Don.. do you have a name in mind for the city where your father lives, or should i make one

up on the fly?

::really needs to get the fiefs books::

Rancho Paradiso

How about "Fortress of the Elder Wind" or something

rancho paradiso? that's cornier than what i was going to say :)

It's more of an agrarian place.

what did you have in mind?

i was trying to spoof the word Aragon

uh oh

Sorry, that the Li Halan coming out of me.

lol I thought that was why you became a monk.. lol...

How 'bout Encantande?

okay, you're in the city of New Barcelona, subject to change later...

your father has a summer home there...

and since the streets that you guys are walking down (remember back 3-4 weeks?)

was just about to ask

are 115 degreesF easy, you figure that it's summer and he'll be here

That would be Tien and myself

Yes

And the encounter with the seer

Pancreator, help us all!

right... okay you all meet back up with Ruiz, who's waiting at the monorail station...

curtain call?

Hail, my Lord..!

OK

Fizz didnt get off the train in time, and is now somewhere riding around the city...

you dont know the monorail's schedule, and figure it would be just as easy to go...

on and let him catch up

**walking to Ric's Side**

okay, everyone ready to go IC?

OK

yep..!

si

~~~IC~~~

The bustle of the city slowly begins to give way to the countryside...

You are well, Lord Ric?

::walks next to Tien, deep in thought, brooding::

What is wrong, lord?

Ah, Don Ricardo. There is Ruiz

you walk along the main road as it becomes more and more sparsely trodden, until...

you are the only people on the street.

Huh, oh yes. Good day, Ruiz.

Greeting ::Bows::

the houses become less like tenements, and more grand, eventually becoming mansions...

Good day, Lord.. Tien my friend... ::Bows back perfuntorily to Tien, then looks at Ric seriously::

as you get further the road becomes cobblestone instead of maxicrete, and fountains dot frequent squares

It is nothing really. A ... distraction... came up.

Can you inform me, my Lord?

A holy seer or a demoness. I believe the former.

further, you notice the houses opening up to huge back yards, and becoming further and...

::leaning near Tien:: Remember what I asked of you, Tien.

further spaced

Forgive.

::Looking at both quizzically::

Trees show up as the edges of deciduous forests, absorbing some of the oppressive heat

::Falls in behind the Don::

::stops and sniffs the air::

::Walks to the right of the Don::

I almost forgot what it smelled like.

::nearing the end of the row, but far from the most opulent houses...

::Remains behind the Don::

sits the summer mansion of Baron Jaime Eduardo...

What is the time? Do either of you know?

ALmost time for prayers

the sun is near setting...

((it's always almost time for prayers for Tien))

the mansion is in the style of old terra, with beautiful carvings in the stucco of the...

Hmm. Father will be expecting us. Well, is currently expecting us. Let's pick up the pace.

grand home, and multitudes of windows look down on the street...

::quickens pace with resolve::

::keeps up w/ the Don::

::Follows the don closely::

Maria relaxes, dressed in less than she's worn the whole trip, in a seat on the lawn::

::hand rests on his rapier, head held high::

::two burly peasants carry the last of your luggage inside:

Hello again, Lady Maria.. ::bows::

Greeting my lady. ::Smiles and bows::

::smiles:: Maria! ::kisses her cheeks::

::maria waves, stands and bows::

it's so wonderful to be able to sun myself again, after those weeks in space

::looks around for anything unusual::

THe glory of the Pancreator is great, renewing the spirit and the body.

::looks around:: Yes. The memories had almost passed. ::smiling::

::it looks exactly the same as the last time you were here Ruiz, accounting for the season::

::gets serious and looks toward the hacienda:: Is Father expecting us inside?

::slow smile, remembering::

I believe he and mother are out for the afternoon.. but they'll be back for dinner

There are rooms set aside... your suite is as it was brother

::raises an eyebrow:: Really?

Yes... they don't use this house that horribly much

::Closes his eyes and soaking in the last of the sunlight::

Is Valeria (seneschal) still charged with this house?

I suppose she has eventual control of it... but she's mainly concerned with the larger estate

Is she here then?

::watching the interplay with interest::

I don't know... i've been here about 20 minutes longer than you have

Well, I suppose Rodrigo ((butler)) can show them their rooms?

<q>honestly, expects me to know everything

::shakes head and sighs:: Let's go inside, gentlemen.

::shrugs:: I suppose so ::goes back to sunning herself::

::nods, then moves behind Ric::

::heads for the hacienda::

::Hears the movement of feet and opens eyes. hurrys to follow::

::Hasty bow to the lady::

::a medium-height thin middle aged man with deeply tanned and weathered skin, his hair a thinning carpet on top of his large head, meets you at the door::

::bows::Ah, master Ricardo, it's so nice to see you again

::grips Rodrigo's arms and allows Rodrigo to grip his:: Rodrigo, it's been so long.

::smiling::

Perhaps for a young man like you, m'lord, but the seasons pass quickly for me these days

((Do I remember Rodrigo?))

would you like to retire to your rooms before dinner?

((you suppose this is the same guy who showed you in before, but most nobles choose similar looking servants, so you cant be sure))

((ok, thanks))

::Bows to Rodrigo:: As the prophet said, "Embrase the day and enjoy it's fullness, for each

Yes, a quick, cooling wash-up would be nice.

day is a blessing from the Pancreator."

I would like to wash up, also.. ""nod::

Then please follow me ::he heads up a flight of stairs inside the large atrium::

::following closely::

::follows, but knows where his suite is::

::Assuming the end of the line::

::the stairs reach their pinacle, and you tread on thick rugs over the marble floor::

:: tien and Ruiz are shown to rooms, and then Ricardo is free to move further along to his::

::Prayer for arriving at the end of a journey::

Oh, Rodrigo. Remind our guests that they should dress formally tonight.

::the rooms arent huge, but they're spacious, and whatever luggage you had is there::

Very Good, Sir

::moving to the washroom, washing up::

When is dinner?

::washes up and looks through wardrobe::

do they have formal wear, or should I find something for them?

If they do not, offer them something. Do not be afraid to ask them.

::bows and walks back to Ruiz's room:: Did all of your belongings make it here sir?

No, my good man. I have only what is on me.

Ah, very well then... the young Don would like me to remind you to dress formally this evening.. since such is the case i will endeavor to find clothing for you....

::Finds a pair of black dress tights, black knee high boots and a white shirt with ruffles::

::eyes his massive frame:: Which might require some doing

::nod of approval:: Thank you, kind sir.. :piercing gaze, smile::

::donning formal wear::

::he bows and continues to Tien's room:: How are you finding your accomodations master... ?

::He takes a crimson waistcoat and finishes it off with... a white cape that covers his right shoulder::

Well, thank you. Where is laundry? I must wash my tunic for the meeting tonight? ::Bows::

I will secure clothing for you, master.... ?::he politely tries to discover your name::

I am brother Tien. Please call me Brother.

::He does not wear his rapier or his main gauche::

ah, yes, very good Brother Tien... it is good that the master has finally decided to take on a confessor

I am not a master.

::he bows and continues on.... soon returning with black linen trousers and red linen dress tunics for both of you::

::Looks around the room to count the number of people who will share this room::

::it's a room just for you tien... which is a novel concept::

((lol))

((Must be a mistake))

((ahh, the joys of nobility))

((LOL))

::you're left alone for about an hour, anyone have anything in particular in mind?::

::Washs and dress for dinner. Will pray until called to dinner::

::reflecting on Obelia, thinking and worrying on her::

::washes, the prepares for dinner::

::primps hair and makes sure he is shaven::

::definitely avoiding thoughts of what may come next::

((hey Tien, dont forget to shave.. oh, wait, you dont have that problem <g>))

((ROFLMAO))

((How old is Tien?))

::Ties hair back with silver clip::

((19, right?))

((Always clean shaven and bald))

((9, correct))

((He's 9?!?!?!?))

((19))

((Darn shift button))

((lol))

((So how old is he when he joins the Reeves?))

((you see, tien is what we call, body-hair challenged))

((that is a nice way of putting it.))

((LOL he'll be 21.. LMAO))

::Ricardo goes to check on Ruiz::

::Knocks on door::

Yes, my Lord? ::looking up from introspection::

Let me see you.

::standing:: Am I presentible, my Lord Ric?

::smirks, then nods:: It will do. Now let's check on our dear reverend friend.

::sly smile:: After you, Lord.

::Knocks on Tien's door::

Yes?

Are you close to being ready, Brother?

::waits behind Ric, watching::

::Rushes to open the door. Drops to the floor infrom of the DOn.:: You honor me too much. ::Place head at his feet::

((Did he trip on something?))

::PLaces head at the feet of the DON::

::looking down, with a little trace of disgust on face::

Get up, get up. ::grabs Tien's arm to pull him up::

::smiles again:: You look good, little father.

You have honored me with these robes.

That type of behavior may be fitting with the Li Halan. But you should show...

Red is reserved for Priest and Abbots.

a sense of dignity with the Hazat. Red is also the color of the Hazat. ::smooths his crimson waistcoat::

I will do as you command me, my lord.

Are you wearing your cross?

((Miter and cross))

((Are you wearing them?))

((The cloth which is worn around the neck with the orders symbol on it))

Yes

Yes, make sure the symbols are visible. Leave the miter.

As you command. ::Bows::

As we enter the room, Ruiz, you shall walk on my right side, and Tien shall be on the left.

:;Does as commanded::

Yes, my Lord. ::moves to Ric's right side::

Very good. Let us proceed to my Father.

::nods::

::pokes his head around the door:: Dinner is served, sirs

::heads down the staircase::

::walks beside Ric::

::Tries to match step with the Don::

::the butler easily outpaces you downstairs and goes elsewhere about his business::

As we enter, follow behind about one pace. Bow when I bow.

Yes, Lord.

Yes, my lord.

Bow with the left foot forward, left hand on knee. Head bowed. Right hand on right hip.

((::thinks this would be a hilarious disaster with Fizz here::))

Yes, Lord.

:;Nods::

((most definitely. Of course he would be directly behind me at about 3 paces back.))

((Yea, right))

((unless that was where you wanted him, then he'd be somewhere completely different))

((actually I'd tell Rodrigo to serve him his meal in his room))

::the stairs curve down, and the main hall proceeds down to the dining hall::

As I go to my mother remain bowed.

Yes, lord

::you all enter a large room with weapons mounted all over the walls, a huge skylight...

When my Father asks me to sit, then you may rise and sit on the appropriate sides of me.

::taking in the ambiance:: Yes, Lord.

::Falls a pace behind looking at all the weapons::

that still shows the faintest rays of the red sun, fusion torches mounted here and there...

::Proceeds to 10 paces from the Baron and then bows::

creating a near-brightness that conceals just enough to make things hard to see...

::Bows with Ric::

I have returned as you have bid me, Father.

there's an immense stone table in the middle of the room, and polished wiccer chairs...

::catches up to the Don, three paces behind::

surrounds it... mason-ware plates are placed around the table, along with large wine goblets also of stone::

::A large man stands at the far end of the table, his sagging jowls marking age on the dark and worn skin... he's almost a mountain of a man, and he fills his silk dress uniform well.. his hair is still black, but has streaks of silver running through it, and he's clean shaven

::Notices everyone else bowing and bows::

... next to him on his left stands a very tall and lovely woman, also with dark skin and hair, graying around the edges as the only sign of middle age on an otherwise fit body and she bears striking resemblance to her daughter, maria, who stands to her left::

::the seat to the Baron's right is pulled out, as are the seat next to maria and the first empty seat::

::waiting for his father to acknowledge him::

::the Baron bows slightly with an unreadble expression, and gestures for you all to sit::

::Rises, nods to his father and goes to his mother, takes her hand and kisses it::

::waiting for Don Ric to sit::

Mother, it is always a joy to see you.

::Waiting as commanded::

::she runs a finger through your hair, then withdraws her other hand::

Maria. ::smiles and nods::

::she smiles and give you a "sit down you big oaf" look::

This is Ruiz, as you know ::indicates Ruiz and then points to the chair next to Maria::

and this is Brother Tien ::indicates Tien and then sits next to the Baron and indicates the

::Bows to Baron, wife and Maria, then moves to the chair next to Maria::

seat next to him::

::sits in chair::

They are my travelling companions.

::Bows and takes his seat as ordered::

::the baron and baroness wait until everyone is seated, then take their own seats::

::the servers bring out a large steaming roast bird of some kind, surrounded in the tray by

::smiles affably::

fruits and vegetables, and carves it in front of you, serving you all in descending order of

::Whispers:: what kind of bird is that?

rank (baron, baroness, ricardo, maria, ruiz, tien) as another fills your goblets with...

a beautiful golden wine::

A savory one, my dear monk.

::taking in the environment, scanning the crowd surreptitiously::

Prepared as only the Hazat can prepare food.

::Whispers:: what is that seasoning?

::a large loaf of bread is then brought, and set out for all to take to sop up the remains of the plates with::

::digs in heartily::

::eats w/ candor::

::the interesting thing about the meat.. there's got to be 15 different spices in great...

::samples every dish that he has never seen, i.e. each and every dish::

It is a delicious seasoning. Now I am a noble not a cook. Enjoy the meal, Tien.

quantity, but you can still taste the meat's distinct flavor without problem::

Yes, my lord.

::between bites:: So, I trust your journey in the city was uneventful?

::Eyes the Don::

::begins small talk, inquiring of the family holdings:: Yes, of course. Why should it not be uneventful?

Maria tells me that you and.. Tien is it?.. decided to walk rather than ride

::observing the conversation intently while supping::

::Nods::

Yes, I wanted to see the home I haven't seen in years. Besides, exercise never hurt anyone.

yes, the neighborhood has grown up a bit, but remains the same in most ways

I missed the smell of the trees most, I think.

The Prophet said, "Step down from your chariot an walk among the people. See the faces of

::muttering under breath:: uh oh...

those who tend the crops and the markets. "

::Nods, and then continues eating::

::sensing that he should not have spoken, fills his mouth wioth food::

So, how are the holdings Father?

::looking at the faces of the others out of the corners of eyes::

Quite well... I've been experimenting with giving Edmundo control over many of the smaller ones, and he is making them flourish

::Nods. Drinks and continues to eat::

He always seemed to have a knack for leadership.

::seems to almost say something and then catch himself::

And how fares Lucinda?

::maria pipes up:: Didnt I tell you? She's been betrothed to a member of the Justus and is preparing for the wedding in spring

::suddenly loses his appetite and now only picks at his food::

((Do I notice the Don's behavior?))

((sure))

::Offers the Don more spices and seasonings::

::grinning::

::puts up his hands and shakes his head::

::becomes more interested in the wine::

:;Eyes a servant to bring more wine::

::the servants are waiting in the wings, and refil the goblet when it nears emptiness::

((uh oh))

((something I'm missing?))

((you've got a 6 endurance, you'll be allright))

((if Ricardo keeps emptying his cups and they are refilled just as quickly...))

((after the third one they slow down on the refilling))

::waits for the dining to slow down::

::with a few more small spatterings of small talk, the dinner is finished, and the plates taken... you start to wonder about desert, but then realize that you're all too full to eat it anyway, thanks to that mammoth bird::

((sounds like eating out at a restaurant))

::the baron beckons for the three of you to stand, bows to his wife and daughter and leads you towards the parlor::

::follows::

::folows the Don::

::Follows, debating if to take soem wine with him::

::halfway towards the parlor remembers to hold his head up high::

::the parlor is a lot more comfortable, with a roaring fire providing the light and several overstuffed chairs in a circle::

::sits in one of the more remote seats. Slight glow about him in the darkness::

::the scent of trees blows in the open window, and the crickets are beginning to sing::

::stands, looking around, on guard::

::the baron sits in a huge chair of leather near the fire::

::sits in the chair nearest the window::

::waits patiently for Ruiz to sit::

::sitting in chair, quickly::

::notices the lingering silence:: Ruiz, we are safe. Please sit.

::smiling::

::pans across to look at the three of you:: As cliched as it sounds, you're probably wondering why i called you here... well... at least two of you

((he never was a gifted speaker))

((no hazat has to be, actions speak much louder than words))

((what about those rallying speeches?))

(("Ummm... Let's go and kill everyone!"))

((Sheesh, did you never see Henry V?))

((nope))

((ack, back to the game))

((It's always someone with an engish ascent who elivers the speach))

Obviously it's not for completely personal reasons... that has yet to work to bring you here... Quite simply, the family has decided that we need an item, and that only those we trust should work to attain it....

And what would this item be?

A gargoyle

::Sucking in of breath::

::coughs::

::gasps::

A g..g...

I'm not privy to why the house wants it yet, but i was asked to deal with aquiring it

I do not remember seeing a gargoyle in my visions.

Just any gargoyle.

yes... I have arranged for a ship and a charioteer to pilot it... now i ask your cooperation in this... I've been told that this is something that we don't want the other houses knowing yet

::looking up:: Lord, may I speak?

Yes, Isfahan, please speak freely

::realizes that he spoke out of turn and tried to shrink from view::

Lord Baron, do you know how dangerous it is to even attempt this endeavor?

Why would you imagine that it would be dangerous? ::he asks almost rhetorically::

::smiles:: Lord, do you know what I used to do?

Yes... but obviously you're going somewhere with this, so please tell me

With the powers vested in me by the Pancreator, I was one of the most elite of fighting units.. I killed men with thought... ::slow smirk:: And I was but a small mind in a number of the multitude.

::If Tien had eye brows, they would rise at this::

Gargoyles have been known to kill those who thought about them.

::Eyes open wide::

Which is likely why the house wants one... and why the other houses should not know

How big of a gargoyle?

::rolling eyes:: M'Lords, listen to yourselves.

Any size, but if it will fit in your ship, all the better

A full statue?

These artifacts are much moe powerful than anything Man has EVER made..

Or will a bas relief do?

i wasnt aware gargoyles came as bas reliefs

::ricardo's voice is cold and without emotion just as his face is without color::

((got that straight out of the rulebook))

((they come in all forms, most notably statuary or bas relief))

((::shrugs:: your father doesnt have a rulebook))

::voice beginning to rise:: By the Pancreator, listen to me...

It's too late Ruiz. We cannot back down now. We must obtain a gargoyle or die trying.

My lord, how big is this ship? I have heard of these ...things... being the size of cities.

::raises an eyebrow:: No one's asking you to die trying.. i'm sure it isnt quite that important

You are travelling into the halls of Madness, M'Lords!

But when a Hazat gives his word there is no backing down. He will do or he will die.

Why Isfahan? These things are bought and sold infrequently, but it's not uncommon

Baron, how many of them operate?

I am not asking for your word, my son, I am asking for your assistance

We will have to travel far to fine one of these statues which is not already claimed.

Maybe Fizz will know how to obtain one. I have seen them most often on spaceship bows.

On the bows of ships? ::Sign of the holy jumpgate cross::

This is a house matter, and I kept it in house with the most trustworthy person i could think of

Something about warding off evil spirits and demons.

::smiles again:: How many of these Gargoyles are real, in your estimation, Lords?

As in real Ur artifacts?

Yes.

::smiles:: And how does one discover if it is real? I've heard that they are attuned to...

Only the expensive ones. The really expensive ones.

powers of the mind... and we happen to have one so talented here

My Lord, what I am telling you is that these Gargoyles have been known to take over the minds of such as me.

::Yes, but my visions show a greeat darkness about this object.

Well, we have a charioteer to pilot us and give us contacts. We have a... unique soldier who can verify its authenticity.

You have heard rumors I havent heard.. as i understand it they are actually valuable to psychics

And we have a priest to keep us within proper boundaries.

If you can control them, and if they will even respond, yes. But they are VERY powerful...

I have read of the Prophet traveling to Nowhere and there taking communion with the spirits which resided insiide the statue.

The Prophet was the Pancerator's messiger. he was... Protected.

I have heard of priest being cured of thier sins and made mad. Where is this tatue?

We have no such protection.

I must believe that this is why I was sent unto you. To protect you agaist the darkness into which we must travel.

Little Father, how experienced are you? ::intense look::

Very well, then. We should get some rest tonight and find Fizz in the morning.

This is my first journey amonst the stars. I will meditate on this matter tonight.

::shutting mouth, fuming inwardly::

We will break fast in the morning Father and then leave.

Let us each attend mass in the morning and purge ourselves of our sins go that we may begin.

Is the charioteer in the city? And what of the spacecraft.

this journey with the Pancreator's blessings.

The spacecraft is in the city, i expect the charioteer at any time

Very well. We will attend mass in the morning, Then break fast and then wait for the pilot.

As you command, my lord.

::terse nod::

Then I am off to bed. After I attend to my mother, of course.

::looks at some slip of paper:: The pilot assigned to this is named... Fizz?

::rolling eyes, harsh laugh::

what a strange name

Pancreator preserve us. ::Sign of the cross::

When it rains... Good night Father.

Good night son, Isfahan, Tien

Good night, gentlemen.

:Kneel before the baron and bow. thn rise and follow my Doc.::

::waiting for Don to stand::

::exits and goes to find his mother::

::My Don::

::bows at the waist, then follows the Don at the heels of Tien::

((we don't need to rp the meeting with his mother. It's just the general mother-son thing.))

((yeah, i think that's it for tonight))

((Ric is ready for the curtain))

((Ready))

((ready also))

~~~OOC~~~

Holy smokes!

Man, that was intense.. lol..

you dont have Phobia Gargoyles under your curses Ruiz

I'm tired.

You all must let me know if Tien's habits become a problem.

No. But I can put it on.. LOL and w/o any points..

I think Tien is doing just fine.

I didn't know if you'd let me, really..

He is a bit off center

no no.. you're paranoid enough

Hey Lee, Tien is really good. :)

lol

lol ok.

So when does he become a Reeve?

Same time next week?

Oh, I don't know. I'll create another personna for the MUSH

okay.. umm.. everyone take 3 exp

thanks

and yeah, i think i'll be here next tuesday, so see you all then

thanks..! :)

Later all! :)

by then hopefully i'll have 2nd ed read

see you all next week. TaTa.

Take care all.

Have to take the trunk into the shop at 7 am Good night.