~~~IC~~~

::Tien spends as much time as possible in the ship Chaple, lacking that, he will tend to those in need on board::

::the closest thing to a chapel is that the upper lounge is open to solar space::

::through several inches of glass::

::Ric looks for other nobles or guildsmen of the gaming sort::

::there is a guildsman aboard who has the haunted eyes of a blink addict...

but he doesn't seem to have a deck to play...

a few nobles play a chesslike varient in the lounge. using three dimensions::

::Tien holds morning meditations in that chamber and aid those whose faith is weak::

::other than that, any activities will have to be started by you::

::Hmmm, any good looking women on board?::

::Others besides my sister?::

::a couple li halen and a person or two from below attend the service, but most say that they will "attend to their worship in private"::

"If you are in need of assistance, I am in the cargo hold area."

::A couple of the nobles could be seen as attractive... but the ones who are genuinely so instead of cosmetically aided seem to be mostly escorted by fathers or husbands::

::not all noble women are as good swordfighters as your sister::

::of course.. that's just the nobilty.. if you were willing to lower your standards... who knows?::

::Holy Pancreator, this is not the first time he's chased a commoner::

::so are you descending to the level of the commoners?::

::duelling practice with Maria is one thing. but these long space journeys are quite BORING!::

:: Tien seeks an audiance:: "Don Ricardo, ..."

yes?

Could you tell me what it is that has brought you on this quest?"

::the couches of the lounge are soft and comfortable in the dim light... very few others are currently in the room::

How is it that you came to be on Icon>

::Ricardo still looks unrested and uncomfortable::

Do you wish to know about this quest or how I came to Icon?

Yes.... They are one and the same

Oh, no no no no, my friend. Trust me. They are in fact quite opposites.

Pray, tell me, my Lord.

Let's just say that back home on Aragon my, um, talents go unappreciated. Because they are not appreciated I must find those who appreciate them. But now I return for the good of "the family".

I can see how your return to your family is for the good, as to be seperated from your family is a great suffering.

Obviously, my dear priest, you are a great thinker. I need to show you that experience does not always agree with what is preached. Hmmm?

I am not a priest yet. This journey is my test to become a full member in my order.

Orthodox?

No, my order is not Orthodox, but we take many of their ways. ::Tein moves off the couch , onto the floor at the feet of the Don::

Not Orthodox, eh? This could prove to be interesting indeed.

Most members of the Universal Church take us as Eskatonics, but we are somewhere inbetween.

You are a Healer?

I try to unify the mind, body and soul. What good is a sharp mind, if you are unable to act? what good is a strong body if not directed by a sound mind? What vessel for the...

Pancreators light if the two are out of balance.

::Ricardo's attention is suddenly diverted by a figure entering the door... she's only above average in beauty, but is wearing an outfit tantalizing enough to make up for it... Dark hair frames her face and runs into a translucent dress of deep purple::

There must be a balance between the needs of the mind and the needs of the body...

::the major factor, he realizes, that drew his attention, is that she is unescorted::

As interesting as this discussion is I must bid you farewell. For she is someone I was to meet here.

::she glides towards a couch on the other side of the room...and produces a book to read::

I see. It is almost time for prayers...

::Stands and nods to Tien and heads for her couch::

::she looks up at his approach, dark eyes shining out of her pale face as if taking him in::

:: Tien assumes the position of meditation [Lotus] and begins to meditate::

Excuse me fair vision but I could not help but notice your presence.

::she half-smirks.. not seeming to be sure if that was sarcasm or not::

::she doesnt stop him from sitting down::

What are you reading, may I ask?

Eh.. a history of heroic exploits

Ah, where are my manners?

::she carefully marks her place with a ribbon and closes the book::

I am Don Ricardo Valentin Eduardo of the Hazat. I am indebted to your beauty. ::bows with a flourish::

::she holds her hand out, but in such a way that she could easily... remove it if it is not taken without seeming to have lost face::

::Tien is having some difficulties meditating as this inter play of the sexs takes place.::

::takes it lovingly and kisses it delicately so as not to seem to forward::

I am Obelia Xanthippe

::Eyes open:: ##Nosy##

Ahh, the light of a thousand moons cannot match the beauty of that name.

My, you certainly talk smoothly.. much more so than many I have met on this ship

It is obvious that neither you nor I should be considered part of the "many" on this ship

Really? Why should we be any different?

::Light of a thousand moons? The light of the moon is reflections for the holy light ......Is this blasfamy?::

Because your beauty, your charm, the way you carry yourself is so unique it cannot be placed alongside those of such normal appearances.

::she seems to be trying to resist all the compliments... but still cant hide her growing smile::

::fizz is going to wander around eventually ariving in the upper lounge::

Well, Don Ricardo, are you working up to something or do you ... talk this way to all the unescorted women?

::taken aback::

::Fizz sees the priest "meditating" with his eyes open and the Don...is chatting with a fairly attractive woman in a very tight and revealing...dress::

hey donny boy ::walking into the room::

You challenge my sincerity. How can I prove my heart's yearnings to you?

damn thats some sappy stuff... you really fall for that type?

:: Nods in the direction of the Pilot, but does not take his eyes off the two on the couch::

::manages to hold in an unladylike snort:: it seems your friend wants to talk with you

oh no dont bother with me your worship... i am just taking a break from driving you guys around

Watch your tongue, rogue. She is nobility and should be treated as such.

No one is flying the ship?

::she doesnt seem at all taken aback by Fizz's comments.. the Xanthippe are used to being treated as less than royalty::

royalty smoyalty... in the void of space don ... everyone is equal

::Eyes turn toward the pilot::

You should be careful with such sentiments.. they tend to draw unwanted attention

i guess they do

It is not always wise to let your republican ideals be made known to prospective employers. Someday you may be working for me, or even worse, my father.

i guess but ya know if i am going to be working for you then ya gotta know me... and get used to me

Tell him of your republican ideas and see how far you get.

::Thought ...REPUBLICAN... Pancreator Preserve us::

probably get myself killed... but ya know what... i would be killed by my own will... thats not important though ... i would just like to congragulate you

Now, now Don Ricardo.. he's exercising his tendencies as a charioteer...

Congratulate me? For what?

I'm sure that he bears no real republican sentiment ::she says meaningfully::

for hiring the best pilot in the known worlds

I've not hired you though.

well you will.... you want the best and i am the best

::to O:: now he sounds like the typical Charioteer.

It is true, Don Ricardo, the many color haired one will journey with you.

::Obelia produces a handkerchief and covers her smirk::

see the monk nows what he is talking about

::to T:: what makes you say that?

its all ummm whats the word i am looking for ummmm mystical yeaht thats it

Remember my vision, of the two knights and the knight of the many colored helm fighting beside you.

Again, forgive me, Obelia. I've forgotten my manners.

This is Brother Tien of the, umm, B-r-o-t-h-e-r... Battle?

No. Of the Monastary of Eternal Light.

Yes, that's it. Well this is Lady Obelia Xanthippe.

i could really use one of those i mean damn flashlights

::if Tien is a Brother Battle, then Fizz is a Muster member::

last about as long as a good piss around here

I am honored to met you, my Lady.

I don't really deserve to be called Lady

::yeah, like Ricardo knows that much about the Church::

yeah get it right tien you call someone like this honey or sweetie... ya gotta romance them if you want them see?

::grits her teeth and takes it without comment::

She is a lady of noble birth, yes?

so whats an angel like you doing in a ship like this

The title of Lady is reserved for one of higher station than myself

::getting angry with Fizz:: Of course she is. And she should be treated as well. She may not have a title but she is of the blood.

I thought that all females were ladies. I am confused.

dont worry i have the utmost respect for those of finer blood than me... just like wine i suppose the older it gets the better

::to F:: You insolent buffoon

tein where have you been a monastary

Yes, since the age of 2

:: saluting :: at your service

hmmmm.... since you were 2 you have been in a monastary

You both have very different methods that you are using to convience the woman to ... have sexual realtions with you. Which metod do you prefer, Madam?

::presses her hand and handkerchief to her mouth and barely stifles the giggle::

::in shock:: Sexual relations? Really, Brother Tien, I do not think you understand the situation at all.

i think he understands better than all of us... Tien does that mean you have never sinned

:: look of confusion::

Lady Obelia, have you met my sister, Maria?

::Deep look of concentration:: There is none amoung us who have not sinned. Each day we all make minor sins against the Pancreator. We pray for these to be forgiven,

so ::drenched in sarcasm :: My Lady which do you prefer ? ::smiling the entire time:: no but you have never i dont know taken drink, smoked the smoke of peace, been with a woman????

There is nothing wrong with wine, in moderation. No I have never been with a woman.

damn boy we got to get some sin in you

Of all the nerve. First you insult Lady Obelia. Now you insult our friend, the priest!

::Sign of the jumpgate cross:: "... Led us not into temptation..."

i am not insulting him... i just feel that he could never know the utter salvation of the pancreater if he never understands how far he can stand away from him

Is your opinion of yourself so low that you must insult others in order to make yourself feel better.

I do not take offense, Ricardo, let it go

yeah people we probably saying stuff like that before we had jumpgates but that does not make it true

Lord. Gentle Guildsman. Please do not raise your voices in anger.

::has obviously seen an enraged Hazat before::

::totally relaxed at the time:: listen don.... we are going to get along much better once your realise i dont go in for that fawn at the nobles thing.... i have my opionons and thats how its going to be its gotten my ass kicked before and probably will again

::Rises from the floor and steps to interpose himself between the two.::

but thats how i am and thats how its going to be... so if you still have a problem we can duel with it you with your sword and me with mine

Fine. But you will not get any worthwhile jobs until you learn to start playing the etiquette "thing"

:: patting his gun::

Gentlemen.. This is not an arena

The use of a firearm in a ship is dangerous. To us all.

the use of a jumpgate at all is dangeruous...but we do it... dont worry tien i like you... your a good kid

I believe that it would best serve us all, if we all returned to our seperate rooms.

nah we can get along

dont worry.... we can all be friends right don?

::to O:: sorry. It appears we are not leaving you the quiet you originally came here for.

Dame Obelia, I would be happy to escort you back to your room safely.

This is actually much more entertainment than i had hoped for

:: tipping his head:: happy to provide for you your worship

Thank you, no, I will leave when I am ready, and need no escort

::smiling:: A woman of strength. How divine.

::Returning to his place on the floor:: As you wish.

::looks over at Tien for a couple of seconds::

so don tell me about your job

::to F:: what is this "vision" thing he ::Tien:: has about us?

i dont know

It's rather unnerving to be part of a holy man's vision.

no offence to you tien but i put about as much faith in "visions" as i do in snake oil

That's because you've not been to the Kurgan front my Charioteer 'friend'

Don you have no clue where i have been or what i have seen so dont think that you do

But you have no faith in what holy men like him can do.... Trust me. To be part of a "vision" is a very worrisome thing.

i personally dont belive it but i belive in him beliveing in it

Take it as you will but you may rethink things when the visions that involve you start coming true.

i have not heard what are the visions of

::sits calmly watching the two argue::

tien... tell me of your visions... what do you see holy man

I saw three armored men, searching for something lost. On the shields of two of the knights was the crest of the the eagle talon, house Hazat. The third man, with a multicolored plume on his helm was leading the others as darkness was engulfing them. Not one of the three were barers of the Holy light and thus the dark was to destroy them.  That is why I am here, to aid you and be your beacon of light in the darkness. so that you all will not perish amoung the dark.

You three seem to have a destiny ahead of you ... have you found your second knight yet, Tien?

Yes, and I am beginning to see why I am here. ::Eyes the two of them:: I believe that he is the bodyguard with whom I share a cabin.

What? A noble cannot fraternize with a cousin of his blood?

...Cousin of his blood?

::looks askance, having no clue where that came from::

welll

Being of "the blood" or noble implies that we are all distantly related somewhere.

it looks like i am your third knight

Why do you think we nobles refer to each other as "cousin"?

::rubs his hand through his hair :: with my "multicolored plumage... i have only one problem monk

They were all three armed and armored. I thought that they were knights. Two of the same blood and the other of a different.

where are the women

You've taken the words out of my mouth, dear Tien.

Hm. I see.

Perhaps you knights have an unseen train of maidens to attend to your needs... ::she says with a smirk::

I saw no women. Just the dark surrounding and destroying the three of you.

as long as your there baby i will be just fine :: winks::

Captian Fizz, when was your last confession?

ummm lets see.... ummm..... no not last week i was drunk all of last week.... ummm

::raises an eyebrow:: Are you baiting me or do you really think that will attract women to you?

that would be sometime when i was not drunk or otherwise busy sometime last decade

Ha ha ha ha ha.

As there is no priest on board this vessel, I would be happy to hear your confession

well if that does not work i can always try something else darlin

Yes, an excellent idea, Tien.

so that your soul can pass on to the next life, untainted by your sins.... ...if you should fail in this mission.

fail?

Fail?

dont worry i dont need to worry about that yet

I offer the same to you Don Ricardo

i dont think we will fail

you got me

Or if the ship should blow up...

and i never fail

You never know when the Pancreator will claim your soul

Pride goes before the fall, capt.

i dont have pride

Yes, listen to the Xanthippe, Charioteer.

::notices that she's been downgraded to "the Xanthippe"::

dont treat a lady like that don.... i am so sorry my dear

if i could make it up to you in anyway let me know

::sits there now completely taken aback at that coming from nowhere::

i dont know maybe a tour of the ship....starting with my cabin....

Any way could imply a censure or insistence that you confess to Brother Tien, you know.

i was thinking a more personal way my dear don

Just like a guildman. Always conditions to their promises and offers.

::stands gracefully and moves the short distance towards Fizz, as he realizes...than she is almost at his height... she runs a manicured nail down his chin...moving his head down to look her in the eyes::

There can be no conditions on your trust in the Pancreator.

like a noble taking advantage of any offer as a way to gain power over others

hmmmm

I do not know the veracity of your statement of piloting skill...

trust me

But i do know that you are not nearly as attractive to women as you think you are... And as soon as you develop a new strategy, the better... Good day Ricardo, Tien.. I will take my leave now ::she strides easily out of the lounge::

Pancretor give you good day, dame.

i hope she sticks around.... i love a challenge

::glares at Fizz:: I think, dear Tien, I may need to confess to you now.

Don, it appears that your methodolgy is more favorable than the Captain's.

yeah well i am going to go check on the ship

Let us retreat to your chambers, so that we may have privacy.

Yes, Brother Tien. Let us go to my quarters. I do not think you have been properly intro-

duced to my sister, Maria.

::Rises from the floor:: She does appear to be a woman of exceeding character, my Lord.

Indeed, she could easily become a Knight of Lextius.

If it is her calling, then why does she not join?

Perhaps it is not her calling. Each must follow their own paths.

~~~OOC~~~