Vulcuran heads back to the castle after the Sprinter Ball and a crazy experience at the Hydra with Meadow.

Vulcuran: Plop into bed, fall asleep.

DMaster: You have no problems falling asleep.

---

Starday (Sunday) 8:30 AM

---

DMaster: With no crier you don’t wake up until 8:30AM.

Vulcuran: Stretch, get going. Normal routine, take a bath get dressed, etc.

DMaster: The Castle has an odd feel, but you expected it. The day after a party, the schedule is off for everyone. Some people hanging out in the Kitchen, others chatting in the hallway, talking of last nights events. A few people shake your hand, that didn’t at the Ball.

Vulcuran: Go get something to eat.

DMaster: You head into the Kitchen and the King sees you, he is having breakfast too. Motions you over.

Vulcuran: Walk to the King, bow a little.
VUL: M’Lord, good morning… is it… still morning?
Playfully look around.

DMaster: He snorts and nods.
JER: Morning. Go grab some food, let’s talk.

Vulcuran: Walk to the cooks, get my food and walk back, sit across from the King.

DMaster: Jeramiah is looking over a scroll or two, sipping on some beanwater.
JER: So there was a fire early this morning.

Vulcuran: Head snaps to him, eyes widen as I put a spoonful in my mouth.

DMaster: He smirks a bit,
JER: No, nothing that warrants a real investigation. Just an old building in the merchant district, did a little damage to buildings next to it. This one was recently vacated by a merchant who went out of business.

Vulcuran: VUL: Really? Empty and it catches fire?

DMaster: The King nods
JER: yes, they suspect squatters, careless with a lantern or torch.

Vulcuran: Sigh a bit in relief. Keep eating.

DMaster: JER: Sometime in the next few days I want you to go take a look at it, just to make sure.
Giving you a look over the scroll he is reading.
JER: No rush, this is not important. Go visit August, he is the lead.

Vulcuran: Nod to him as I finish my food.

DMaster: You two have some idle chit chat, but go your own way after the meal is done.

Vulcuran: I will go back to my room, finish up and refine my proposal for better security in the castle, for Monday.

DMaster: That takes you about an hour and a half, it is early afternoon now.

Vulcuran: Dig up the information on the Fire, might as well look now while I am bored. Maybe head over to Meadows too. Make sure she is doing ok.

DMaster: You rummage through some parchments on a table in the throne room and find it. You recognize the man who is working as the lead for the city, his name is August and you know where he lives.

Vulcuran: Head out to Meadows.

DMaster: Walking through the streets, it is very quiet except the clumbsy guard tailing you, knowing the King does not want you out alone. It is somewhat embarrassing. It is windy and the temperature a little brisk at about 55-60 degrees. But blue skies and some puffy clouds sit above you. Again, mostly everyone partied last night and being a Starday, no one needs to be going out. You make it to Meadows.

Vulcuran: Knock on the door.

DMaster: After a short minute, it opens, and it is Magnolia.
MAG: M’Lord! I was not expecting you.

Vulcuran: Nod and smile.
VUL: I am just checking in with Meadow, make sure she is doing ok.

DMaster: She smiles wide and lets you in. The place is fairly neat, and Ender is looking over the news parchment for the City (the newspaper). He perks up seeing you, tries to stand.

Vulcuran: Point at the guard, shake my head. Walk in.
VUL: Ender, my good man. Please, sit sit. I appreciate the thought but I am honestly… not that formal.
Give him a warm smile.

DMaster: Plopping back into his chair he smiles back and watches on. Magnolia leans up the stairs.
MAG: Meadow, hun! You have a visitor, it’s time you got up anyways!
Ender leans forward.
END: Anything exciting happen lately in the City?

Vulcuran: Smile a bit back to him.
VUL: Fire in the merchant district this morning.

DMaster: His eyes grow wide a bit
END: I heard the bells, oh no, is it those two hooligans that were terrorizing poor Nanny?

Vulcuran: Shake head.
VUL: Nope, I am afraid not. It apparently was some squatters who were careless with their lantern.

DMaster: END: Ohh…
He leans back again.
END: Guess I will read about it tomorrow.
Ender says waving the parchment around. Then slowly coming down the stairs is Meadow. Her hair in a ponytail, bleary eyed wearing wrinkled burlap pants and an over-shirt.
MEAD: Oh, Vulc. Hey. Hi.

Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit.
VUL: Good Morning Sunshine.

DMaster: Magnolia giggles a little, giving you both googly eyes.
END: Meadow, he is royalty, it should be M’Lord or Sire.

Vulcuran: Tilt my head and playfully scowl.
VUL: Yes Meadow, how dare you.

DMaster: A small smile runs across her face and a playful sigh escapes.
MEAD: I apologize Mah-Sire, Lord Vulcuran.
Ender scoffs and goes back to reading his parchment.

Vulcuran: VUL: Are you doing ok?

DMaster: Before you could finish she grabs your hand and walks you into the Kitchen, having to duck in the archway from hitting your head.
MEAD: Oh, yeah. Great. The world is still spinning. Wow, what a night huh?
She turns to look at you, smile on her face.

Vulcuran: Smile wide, rub her cheek.
VUL: That it was. Thank you for going with me.

DMaster: She leans a bit into the cheek rub, but you can tell she is possibly still a little drunk. She did drink a lot.

Vulcuran: VUL: I will leave you so you can get a bit more rest, I imagine you will have to work tomorrow.

DMaster: She nods as she starts to guzzle water. Meadow wipes her mouth with her sleeve.
MEAD: Yup, early shift. weee!
She says sarcastically.

Vulcuran: Give her a look again, not sure if I should just leave or what.

DMaster: She puts the mug down and gives you a long warm hug.
MEAD: Thank you again for an amazing time.

Vulcuran: Hug her back.
VUL: You are very welcome. Hopefully I will see you soon.

DMaster: She looks up and nods her head.

Vulcuran: Walk out of the house saying goodbye to Magnolia and Ender. Then head for the mans house who is running the investigation on the fire. August is his name. He lost his wife last year I think. Shake my head and push that thought out of the way. When I get there knock on the door.

DMaster: It is a bit away, on the other side of the City. The guard struggling to keep up with you. You get there, kind of feeling the brisk winds ushering through some of the streets and alleyways. The door opens after you knock on it and it is a man, who is balding up top, wearing common clothes and looks like he might have some food on his shirt.

Vulcuran: VUL: Good Morning August, I hate to interrupt…

DMaster: But there are some squealing children behind him and they are running around. His eyes bulge a little seeing you, and looks behind him.
AUG: Shhh now, the Duke of Camerondale is at our door.
Then you hear a woman’s voice trying to calm the children down.
AUG: Sorry M’Lord, kids are a bit wound up after eating, you know how kids are…

Vulcuran: Give him a perplexed look.
VUL: Well, I am childless so I wouldn’t know that.

DMaster: He frowns a bit realizing it was probably not the best thing to say.
AUG: Come in, Come in.
You walk inside and it is a narrow hallway that looks like it leads into a living room. Coats on the one wall, boots on the base of the other. Some toys in the middle of the floor and two kids racing around.

Vulcuran: VUL: I must apologize, I did not think this through, it is Starday and you seem to be busy. It is your day off.

DMaster: The man with wider eyes smiles, glances back.
AUG: ’tis OK, M’Lord, does this require me leaving the house?

Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit.
VUL: It could, if that will help
I respond, but quieter, smirking.

DMaster: AUG: Good.
August grabs a coat on the rack quickly, leans back.
AUG: I have to help out the Duke, I will be back as soon as possible.
You can barely hear him over the scream of a kid.
WOMAN: OK!
You think you heard her say. You both leave the brownstone of sorts.
AUG: My grand children, I love them to pieces but they are… energetic. Very, very energetic. And my daughters husband is always away from home it seems.

Vulcuran: VUL: The fire this morning, I wanted to take a quick look, if you don’t mind. I was tasked to look into it, but I know how the days start to get away from me when the week starts.

DMaster: He stops and glances up. A worried look on his face.
AUG: M’Lord, is it something I did or something I missed?

Vulcuran: Look at him, shake my head and smile.
VUL: Oh no, no. I think with the recent events, someone from the Castle should take a quick look at these things. It has nothing to do with you good sir.
Keep him walking.

DMaster: You eventually make it to the building and there are still water wagons there, debris in the street. One guard standing outside, looking in. Another guard is coming out with some charred rubbish and putting it in a cart.

Vulcuran: Walk to them, looking inside.

DMaster: GUARD: M’Lord! Oh, we did not think anyone would show up today, I uhh…

Vulcuran: Give him a glance.
VUL: It is quite ok, this was unscheduled. I wanted to take a quick look through, precautionary reasons only.

DMaster: The other guard nods to you, and walks out. You walk in. The structure of the building seems to still be sound, the second floor, you can see through the floors. The overwhelming smell of charred wood and other things still eminent and it has that muggy, heaviness in the air.

Vulcuran: VUL: Where do you think it started?

DMaster: August walks to the far side and points. It is definitely more charred and black at this location. It was at a half falling wall.
AUG: The lantern in question is in a wagon outside.

Vulcuran: Look around, getting ideas.
VUL: Ok. Good, good.
Walk along the wall, see how the structure is looking. Will it hold up on rebuilding, maybe?

DMaster: It is hard for you to decide that. It is charred pretty good, the second floor is all but gone. But you glance up and can see some of the sky. Gives you a glass ceiling feeling.

Vulcuran: Smirk a bit. I will have to get with Joshua, I need to visit him anyways.

DMaster: AUG: M’Lord? Copper for your thoughts?

Vulcuran: Glance over to August. Nod my head.
VUL: You are correct. Careless squatters. Thank you for your time.

DMaster: August smiles, and walks to a guard to talk a few things over.

Vulcuran: Walk out, and head to the main records building in the City

DMaster: You make your way through the streets, it is a bit more busy. Some people you can tell are nursing a hangover. Again the guard being less than subtle, following you around like a lost puppy.

Vulcuran: Smirk a bit and get to the records building, then turn around and sigh looking at the guard.
VUL: Really?

DMaster: He shrugs his shoulders. There is a few guards at the front door of City Hall, they give you an odd look.

Vulcuran: VUL: I need to look for a few things, can I get in please.
Giving them a stern look.

DMaster: They nod, and unlock the double doors, open them for you.

Vulcuran: Nod at them and walk in. Look for records, realty, land owning, etc.

DMaster: You rummage through a few things, and you find some cabinets with deeds and such.

Vulcuran: Look for that place that burned.

DMaster: You find it, it was on the desk and not in a cabinet. They must of been looking it over. The previous owner went out of business, it was a ceramic and glass shop. Selling pots, vases, glasses, mugs, etc. Pretty much a dining ware type of shop.

Vulcuran: Look for the cost of the deed.

DMaster: Before the fire, it was disclosed at 928 gold.

Vulcuran: Wonder how much I can get it, as is.. chuckling a bit thinking of that place.

DMaster: You will have to find out.

Vulcuran: Today’s not the day. Write down the price, put the parchment in my pocket and head out.
VUL: Thank you. Please lock up.
Say that to the guards. Head back to the Castle.

DMaster: You make it back and the Castle, the guard finally breaks off at the inner gate. is in chill mode. No royal outfits, no servants racing about. Just a few people, mostly friends in casual comfy outfits, sipping beanwater, chit chatting and meandering. It is late afternoon.

Vulcuran: Go to my room, get in a comfy outfit, grab my sword and head to the training area behind the Castle.

DMaster: You do, the training area is a bit cramped with the Barons House there. Plans for it to be tore down and a luxurious Inn to be built next to the Castle has been in the works for some time now. This will give the Castle an area of gardens and such. You train on some dummies (not yourself) for an hour or two.

Vulcuran: Get a sweat worked up. Work off some of that alcohol. Then just chill out the rest of the day.

DMaster: The day goes by quickly. Feeling a little groggy from the events of the ball. You hang with Thames, Carol and a few others for a make shift dinner, cooked by Thames. It was actually pretty good. You head to your room, read a book about commerce and fall fast asleep.

---

Mondalay (Monday) 6:00 AM

---

DMaster: You wake up early, a bit of light peaking through your shutters.

Vulcuran: Get up and do my normal morning routine.

DMaster: You finish the routine. The crier is walking past you, gives you a respectful nod.
CRY: Monday morning, shake off that hangover people! It is a bit cloudy but the winds subsided. Looks to be a decent day in store for you all!

Vulcuran: Nod back. Get my royal crap on and head for the Kitchen.

DMaster: You get to the Kitchen and it is fairly busy with the Chefs already. The breakfast looks like Eggs on toast with some bacon. Smells amazing.

Vulcuran: Grab a plate and go to a table.

DMaster: You sit, you are one of the first, and eat up. By the time you are almost done, Marcus and Damon have sat at your table.
MARC: Morning Vulc, you are up and at-them this fine morning.

Vulcuran: Nod to him smile, take a drink of my beanwater.
VUL: Yeah, fell asleep early last night. Woke up early. Wanted to be ready, I have a proposal for the council today.

DMaster: They both give you a curious look.
DAM: really? Not to be rude, but why wasn’t I informed about it?

Vulcuran: Smirk and chuckle.
VUL: I just finished it last night, for the most part. We can just walk through the preliminary ideas today then you can have a good look at it.

DMaster: They are eating, drinking some beanwater.
DAM: Yes, sounds good Vulc. I am just very intrigued.
Giving you a warm smile, then shovels food in his mouth.

Vulcuran: Look at them and nod.
VUL: Enjoy breakfast, I am going to get with Vatikus for todays Court proceedings.

DMaster: The two royal members, glance at each other surprised a bit knowing Vulcuran does not like having to do Royal things, and definitely does not like to do the court duties. You get up and head to the office area. Vatikus is just getting there, putting his bag in the corner, looking to light a lantern.

Vulcuran: VUL: Good morning Vatikus, have a good weekend?

DMaster: He jumps and looks behind him, wide eyes.
VAT: Yes, M’Lord. I did, thank you. You gave me, a bit of fright.
Vatikus coughs a second, pats his chest and finishes lighting the lantern.
VAT: How was the ball if I may ask?

Vulcuran: Go and sit down at my seat, smirk a bit.
VUL: You did just ask, and yes you may.
Pull out my scroll with the revised Castle security hand it to him.
VUL: It was pretty great. Good time was had by all.

DMaster: He takes the scroll and opens it.
VAT: What is this?

Vulcuran: VUL: Improved security measures for the Castle. I feel we need to tighten the screws, so to speak here.

DMaster: He is reading and has an impressed look on his face.
VAT: This looks, good. Really good.
Gives you a quick glance and smiles.
VAT: Have you been holding out on me M’Lord?

Vulcuran: Chuckle.
VUL: No, but when I am passionate about things, I tend to go full horse ride.

DMaster: He is rolling up the scroll, handing it back to you.
VAT: You don’t say?
Smirking a bit.

Vulcuran: Grab the scroll put it back in my pocket.
VUL: I want a bit of time in the afternoon, so I am hoping that we can make quick work of the court hearings.

DMaster: The scribe chuckles a bit, shakes his head.
VAT: Of course, it’s a typical day, about 8 cases today. 4-5 before lunch and we can fit in the last 3 sometime in the afternoon?

Vulcuran: Nod head, stand up, put my hand on his shoulder.
VUL: Perfect, Thank you.

DMaster: He looks up to you and smiles.
VAT: Of course, M’Lord, anytime.

Vulcuran: Walk to the conference room for the council meeting.

DMaster: People are just arriving and sitting down, chit chatting and such. A few servants pouring beanwater, and putting down a docket in front of each seat. 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.

Vulcuran: Sit and look over the docket.

DMaster: You are interrupted by Carol, she sits her butt on the table next to you.
CAR: Morning my Duke, how are you feeling? I forgot to ask yesterday but… you and Meadow, ahem, disappeared after a bit in the Hydra?
Giving you a playful inquisitive look.

Vulcuran: Nod head looking slowly down to my docket.
VUL: Uh, I had to perform an investigation.

DMaster: She stops, and glares at you.
CAR: Excuse me?

Vulcuran: VUL: I had to make sure Meadows tongue was in the right place, that she wasn’t carrying any concealed weapons in her dress, and such, you know. The usual things….
Trail off, eyes a bit wider looking at the papers.

DMaster: She lets out a laugh that makes everyone glance over and smirk.
CAR: Fine fine, you have your secrets then.
Playfully pats you on the shoulder. The meeting starts.
DAM: Good morning everyone. Great Ball wasn’t it? Ok, let’s start the Council meeting.
Some scribes are writing things down and getting things ready.
DAM: Before we get lost in the meeting, our Duke would like to present an ordnance to us. Vulcuran, the floor is yours.
He waves you on and he sits in his seat.

Vulcuran: Get up and walk to the middle.
VUL: Thank you Damon.
Sigh and look around.
VUL: It is no secret, I failed at acquiring the two operatives that seemed to be terrorizing Nanny. Among other things that came to my attention, it dawned on me that our security in the Castle is lax. Now, I am not saying we are in immediate danger, but who would of thought Nanny would have people down in her basement, pillaging her safe with all her security?
Pace a bit, tapping the scroll on my hand as I talk.

DMaster: They are all quiet, watching and listening.

Vulcuran: VUL: So I have ten points of concern and some improvements to our security. I will have Vatikus make copies for everyone to review and a vote next Monday. It will have things like random guard patrols, improved locks on things we don’t always think about; the shutters on our windows being one.
Look down and smile, thinking of the Brandy.
VUL: But I will save the long speech for next week. This is merely an introduction to, tightening the screws, of our security. Any questions?

DMaster: They all look around, seem to be impressed and shake their head.

Vulcuran: VUL: Thank you for your time. Any questions on this, just find me and we can discuss.
Head back to my chair, sit. Put the scroll on the table.

DMaster: DAM: Thanks Vulcuran, appreciate it, and I for one am intrigued about it.
Nods to you in respect as he stands.

Vulcuran: Think to myself; don’t patronize me Damon.

DMaster: DAM: Next up. Well…
He is handed a parchment.
DAM: Sorry Vulcuran, care to update us on our pesky little dynamic duo.

Vulcuran: Sigh loudly. Stand up.
VUL: It has been quiet and I expected it to be that way from here on out. They have left the City.

DMaster: Everyone glances at each other, the King furries his brow. Jeramiah gives you a look.
JER: I am sorry, how would you know that?

Vulcuran: Look down, sigh again.
VUL: I was… told. On good authority, they have found what they were looking for and they have left the City, for good.

DMaster: The room grows quiet as everyone is exchanging glances.
DAM: Alright. Can we get a bit more information?

Vulcuran: VUL: It is going to be in a report as I was closing out the case. But the woman of the duo, told me they found what they were looking for, and they will be moving on…
Glance around the room.

DMaster: They all have odd looks on their face.

Vulcuran: VUL: That is it. I doubt we will be able to find them, I doubt we would be able to capture them if we did, so instead of making another debacle, I felt that just letting them leave the City was the best course of action.
Clench my jaw, look down. Then look over to Carol.

DMaster: She is the only one who is not giving you a confused look.
JER: Vulcuran, we will talk after the meeting, understand?
Saying in a stern tone.

Vulcuran: Nod head. Sit down. Dammit, I didn’t think about this… of course they are still plaguing me.

DMaster: Damon hands the parchment back to the Scribe, wider eyes.
DAM: OK, close that out, on to the next.
Scribe hands him another.
DAM: Well, Vulc. It seems it is your show this morning
Saying that with a half chuckle.

Vulcuran: Shake head a little, look at him.

DMaster: DAM: The blue prints and construction for the lighthouse?

Vulcuran: Nod head, stand again.
VUL: Thorin and myself have contacted Joshua and he is in the process of producing the blue prints, and even his old construction company could take on the project. If the price is right. I just have not gave him the details for that part just yet. But things are progressing.
Sit down.

DMaster: Damon nods and smiles.
DAM: Excellent.
Marks something on the parchment and hands it to the scribe. Gets handed a new one. He looks.
DAM: Ahhh yes, Vulc…
He glances over.

Vulcuran: Widen my eyes, sink my shoulders, stare at him.

DMaster: DAM: Ahh, I am just kidding.
Smirks and looks back to a few people chuckling.

Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit, shake my head.

DMaster: DAM: The Warlord. He seems to have quieted down, a lot. When we talked last week, it was a few weeks since we really heard anything about him, his movements, and such. Now its going on three weeks and our intel is telling us they are static.
The speaker shrugs his shoulders.
DAM: Thoughts?
The King looks up.
JER: Being quiet could mean a few things. It could just be he is pulling in his resources, for whatever reason. It could also mean he is doing that to launch an attack.
Scoffs a bit, shakes his head.
JER: It could also just be, that there is nothing to report.
Shrugs his shoulders and smiles. Damon nods, looks around the room. Hands off the parchment.

Vulcuran: Just nod my head to what Jeramiah said.

DMaster: Damon grabs the next parchment and chuckles. He slowly looks over to you, puppy dog eyes.
DAM: Umm, Vulc? The bodies we found out at the entrance?

Vulcuran: Shake head and stand up.
VUL: I have not looked at the most recent. Well, the first one was burned as you all know. It was, what did you call them, the Dynamic Duo? We did not get much out of that, other than the fact whoever is behind it, is either very powerful or is very rich. Somehow the Nanny issues and the bodies seem to be tied together and as we seem to review it more… it gets scarier and scarier.
Look around at the people.

DMaster: Their eyes are wide, and exchanging glances.
JER: Vulc, care to explain?

Vulcuran: Nod my head.
VUL: The same people who were looking for the mortar and pestle, also burned the body. Considering the mortar and pestle has everything to do with necromancy, and that we are finding dead bodies with obvious split jaw marks on them…
Give everyone a serious look.
VUL: There seems to be a common thread here and it is the people who hired the duo. Are they split jaws? Someone who works with Split Jaws? Or something far worse, killing and resurrecting, or..

DMaster: JER: Vulc. We get the idea.
He is staring out, in deep thought, rubbing his chin.
JER: Yes. Now that you have mentioned it…
Glancing up to you.
JER: It would of been great to question the duo more.
Now almost glaring at you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Yeah, well. That shipped sailed.
Give him a small scowl back.
VUL: For now, I have Vatikus working with some scribes to come up with some sort of idea, or plan that could of been in the works. I guess looking for information we may have missed, possible patterns we did not see.

DMaster: Interrupting.
THA: I am a bit fuzzy on my Split Jaw lore, but they are people who have been diseased? An insatiable thirst for blood that helps them stay alive, correct?

Vulcuran: Nod head a bit.
VUL: I believe so.

DMaster: THA: Wonder if that is tied into it. The necromancy, life, death makes sense, just wondering maybe it is a bit more… scientific I guess?
Carol chuckles and looks at her husband with a little bit of pride.
CAR: At this point, who knows. But that could make some sense, maybe a way to cure them?

Vulcuran: Nod head again.
VUL: That is actually, really insightful, but that leads us to the same question still…
Look over to the King.

DMaster: He gives you a look and nods.
JER: Who is behind all this? It’s been the same question since the very beginning.
Everyone nods and looks around.

Vulcuran: VUL: That is all I have for now.
Sit back down.

DMaster: Damon nods his head, gets a scroll handed to him.
DAM: The adsorption of Del Rosa to our kingdom.
The King shakes his head.
JER: Adsorption Damon?
He smiles and shrugs his shoulders.
DAM: This has been in the works for sometime now. But, we are close to making this work. This will give us land all the way down to the Weston Gate territory. It is a bit more to take care of, but I am sure Del Rosa already takes care of those people and land. I am a bit fuzzy as to why he would want this, him being the “heir apparent” to the throne of Del Rosa.
Chuckles throughout the room.

Vulcuran: VUL: Yeah, he never really liked the title anyways.

DMaster: Everyone looks over, raised eyebrows.
DAM: Vulcuran?

Vulcuran: Sigh and stand up.
VUL: Apparently I am the mouth piece to this meeting, and maybe even doing a better job than…

DMaster: Damon clears his throat gives you a playful scolding look.
DAM: Del Rosa, my Duke?
A few chuckles about the room.

Vulcuran: VUL: On our last leg of our journal a few weeks back, I met with Ventura, and he told me he was only a prince becuse his father fancied himself a “king.”
Pause, remembering, chuckle. Try to imitate his voice.
VUL: If Magus Orion can have a King and Queen, so can Del Rosa!

DMaster: Everyone smiles, though a little confused.

Vulcuran: VUL: Anyways, he really wants this merger. His ideals of running a large “parcel” of land with a big seaside dock has worn on him and his people. He looks forward to joining us.
Sit back down.

DMaster: Damon nods his head, smiling a bit.
DAM: Excellent! I guess we are moving forward with this to finalize it. Next month we can travel to Del Rosa and ratify this contract and, what did you call it, merger?
JER: Better than Adsorption…
The King says under his breath with a chuckle.
Damon laughs, hands the parchment back to the Scribe.
DAM: Alright, Nanny Dillingham….

Vulcuran: Sigh and shake my head.

DMaster: DAM: M’Lord?
Jeramiah stands up and walks to the middle of the floor.
JER: I am at an impasse here. We can’t just jail Nanny, she is very important to this City and the commerce that runs through and around her is incredible.
He looks over to Carol, who is looking at a parchment, glances to the King.
CAR: At least 70-75 percent of our commerce.

Vulcuran: Nod head, she goes down this City might collapse.

DMaster: JER: So I am looking for ideas. My first thought is a hefty fine. Probation. But if you think the crime needs to be addressed more, please let’s talk.
He looks about the room.
MAR: Dealing in illegal artifacts is a law, for just this reason.
He says almost chuckling,
MAR: Like it was a shining beacon of an example. But I think what the King proposes, will have to do. Let’s make it a very hefty fine, she can afford it.

Vulcuran: Chuckle.
VUL: Could ease her guilt a bit too.
Giving everyone a look.

DMaster: They smile and nod in agreement.
JER: 500 Platinum then? 1 year probation?
Thames chokes on his beanwater.
THA: Holy shit. 500?
CAR: Hun, it’s Nanny. She makes that when she takes a dump in the morning.
Everyone giggles. Damon stands next to the King.
DAM: All in favor?

Vulcuran: Raise hand in favor of it.

DMaster: It was unanimous.
DAM: OK, mark it as passed. Now what to do with the money? Donate it to the “Damon just got married fund?”
The King standing next to him, gives him a side-wards glance.
JER: Sure, it would also help bail you out of the dungeons as well. We will use it for the Augustian relief fund…
Everyone laughs.

Vulcuran: Get my docket in order. Wait for the end.

DMaster: Not much else was discussed. The meeting comes to a close.
DAM: Vulc, lunch again today? Around high sun?

Vulcuran: Nod head.
VUL: Sure, I am game.

DMaster: THA: Visit your girlfriend… ohhh
He says playfully, then Carol wacks him on the arm.
THA: Ouch!
He rubs his arm.
THA: We’ll meet in the entrance way at high sun, ok?

Vulcuran: Nod to him, smile and giggle at Carol. Head to the Throne room, and get set up for the court hearings.

DMaster: Before you could, the King grabs your arm forcefully, pulls you to the other side of the room. A few eyes on you, perk up and give you a “uh oh” look.

Vulcuran: Stand straight, hands behind my back.

DMaster: JER: You knew that they are gone, that they were leaving?
Giving you a some what angry look.

Vulcuran: Nod head, giving him a sincere look. Hoping like hell he wont ask “when” they told me…

DMaster: He takes a deep breath, steps back a bit.
JER: I am very conflicted about this Vulcuran. One hand I understand, they are different and more talented than the idiots in our City, but on the other hand, I felt like we were rode hard and put back wet…

Vulcuran: VUL: Not “we” M’lord, that would fall squarely on my shoulders.
Looking straight ahead, clench my jaw.

DMaster: He sighs a bit.
JER: Unfortunately that it does. You should of brought in help sooner, rather than going all vigilante.

Vulcuran: Nod head, looking down.

DMaster: JER: but you, as always, have the best intention for this City, for this Kingdom. I guess we will let this just die in the wind. Finish your report quick, file it away with Thorin, and we will move on, understand?

Vulcuran: Nod head again.
VUL: Yes M’lord.

DMaster: He pats you on the back. You leave and head for the Throne room. Vatikus is there and the entryway has prisoners, and its packed with guards. You have to walk past them and into the throne room. You get dirty looks and scowls.

Vulcuran: There has to be a better way to do this, it never feels very safe. Thinking to myself. Get to the chair and sit. Get ready to listen to it.

DMaster: The rest of the morning flies by and you get through 6 cases. It goes pretty good. It is high sun.

Vulcuran: Tell Vatikus I will be back around 2:00 PM. Head out to the entrance way, find a guard.
VUL: Go to this address (Joshua’s address) and talk with Joshua, tell him I want to meet him in the Merchant Grounds at 1:00 PM.
The guard nods and heads out. I will then meet up with the party.

DMaster: They are there chit chatting, look at you.
MARC: Lets get going, I’m starving.
The group heads out, down a street or two and into Fycon Brothers. It is not busy, only a few people waiting. You are greeted immediately and sat at your usual table in the back. You did not see Meadow. The host hands you the menus and leaves.
THA: So 500 Platinum. Holy shit. I was trying to wrap my mind around that.
The table chuckles.
MAR: Yeah. I was doing the math myself. The average citizen makes between 7-10 gold a week in the City, and that is a damn good life, compared to most places in the realm. Say 40 gold a month, 12 months thats 480 gold. That is a lot, and it reminds us just how good we have it here in Camerondale. In comparison, roughly, it would take the average person to work 12 years straight, and not spend a copper, to pay that off. In other Kingdoms, it is a lifetime.
Everyone’s eyes a bit wide, nodding their head.

Vulcuran: Look at the menu, pick something out.

DMaster: A man walks in and to the table,
WAIT: I will be your waiter, what can I get you to drink?
Everyones shoulders sag a bit, and look over to you.

Vulcuran: Shrug my shoulders and smile a little.
VUL: I will have some mint water, chilled… plus the special for today.

DMaster: The rest of the party orders, and he leaves.
THA: That sucks. I was hoping for Meadow again.
Just then you can see the entrance, Meadows head pops in and a smile goes across her face.

Vulcuran: Get up and walk to her.

DMaster: She walks to you and gives you a big hug.
MEAD: Sorry about yesterday, I was… whoa.
All the guys are looking on, smiling and nudging each other. You two are in each others embrace talking.

Vulcuran: Nod head and smile.
VUL: Quite ok, I understand.
Look at the table.
VUL: Guys, really?

DMaster: They all chuckle and look back to the table.
MEAD: Have to get back, I got stuck in the Kitchen for the morning, had a few call ins.
She says grunting a bit. She leans up and gives you a deep kiss.

Vulcuran: Lift her off the ground, kiss her back.

DMaster: She giggles a little, squeezes your shoulders and heads back to the Kitchen.

Vulcuran: Walk back over to my chair. Sit, a bit dreamy eyed.

DMaster: THA: Vulc, got to hand it to you. You asked her to dance with your balls last week, and this week you are getting tongue during lunch.
Everyone busts out laughing.

Vulcuran: Nod my head smiling, chuckling a bit.
VUL: Yes. I also called her a pretty lay if you remember.

DMaster: Everyone laughs. You get served, eat and it is amazing as always.
THA: That look you gave the King, man you got some balls on you.
Marcus and Damon smirk and nod their head.

Vulcuran: Give him a perplexed look, shrug shoulders.

DMaster: THA: After he mentioned about wanting to question the Duo… you fired back, without hesitation, “That ship has sailed” and gave him one hell of a scowl.
He is wiping his mouth, shaking his head.

Vulcuran: VUL: Yeah, well, that was a bit uncalled for. It wouldn’t matter if it was Animax himself, you want to ride me that hard, I’m going to buck, you know?

DMaster: Thames gives you a big smile and nods his head, almost proud like. The group chit chats about a few things, but nothing of relevance.

Vulcuran: Finish up, grab a few gold and plop them down on the table.
VUL: Got the tip.

DMaster: Thames then says in a singing voice…
THA: Just the tip….
Everyone shakes there head and groans. The group says their goodbyes and heads out.

Vulcuran: I will say bye to Meadow and before I head back to the Castle, I will head out to the Merchant grounds in the Common area.

DMaster: A guard starts to trail you, much to your displeasure. You go through a few streets, nod at a few people. You get there and you see your long time good friend, Joshua. He is standing talking with a few people, then sees you. He excuses himself and walks over.

Vulcuran: Walk to him, smiling.

DMaster: He brings you in and gives you a hug. Joshua is about 5’8″ and has gained a few pounds in his older age.

Vulcuran: Hug him back, put my hands on his shoulders.
VUL: Old friend, how be you?

DMaster: He nods. Glances at the guard.
JOSH: Vulc?
He chuckles. Then smiles,
JOSH: I am doing good, trying to stay busy you know.
Glances at you.

Vulcuran: Nudge him a little.
VUL: You are retired, staying busy does not make a lot of sense.

DMaster: He shakes his head chuckling.
JOSH: Aye, you will my boy, you will.
Patting you on the back giving you a look.
JOSH: I always like seeing you Vulc, but why am I here?

Vulcuran: Point at the burnt building.

DMaster: JOSH: Aye, I thought it might be that. Looking for a second opinion on the start of the fire?

Vulcuran: Shake head.
VUL: Nope. I need you to see if it is worth buying.

DMaster: Eyes light up a bit.
JOSH: Sure, lets go.
You two walk into the building. It is about 30 feet wide, 40 feet deep, with a dividing wall to some sort of back room. Hard to see as the second floor collapsed a bit. Joshua is walking through, peering into the back room.

Vulcuran: Stand there looking around, hoping that this fire has sufficiently decreased the value so I can buy it cheap. Joshua’s feedback will let me know if I should tear down or build upon it.

DMaster: Looking around, you suddenly get a wiff. A perfume, and it hits you like a ton of bricks. It is Cassies.

Vulcuran: Stand a bit taller, turn my head slightly
VUL: You were supposed to be gone by now… lost your way perhaps?

DMaster: A giggle comes from the woman.
CASS: How did you even know I was here, I was very quiet.

Vulcuran: Shake head, stand still, waiting for an answer. My back still turned.

DMaster: CASS: Well, OK, I have some news to relay to you before we moved on.

Vulcuran: Slowly turn to see her.

DMaster: She is standing in dark leather pants, that are practically painted on. A dark cloth shirt, cleavage very noticeable, jewelry and some shit kicking boots. Her hood is also drawn.

Vulcuran: Just look at her, despite the fact she is gorgeous, keep my composure. Remember getting shit from the King at the meeting.

DMaster: Cassie draws her hood back and smiles. Her eyes, her hair, that smile. You shutter a little.

Vulcuran: Look down a second, take a breath and look back up.
VUL: OK, and?

DMaster: She looks past you and smiles.
JOSH: Vulc, my boy, I think…
He glances up and see’s Cassie. A big smile across his face.
JOSH: Well, hello miss.

Vulcuran: Sigh a bit, put my head down.

DMaster: CASS: Hi.
She says with a sly smile and small little wave. Joshua walks past you, pats you on the back.
JOSH: When you are done, umm, here…
He sees your face, and raises an eyebrow.
JOSH: We will talk outside, the smell of fire is a bit much in here anyways.
The rotund man walks out the gaping entryway and into the merchant area.

Vulcuran: Look back up to her, grit my teeth a bit. Remembering how she humiliated me essentially, and even in the meeting today… ugg.

DMaster: Her smile turns to a sudden look of regret and she frowns.
CASS: This wasn’t us, if you were thinking…
Waving her hand around meaning the building.

Vulcuran: VUL: I know. I know.
Stare right through her.

DMaster: She looks down.
CASS: Well we got some intel.

Vulcuran: VUL: So you said.

DMaster: A sigh comes forth, and she walks a bit farther into the burnt building.
CASS: How much do you know of the Warlord in the Teeter Wind Plains?

Vulcuran: Give her a look, raise an eyebrow.
VUL: Enough, why?

DMaster: She gets a bit closer, looking about the place with curiosity.
CASS: Well, he was over thrown.
Looking square into your eyes.

Vulcuran: Look down a minute, furry my brow. Then look back to her.

DMaster: Cassie is nodding her head.
CASS: Happened about a month ago. We already kind of knew that a few weeks back…

Vulcuran: Turn my eyes to slits
VUL: Then why are you telling me this, now?

DMaster: CASS: We just found out that a human took the army over. Rumored to be of noble birth too.

Vulcuran: Look at her confused.

DMaster: CASS: And the real reason I am telling you all this, because I am hoping you already knew that part…

Vulcuran: Chuckle in my head, nope. Our intel is usually not that fast.

DMaster: She hesitates for a second and chuckles.
CASS: We have heard on good authority, that he has sects in each major City… maybe in all the realm. Been doing it over the past month.

Vulcuran: Think for a minute, then shake my head.

DMaster: CASS: A small group of his people, that are hidden through out these Cities, probably sending word back to whatever they find. Probably lying in wait for orders to do something shady.

Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit at that comment. Give her a “really” look.

DMaster: Cassie sighs again, and looks about the place.
CASS: Are you thinking of buying this place?

Vulcuran: Give her a disturbed look.
VUL: Uh, yeah. Eavesdropping on me now too?
Give her a raised eyebrow look.

DMaster: She shakes her head, turns and heads for the door.

Vulcuran: VUL: Cassie, Thank you.
Giving her a sincere look.

DMaster: She stops, waits a second and turns. It was for dramatic effect. Her hair flails about, her piercing blue eyes and smile just hit you and you get butterflies.
CASS: You’re welcome, and I know, I know. Get the fuck out of your city.