Ricardo enter the chamber with the anklebiter in tow... Tien enters seperate from elena, who still needs time to think, and finds his friend

::murmur, murmur::

Adelbero in the crowd... let the small talking commence::

Oh, what a darling youth.

One of your younger cousins?

::the little kid squints at the little man and smiles::

No, he's my daddy

::looks like he's about to vomit::

::Innane child bable::

::gives him a look:: I'm five

I see. and what is your name?

Caradoc

My lord, I did not know that you had a child.

Neither did I.

::the nobles nearby seem to be politely pretending not to listen, but ric can tell... more rumors are in the works::

::down on his knees:: Where have you been little one? WHere is your mother?

I dunno.. she left me with daddy

Lord Richardo, what is her name? ::Looks up to the don fron child height.::

I haven't the slightest clue. This child just attached himself to me.

::To the youth:: My name is Tien. I am the Don's assistance and devote follower.

::the hand clutching his trouser leg is testament to that::

::Extends hand to child::

::takes it with the non-clutching hand:: Heya Ten

No, Tien.

Now that you have met Caradoc. You remember Alexa from her performance...

Tee-In.. okay, gottit

::indicates Alexa:: this is Brother Tien.

You are a very bright child.

((oh, you thought alexa was with you? ))

((come to find out, she's not))

It is an honor to meet one who's voice can bring such passions and emotions to the surface.

((strike that))

((she was behind you for a second you're sure.. maybe she was busy))

I am from the Li Halan world of Midian. Where are you from Caradoc?

Lotsa different places

Did you fly through the night skies?

That would be neat

::Tickles the boy::

((Yeah, straight in his kisser, right to the moon))

::he seems to be imagining flying in the night skies now, then he giggles:: don do that

::The Don sees the child still in Tien. Must have taken care of kids before.::

((Sly grin comes to his face as he hatches an evil plan))

((LOL))

(( oh no.. evil plan..))

((uhoh, cam's corrupted the don))

((hey, at least its better than my first idea))

(( and corrution is bad..? well.. if it's Cam corrupting.. yeah..))

::Looking at the Don from the floor:: Will he be coming with our or staying with your parents?

Why would he be doing that?

I know that the journey is not safe for a child. I was just wondering how you were going to your Father and Mother.

::Insert:: ...Announce this to...

((hehe, tien's become yoda))

Announce what?

Your son. There must be a cerimoy to welcome him into your house.

((How were you your mother to tell?))

::laughs:: My son? This child was abandoned. Now he's my son?

((A ceremony, to welcome him, there must be!))

(( oooo..yoda..))

((I'm not that bad))

::caradoc looks up at the don, and he looks like he's about to cry::

AH, there there child. COme to me. ::extends both arms.::

::he runs into tien's arms, looking infinitely betrayed::

:Hush, not, Im sure that he did not mean that. ::Looks t\he Don in his eyes while rocking

NOW

::looks irritated, and avoids the priest's eyes by scanning the crowd::

My DOn, can you not see that the child is in need of aid? We must take care of him until we can find his mother.

I was about to take him to the Duke but apparently it is too close to midnight.

::Stands with the child in his arms.:: We can deal with the Duke in the morning, when he is less busy.

((cam should be here in a minute))

::Thinks to himself, strange that I can hold this innocent to my breast and love him, yet I can not do this to a woman.::

(( Cam..? ))

((Me sorry me late))

((yo, yo, cam))

((yea, there))

((Yes))

(( :: kicks him in the shins :: you're late ))

((welcome to the Torment Ric episode of our RPG))

Caradoc, you must be tired. After we watcyh the last of the show, I will put you to bed.

::he nods::

((Hey, I love tomenting Ric :::grabs his shin::: owww....))

::still looking away defiantly::

::Starts to hum a Li Halan children's song::

(( :: hugs the CAM-o-flage :: ))

((::hugs the a-ko-o-flagess:: =) ))

((they're in the ballroom cam, you can go in play whenever))

When is this ... thing supposed to start anyway?

Soon, my lord, soon.

::stands up from dozing off while watcing the stars::

::"Hush little baby don't you cry..." That tune.::

::jumps down from the roof and makes his way quickly to the ballroom::

((ako will be playing the part of alexa this evening, after reading the character))

::looks around for a place or waiter where he can get a drink::

::there's a bar to the side::

::Follow the DOn as best I can::

I'll be back right away. ::heads for the bar::

::an nearly runs into the rushing Don, or vice versa::

Oh, An. There you are. Excuse me. I was just heading for a little drink.

::Followed Tien with a male child::

Ahhh... good. Grab me one while your at it. ::smiles and makes his way around, looking for maria::

What would you like?

::Nod at AN::

::none of the women seems to be around::

::at least the travelling companion type ones::

((They are all meeting with their respective Nephandic masters))

((Not elena.))

((elena is a Nephandic master))

((right.. she is the master))

((Master engineer, maybe.))

((damnit.. the random IMing by people with their IMs off has restarted))

((hey, sounds like someone's getting defensive))

::nods back to Tien::

So what would you like to drink, An?

((LOL. Maybe. Have to figure that one out.))

::tien has the little dark haired boy with him, if it was unclear::

::Tien is humming chikldren's songs to the boy::

Hmm... Symbiots bane please.

Fine. I'll be right back. ::heads for the bar::

::Whisper:: How much longer until midnight, An?

::To the bartender:: A Symbiot's Bane and something that'll make me forget tonight.

((there's Adam))

((yep))

((hey adam))

(('sup, Adam?))

((hi all. sorry I'm so late.))

((Howdy fella))

::Ruiz and Obelia.. having completed their.. ahem.. talk.. enter the ballroom::

((Ric wants his drinks real bad!!))

((lol nice entrance))

::taking a quick scan around the ballroom::

::the bartender gives him two symbiot's banes::

((oh, lovely))

::midnight is still about 20 minutes::

::to tien:: About 20 mins I do believe.

Thank you. ::takes the drinks and returns to the small gathering of PCs::

Would you like to dance, Obelia?

Here you go, An. ::giving him a glass::

::she looks a bit tired, but nods anyway::

(( ::hops out of her desk for a costume change:: ))

::takes the glass and downs it all at once::

I promise we'll go slow. ***grin***

::sniffs at his glass:: What is this stuff anyway?

((what's up with the *'s adam?))

::an staggers a bit from the chemicals::

((lol sorry... I was using the wrong syntax))

((i've just always wondered about people using that since it's much easier to hit :: ))

((afb brb))

((on my keyboard, the "*" key is right next to the main keyboard, while using the ":" requires three uses of the shift button.. lol))

((weird))

((yeah))

::dances slow with Obelia::

((so what does Symbiot's Bane smell like?))

((freon))

((lmao))

::hisses::

((it's a purple liquid that's green in the light))

::coughs::

::laughs::

That good, huh?

:; A lovely young woman enters. ::

Well, here's to other places very far away from here. ::holds up glass in a toast::

Yes... very.

::takes as large a swig as he can::

:: she stops to look around herself and absorb her surroundings ::

::the ballroom is a giant structure, with an immense but dark stained glass dome...

::ending the dance as the music fades::

there are nobles milling about to the soft music, some dancing, and the man who talked to you earlier, Ricardo, is standing at the bar talking to two others::

((the Decados guy?))

((what about him?))

((Is that the man I talked to earlier?))

((the descript was for ako))

((who has punted))

((Back))

((wb Gangrel))

((wb Lee))

((Wb satan))

(( uhm.. ako will do fine.. not gangrel ))

((repost the last message for ako, Step))

((did you get the room description ako?))

((She's a lamia, get it right. hehe...))

((ok.. sorry. Names Adam. Nice to meetcha.))

((a torpid lamia at that))

(( yes.. carrier of the plague.. molester of Cam's Wraiths..))

((ewww))

((WB?))

((lucien has to poke her every hundred years or so to make sure she's still undead))

((wb=welcome back))

((wb = welcome back))

(( shoulda skewered him when i had the chance... ))

((dont believe them, they think you're a warner brother))

((umm, are we supposed to be gaming?))

(( yeah.. i got the ballroom description ))

((okay, back ig then))

::ric notices Alexa walking up::

((who Ako is playing now, if that was unclear))

((is the Symbiot bane taking effect yet?))

((did you drink it all?))

((as much as he could stomach in a gulp. he has a finer palate, though))

::ric's stomach is cold, but his blood is starting to warm and he feels those inhibitions just going to the breeze::

:: looks up at the stained glass dome, from the corner of her eye, she notices Ric ::

:: Confidently saunters over to him ::

((how much did he get down that first gulp?))

((prolly half the glass.. they dont put much in there))

::eyes An:: That's got quite a kick to it. You want some, Tien? ::holds out the glass::

::shakes his head while still humming to the boy::

Doesn't it?

::shrugs at Tien and downs the rest of the glass::

:; steps up behind Ric ::

::who is oblivious to her presence::

I suppose you've had too much to even notice when a lady walks up to you.

::turns:: Oh, Alexa. There you are.

:; nods ::

I... lost you somewhere between here and there.

::caradoc looks over sleepily from tien's arms:: oh, heya ms 'lexa

Alexa, this is An. ::points to An:: and this is Brother Tien ::poinst to Tien::

::looks to Alexia:: Pleasure to meet you... ::bows::

You all remember Alexa from this evening's performance.

::Nods to the lady:: An honor to meet one of such talent.

::An stumbles forward, the second Symbiot's bane kicking in::

::bows also::

Thank you. I'm glad that people admire it. :; looks over at An :: him too..?

Whooo.... sorry... I've had a little too much.

These are... ::thinks a moment, then giggles:: My entourage.

:; picks up Ric's empty glass and looks in the bottom :; what was this stuff anyway..?

I found it odd that the church let one of such great skill leave their honored halls.

Sssssymbiot's Bane.

::obelia mentions to ruiz that she's unsurprised that Ric cant hold his liquor::

((what a b****))

:; smirks :; i suppose they just don't know talent when they see it.

::grins slightly::

And how did you met lord Cardoc?

((hey, first impressions are lasting impressions mista ricardo))

:; put's sown Ric's glass ::

((Caradoc))

((or should i say lord high drunkard))

((hmmm, makes you wonder what Ric's impression of her was))

I saw him with Ric...the child was claiming Ric as his "daddy"

::hums along with the music playing::

Not exactly right. I came to you and the child was with you before attaching to me.

Ah. We have already had that discussion. We shall leave it til morrow.

oh yes, now i remember..

Is it midnight yet?

Soon my lord. Soon.

::turns to Obelia and asks what is so special about Midnight::

New years

((that and the carriage turns back into a pumpkin))

((honestly people , you'd think none of you'd been to a new year's eve party))

::nods:: Ah, yes. I seem to be tired from our.. er.. dance...

Ah, but does not this night match that of the new years of Holy Terra?

((Ruiz hasn't. Seriously. Well, not to many.))

::obelia elbows him slightly, then keeps dancing::

That's the theory ::says Maria, walking up::

::looks to maria:: Hello dear...

Ah, Maria. Have you met Alexa? Alexa this is my sister Maria.

::spins her, then continues the dance::

::the jennefer connelly lookalike bows:: a pleasure

a pleasure to meet you, Maria.

::then she knuckles An with the gauntlet ring:: I'm not your dear

I'm sorry love... ::smiles::

::SHort bow:: My Lady.

::almost says something then thinks and checks it with:: So how much have they had to drink tien?

:; whispers to Ric :: I'm afraid your sister may hurt your friend there...

((smoooth, An. lol))

Far too much . Two banes I believe.

::whisper back to Alexa:: She's done much worse to me many a time.

::frowns, then moves over to the bartender:: No more for either of them please Jacob

::the man nods and moves down to some other guests::

:: blinks :: I don't think i want to know...

My Lady, have you met you nephew

::for the first time since you've all known her maria is actually struck speechless::

Young lord Caradoc

::she just sits there for a second, staring at tien, hoping he's joking then:: What?

He is tired and about ready for bed.

(( brb.. need food ))

::Ric is slowly coming to a realization of what Tien is implying::

We will get more information in the morning. Right now, I do not want to upset him, His mopther has gone.

((Mother))

::glares at Tien:: But apparently other people are okay to upset.

We are all adults, my lord.

::maria looks at tien and the kid for about five more seconds, then hauls off and punches Ric in the shoulder much harder than she punched An:: Father is going to have a FIT

::Grabbing his shoulder:: Oww. Mother of the Prophet, Maria!

Please , please not here. Not in front of the child.

::smiles::

::Takes a few steps to the side.::

::the child, used to guild life, doesnt notice apparently::

((used to life with the Muster?))

((hmmm))

(( BAK ))

::just as maria looks like she's about to thorougly ream out Ric he's saved by the Duke...

((uh oh))

gracefully bounding up to the stage and pulling out a pocket watch... he looks about the room as the music stops, waiting for attention::

((did I take damage on that hit?))

::claps as he gets up on the stage::

((no, but it'll leave a ring-shaped bruise))

::others clap from An's lead::

::claps::

::Tien turns Caradoc so that he can see the stage::

:; claps as well ::

Thank you, thank you... well.. let us do this properly

Minstrels? On my count

:; looks over to tien, and then down to the child ::

((Child is in his arms))

10 ::the musicians begin to play a slowly building rhythm::

9....

8.....

7... ::the tune gets louder and more complex::

::joins in, takes Obelia in his arms::

7

6....

6

6

5

5....

5

4....

5

4

4

::the rhythm becomes furious::

3...

3

3

2....

::turns to Obelia and continues::

2

2

2

1....

1

1

1

::drums explode::

Happy New Years all

Happy new year.

::kisses her::

::cheers::

::Bounces the boy in his arms::

::grabs hold of maria and hugs her::

::obelia melts in the embrace, and you can feel the duke looking on you warmly::

:; smiles at tien and the child ::

::taken in by the moment, Maria lets him::

:; wanders over to Tien ::

::Closes his eyes and says the braper of saint Paulus, on beginning a new journey...::

((Prayer))

::smiles at her tears in his eyes for maybe drunken, maybe not::

Well.. the world didn't end people.. back to the party ::he smiles and leaps down as the band resumes a dance::

:; waits for Tien to open his eyes and finish his prayer before speaking ::

Well, My young lord. It is time you you to go to bed.

::lets go of maria::

::as the kiss ends:: Are you still tired? ::sly grin::

::obelia chuckles:: depends on what you had in mind

::Smiles at the lady standing near him::

:; rubs the kid's hair, slightly messing it up, but fixes it back :: i think he may have had enough excitement for one night.

I believe that you are right.

What I have in mind, hmm? ::light kiss:: What do I have in mind.. Hmm...

::Bows to the Don:: By your leave, I will put the boy down for the night.

::reaches down, pinches her bottom::

::exits to a hallway quietly, checking his shoulder::

::Tien is right behind him::

::obelia just laughs:: you're incorrigible

::whipes his eyes turns and walks over to the bar to sit down::

And you're ravishing.

Good night ladies.

::she smiles and allows him to begin leading out::

:; nods :; goodnight, Tien.

::maria waves to tien and then perches on the bar near An::

:; looks about for Ric ::

Say "Good night, Ladies." Caradoc.

Thoughts from a drunk man?

Good night, my friends. ::bows, then heads for the exit::

Another year... huh? Another one in the wheel of them...

::Ruiz notices the Duke, smiling broadly, heading towards himself and Obelia::

::stops for his eminence:: My Lord. Happy New Year to you.

A wheel?

::Tien takes the boy back to his chambers and puts hime to bed in his own bed. Then sleeps

And to you.. Isfahan is it? ::he nods to Obelia who bows and says "hello sensei"::

on the floor beside the bed::

((your grace = Duke))

yeah.. everything moves to the whiim of the great creator

I would like to apologize for the actions of my student Marcus.. and to say that I am most impressed by your talents

You're the last person I expected to become a philosopher An

::bows deeply:: No apology needed, your Eminence. From one who is so superbly talented,

::Alexa notes that everyone has left her but Maria and An::

such compliments mean much to one like myself.

Ha... ::smiles:: Sometimes. Ever wonder if there's a point?

((Your Eminance = bishop))

((he's a guru, same thing))

hmph..

a point to what?

((Ric is right about that.))

::he nods:: I've talked with your leige, baron Jaime...

Yes, my Lord. ::eyes looking at the floor::

If you wish to enroll as one of my apprentices he is willing to let you go as soon as your current business for the Hazat is completed

::ruiz feels obelia's hand on his arm clutch in surprise::

::Ric finds an alcove in the hallway to sit in and lean back against the wall::

((As Tien has gone to bed, I think that so will I. Do need to set an appointment with the Duke.))

Life in general... you know the great beyond. Are we just riding the crest of some great wave?

((we can do that in email if you want lee.. good night))

You mean can we change anything?

:: sees that most everyone has split off into couples. ::

::eyes widen in surprise and joy:: I.. I would be.. Honored, Guru Enrico.

((Sounds great. Good night All. Nice to meet you Ako.))

((good night Lee))

:; decides it's best to just go ahead and leve ::

(( leave ))

(( nice to meet you too. ^_^ ))