach is zoned for residence, the rest of the island having been set aside as a park. A long, narrow stone footbridge leads to the nearest island, which is still so distant that only the old lighthouse can be seen through the mist. A single bright light, mounted high above, warns ships that they may be sailing to their doom.

 

Players:
 Dirk                                               Pavel
 Ophelia                                            Elsa
 Martin                                             Bjork
 Pers                                             
Exits:
 Rocky Path <U> leads to St. Herbert's Leap -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Stone Bridge <W> leads to Fryvaktaar Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

Lena walks in from Fryvaktaar Island along the Stone Bridge.
Lena has arrived.

 

Pers pauses in the blustery wind to stare out across the ocean for a few minutes, something absorbing his attention raptly. When the pause becomes just long enough to warrant a few glances, he turns back to face the others. "The path to St. Herbert's Leap..." he says, indicating the rather precarious pathway up the face of the mountain. "Do be cautious." With that, the aging Viscount begins the climb.

 

Pers walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Pers has left.

 

Bjork walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Bjork has left.

 

Pavel walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Pavel has left.

 

Ophelia pulls her cloak tighter about herself, and moves on to follow the Viscount.
Ophelia walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Ophelia has left.

 

Martin walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Martin has left.

 

Elsa carefully treads the rocky path.
Elsa walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Elsa has left.

 

Dirk walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Dirk has left.

 

Lena walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Lena has left.

 

You walk along the Rocky Path.

 

St. Herbert's Leap -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        At the very top of St. Herbert's Leap, religious proscriptions or superstitions keep lips tightly sealed; nonetheless, the peak is an assault on the ears. Sharp, forceful drafts bellow mourningly as they wind about the Leap's spire, yet even they cannot silence the crash of the waves.

 

        The rocky outcropping that forms the Leap itself is a dark, dark blue; no plantlife grows here on its bald surface, and the sand of the beaches below has been replaced with an irregular, slippery gravel that makes the ascent difficult and dangerous. It extends outwards over the waves precariously, revealing the jagged rocks below its extension. However, as St. Herbert discovered, an object hurled from the stony heights smoothly skips over the bluffs and lands serenely in the deep and brooding ocean beyond.

 

Players:
 Lena                                               Dirk
 Elsa                                               Martin
 Ophelia                                            Pavel
 Bjork                                              Pers
Objects:
 Pyreship of Nils IV                              
Exits:
 Rocky Path <D> leads to St. Herbert's Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

Somber servants hand you a chilled flask of some icy-thick slurry of a beverage: the famed Alvsmead. They raise their own flasks in the peculiar Alvst toast, both hands gripped about their cup as they bow their heads. Clearly, they do not intend to let you pass easily without first partaking of the drink.

 

Lena takes a cup into her hands solemnly and raises it to her mouth. She drinks it slowly, grimacing at its intensity and hands the cup back to the servant. She takes hold of her skirts and moves to join her Viscount.

 

The sun has almost entirely set, leaving the sky a swirled pattern of abandoned colors and the omnipresent mist seen everywhere on Alvsgaard, resembling the foggy and distracted mind of an elderly gentleman. Torches have been lit and speared into the ground, casting a flickering amber light about the leap. Far below, the waves crash onto the beachhead and the great Pyreship of Nils IV can be seen bobbing up and down on the water like a child's toy.

 

Bjork takes a glass of Alvsmead, doesn't follow Pers approach to the point of the leap. She clasps her drink in two hands, and watches the Viscount unwaveringly, her expression stoic.

 

Elsa seems cold and underdressed for this cold wind, but manages not to show it. Her cheeks blossom somewhat and she fervently hoped the mead to be warm, but alas. She takes a swig, holding her flask with both hands, and her eyes go from to the pyre to the Viscount, and back.

 

Martin takes a mead from a servant, nodding to him. He looks momentarily to his Countess as tunks his overcoat about him to ward off the steel wind. He drinks back the mead, not reacting to its taste.

 

Mintor nods politely as he takes a cup of mead from the servant and makes his way over to Elsa.."Good evening, Sister.."

 

Already quite chilled, the Contessa Moritani silently accepts her turn of the tradition, giving the beverage a wary, 'this better not be crab juice' glance before taking a healthy draught of it. No sense being a light-heart about such things. Though the wind snatches unmercifully at her hair, gown, and cloak, Ophelia tightens her grip on the front edges of the warm garment and proceeds determinedly, and daringly, in Pers' footsteps.

 

Pavel follows Bjork's lead, drinking a rather generous portion of the drink. His cheeks blush at the brew, a smile creeping across his face as he returns a nearly empty flask to the servants. With an appreciating nod to Bjork, he moves forward.

 

Already the Leap is becoming crowded...not only with the outfreyn noblemen, but with a large host of commoners, all swaddled appropriately against the blustering night's cold. They remain near the back, the torchlight revealing their somber faces in flickers and brief spells.

 

The drink feels first cold against your lips and tongue, then increasingly warm as you swallow it. It tastes faintly of chilled berries, but for all the world like plain ice. Slowly, the warm sensation increases into a steady but pleasing burning, spreading outwards from gut to extremity and leaving the unprepared slightly disoriented.

 

Caro walks in from St. Herbert's Island along the Rocky Path.
Caro has arrived.

 

Elsa, her eyes now mere slits due to the cold wind, inclines her head at the Atreides Lord. "My Lord." she says, her attention going back to the flask in her hand, and she smiles faintly. Not very cold, after all.

 

Pers turns back to face the crowd, and after several strong sips of Alvsmead, his expression appears...disturbing. Gone is the placid mask of age and dignity, replaced instead with an almost sneer-like smile, white teeth bared where his lips lift. Despite this, however, his eyes convey grief, and grief alone. Perhaps it is only the wind, but there is a bit of moisture collecting in their corners. He waits silently in the torchlight for the entire group to collect, the wind singing past his ears. He turns to the Countess near him, raising his flask in a toast to her before taking another large drought of the Alvsmead.

 

Caro drinks from her flask tenatively before moving to stand beside Elsa.

 

Bjork drinks, and drinks again of her flask. Her hands tremble slightly, but don't lose their grip. The cold wind brushes her ebony hair into her eyes.

 

Martin turns when he can finally see Lady Caroline in the torchlight. He walks over to stand beside her and Lady Elsa, nodding to them. He looks at the mead in his hand before taking another drink of it.

 

Dirk downs his pint totally.

 

Lena looks up at the Viscount sadly. Her brow creases uncharacteristically and her face is melancholy. The strong wind sends her curls in motion behind her, like the soft and hypnotic motion of the sea.

 

Pavel leans over to Bjork, asking quietly if he can get another of those. "Your assessment was quite correct, my dear."

 

Caro is followed by a guard of sorts, but he seems to be filling the duty of package carrier at the moment. He carries something wrapped in velvet, almost six feet long. Caro, on the other hand, is enjoying this Alvsmead very much and takes another sip.

 

Ophelia unclenches her jaw slowly, finding at last some measure of warmth in this chilly place -- the Alvsmead certainly meets with her approval, and she mirrors the Viscount's salute with her own. She drinks deeply from her flask, taking a long, careful pull of the warming beverage. Her eyes travel the circle of torches, watching other faces, noting the expressions and identities where possible.

 

Elsa inclines her head in greeting to the Moritani ambassador and hides a smile by taking another swig of mead, before turning to Mintor. "How are you tonight, My Lord?" she asks, her attentions devided between him and the figure of the Viscount there.

 

Dirks glass is empty.
He needs more Alvsmead or else.
The suspense rumbles.

 

Mintor stands, keeping warm, use to such harsh weather.."Quite well, and you? I was hoping that the Lady Sisay would be joining you.. I've yet to have spoken with her alone since my return.."

 

Bjork nods at Pavel over her shoulder, without turning. Her gaze doesn't move from the peak, and the Viscount, as a servant appears and refills the glasses.

 

Apparently with little or no signal, the Viscount begins to speak. His voice is at first a hushed, throaty whisper that grows slowly into a more solid tone. "We who have known Nils in life," he says, pausing to breathe deeply. Is the Viscount wracked with a sob? "We who have known him in friendship, in camaraderie, in lust and in hate, in jealousy and care, we have all assembled to know him in death."

 

He pauses, perhaps overcome by emotion. Finally he breaks the ensuing silence with a bellowing laugh, the tears distinct now on his cheeks. He bares more of his teeth in a giant's grin, the grin of a man who has perhaps gone quite mad. "Who can know death?" he asks, his voice raised to a hoarse, almost pained shout. If Padh'Aom monks ever felt rapture, surely this is what they would sound like. "Who knew him in life? Speak!" It is a command, and felt as such as his bark is carried from ear to ear by the whistling wind. "Speak!" He laughs once more, and is matched by guffaws and chuckles from those commoners who have already begun quite earnestly into their drinks.

 

Elsa gestures with her hand in a horizontal movement briefly, before glancing at the Atreides Lord again. "Please, My Lord. Later. Now is Nils' time." and she takes another swig. "She is well, but this is not for her."Leaving it in the middle if she meant the ceremony, or the mead.

 

Bjork steps forward, her hands clenching the glass almost to breaking point. At first her voice is lost on the wind, and then cracks "I've known hi.." she shouts, getting her breath "I've known him share my Mother's bed which my father spurned! I have hated and loved him for it!"

 

Pavel takes the drink, downing another large portion and watching the proceedings quietly. The Justiciar seems quite reserved tonight... unusual.

 

There is a mixed reaction from the crowd. A loud cackle sounds, followed by an occasional cry at the injustice of the situation at hand. For his part, Pers's grin only increases.

 

Bjork drops her glass, one hand covering her tear covered face, the other the small silver vial she carries. She steps back, almost on top of the Justiciar, losing her balance.

 

Ophelia remains within her coccoon of silence, her head listing to the side slowly, against the wind that pushes at her. The flask is clutched tightly in her hand, and her eyes drop to the ground.

 

Pers raises his own cry. "I knew him to be a commander, a leader amongst men. But when the Thurgod axe fell, he hesitated...and failed us. The fall of House Garamond weighs upon my shoulders, and in turn upon his!" Pers's voice is angry beyond belief, as if he might with his rage transmute the past and prevent the horrible massacre of Nuarmondi.

 

Caro blinks a few times against the wind and cold and emotions rising unbidden. She takes another sip of the mead to wash it all down again.

 

Martin He watches her Ladyship cry, sighing, before turning to Pers. His eyes gets a distant look as he remembers a Garamond. He steps foward and away from the Ginaz Ladies. His eyes still has a distant look as he remembers. "I knew Lord Nils. Everytime we met, he was a teacher. In one way or another, he would impart his wisdom to me. He would wisely advise me on matters that would help all of our Houses. " He says loudly over the wind.

 

Lena hugs her arms trying to warm herself in the cold wind. She arches her brow in interest at the Lady's Illset's statement and chuckles to herself. She clears her throat and says something. "I knew him. I had met him before the stroke, but surely some of his more colorful moments were afterwards." She shakes her head and laughs remembering when he would talk to inanimate objects and pideons. "He was a man like any other, human with shortcomings yet, he was a leader and took responsibility for his House." She takes a moment to add. "His son didn't live up to his standards of leadership."

 

From the center of the rumbling crowd comes a mighty scream. A low bellow with the intensity of a raven, and the width and breadth of a mountain. Even the sea trembles at it. And then the crowd parts and emerging from it, a man, a giant of a man possessing blue-in-blue eyes, the sign of spice addiction and a gnarled, a grizzly face and an afro rivaling Dirk's own.

 

"Aye!" That man says. He bows to Pers and coughs, speaking with a heavily accented Avst: "I knew ze ole' Viscount. I vas his jester, Hunjin Nathanielsman. The man liked te' laugh, tha's fer sure. He was a man, and lik' a man, he was imperfect. He vas a good man. And I respected him greatly as a man." He gulps, for that which he is about to say was treason: "I respect him as a man, but his political actions towards his people were not te' be respected. He ignored his people. Tha's iz all I'd lik' te' say about his lif'." The old Jester moves back into the crowd.

 

Angry rumblings of confirmation are the crowd's response to Lena. An occasional curse is uttered, sometimes an elaborate one, against the Alvstad family as a whole or members in specific. They are quickly pushed aside, however, as the famed Hunjin Nathanielsman vents his anguish.

 

Elsa takes another swig and decides to step forward, not glancing at any of the others. "I knew him not. Yet I know his history and the history of his son. I say he should have had more children." She then steps back and takes another slug, only then glancing sideways. The mead is warming her, definately.

 

A strong arm from the crowd claps Elsa on the back affirmingly, muttered undercurrents seconding that statement. 'Trust the Bene Gesserit for their wisdom,' some say. 'A daughter would have saved his soul,' others whisper.

 

Someone in the crowd hands the Old Jester another glass of Alvstmead. His night has just started.

 

Ophelia lifts her flask to her lips once more, perhaps inspired by something the wind carried to her. As the rumblings of the crowd subside again, quietly, she says in a low, throaty voice, "Neither did I know him. But perhaps, through others, I have come to know something of the man... of his successes, of his mistakes. May they be lessons to us all." She pauses, tilting her head to the side as she looks to the Viscount. "Truly... greatness... it is a transitory experience."

 

A voice in the crowd yells, "That Jans was like a daughter. Never taking it like a man, never producing an heir and fancying himself the Ladies man even though he was just a gimp."

 

More shouts are heard from the lesser members of the crowd...after an indterminate number of them, Pers raises his arm in an abrupt silencing gesture. He turns his back to the mass of people, facing out over the ocean and staring down at the Pyreship in the ensuing quiet. Far below, the forms of men can be made out along the side of the ship, preparing her for her journey. "Let us arrive one by one, then, to part ways with the deceased," he says, roaring to be heard without turning his head.

 

From within the folds of his cloak, Pers withdraws a large vial of dirt and a what looks to be a woman's blouse. "Earth from Nuarmondi, long lost by your judgement," he calls, letting the wind rip the vial from his hands, crashing to the ship below. "And a remembrance of my wife, who died but hours after your own. Meet them well!" The blouse, too, is whipped up from Pers's grasp and hurled to the pyreship. The Viscount looks back to the crowd and steps aside. "Approach and deliver your regards!"

 

Ophelia's insight brings a cry or two from the crowd...fatalism is part of everyday life on Alvsgaard, but to know that one's heroes are bound by the same laws as you are...that is too bitter a medicine.

 

A handful of servants, dressed in gay colors to stand out well amongst the crowd, begin passing from person to person with more Alvsmead. Their attentions are actively sought out by some, avoided by others, and entirely unnoticed by yet others.

 

Bjork still holds her glove to her face. She has moved away from Pavel, and the large crowd, her shoulders still shuddering at the release of tension and guilt. She approaches the edge of the peak, and stares down at the bobbing ship. She unclasps the emerald broach that lies on her breast, and raises it in one hand. "Thi..." she shouts, over the roaring wind and rising rhythm of the waves "This you gave to my mother, and her to me. It is the love you gave to her, and her to me." She pauses, getting her breath "I have hated you, and my father both, but with this gift I return the love you gave us all." The broach whips through the air, cluttering onto the deck.

 

Caro holds out her flask for a refill and bites her lip to keep from giggling for no reason at all.

 

Elsa looks sideways at Caroline and seems slightly amused by her giggling. Less amused however is she by the crowd who knocked her flask out of her hand and out of sight, and so, she makes sure she receives a new one.

 

Not quite sure how to follow that one up Lena steps toward the pyre ship and pulls out from her purse an ancient compass. "Goodbye Nils. The man who gave me a chance to serve House Alvstad when I was very young. May this compass guide your journey in the afterlife." She hurls it in and steps back and wipes a tear from her eye.

 

Ophelia steps up after waiting a long pause, being yet hesitant to throw herself fully into the ritual as she reaches in within her cloak for something secreted inside. The something is a single long-stemmed rose, the deep red trademarked within her own rose garden. Its petals are only lightly bruised, having been protected within the cloak from the worst of the cold. She peers down to the ship below, holding her arm straight out before her. Slowly, her fingers relax and the rose slips away, the wind snatching it to bear it downwards in a rush. Her lips move, but hardly any sound comes forth. But the statement is simple: "For the meetings we will never have..."

 

Lena looks on as the Lady Illset is led away and wishes to join her but lets the servants take care of her and take her back to the estate.

 

Martin steps up to the edge and looks down at the ship. He bows his neck to the ship and to the ocean. He reaches with his overcoat and pulls out a book. His voice is low almost unaudiable over the wind. "My Lord, Thank you for your guidance. I hope this help you on your journey ahead." He tosses it down. Once away from him, A Orange Catholic Bible can be seen falling onto the ship. He mutters lowly before turning.

 

Martin mutters to himself, "... Lord. I... make it through... months... your..."

 

Caro moves to the precipice followed by her guard and trades with him, the flask in her hand for the bundle in his. Unwrapping it carefully, she can hardly drag the man-sized sword to the edge. What words she says are caught by the wind, and ultimately the guard is the one who throws the weapon over to the ship below. She turns to face the crowd again, her cheeks flush with color and takes back the flask from the guard and returns to her place beside Elsa.

 

Mintor walks up to the leap as he pulls out a heavy shield from his cloak. It's rather ornate, and has the emblems of both House Alvstad and House Atreides. "May this shield, in conjunction with the Ginaz Sword keep Lord Nils from any harm he may encounter in the afterlife.." With that he tosses the shield onto the ship and returns to his spot..

 

Lena continues to have more mead while she watches the pyre ship fill with objects of significance. Her usually lovely face broods as her gaze strays to the sea that will embrace the remains of Nils.

 

Elsa walks over to the edge after handing her flask to the first hand that will take it behind her in the crowd. She produces a titanium ring. Knowing that no-one would be able to see, she speaks up. "I give you a ring. On this ring are two circles interlocked, equal but opposed. Consciousness and Unconsciousness. Wisdom and Folly. Evil and Good. You choose. Stay balanced." With that, she tosses the ring onto the ship and steps back, before turning and walking back.

 

Pers's face turns to watch each of the approaching Lords and Ladies in turn, still smiling in his odd, rather frightful way. Half-smiles from the Viscount seem quite welcome, suddenly. The torchlight casts long shadows on his person, but the sash about his chest stands out with its silver threads encircling the triple-fish insignia of the House. With Nils's passing, he is the only Alvstad....and this fact he seems to bear with humor and dread both.

 

Martin returns to original place beside Lady Caroline. He looks to her for a moment before looking to those gathered.

 

The Alvsgaardi night wears on, man after man, woman after woman, all tossing gift upon gift to the pyreship. When the long stream is at last complete, a great mound can be perceived on the deck of the vessel below. With a quiet nod, Pers activates his body shield. It flares alive into the night, blocky form creating a new source of light on the cold Leap.

 

Ophelia swallows suddenly, her gaze cast this way and that around her quickly. Proper ladies on Grumman don't wear shields, and the Siridara-Contessa is no exception. She takes a step forward, bringing her behind Pers, and another whose face she cannot see.

 

Lena follows the Viscount's lead and reaches down and activates her shield. The shield bends the light and distorts her shape. What tears may be streaking down her face aren't seen. She tries to stand still and not lose her balance as the mead and vodka take their toll on her.

 

Martin reaches under his overcoat. While his hand is not seen, it can be seen that the shield is activated when the energy shell evelopes his body. His eyes look to his Countess before contorted by the Energy field.

 

Pers perhaps catches a slight faltering from Lena's direction and turns to offer her a grin, confronted face to face with a shieldless Contessa. He offers her a wolfish grin and says something to her, but the distoration effect of the Holtzmann generator prevents others from hearing it.

 

Pers mutters to Ophelia, "... best... for... Subatomic fusion... anyone's..."

 

Mintor reaches down to his belt, activating his shield, leery of the lasguns..

 

Caro activates her shield and looks around wondering what's going to happen.

 

Elsa doesn't activate her shield, if she has one. She steps a bit closer to the shieldless crowd instead.

 

Martin deactivates his shield and moves to his Countess's side. He detaches it from his belt and presses it into her hands. He then heads into the back and away from the group.

 

A handful of House troops begin to march forward along the outcropping, taking up an echelon formation. The cause for the shield activation is clearly visible now: each carries one of the field-model lasguns, not terribly powerful from afar but unquestionably deadly at point-blank range. The faces of the men and women bearing the lasguns are flushed, indicating that they too have partaken of the Alvsmead...one would hope this does not affect their judgement *too* much.

 

Magnus walks in from St. Herbert's Island along the Rocky Path.
Magnus has arrived.

 

Below, the great sail of the pyreship is unfurled and its form surges forward, anchorline severed. The forms of smaller ships along its port and starboard hull can be seen, guiding her out to deeper waters. When a sufficient distance is reached, the tug-ships cut their lines and turn back, returning to the shore. The wind fills the pyreship's sails and it surges forward across the waves...

 

...and the lasguns power up. A hideous whine fills the air as the officers take site and then, at a nod from Pers, pull their triggers. Arcs of red light streak out, illuminating ocean and sky in a sickly glow, striking the pyreship and leading it to burst into flames. Three controlled shots are fired from each of the seven guns, totalling to twenty-one charges. The ship, too far gone on the seas to return towards land, moves further out as its hull begins to buckle under the furious hunger of fire.

 

Ophelia fumbles with the unit beneath her cloak, one eye warily on the advancing troops. With a small sigh, she flips the correct switch, and the satisfying, reassuring hum of a shield wraps itself around her. Just in time, at that.

 

Lena adjusts her feet on the rocky terrain and utters a sad inaudible sighs under the sound of the lasguns.

 

Pers disengages his shield as the lasguns are powered down. "It is done," he says with a thick sigh, his shoulders drooping as if from enormous weight. He turns back to the crowd, the manic grin gone from his face but the tears still there. "Lords and Ladies, fellow Alvst. The Aged Father, Nils IV, son of Gottfrid and father of Jans, Viscount of Alvstad and King of the Dead...has fallen. Long live the Viscount."

 

Magnus looks around, keeping silent for now, as he appears, among the people at the Leap, slowly watching the happenings.

 

Lena deactivates her shield and cries in the direction of the pyreship. "The Viscount is dead. Long live the Viscount." She looks around for another glass of mead.

 

Ophelia flips the switch of her borrowed shield, the hum leaving her ears instantly. She lifts her flask to her lips, no long clutching at her cloak so tightly about her, and tips her head back as she drains the last of her Alvsmead.

 

Servants begin to light additional torches, carrying them down the winding path back to St. Herbert's Island. For the poor, it is time to return home and drink whatever more Alvsmead they can gather. For the rich...it is time to return to the Alvstadpalatz, and to attend the dance. Nothing like death to make life all the more worth living.

 

Mintor powers down his shields, all the while wondering how much time is left for him.. or even his... brother...

 

Caro turns off her shield and raises her flask in toast, joining the general cries of Long Live the Viscount, and drinking more of the mead.

 

Magnus joins the cries too, glancing around all the time.

 

Martin raises and drains empty his pint, standing in the back and away from the edge. He sighs innerly to himself.

 

Elsa silently watches the burning ship drifting about, her sail ablaze and falling. She nods slowly to herself, as if to approve the ritual now that she has seen it at work. She smiles and takes another swig of her mead and glances at the Viscount, offering him a nod in respect.

 

Dirk cries too!

 

Hunjin finds Dirk and, bawling loudly, collapses onto his shoulders. Bouffant mingles with bouffant as father and son share their grief.

 

Ophelia steps away from her vantage spot a pace, looking around for her vanished Ambassador, his shield-unit in one hand, and her empty flask in another. The wind claws across the crowd once more, snatching her cloak upen and sending it whipping back away from her. She doesn't seem to mind it for a change, though, the Alvsmead giving her a shield of its own against the bitter air.

 

Mintor begins to walk down the hill, humming to himself.. sounds faintly like 'Mo Ghile Mear'...

 

Dirk sobs, "Father! Where have you been all these years? How did you recognize me?"

 

Hunjin, too caught up with emotion...or perhaps too far gone on Alvsmead...can only sob further as he clutches Dirk.

 

Pers walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Pers has left.

 

Lena walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Lena has left.

 

Dirk grabs his father and moves off towards the ferry.
Dirk walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Dirk has left.

 

Caro walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Caro has left.

 

Ophelia walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Ophelia has left.

 

Magnus walks to the  and moves along the Rocky Path.
Magnus has left.

 

You walk along the Rocky Path.

 

St. Herbert's Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        Reddish rocks, jagged-edged, rough, and reminiscent of blood, dominate the bluffs below the leap. The ocean crashes upon the rocks continually and chaotically, causing a constant, reverberating din. The sea floor drops dramatically a few hundred feet from shore, causing the beaches of the island to be brief, short, and turbulent. A small harbor is broken by a long wharf which stretches far out into the ocean, with mooring points all along it. The small fishing village of the island is quite close to shore; only a thin strip of the beach is zoned for residence, the rest of the island having been set aside as a park. A long, narrow stone footbridge leads to the nearest island, which is still so distant that only the old lighthouse can be seen through the mist. A single bright light, mounted high above, warns ships that they may be sailing to their doom.

 

Players:
 Magnus                                             Lena
Exits:
 Rocky Path <U> leads to St. Herbert's Leap -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Stone Bridge <W> leads to Fryvaktaar Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

Magnus walks to the west and moves along the Stone Bridge.
Magnus has left.

 

Martin walks in from St. Herbert's Leap along the Rocky Path.
Martin has arrived.

 

Martin walks to the west and moves along the Stone Bridge.
Martin has left.

 

Elsa walks in from St. Herbert's Leap along the Rocky Path.
Elsa has arrived.

 

Lena walks to the west and moves along the Stone Bridge.
Lena has left.

 

You walk along the Stone Bridge.

 

Fryvaktaar Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        Placed far away from the hustle of the Fiskmarknadsplats, Fryvaktaar Island is now as close to an abandoned island as one is likely to find on Alvsgaard. It's small size makes it good only for two manors, and one of these stands empty. A brick-lined path, grown over with hardy plants flourishing in the salt-heavy air, winds its way from promontory to beachhead, pausing along the way at the remains of the lighthouse of Archipelago 520. The coasts here are untouched by the industrial market, leaving only the pristine elegance of Alvsgaard's dark sand strewn with the occasional piece of washed up seaweed. On occasion, the somber chatter of seabirds interrupts the gentle rush of the tides and the distant call of business.

 

Players:
 Lena                                             
Exits:
 Stone Bridge <E> leads to St. Herbert's Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Spiral Staircase <U> leads to Lighthouse -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Stone Bridge <SW> leads to Fiskmarknadsplats -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

Elsa walks in from St. Herbert's Island along the Stone Bridge.
Elsa has arrived.

 

You walk along the Stone Bridge.

 

Fiskmarknadsplats -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

        The wide, bowl-shaped Fiskmarknadsplats is always packed. One doesn't walk here; one struggles through or is carried along by the currents of the shifting, noisy crowd. Somewhere in the eye of this storm of activity is the economic center of the Vorus Fishworks. At the nucleus of the Plats rises the local clock tower. Splayed around the tower in a haphazard fashion are a variety of merchants selling wares of all sorts. Traders comb through the market stalls, rummaging for bargains, scorsing for gossip, chatting up the hussies, and discussing politics with the local bean-grinders.

 

        Around the periphery of the square lie many of the more permanent establishments: including the Merkantchle Hotel to the west where the members of the Polymerchantile and Vorus Fishworks live in relative comfort. Flanking the hotel are several small eateries of dubious quality and the inveterate Salted Rat: a decrepit, decommissioned fishing vessel moored off the southern pier, which does duty as a tavern and brothel. Outposts of shabby hovels and meager tents skirt the edge of the commercial center doing their best to keep out the uncompromising winds that ravage the island.

 

Players:
 Martin                                             Caro
 Magnus                                             Dirk
 Ophelia                                            Pers
Objects:
 Call Bell                                        
Exits:
 Stone Bridge <NE> leads to Fryvaktaar Island -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)
 Wooden Plank <S> leads to The Salted Rat Tavern -- Archipelago 520 (Alvsgaard)

 

Elsa walks in from Fryvaktaar Island along the Stone Bridge.
Elsa has arrived.

 

Lena walks in from Fryvaktaar Island along the Stone Bridge.
Lena has arrived.

 

Pers approaches the call bell and rings it once. The bell tolls loudly, alerting any and all ferries in the area that a passenger is waiting.

 

Alvstadpalatz Ferry appears on the western horizon and sails slowly into shore, sidling up to the dock.
The ferryman hops off the deck and onto the dock. He ties the ferry fast to a post and glances about in search of passengers.

 

Pers has left.
Pers steps off the pier and onto the deck of the ferry.

 

Lena has left.
Lena steps off the pier and onto the deck of the ferry.

 

Elsa has left.
Elsa steps off the pier and onto the deck of the ferry.

 

The ferryman unties his boat and follows Elsa onto the deck. "Last call," he shouts. "Last call for passengers!"
Alvstadpalatz Ferry drifts away from the dock. She sails slowly toward the horizon, getting smaller and smaller until she disappears.

 

Mintor approaches the call bell and rings it once. The bell tolls loudly, alerting any and all ferries in the area that a passenger is waiting.

 

Alvstadpalatz Ferry appears on the western horizon and sails slowly into shore, sidling up to the dock.
The ferryman hops out onto the pier and ties the boat fast. As he waits for his current passengers to depart, he keeps an eye out for new ones.

 

Ophelia has left.
Ophelia steps off the pier and onto the deck of the ferry.

 

You step off the dock and onto the ferry.
Alvstadpalatz Ferry

 

        The inside of the ferry boasts several long benches beneath a low plasteel ceiling. Reinforced windows look out over the ocean, although they are more frequently than not fogged up. The other passengers are a polite group who keep to themselves, taking advantage of the journey to sleep briefly or catch up on business. The ferryman, a short little fellow wearing thickly woven clothes beneath a bright yellow slicker, grins happily at the boarding passengers in the hopes of a tip from a confused off-worlder. Nonetheless, he knows what will earn him his reliable pay, and quickly moves to launch the ship towards the required destination.

 

Contents:
Ophelia
Elsa
Lena
Pers
Caro steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

Martin steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

Dirk steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

Pers steps off the ferry and onto the dock.
Pers steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

Magnus steps off the dock and onto the ferry.

 

Elsa steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Lena steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Pers steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

The ferry casts off, pulls away from the pier, and proceeds to sail away at a quick clip; the island from which you departed gets gradually smaller and smaller until it is a mere dot on the horizon.
The ferryman turns to face his passengers, and asks, "Soo, whar yinz folk wan' go to-dee?" He points to a laminated map of the nearby archipelagos.
<For a list of valid destinations: dest/codes>
The ferryman says, "Aye," and steers the boat toward the north.

 

The ferry casts off, pulls away from the pier, and proceeds to sail away at a quick clip; the island from which you departed gets gradually smaller and smaller until it is a mere dot on the horizon.
There is a slight sense of acceleration as the boat gradually gains speed.
The ferryman turns to face his passengers, and asks, "Soo, whar yinz folk wan' go to-dee?" He points to a laminated map of the nearby archipelagos.
<For a list of valid destinations: dest/codes>

 

Time passes.
More time passes.
A medium-sized wave causes the boat to rock slowly back and forth, breaking the tedious monotony.

 

Finally, the ferryman glances up, and, in an awed voice, calls out, "Land." Through the mist, the imposing shape of the Alvstadpalatz grows larger and larger as you approach it.

 

As the island grows to its true enormous size, the ferry sidles up to a pier and docks.
Caro steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Magnus steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Ophelia steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Martin steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Dirk steps off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

You step off the ferry and onto the dock.

 

Palatzplats -- Archipelago One (Alvsgaard)

 

        Verticality: a thing never quite so enforced on Alvsgaard as it is here, in the plaza situated before the Palace of Blue Stone, hereditary home of the Viscounts of House Alvstad. Stretching multiple stories above the square is a sheer and straight vertical wall of blue stone topped by three black-roofed spires, each flying a seperate flag.

 

        A thin causeway leads from the front docks to a tiny composite-rock wall of roughly two meters height surrounding the square. Within it, tiled footpaths cross marble statues, glinting pools, and delicate gardens to lead up to the opening gates of the heavy stone fortress. Uniformed guards wielding massive harpoons and battle axes are arranged in dizzying chevrons and files; though stoic and imposing, they take the time to hear out locals, as this is the first of many barriers which petitioners before the Viscount must cross.

 

Players:
 Dirk                                               Magnus
Objects:
 Alvstadpalatz Ferry                                Call Bell
Exits:
 Bluestone Doors <N> leads to Hall of Viscounts -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
Alvstadpalatz Ferry drifts away from the dock. She sails slowly toward the horizon, getting smaller and smaller until she disappears.

 

Dirk walks to the north and passes through the Bluestone Doors.
Dirk has left.

 

Elsa appears on the southern horizon and sails slowly into shore, sidling up to the dock.
Elsa has arrived.

 

Pers appears on the southern horizon and sails slowly into shore, sidling up to the dock.
Pers has arrived.

 

Lena appears on the southern horizon and sails slowly into shore, sidling up to the dock.
Lena has arrived.

 

You walk through the Bluestone Doors.

 

Hall of Viscounts -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)

 

        The Hall of Viscounts serves as a Foyer and main hallway for the Alvstadpalatz, stretching five stories upwards to a narrow, black spire; an ancient stone stairway winds itself about the chamber in a clockwise spiral, but two small Ixian lifts at either side of the chamber also provide access to the upper levels.

 

        All along the walls of the chamber, fine paper-thin tapestries of silk hang like gossamer bits of waves. The ground floor, as its name would suggest, serves as an Art Gallery filled with portraits of the former Viscounts of House Alvstad, each in its own well-lit exhibition along the floor like an abstract maze. Although many a Siridar opted for the traditional watercolor print, several chose more contemporary styles. Screens have been pulled away to bring special attention to the ego-likeness of Nils IV on this occasion.

 

        A handful of doorways lead on to various small chambers off to the sides of the Hall of Viscounts, but its intended destination is clearly visible at its far end: a magnificent trefoil arch, several meters high and wide enough to accomodate perhaps fifteen men abreast, leads on to the Audience Chamber.

 

Players:
 Dirk                                               Martin
 Caro                                             
Exits:
 Oak Doors <W> leads to Dining Hall -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
 Trefoil Arch <N> leads to Audience Chamber -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
 Stone Stairway <U> leads to Dansteater -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)
 Bluestone Doors <S> leads to Palatzplats -- Archipelago One (Alvsgaard)

 

Pers walks in from Palatzplats through the Bluestone Doors.
Pers has arrived.

 

Lena walks in from Palatzplats through the Bluestone Doors.
Lena has arrived.

 

Elsa walks in from Palatzplats through the Bluestone Doors.
Elsa has arrived.

 

Dirk climbs the Stone Stairway.
Dirk has left.

 

Lena climbs the Stone Stairway.
Lena has left.

 

Pers climbs the Stone Stairway.
Pers has left.

 

You climb the Stone Stairway.

 

Dansteater -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)

 

        Thick, gently mottled curtains in shades of blue and gray rush down from the walls of the massive Dansteater, taking up practically all of the second floor of the Alvstadpalatz. Hundreds of miniaturized glowglobes cast pale shadows along the walls at regular intervals, but most of the light in the room comes from an enormous truss suspended above the center section of the room: an enormous stage for performances in the round, home of the famous Alvsgaard Repertory Performance Troupe.

 

        Stairways lead up to the stage's glittering surface, used as a dancefloor during affairs of state. Composed of a single sheet of the soft, muted shale found at the bottom of the Alvsgaardi oceans, its surface is meticulously polished and cared for. When a dance is held, the curtain on the south wall is lifted to reveal the vertically tiered Alvsgaard Perharmonic Orchestra, an enormous wall of sound that fills the Dansteater with music both traditional and contemporary.

 

        An almost oppresively flat ceiling built of shattered quartz crystals reflects light back down into the massive chamber to give it a translucent, ethereal feel. At even intervals, eight balconies rise up along the perimeter to touch the crystal, each faced with a different sigil. Clustered below them, a series of small tables of different hues allow parties to sit and converse. A thick smell of musk pervades the hall.

 

Players:
 Pers                                               Lena
 Dirk                                             
Exits:
 Stone Stairway <D> leads to Hall of Viscounts -- Alvstadpalatz (Alvsgaard)

 

Elsa climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Elsa has arrived.

 

Caro climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Caro has arrived.

 

Martin climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Martin has arrived.

 

The southern curtain has been drawn to reveal the Alvsgaard Perharmonic Orchestra, playing a variety of dance music...waltzes, trots, and even a tango or two. The hall is evenly lit, but specialized instruments from the truss cast splotches of bright color, fuschia, aquamarine, and limelight green all about the dance floor. Already, noblemen have begun to dance, and drinks are readily available for all.

 

Mintor walks up to the table and grabs some more of that Alvsmead, his cheeks rosy..

 

Dirk walks into the dance hall, his step falling with the beat, making his way to the bar and refilling his alvsmead. His father follows after a brief scuffle with the bouncer; Old Hunjin has not dressed properly for the occasion, but Dirk muscles the old, spice-addict in.

 

Caro gasps in wonder and delight at the room, moving toward the dance floor with a wide grin on her face.

 

Elsa immediately goes in search of a ladies' restroom when she arrives

 

Pers has already thought ahead, bearing a tall flask of the drink of necropolis. Shortly after arriving, however, he retreats to the balcony of the dawn treader for a brief snack; it would appear that he is open to accept any company.

 

Pers climbs up to the Dawn Treader Balcony.

 

As ever any excuse for a party on Kaitain is jumped at even when the event is death. Lena heads toward a table to rest for a bit. She moves in her slow, languid way, hips moving gracefully. She takes a moment to switch back to drink her drink of choice.

 

Martin walks up behind Caroline as she wonders towards the dance floor. He grins as he speaks. "They are quite good, are they not, My Lady?"

 

Intoxicated by the Alvsmead, Hunjin finds himself under the spell of Lena's swaying hips. His blue-in-blue eyes spins all the way around, following her movement to the table. He half-stumbles off his stool in the process, but Dirk is quick enough to pick him up again. "Careful, father."

 

Caro nods, still smiling, "Oh, yes...." She tries to hum a bit of whatever the orchestra is playing and continues toward the stage.

 

Caro climbs onto the stage.

 

Martin chuckles and follows after her.
Martin climbs onto the stage.

 

Caro does a little pirouette and ends up facing Martin, waiting for him to lead her in a dance.

 

In the Dawn Treader Balcony, Pers watches the action on the dancefloor with a mild-mannered, grandfatherly smile on his face. He seems particularly interested in following the Lady Caro's exploits.

 

Martin smiles and nods. He gently places his hands. Waiting for the tempo of the song, he leads her out onto the dance floor, slowly rotating about with the melody.

 

Elsa returns from the restrooms, and seems refreshed. Walking over to the bar, she glances at the Ginaz lady and her company and hides a surprised smile. After ordering a glass of water, she looks up at the dawn treader balcony, but then smiles at the Atreides lord closeby.

 

Hunjin frowns, "I can tak' car' o' m'self, ya' squirt!" He half-lies, "I toook car' o' YOU, didn't I? Dust m' off. I'm goin' t'as' zat woman t' dance. Do ya' know 'er?"

 

On the stage, Caro laughs at something Martin says and seems a little impatient with the dance as she breaks away from Martin to twirl around again, although she does keep hold of his hand for balance.

 

Mintor walks over to the Bene Gesserit sister and bows.."Would you care to indulge me in a dance, M'Lady?"

 

On the stage, Caro allows Martin to draw her back, and follows his lead as he circles the floor, speaking to him softly as they dance.

 

On the stage, Martin grins to her Ladyship as he continues to lead her. He speaks quietly to her as they move away from the others and closer to the Orchestra.

 

In this entire year she has been amongst the Kaitain nobility, no one has dared to ask her, a Sister, to dance. She looks at the bold Atreides in surprise and stares into his eyes for a brief moment, before closing her eyes, taking a swig of her glass, and nodding to him. "Alright. To indulge you." As she moves towards the dancefloor, she smirks to herself and casts a glance upwards at the balcony again.

 

Mintor chuckles and follows, keeping a respectful distance at all times..

 

On the stage, Caro notices Elsa approaching the dance floor and laughs brightly and waves at her, which causes her to step on Martin's foot and stumble against him, which only makes her giggle some more.

 

Elsa climbs onto the stage.

 

Ophelia climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Ophelia has arrived.

 

You climb to the stage.

 

On the stage, Martin doesn't mind her foot. He chuckles himself as he remember doing it many times himself. He nods to Lady Elsa and Lord Atreides and continues to dance, rotating them along the width of the Orchestra stands.

 

Elsa
Lithe and athletic, this young woman of average height strides silently and gracefully as her soft, black leather shoes only occasionally show their tips from beneath her sleeveless, midnight black robes. Her slender neck is adorned with a silver pendant of intricate design resembling a swirling vortex, a small ruby set in the center. Of the same design her silver earrings and a ring seem to be. She has long, chestnut brown hair neatly kept in a knot on the back of her head, with a tress falling before her delicate face. A face that some find most striking, due to her piercing, amber eyes outlined by her high cheekbones.
Carrying:
Silver pendant

 

On the stage, Caro tips back her head and looks up at the ceiling as Martin guides her through the dance steps.

 

With a too-perfect smile the Sister closes her eyes and remembers the dance..something is bothering her. Is it the dancing itself, or the fact that women are supposed to be led by men in this strange series of useless movements ? Oh well. She smiles at Mintor and allows him to lead her into the dance.

 

Fahahd climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Fahahd has arrived.

 

Mintor leads the dance gracefully, he laughs.."Come on now, Sister. I'm sure the Lord Marquis would not have a problem with you enjoying yourself at least once.."

 

Hunjin repeats the order to his son in surly half-yell, "I say brush m' off, son! I told ya' t' do somethin', now ya' best get to, see? If you know what's good fer' ya'! And tell me who that lady is!" He was trying to point his shaking hand towards Lena. Needless to say, the Alvsmead was getting to Hunjin's head.

 

On the stage, Caro stops dancing suddenly and says something quietly to Martin, shaking her head, 'no'.

 

On the stage, Martin stops when she stops. He nods to her. "Then shall we continue or is this dance finished, My Lady?" He says with a smile.

 

Having been absent, the Contessa Moritani quietly slips back in amongst the revellers of the evening, her footsteps carrying her slowly around the perimeter as she observes the festivities from a safe vantage point. Her eyes travel upwards, to the balconies, taking in their occupants and the displayed sigils.

 

Dirk feels anger swelling up inside of him. This was why he left. Memories brush within Dirk, memories of childhood and Hunjin as the spice-addicted father. He clenches his jaw. Angst and a touch of jealousy at the image of his father and Lena together on the dance floor cause him to stand still against the order. And when the bouncer comes to see what the hell if going on at the bar, Dirk promptly has his father evacuated from the dance hall. After which, Dirk turns back to the bar and has another drink.

 

Elsa seems to know quite well how to dance. She follows Mintor's lead effortless and with grace, but she seems not to be passionate about it. She smiles, though, at her partner. "Of course I can, My Lord."She casts a quick glance at Caroline while she speaks. "Although I can imagine you rather had someone else to dance with, My Lord."

 

In the Dawn Treader Balcony, Pers watches with interest as the doddering old Hunjin is led out of the hall. No major loss...it's a wonder that the old jester was allowed in to begin with. His eyes catch site of the Lady Ophelia, and he gestures with a flick of his wrist, indicating that she is welcome to join him.

 

On the stage, Caro shrugs, "The music is still playing...." She holds out her hands, expecting to finish the dance.

 

On the stage, Mintor chuckles.."Only to get the rest of this room moving.. But I see you are uncomfortable.. forgive me.."

 

Ophelia's eyebrows lift as she notes the invitation, though she turns her meandering steps towards that particular balcony with renewed purpose.

 

On the stage, Martin grins and starts to lead her back out onto the dance floor. He twirls Caroline twice, before pulling her back.

 

The commotion between the father and son don't go unnoticed by Lena. She watches with amusement as if she weren't the one the Old Jester was pointing at; Her eyes a flash of moving light - the darkest green and its brilliant reflection. She takes another drink from her flasks and contemplates ending the night with more Alvmead.

 

On the stage, Caro smiles as her dance with Martin resumes and she is twirled about the dance floor.

 

Elsa raises a brow momentarily as she priouettes underneath Mintor's arm and continuing to face him, wondering why he avoided the subject he usually seems so eager to bring up. "Oh no, I am fine, My Lord." she smiles.

 

Mintor raises an eyebrow and a moment of realization flashes across his rosy pate.."Ah.. I understand what you mean.. I realised that I seem to mention the Lady Sisay all to often, and everyone else must be sick of it by now.."

 

Dirk peeks over his shoulder at Lena. Then he spins in his stool to face her, Alvsmead in hand. And then he stands and moves towards her table slowly. "May I sit and talk with you, m'Lady?" His hair is a little messy from all the crying they were doing at the leap, but now his face is dry.

 

On the stage, Martin rotates them back down towards the tables. He smiles as they move along they edge and towards the other dancers.

 

On the stage, Caro rests her head on Martin's shoulder for just a moment, then sighs and says, "I'm thirsty. Let's get some more of that drink."

 

Lena smiles up at the Mariner and motions to the seat beside. "Please do. I could certainly use some company." She raises her flask in a toast. "To Nils and House Alvstad." She tosses her head back and downs the last of her vodka.

 

On the stage, Elsa continues the dance with the Atreides, in more ways than one. "Well My Lord, every time you have approached me so far about this subject has been in vain..this seems a perfect moment to talk." She glances over his shoulder to the other pairs dancing, and however being led by Mintor, steers herself closer to the rare Ginaz-Moritani pair.

 

On the stage, Martin nods to her. "Alright." He leads them back to the edge and stops there dancing. He leads her off the dancefloor and to a table.

 

Dirk says, "Aye! Long live the Viscount!" And he follows suit downing a hefty portion of Alvsmead. When they have both thoroughly enjoyed their beverages, Dirk says, "Pardon my father, he's a crazy old loon. And I hate him."

 

On the stage, Caro glances over her shoulder at Elsa as Martin leads her to the stairs. She blinks thoughtfully as an idea occurs to her, but whatever it is, she keeps it to herself, and heads for the all-important alvsmead, instead.
Caro climbs down from the stage.

 

Martin climbs down from the stage.
Martin sits at the lavendar table.
Martin leads Lady Caroline off the dancefloor and to a nearby table. He smiles and motions for a servant to bring them more of the maid.

 

Lena inclines her head sympathetically and knows how parents can cramp one's style. "Oh, don't mind that Master Nathanielsman. You shouldn't let that get you down. We are in Alvsgaard surrounded by friends and loved ones. And the best thing of all is that we don't have to stay on this Hellhole. We will be able to return to Kaitain having already done our time on this frigid world." She flags down a servant for some Alvmead.

 

Caro pauses before sitting down in the chair, then turns it around and straddles it, resting her elbows on the top of the chairback, "I always wanted to do this, but my parents would never let me." She glances at Lena and Dirk, having overheard at least a small part of their conversation. She reaches for the mead when it's brought and takes a sip, smiling and licking her lips.
Caro sits at the lavendar table.

 

Dirk says, "You misunderstand me, my Lady. I love this place. I cannot be one without the seas of Alvsgaard, yet, I find my father's presence poisoning. For a moment, I have forgotten and forgiven my father, but then I realized that he had not changed at all. Perhaps it's the same spice that keeps him young and from death's grip, and keeps his mind from addressing his own problems." He takes a glurp of Alvsmead, sending down into his stomach to be digested, "I wish he would die and relieve the wound he's inflicted upon me."

 

Martin shrugs to her. "Probablely because they thought it might be unladylike, still it is done when you are with good friends." He follows her gaze to Lena's table before turning to the arriving servant. He grins and takes his mead.

 

Lena nods and handles the pint of Alvsmead left at the table with both hands making her look like a child in an amusing and cute way. "Ahhh..yes for a Mariner the calling of sea is forever. She calls to one like the Sirens of myth." She frowns into her cup. The grim event this evening and the mead have made her melancholy. "We all have wounds from those we have loved greatly."

 

Dirk falls silent for a moment. "I do believe that we are here to celebrate the Old Viscount's life." He tries a smile. "Would you like to dance, m'Lady?"

 

Mintor smiles, delighted.."Ah.. then i suggest we get a table.. I converse better when I'm not flailing about.."

 

Elsa nods and finishes the dance. After applauding inaudibly towards the orchestra when they change tempo for another dance, she follows the Atreides out of the dancing pairs and off the dancefloor.

 

Caro tires of sitting in an unladylike fashion, straddling the chair, the novelty of the thing having worn off, so she gets up abruptly and starts to wander the room, alvsmead in her hand, and looks for other diversion.
Caro rises from the lavendar table.

 

A stunning smile brightens Lena's face and she looks her usual cheerful and vibrant self. "That would please me very much, but I really should head back to the estate. I fear I wouldn't do well on the dance floor at the moment." She grins sheepishly at that. "Would you escort me?" That would make the trip much easier for her.

 

You step off the stage.
You sit at the mauve table.

 

Dirk smiles, "It would be a pleasure. I'll protect you from my father." He stands and offers the Lady Andragoras his arm.

 

Martin sighs and takes a drink from his pint. He looks about the room and stands up. He walks out of the room, leaving the pint on the table.
Martin rises from the lavendar table.
Martin descends the Stone Stairway.
Martin has left.

 

Elsa walks over to the Mauve table, glancing at the Lady Zaug's departure from her company and puses her lips, but follows Mintor to the mauve table.
Elsa joins you at the mauve table.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor says, "Would you care for a drink?"

 

Lena rises from her seat and chuckles at the thought. She happily takes the Mariner's arm so that he may escort her out. She nods a farewell along the way to those that came for the dance.

 

Caro moves toward the Dawn Treader balcony and offers a curtsey in greeting to its occupants.

 

In the Dawn Treader Balcony, Pers's expression registers amusement at the mention of balance...at what aspect of it precisely remains unknown...but he nods in solemn agreement with Ophelia's declaration. "Of course, my Lady...were it otherwise, I highly doubt House Moritani could have ascended to its lofty position." He pauses long enough to sip disinterestedly at his water. "I believe, however," he adds almost haltingly, "that it is my own charge to do the same. And our goals might be crossed." He turns to Caro, offering her a bright and calm smile. "Lady Zaug, good evening."

 

At the mauve table, Elsa nods slowly. "A glass of water, please. I don't think I will be able to attune my taste for any other ..beverages after that experience with the ritualistic mead.

 

Martin climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Martin has arrived.

 

Dirk turns to Pers and Ophelia in the balcony and bows. "Long live the Viscount!" he says, before continuing towards the entrance with the Lady Andragoras.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor nods and places an order.

 

Caro smiles, glancing rather sheepishly from Pers to Ophelia and back, "I just wanted to...express my sympathy at your loss, Lord Viscount, and good wish...." Before she can finish, Dirk's cry interrupts her and she laughs, "Yes, what he said."

 

Mintor raises a hand, calling a servant, he orders a glass of water for the Lady Elsa.. The servant comes back and places it on the table..

 

Lena descends the Stone Stairway.
Lena has left.

 

Dirk descends the Stone Stairway.
Dirk has left.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor says, "Now.. basically I was interested in how she's doing.. I haven't been able to see her much.. and the Bajazet party was the first time I had seen her since my recent departure from kaitain.."

 

Martin walks back into the room, looking about it. A servants walks to him, which politely waves him away.

 

At the mauve table, Elsa smiles faintly at the waiter and, when he leaves, nods. "She has been a remarkably ..enthousiastic you lady, My Lord. I trust she will be able to follow my lessons until satisfactory." She thinsk her own words over and realizes they may be a bit too formal. "She is fine, My Lord, and excited about her upcoming birthday."

 

Pers smiles broadly at the Lady Caroline, letting any 'shop talk' sift out of his awareness for the time being. "Many thanks, Lady Zaug. I do hope you found your time here enjoyable...will you be remaining on Alvsgaard for a bit, or do you return to Kaitain in the morning?"

 

At the mauve table, Elsa  sits quietly conversing with Mintor, while sipping from a glass of water.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor nods.."Good... I tried to communicate with her shortly after I left, but all my communiques were sent back..."

 

In the Dawn Treader Balcony, Ophelia taps a finger slowly on her glass, her expression perhaps not showing any irritation, but, business still remaining surely at the forefront of her thoughts.

 

Caro looks across the room at Elsa, as if trying to telepathically get an answer to that question, but in the end, she just guesses, "I believe we are staying, Lord Viscount. I hope so anyway...it's nothing like I expected and I hope to go exploring. That is, if it's all right. I may ask one of the...well, someone...to be a guide, if you don't mind?" All that comes out in a rush of words and she takes a deep breath and lets it out again in a soft giggle.

 

Val climbs up the Stone Stairway.
Val has arrived.

 

In the Dawn Treader Balcony, Pers's cheeks turn slightly rosy in color, on behalf of Caro. "Not at all, my Lady. Guides will of course be arranged, and I hope you enjoy our home's coarse beauties. Thank you for your attendance."

 

At the mauve table, Elsa nods slowy. "Indeed My Lord, there has been a time when she was not allowed to communicate. Fortunately, that has come to and end a while ago now. And I'm sure that such measures will not be taken anymore." She seems to have been in disagreement about her confinement, somehow. "I am sure she would like to see more of you, My Lord."

 

In the Dawn Treader Balcony, Ophelia blinks slowly. And this is... no, it can't be. It must be the Alvstmead. And still her finger taps slowly, her thoughts still circling elsewhere.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor smiles.."I'm glad of that.. I've heard rumors to the contrary though.."

 

Martin hears the conversation up in the balcony and look up. He raises an eyebrow, but innerly shrugs to himself before heading over to the bar.

 

Caro nods, curtsies, and does a half-pirouette to face herself in the opposite direction, and off she goes again.
At the mauve table, Elsa looks a bit surprised at Mintor, who just said something, but she leans in closer over her glass of water to hear more.

 

Looking somewhat uncomfortable, a scruffy-looking young man enters and pauses in the doorway, scanning the faces. With a glance at something in the palm of his hand, his eyes narrow as they pass over the balconies.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor says, "I heard rumors of her sneaking out at night to meet some orni pilot I believe? Plus she seems to be quite friendly with Count Marco..""

 

At the mauve table, Elsa leans back again and purses her lips momentarily, looking more serious now. "True, and true. However the pilot was someone she knew from Marcinko. Nothing indecent. And the Lord Marco...well. I've taught her about the tactics of ..men like that." She smiles now. "Nothing to worry about. Jealousy may be your greatest foe, My Lord. She is not that kind of lady and will not become such a lady."

 

At the mauve table, Mintor shakes his head.."You misread my intentions.. I can well expect her not to care for me.. she's as much of a pawn in this as I.. but if she must go to another, I wish to know of it.. I will not be embarassed and made a laughingstock because of such behavior.."

 

Caro pauses in her circuit of the room to stare openly at the newcomer.

 

Martin looks up at the entrance and smiles. He leaves his barstool and wanders over to Lady Caroline and the newest arrival. He smiles to him with a nod. "Hello."

 

At the mauve table, Elsa oberves you, idly playing with her glass, thinking about your words. She then takes another sip and seems to have come to a desision. "And I inform you, My Lord. She is, however young and wild at heart, as noble as you are, My Lord. " Letting that sink in, she is sure what she meant by that. For Sisay too, it's nothing personal, apparently.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor smiles and nods.."Yes.. which attracts me even more... I too, was once young and wild.."

 

"Evenin' lord..." says, saluting. "Have you seen..." he consults something in his palm, "Her Excellency this evening?"

 

Martin smiles and nods. "She is currently engaged with His excellency with...matters. Do you require her? Perhaps we can send a message up to her."

 

The youth glances up to the balcony, searching for the Siridara-Contessa's face. "Excuse me, lord, but I was sent to escort her homewards." A small bead of sweat runs down the fair-skinned young man's brow.

 

At the mauve table, Elsa's expression does not change at those words, and she keeps looking at you, sipping from her water. She seems not to realize that she is supposed to answer to that, and awaits further words.

 

At the mauve table, Mintor says, "Well.. I have not been.. enthralled.. by most of the young ladies on Kaitain.. they all seem to carry a false face that they use whenever I'm around.. at least Sisay has always been honest with me.."

 

Martin raises an eyebrow. "I see. Perhaps you can wait by the bar. They can get you some coffee."

 

The young man nods, and strides purposefully over to the bar.

 

Martin walks over to speak to a servant, before moving off to another table.

 

A servant walks up the steps of the Balcony of the Dawn Treader. He bows deeply to the Siridars. He gives a card to the Countessa before descretely disappearing.