Adventure Took Place on December 20, 1999
The King sent a guard for Vulcuran in hopes to find out more information on the City warning bells that rung.
DMaster: You make it back to the Castle, more people up than usual for this time of night. The throne room doors are open.
Vulcuran: Head in, making sure my hood is down.
DMaster: The King wheels around, in between a few guards and a servant.
JER: Vulcuran! What in Animaxes name is going on out there?
Vulcuran: Bow slightly, walk to him.
VUL: The Morgue had a slight fire, M’lord.
DMaster: The King shoos the people off, and turns to you fully.
JER: That much I know. Three water wagons called to the Morgue. I put two and two together, you went looking for the body and the fire at the morgue…
He chuckles a bit, smirks
JER: What did you do now?
Vulcuran: VUL: I won’t get into the undertakers rude demeanor. Thorin and myself went to take a look at the body down in the basement portion. It appears we interrupted someone trying to burn a body.
DMaster: He wrinkles his nose
JER: Burn a body, wat? does anyone have anything better to do?
Vulcuran: Nod and smile.
VUL: Our first attempt to stop the fire was successful, unfortunately the perpetrator was still there. They threw a fire potion in the other side of the back cold room. Then took off.
DMaster: His eyes bulge a little, hands go to hips.
Vulcuran: VUL: As we tried to leave, this, mysterious individual set up a lower foot wire trap. And I…
DMaster: He looks at you, and put his hand up.
JER: A lower what now?
Vulcuran: VUL: It is a lower foot wire trap. It is a wire from wall to wall, very hard to detect. When you go through it, well, best way to describe it; you are the cattle getting lassoed by a farmer.
DMaster: JER: Hmm, ok. Interesting.
Nods to continue.
Vulcuran: VUL: I will have the more exacts in my report, when I get time to do it, but the short of it; we eventually got out, despite going through more traps including a smoke potion.
Shake my head, face flushes
VUL: The undertaker then verified the body that was burning, originally was the one you found outside the gates the other day. The one I wanted to look at.
DMaster: His head snaps to you.
JER: Are you joking?
Vulcuran: Shake my head.
VUL: No, sire, that was the one. I am not sure if any of the bodies left in there can be examined, but Thorin and myself will follow up tomorrow.
DMaster: After a few minutes of silence he looks up to you. See’s you dirty, bruised and a bit disheveled.
JER: Hit the bath and bed, thank you. We will definitely follow this up tomorrow.
Vulcuran: VUL: As you say.
Bow and head out, to the baths, then to my room.
DMaster: You try and fall asleep, but it is not the best you’ve had. A lot on your mind… “Did I just go on Vacation?!?! The balls on that one…”
Mondalay (Monday) 7:00 AM
DMaster: The cryer walks by, knocks on the door. 7:00 am, get up. Looks to be a nice day if not a bit chilly. His voice trails off as he makes his rounds.
Vulcuran: Get up, get ready, do my hair. Took a bath last night, don’t need one this morning.
DMaster: You head out, grab some breakfast. Say hi to a few people, then make it back to your room, get in your Duke’s attire. Knock on your door.
Vulcuran: Answer the door.
DMaster: It is Vatikus, smile on his face.
VAT: Mornin’ M’Lord, a friendly reminder that you have that royal council meeting in 10 minutes. Large conference room, off the throne room. It is down the hall…
Vulcuran: VUL: Vatikus, I know where it is. Thank you. Dismissed.
DMaster: He nods, faintly waves, smiles. Turns and heads down the hallway.
Vulcuran: VUL: Does it look like I took a header last night or something?
Mumbling, shake my head, leave my room and head for the conference room.
DMaster: You get to the conference room, and it looks like you are the last to come in.
Vulcuran: Find a seat, and sit.
DMaster: You are greeted by everyone who are now starting to settle down. The King, You (Duke), Thames (City Baron), Carol (Realm Countess), Damon (Treasurer, Speaker), Marcus (Land Baron) and a few scribes and servants. There is some bean water in front of you and a folder of parchments.
Vulcuran: Take a sip of the brew, open the folder and look through it.
DMaster: The meeting starts.
DAM: First and foremost, welcome back Vulcuran. I think I speak for us all when I say thank you once again, for keeping this realm and our waterways safe.
The room softly hits their hand on the table, a way of applauding you.
Vulcuran: Smile and nod my head in respect.
DMaster: DAM: Our first order of business?
A scribe perks up.
SCRIB: The island construction.
DAM: Ahhh yes. In front of you is the final two proposals for the larger island 25 stones from our shores. A prison, or a guard house. Vulcuran, if you need some extra time, we reviewed this last week when you were not here.
Everyone is looking at you.
Vulcuran: Smile while looking at the two possible projects. Glance at them.
VUL: No, I do not want to hold this up. I am looking at it now.
DMaster: DAM: OK. Short story. Prison, the island will be about what it is now, minus a tower of sorts in the middle. The island is vast underneath the waterline, we will create a large two level prison for the more volatile criminals.
You see it and you are not thrilled with that, and how it looks. Plus building underground, under the water line never seems to work well. It will be a plain odd building on the island.
Vulcuran: Nod my head looking up to Damon.
DMaster: DAM: The other is a guard tower, main light house. This will have no underground construction. It will be a 10 story tower, with a large brass brazier. We will have to figure out how to coordinate with the other two lighthouses south of the city and north. Both look to cost the same. Open for final arguments.
Vulcuran: Read the notes real quick.
DMaster: He was right, the cost is about the same. Pro for the jail, it keeps the harden criminals out of the City. the Pro for the guard, light house is it will look much nicer. Cons: The current status of the dungeons has been steady for quite some time, they are pretty full, but not overflowing. If this is not taken as the new dungeon, another one will have to be figured out, possibility under the castle. The lighthouse cons is getting to reach it. It is a good 10 minute 6 man boat ride to get out to it.
THAM: Getting the scum out of the city is something I would love. Thorin does a great job, but what if there is a riot or dungeon-break? Pretty much take a louie and they are flooding into The Pit.
A few people nod, looking at the parchments and blueprints.
JER: Good point. But the light house would be a nice little beacon for our growing City. Not to mention it could really help with the late evening, early morning dockings.
Thames nods.
Vulcuran: Look at Damon, nod that I have my answer.
DMaster: DAM: The small parchment in front of you. Write “Guard house” or “Dungeon” on it. Fold it and the scribe will be by to grab it.
Vulcuran: Write guard house on it. Hand it to the Scribe.
DMaster: The scribe takes it back, writes them down. Damon has a quick look, nods.
DAM: A light house, guard house it is.
Everyone nods, it was not heavily debated. So the decision is good for most.
Vulcuran: Put some of the parchments back into the folder. I have to get this to Vatikus afterwards.
DMaster: The scribe stands
SCRIB: The volcano south of Augustia.
Damon nods, grabs a bunch of papers
DAM: The great monster or whatever the Augustian people call it.
Vulcuran: Chuckle, grab the papers and shake my head.
DMaster: Damon looks over to you as you chuckled. Gives you a look.
Vulcuran: VUL: I know about that goddam volcano more than anyone here, met it’s repercussions head on.
DMaster: DAM: Oh, that is right! How was it…?
Giving you a look, then kind of realizing it might of not been the best thing to ask.
Vulcuran: VUL: Terrifying. A wave 4-5 times the height of our galley. Flipping us up and throwing it on the shores of the Coven Corner.
Stop, look around at everyone.
DMaster: They have huge eyes, they really do not know the whole story except for the King.
Vulcuran: Look down, sigh.
VUL: Story for another time. Let’s just say, its power can be felt all along the eastern shores of the Othellian sea.
DMaster: DAM: Aye, correct. Some smaller towns and villages have been flooded or wiped out all together from tsunami’s. They say the damage can be felt as far north as the Augustian capital city. We have a relief document written up. 250 platinum, a few brigades of troops and some experts are to head over in between the Volcano and Capitol City. Barring the safety of the water of course. If there is no objections, I am going to ratify this and get it to City Hall.
Vulcuran: Nod my head.
DMaster: He signs the paper, it gets handed to the King who also signs it. The Scribe grabs it and files it away.
Vulcuran: Keep listening
DMaster: SCRIB: Teeter Winds Warlord
Damon grabs some papers.
DAM: You do not have anything in your folder about this. I felt it has been kicking around long enough that we need to address it. A warlord, who we are unsure who it is right now, is amassing an army of Orcs, Hobgoblins, mercenaries and thugs. Our intelligence says there is new activity at Tullus Prax, but there is no way enough to warrant a massive army. They must have a location north. We have received a few reports from Thoraxe telling us of large groups of creatures south, just inside the Teeter Winds. It looks as though they are eyeing them up.
JER: Highly doubtful. They wouldn’t last a day trying to get through some of the valley and passes. Probably lifting his leg and pissing on the borders, letting them know who owns the land. It is something we need to start talking with Grim-Eye about. I will send word for a meeting soon.
Vulcuran: Smirk and nod thinking, that “marking their territory” is oddly accurate.
DMaster: SCRIB: Mysterious death’s outside the city gates.
DAM: Yes. We are deep into investigation with this. Not a ton to report other than the body we found a few days ago. I am sure you all know about it.
Vulcuran: VUL: Probably not a body anymore…
DMaster: Damon looks over, the King gives you an odd… “are you sure you want to talk about this” look.
Vulcuran: VUL: I will save the information for next week, let’s just say the morgue fire last night looks like it has everything to do with this.
DMaster: DAM: Can you fill us in next week then?
Vulcuran: Nod my head.
DMaster: SCRIB: Winter Ball.
Damons eyes light up.
DAM: Ahhh, a month and half over due. Cancelled due to weather, then postponed with the Pirate ordeal. Guess what people, it’s this weekend!?
He seems real excited about it. Everyone kind of looks at each other. Shrugging their shoulders.
DAM: We talked about it last week too! Said if Vulc showed up we could have it then… oh hell. I guess we can…
JER: No. No. We will have it, we need something to bring up morale and a night of music, dancing and drink… could be the remedy.
Vulcuran: VUL: Aye!
Nod my head.
DMaster: Damon talks with the scribe.
DAM: If there is nothing else, we can call the council meeting to close.
Everyone shakes their head. He takes a grey brick, with a soft felt bottom… pulls it up and slams it on the table. The rock is from the first stone laid in the Camerondale walls. It is to end the meeting or call to order if things get a little hairy.
JER: Everyone get going, Vulcuran, find Thorin and get the guard house, light house plans rolling
Vulcuran: Stand up, look over, nod my head.
VUL: This afternoon, M’Lord.
DMaster: Marcus comes up to you and extends his hand
MARC: Welcome home Vulcuran. Glad you are safe.
Vulcuran: Shake his hand, nod my head.
VUL: Aye, me as well. Thank you.
Say goodbye to everyone else, time to head out to find Thorin, if he is up yet.
DMaster: Vatikus is waiting for you outside the council chambers.
VAT: M’Lord, you are due for the court proceedings.
Vulcuran: Wrinkle my eyebrows, look at him.
VUL: Court what now?
DMaster: Everyone is walking past you, talking looking over things. The King passes by and pats you on the back as he heads the opposite direction.
VAT: Court proceedings. I feared you would of forgotten about them. Before you left, you were assigned the court hearings for conflicts and criminals. Of course the bigger ones.
He gives you a flat smile, his eyes a little wide.
Vulcuran: VUL: I guess you are right. Please accompany me Vatikus.
DMaster: He nods his head.
VAT: I have to anyways M’Lord, I will be compiling all the results.
Vulcuran: Head to the throne room.
DMaster: Walking through the entrance way it is jammed with guards, people in chains, a few people arguing and it took some time to get through.
Vulcuran: VUL: This is going to be a long day isn’t it?
Looking at Vatikus.
DMaster: He nods his head, giving you a blank stare.
VAT: Aye, it’s been 2 weeks at least. I can only take care of the petty issues. You have to take care of the more, pressing concerns.
Vulcuran: Sigh loudly. Grab a guard who does not seem to be tied into anyone standing around, being guarded.
VUL: 2 star. Find Thorin, ask him to get to the throne room at his earliest convenience.
DMaster: He nods his head, bows a bit.
GUARD: What shall I tell him if he wants to know the reason?
Vulcuran: VUL: Tell him I miss his ugly mug and we need to discuss a few things.
Give the guard a sharp look as to say, enough, just go.
DMaster: His eyes bulge a little and heads out the Castle. Both of you and Vatikus make your way in. A make shift large chair is against the staircase to the throne, a desk in front. To the one side is a few scribes, organizing a very large pile of papers and scrolls. To the other side is 3 guards of a decent level, at least three star.
Vulcuran: Go to my seat, get this rolling.
DMaster: VAT: M’Lord, there is 11 criminal cases, to see if they need to go into deliberation (going to court) or it can be decided in closed chambers. Afterwards we have 7 disputes that the court must rule on.
Vulcuran: Sigh
VUL: I will take 6 criminal cases, then we will break for lunch.
DMaster: Vatikus give you a look, a disapproving look.
VAT: M’Lord, I want to remind you…
Vulcuran: Put my hand up, look at him sharply.
VUL: Vatikus, I don’t want to pull rank on you, but I will. Only so much can be done in a day. The disputes can be pushed further in the week.
DMaster: His head drops a bit, shoulders sag.
VAT: Yes M’Lord.
You sift through and listen to 6 court cases.
– A man said to have killed his wife. It is from a small town outside of Camerondale called Grayshale. Looking at a minimum 30 years in the dungeon, or death. You felt he was fairly sincere and he was a blubbery mess. You push that one to closed chambers.
– A woman who has embezzled hundreds of coin from her employer. She has been in the dungeons for 2 months awaiting a hearing. She is looking at 10-15 years in the dungeon. It keeps getting pushed. You decide a court case is needed, too many working parts.
– A man who got drunk, beat up 5-6 men and bouncers, took out 3 guards and almost killed a by stander. He is looking at 15-20 years in the dungeons. You push it to private chambers, you are intrigued of his prowess.
– Two men, caught breaking and entering in a smaller village. Then held the family hostage for over a day. Injured 3 guards during their escape attempt and ended up burning down the families home. They are looking at 20 years in jail. You pushed it to a court.
– A man who has been swindling customers with a swill he calls a special potion that does some amazing thing. It ended up killing one and making 10 or so more, deathly sick. He is looking at a minimum 30 years or death. Private chambers because it is pretty clear cut, with evidence and witnesses.
– A gorgeous woman. Said to have killed a man in cold blood. She said she was defending herself, some witnesses say otherwise. You feel she is a lady of the night, no one is really taking her serious. She is looking at 30 years or death. Sent that to court.
Vulcuran: VUL: Vatikus, that is enough. I need to get some food in me.
Get up and start to walk out.
DMaster: The door opens and in strolls Thorin with his usual quirky smirk.
THOR: I am here to plead my case upon the court, M’lord!
Vulcuran: Walk over and put my hand on his shoulders, say playfully.
VUL: There is no saving you Captain, nothing!
DMaster: THOR: I’ll buy you a mug of ale next time we are out?
Vulcuran: Give him a playful look.
VUL: Cleared of all charges!!!
DMaster: You two laugh and walk out. You talk to him about plans for the guard house, and he knows who can take care of it. He also informs you that the bodies were just too burnt to get anything further from it. He chuckles when he says it smelt worse than before after that stink potion went off.
Vulcuran: VUL: Let’s go get some lunch!
DMaster: THOR: Sorry Duke, I have two more stops and well, you know, me and Brit want a baby, ya know. I have to…
Vulcuran: Give him a nudge
VUL: Understood, no need to explain any further.
DMaster: He gives you a wink and another wink, nudge and heads off. Thames, Damon and Marcus are walking towards you.
THAM: Vulc!
MARC: Vulcuran, good job on those Pirates, you really had us worried when you didn’t come back in a few weeks. You had the city on eggshells
Vulcuran: VUL: Thank you. But there is always a dark and nasty underside to these kinds of things. Let’s just say I don’t wish you any part of those situations.
Give him a look, shake his hand.
DMaster: He nods in respect and shakes your hand.
THAM: Come, we should get something to eat, our treat, we can never say no to…
MARC: Fycon brothers!
DAM: Our treat? We just charge it to the castle anyways…?
Chuckles.
Vulcuran: Nod head.
VUL: Are you sure we shouldn’t ask the King, it is his favorite place.
DMaster: They chuckle a bit, shake their head.
THAM: He took off after the meeting. Let’s go, my stomach just made a sound I once heard a Dragon make.
You guys head down to the restaurant with little chatter. You get in the restaurant called The Fycon Brothers.
Vulcuran: Keep walking with them
DMaster: Walking in, it is an elegant restaurant. The nicest, most expensive in Camerondale. The entrance has a small desk with a woman dressed to the nines. To the left is a longer hallway type, with chairs that probably cost more than some peoples houses. There seems to be about 5-7 various people waiting, all dressed very well, and chit chatting with a drink in there hand. A servant with a snack of sorts on a silver tray. To the right there is a younger man taking coats, hats, weapons and the such. Damon walks to the hostess. She glances up, then back down to her list.
HOST: Someone will be with you very shortly
Damon glances back with a smirk, then turns to look at her again.
DAM: *ahem*
The woman sighs and slowly looks up, then her eyes bulge a little,
HOST: M’lords? I am sorry! Yes yes, follow me.
Vulcuran: Shake head wondering just how privileged we are with this City.
DMaster: You are escorted through the restaurant, it is split into three. The front has a big elegant bar with some high tables. The next section seems to be the largest. A 30×50 foot room with many tables ranging from 2 seaters to large 8-10 seaters. Then towards the back, is two elegant double doors. She opens and walks through. Another larger room with only two very large tables. Much quieter and if possible, even more elegant. She sits you at a table, handing everyone a menu.
Vulcuran: Sit and take a look at the offerings.
DMaster: THAM: So Vulc, who are you taking to the Ball?
Everyone stops reading and looks up to you, smirk on their face.
Vulcuran: Slowly look past my menu to Thames, give him a playful scowl.
VUL: No one.
DMaster: He gives a look, slowly looks down to his menu.
THAM: You can always bring your hand…
The three of them start to snicker.
Vulcuran: Put down the menu, look at everyone, with a serious look.
DMaster: Everyone stops giggling, and they exchange glances. A tinge of worry on their faces.
Vulcuran: VUL: I mean, she is a cheap date, and I know I can get lucky afterwards
Giving them a playful smirk and lean back in my chair.
DMaster: All three pretty much erupt with laughter and smiles.
THAM: I’m stuck dragging the ball and chain to the dance, again.
Marcus and Damon both look over to Thames, their usual look. He notices and smiles.
THAM: I know, she is my beau, don’t know what I would do without her.
As a personal note, you always felt Thames and Carol was an odd couple in some regards. He is this charismatic fighter turned politician and Carol, by all rights is an amazing woman, but very plain jane.
Vulcuran: VUL: I appear to be the only bachelor here?
Sigh loudly.
DMaster: THAM: When you put work, the City and the Kingdom first, you tend to have more dates with your hand than not.
Nodding your way.
Vulcuran: Smirk and shake my head.
DMaster: DAM: Well. I might be doing something a little crazy myself.
He pulls out a box, opens it to unveil what looks like a wedding ring. The diamond is huge. Seriously that had to be the cost of a small kingdom.
Vulcuran: Eyes bulge
VUL: Impressive. Doing it at the ball?
DMaster: Damon nods his head. All them look in and eyes get big, nod their head. They all congratulate him, give him jokes about being chained up and such.
THAM: Vulcuran, we can’t have you going solo on us!
He turns to see the waitress walk up. She is in uniform, she looks thin, athletic. Not a lot up top from what you can see. She has dirty blonde hair, soft green eyes and her skin looks nice.
THAM: Here, good woman, would you like to escort the Duke to the Winter ball this weekend?
Vulcuran: Smack forehead, look down and sigh, yet again.
DMaster: Her eyes are huge, looking over the group.
WAIT: Umm, I just wanted to know what you would like to drink… perhaps, that would be good to start with?
The men smile and nod their head, impressed how she handled that. Everyone orders and she turns and heads out. You get a look at her backside and it is, wow. All of the men look.
MARC: Yeah, I’ve seen her here before, she might leave you a little thirsty, but she probably could ride you like a horse for hours.
They all nod and chuckle.
Vulcuran: Thinking to myself, I do have to find someone, even if it is just for these events. Even, if it is to get these guys off my jock.
DMaster: She returns and hands off the drinks. Then starts asking for orders.
Vulcuran: VUL: I am sorry, I did not catch your name?
DMaster: She looks, smiles
MEA: My name is Meadow, M’Lord.
Vulcuran: Raise my eyebrows and smile.
VUL: Meadow, like a meadow filled with beautiful flowers?
Giving her a look.
DMaster: She starts to blush, look down a bit.
MEA: That is… well, one way of looking at it.
Everyone orders their food and she walks away. But she stops. Looks back at you, tucks some hair behind her ear and smiles.
Vulcuran: Give her a warm smile and nod.
DMaster: Thames is shaking his head.
THAM: Some things never change. Get Vulc around a pretty girl and he is like a bowl of uncooked soup. Ask her out!
They all look at Thames, raised eyebrows.
THAM: What?
MARC: (quieter) She is like half his age man, he could be her father…
DAM: Or her grandfather.
Vulcuran: VUL: Easy now, I am sitting right here.
Taking a drink of my ale.
DMaster: The guys look over to you. Then a flurry of questions and remarks fly.
THAM: Ask her out, why not.
MARC: First see if she has a boyfriend
DAM: I didn’t see a ring?
THAM: But did you see that backside, yowza
MARC: She is a bit taller too, would look good on your arm
DAM: Maybe you can be her sugar daddy
MARC: Feel her out first
THAM: (chuckles) Feel… her out…
They all shake their head.
Vulcuran: VUL: Whoa, whoa. Why don’t you all ask her out? I just wanted to grab some lunch before I headed back to court and send some pour souls to their death. Not play match maker for an over the hill Duke.
DMaster: They all frown at you. For the next 10 minutes or so, pleasant conversations, a few laughs are had. Some shop talk.
THAM: I am promoting 10 more guards to 2nd rank, with Thorins blessing, we want to patrol the Pit more. So we also need to recruit a few newbies.
MARC: Yeah saw that come across my desk, I’ll see if Carol can get some promotion going.
DAM: I will draw it up and have it ratified next week. Problems in The Pit? I did not hear of any.
THAM: Not really, the warehouse district though is in stones throw, and Thorin tells me there are more squatters recently. We need to nip that in the butt.
Just then Meadow comes out to see if everyone is ok. They all nod. She turns and walks out.
THAM: Speaking of nipping things in the butt…
They all laugh.
Vulcuran: VUL: Really? I mean, really?
Shake my head.
DMaster: She comes back a few minutes later with a tray of food and a bus-boy. A young man, running around frantic, you think he is a bit intimidated by the royalty here. You are served and it smells excellent. Meadow refills everyone’s drink.
DAM: So Miss, I think I know you from somewhere?
MEA: Do you? I hope, I have served you before, M’Lord.
DAM: Yeah, I meant outside of the restaurant.
Rubs his chin.
DAM: Wait didn’t I see you with John the other day… he is your boyfriend right?
Vulcuran: Start eating my food, shaking my head.
DMaster: MEA: uhhh no. I don’t have a boyfriend, but my two brothers maybe… but none of them are named John
DAM: I’m sorry I must’ve mistaken you for someone else, my apologies Meadow
MEA: Forgive me, but you (pointing at Thames) is the City Baron right? and you (pointing at Marcus) is another Baron. You sire, are the speaker of the court and the treasurer.
Vulcuran: Wipe my mouth after the last bite, take a sip of ale.
DMaster: DAM: Why yes, and over there, is Vulcuran, he is the Duke of this fine Kingdom and City, he just returned from fighting the Pirates.
Her eyes light up a bit, gives you a warm look and smile. She then gets a little shy, nods.
Vulcuran: Smile back at her.
DMaster: MEA: It is an honor to meet you, Duke of Camerondale.
She bows a bit in respect.
Vulcuran: VUL: The honor is all mine to talk to such a pretty lay such as yourself
Eyes bulge.
VUL: I meant Lady, lady such as yourself.
DMaster: Thames all but spits out his mouthful of food. Everyone’s eyes bulge and hands cover mouths. You feel yourself flushing.
Vulcuran: VUL: Sorry, I am just a little hungry. But, I meant… I mean, not butt, I meant to say Lady. I can make such an ass out of myself.
Slap forehead. Look at her, blushing. The look down, continue eating.
DMaster: She nods, blushing as well… turns and leaves the room. Thames starts a slow clap.
THAM: There is the Duke we all know and love.
Vulcuran: VUL: Get bent.
Keep eating, trying to ignore them
DMaster: They are all still wide eyes, chuckle and smirking, staring at you.
DAM: Seriously, you are one of the most stoic people I know. But that… that was…
THAM: Hilarious! Woman and the Duke does not mix.
Vulcuran: VUL: Can we just eat, I do have to get back to Vatikus and the Court.
DMaster: They all giggle for a moment longer and finish eating and drinking.
Vulcuran: Finish eating, dig around my coin purse.
DMaster: Meadow walks in again, and is grabbing plates. She gets close to you, leans over and grabs your plate slowly.
MEA: ’tis OK, M’Lord, I thought it was really cute.
She is about 6 inches from your face, giving you a look. Her perfume wafting and it is nice.
Vulcuran: Look at her from the corner of my eye. Nod my head.
VUL: Thank you. (quietly)
DMaster: She blushes a bit, finishes up gathering the plates with the bus-boy. She leaves.
DAM: We will put this on the castle tab… who has tip?
THAM: Vulc does, and I am sure its a pup tent now.
Everyone giggles.
Vulcuran: Roll my eyes, grab a platinum and put it on the table.
DMaster: Damon’s eyes bulge.
DAM: Damn Vulc, that is enough to feed a family of five for 3 months if not more.
MARC: At least ask her. What the hell. Why not, what do you have to lose?
THAM: He won’t. He gets all flustered then hides in the corner. Give him a boat of pirates to fight and he is ready and raring to go. Put a pretty lady in front of him and he is…
Vulcuran: VUL: Thames, got it. Not good with women.
Giving him a sharp look.
DMaster: He gives you a look, shrugs his shoulders, a smirk and a shake of his head.
Vulcuran: Thinking; I just wanted to enjoy the lunch and go back to a long day of court.
DMaster: She comes back in with a bill of sorts. Damon signs off on it. She then stops and looks at you, almost for an awkward amount of time.
Vulcuran: Say to myself, fuck it. What do I have to lose?
VUL: Meadow, would you like to walk me to the ball? I mean, would I want you to dance with my balls?
Shake my head.
DMaster: Everyone’s eyes bulge, again giggles and hand claps over their mouth.
MEA: Are you asking me to the Winter Ball this weekend? I think?
Vulcuran: Nod my head
VUL: If that is ok, ok to ask, or even appropriate or an option or…
Sigh, look down.
DMaster: After an awkward minute, you kind of glancing up to see her looking at you, she is blushing as well.
MEA: I would be honored to.
Vulcuran: Eyes light up.
VUL: Oh, oh, that is fantastic.
DMaster: She walks more to you.
MEA: I do not have anything to wear to the ball though.
Vulcuran: VUL: Oh, I am sure we can remedy that situation, wouldn’t want you going bare-assed
Chuckle to myself.
DMaster: Everyone is looking at you,Thames is shaking his head like, “where you going with this?” She laughs,
MEA: M’Lord, I am off at 4:00 PM, meet me here on the parchment.
She rips off a bit of parchment, hands it to you.
Vulcuran: Grab it and look.
DMaster: Its a makeshift map telling you where she lives.
Vulcuran: Look up to her and smile.
VUL: I’ll be at your home at 5:00 pm then
DMaster: MEA: Perfect, see you then, M’Lord.
She turns and purposefully shows you her perfect round ass. Then walks out of the room with the bus-boy.
Vulcuran: I am grinning ear to ear.
DMaster: The three of them are nodding their head, looking thoroughly impressed.
THAM: (quietly) She was awful quick with that map, don’t you think?
DAM: You all but asked her for Vulc when we got here, dumbass.
MARC: Yeah, true, but that means she likes you.
They glance over to you, smiles on all their faces. You all get up and leave. You head back to the castle.
Vulcuran: Head to the throne room and finish out the last 5.
DMaster: Not going into detail on them. You listen to arguments, pleads, etc and you pass the initial judgement on the five criminals brought to you. It is heading into 4:00 PM.
Vulcuran: Make sure Vatikus is all set, then head to the bath, take a long one. Shave, etc, smell good, wear some simple royal outfit, nothing to fancy. Don’t want to intimidate her.
DMaster: You are back in your room, making final preparations. Knock on your door.
Vulcuran: Go answer it.
DMaster: Thorin is standing there, goofy looks as usual.
THOR: Just a heads up, I am sure the King will want to know.
Vulcuran: VUL: Come on in.
Open the door more.
DMaster: He waltz in, sniffs a bit. Stops and gives you a once over.
THOR: Hot date?
He says with a snort.
Vulcuran: VUL: If you must know, yes. I do. So make this short there captain.
DMaster: He looks impressed.
THOR: I have procured the plan maker, it is the one Joshua used to own. They will also do the construction, if it fits in there budget. They will let me know.
Vulcuran: VUL: Excellent, how did your meeting go this afternoon?
Give him a raised eyebrow look.
DMaster: He goes to walk away, stops, looks back with a curious look.
THOR: Meeting? Huh? Oh… OH!
He starts nodding his head sarcastically.
THOR: So good, sooooo good!
Vulcuran: VUL: Good to hear, now get the hell out of my room.
Smile and chuckle.
DMaster: You leave the room and castle while walking with Thorin, chit chatting. You make it to Fycons, follow the map and see where it leads you. It is leading you into a more middle class neighborhood, some brownstones, apartments. It is nice, but definitely a step down from the Inner Gates. You find what you think is the place, it looks to be an apartment of sorts.
Vulcuran: I will knock on the door
DMaster: After a minute, you hear the door being unlocked. It opens, and the smell of cooking food wafts out. An older man, maybe 10-15 years older than you stands there, probably around 5’6″ though he is hunched over, balding at the top of the head and the hair on the side is peppered with grey’s and blacks. He is wearing burlap pants and a simple cotton shirt, has some sort of glasses on.
MAN: Eh? Can I help you?
He squints and then looks all the way up to you.
Vulcuran: VUL: Good evening. I am here to see Meadow?
DMaster: He thinks for a second, nods and opens the door wider for you to enter. You enter a living room with modest furnishings and decorations. A few things that probably needed replacing is now make-shift, made do for now. Meadow walks down the stairs fairly quick, glancing over to you. She is in a nice top that laces to the top, a bit form fitting. Her medium leather pants hugging her body like they were painted on. She is finishing with her hair. She looks up to you, smiles, then to who is presumably her father.
MEA: Poppa, you should not be walking so far.
He waves his hand as though to shoo her off.
MAN: Eh! I’ll be fine.
An older woman is working over a sink in another room, glancing over. She drops everything and heads into the living room where she also scolds the man. She turns to see you, double takes and her eyes grow big.
WOM: My apologies M’Lord, I did not realize it was you.
She bows a bit, then looks back up to you.
Vulcuran: VUL: No apologies needed.
Nod to her in respect.
DMaster: MAN: Who? Who is it?
He turns, sits in his chair, and leans a bit forward, adjusting his glasses.
MEA: It is the man I told you I met at work.
Her mom gives her quite the look.
WOM: You failed to mention it was the Duke of Camerondale, young lady!
MAN: Duke? Duke of Camerondale? That rascally ol’ devil Vulcuran?
Vulcuran: Eyes widen a bit, look over to him, having an amused look on my face.
DMaster: Meadow and her mother both, eyes bulge, look over.
MEA: Poppa! Respect!
He waves her off again.
MAN: What I wouldn’t give to sit down and listen to some of your tales. Tales of when this Kingdom was just a wee town on the edges of the Othellian sea! How Sir Jeramiah and the Knights defended them from Rockdale and, and…
He is getting all worked up, coughs a bit. The mother walks over, rubs his back.
WOM: Easy now, easy…
MAN: eh! Even the recent tales of you sailing the seas and fighting the galley’s of pirates!
He leans back, coughing again.
Vulcuran: VUL: Someday I might just do that for you.
Smirking at him.
DMaster: Meadow walks over to you, clearly embarrassed
MEA: I am almost ready, I will be back down in a minute.
She looks over to her dad, then back to you.
MEA: Good luck.
She giggles a little and heads back up the stairs. You glance over and have a hard time not staring at her butt, but in respect to her parents you leave it at a glance. The mother walks over to you
WOM: Would you like something to drink?
Vulcuran: Shake my head and smile.
VUL: You are most kind, but I must decline. If I may ask, what are your names?
DMaster: She looks up and smiles.
WOM: That man over there, she points playfully, is my husband, his name is Ender.
He interrupts her,
END: Ender the lender they used to call me, was a good banker for Nanny for decades!
Vulcuran: VUL: Oh, Nanny. She is a powerful woman.
DMaster: END: Aye, too powerful if you ask me, what is she doing…
His wife interrupts. Gives him a look, that he has to squint to see.
MAG: My name is Magnolia, M’Lord. I did not have a nickname, so to speak.
She giggles as the man scoffs and leans back in his chair.
Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit.
VUL: Very nice to meet you Magnolia and Ender, the lender.
DMaster: The man looks over and smirks, the woman just walks back into the other room to continue with dinner. The man leans up again.
END: No, really, what was it like hunting Pirates?
Vulcuran: Smile at him.
VUL: Frustrating. It is not like they advertise their hide outs or anything.
DMaster: He snorts a little, smiling, still looking on.
Vulcuran: VUL: It wasn’t the Pirates that we needed to fear, it is the great monster across the Othellian sea.
DMaster: END: Eh? A great monster?
Vulcuran: VUL: That is what they call the mountainous range, the volcano that exploded a few weeks back.
DMaster: END: Oiy! I guess so huh?
Just then Meadow makes her way back down and gives her dad a look.
MEA: I will see you guys later ok?