GM:
~~~ IC ~~~

GM:
::it's nearing dawn in the small seaside resort below the Hazat enclave.. your rest in the hotel has been one of necessity, not design, and thus not, perhaps, the most comfortable::

An:
::is sleeping not too well:::

Lan:
::isn't either. Gets up in the middle of the night and spends time counting his fingers frantically::

GM:
::the date, to the best of your ability to determine, is May 10, 5004::

Budi:
::Is sleeping in s swatting positon agaist one of the walls::

Martel:
::I'sn't sleeping, but is rather meditating, and thinking for solutions to the current delimma::

Martel:
::..or trying to at least::

Martel:
::meditation for Martel is much like looking agrily at the far wall till the far wall capitulates and solves the problem for him::

GM:
::dawn breaks, casting warm spring light into your rooms::

Lan:
::Gets up and goes in search of water in his leggings and robe::

Martel:
::gets up off the floor, says his morning prayer, and goes looking for preakfast::

An:
::wakes out of fitless rest, slides out of bed and makes his way to the bath::

Vasili:
::Vasili hasn't slept much and now stirs to prepare for the day.::

Martel:
::or breakfast, whichever he finds first::

Lan:
::comes back to the room after a bit and gets dressed. Combs his hair, finds a balcony where he can trim his beard::

GM:
::breakfast and bath are both gotten without too much difficulty::

Martel:
::martel will eat his food staring at the pantry, hoping it will be more forthcoming::

An:
::gets dressed in the fines clothes from the decados::

Budi:
::You all get the idea that Budi could sleep through a bad landing.::

An:
::makes his way out of his room for breakfast::

Lan:
::goes looking for breakfast eventually himself::

Martel:
::nods to lan and an as they make their way into the kitchen::

An:
::nods to Martel::

GM:
::and everyone's sitting round the table at the small hotel with a few other early vacationing risers who are quiet or involved in soft conversation amongst themselves::

Martel:
Allright, whats the plan?

An:
So... ::takes a few pieces of bread and dried meat:: ... I don't know. ::starts to eat::

Budi:
::The silence wake up Budi::

Martel:
Fair enough. ::strokes his beard for a few moments:: storming the palace seems a bit cliche, so why don't we try getting you in to talk to her first?

Budi:
::Heads for the motel greasy spoon::

GM:
::the dining room is actually a fairly nicely appointed and brightly lit space, with large windows looking out on the beach::

Budi:
::Entering the dining room:: Morning all. Ah, what a lovely morning.

An:
::nods:: Ok, that in theory shouldn't be to hard.

Lan:
::Eats quietly:: I'd... like to think no storming is necessary

An:
::stands up straight:: Do I look presentable?

Martel:
::looks him up and down:: eh, passable. ::grins:: you'll do fine. remember An, baby steps to the solution.

An:
::nods:: Baby steps. ::wrings his hands for a moment::

Martel:
and step one is...where the hell is this place again?

An:
::looks around for Vasili::

Vasili:
::looks up from his thoughts:: Hm?

Martel:
The place, with the woman, where is it?

Vasili:
It's the home of Baron Petros Eduardo. In the noble part of the city, on the bluffs over a private beach.

Budi:
Just up the road, eh. ::Starts slurpping coffee with a danish::

Martel:
good then. in that case, when everybody is ready, i suggest we get going. wouldn't want to keep tha lady waiting.

An:
::nods:: I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Budi:
::Throws down the coffee is quick gulps and grabs some fruit to put in his pocket.::

Martel:
goes up to his room to get his preachin' equipment, and goes back downstairs::

Martel:
Allright, lets head on out.

Budi:
::Heads for the car::

Lan:
::shoulders his bag, and shuffles along quietly::

An:
::follows::

GM:
::someone, presumably, settles with the hotel and then you head out to where the car is parked::

An:
::someone like me::

GM:
::you can see already that sunbathers are beginning to flock to the beach north of you, though few are brave enough to go into the still-chill spring seawater::

Martel:
((i dont see why we had to pay, i mean none of us could sleep at all in those beds and we all had to go into the kitchen to get our morning grub!:D ))

Lan:
::squints at the sun:: What's the UV index like, here, by the way?

Martel:
I thinks its around "could be worse"

GM:
::most of the bathers seem to have the olive complexion common to this world, and thus be in far better shape against being burned than Lan and his Grail-born skin::

Martel:
Don't worry lan, our skin may start out fair, but it'll brown if you stand out there long enough, lemme assure ya.

GM:
::it's about this point that Lan and Martel note that this skin coloring is about the same as An's... the sickly pallor he carried for the time you knew him on Severus is long faded::

Lan:
::clears his throat:: I don't have the melanin for it. I must say, though, An. You've ripened right up, as it were.

An:
::smiles and runs his hand back through his hair:: I feel better too.

Martel:
oh, anyone can get the mellon-in for it, just the less mellons ya got, the longer you need to work em.

GM:
::and into the jeep go all::

Martel:
time was where i looked like a dough roll, and lookit me now ::shows off completely fried skin:: burnt like mama's chicken dinner!

Vasili:
::Vasili looks at the priest with more than a glimmer of confusion. Decides to just keep his mouth shut and observe.::

GM:
::and, hopefully, drive the car::

An:
::hopefully::

Martel:
::watches the scenery roll by as we drive off::

An:
::watches out the window, nervously::

Martel:
::puts on a fake sense of relaxation::

GM:
::the city is a small, attractive resort town under the morning sun... probably about 5000 residents and another few thousand vacationers, not counting the nobles...

Vasili:
::Vasili looks from face to face, realizes no one knows how to drive, curses softly, gets in the driver's seat and goes::

Lan:
::quietly:: Should we, um. Have them announce us as your entourage or something of that sort, An? ::gives that "you all must know I don't much know how to behave around nobles" worried look::

GM:
everything is in the now-unsurprising spanish style with just a hint of japanese accenting and feng shui. Wooden beams support adobe haciendas that shine whitewashed in the light::

An:
::nods::

GM:
::and after a couple of miles you start heading up the maxicrete roadway as it angles along the carefully barricaded dunes and up into the golden stone of the bluffs.. looking behind you gives a breathtaking view of the early-dawn city preparing for its day, and you can even see the grasslands and forests further into the continent for quite a few miles::

GM:
::after about a ten minute drive you reach the gateway into the enclave. A couple of other cars and three beastcarts are ahead of you, presumably dropping off morning wares or householders. They are being questioned one by one by the gate guards, three of which are visible and well armed.::

GM:
::The wall surrounding the enclave is some fifteen feet high, crenelated and fortified in the ancient style, and made of sand-colored maxicrete that blends into the scenery save for the periodic crimson house pennons hanging down::

Vasili:
So, you want me to let all of you out here?

An:
Yes.

Martel:
::gets out::

GM:
::as you walk under the large arched gateway, you can see that it conceals the guardhouse, and seems to have recently undergone improvement and repair::

Lan:
::takes his cue from An, and climbs out, too::

An:
::gets out::

Lan:
::tries to look dignified and stuff::

Vasili:
How long will you need, An?

Budi:
You sure that you want me to follow?

An:
Only a couple of hours.

Vasili:
Alright, I'll meet you here in three hours. Agreed?

An:
Agreed. ::reaches to the window to shake Vasili's hand::

Vasili:
::Vasili checks exits, prepared to do the proverbial 'drive around the block'::

Vasili:
::Shakes An's hand:: Good luck.

An:
Thanks. ::makes his way towards the entrance::

Martel:
::forms up slightly back and to the left of an::

An:
::Straightening his suit, and getting his "game face on::

GM:
::One of the guards moves slowly towards the group, and another joins when they see the size of the group::

Guard 1:
Morning sirs, what's your business here this morning?

Lan:
::looks nervously around at the group. Wondering if they actually look imposing at all::

An:
I'm here on business to see the Dona Maria Fe Eduardo de Aragon of the Hazat

An:
I am Chief Anhetepf Griffen of the Reeves guild.

An:
I am expected.

Vasili:
((Vasili hopes they don't look too imposing, because it would be the job of these guards not to let suspiciously imposing people into the enclave))

GM:
::well, there's a tall, well dressed individual of local stock who may or may not be noble. A big damn inquisitor. A tall though unthreatening foreigner. And a disreputable looking indian man::

Guard 1:
::pulls out a list and thumbs through it:: No, sorry, not on my list.

Martel:
((sooo, about half and half on the "threatening chart"))

An:
I won't be on your ...list.

Martel:
::steps forward before anything goes too wrong::

Guard 1:
If you were expected, you'd generally be on the list, if protocol was followed. Especially since we're on high alert.

An:
In these troubling times, some cannot be bothered with protocol. Her entire family was just killed. I doubt protocol is first on her mind.

Martel:
We are recent arrivals from Byzantium Secundus. We are here to ...Investigate... recent goings on. But, if you are not willing to let us in to speak with members of the household, that is ok. What is your name sir? ::takes out pencil and paper::

Guard 1:
Oh, protocol is very important for our personal safety these days. I'd hate to think what would happen if you were here for unbenevolent purposes.

Vasili:
::Vasili winces. That's one for the guards.::

Guard 1:
If you'd like to leave a note, I can take it and your descriptions to the party in question to see if they want to put you on the list. Slipped their mind, so to speak.

An:
I'd hate to think what a black mark with the Reeves guild because of a thoughtless guard would do for one's career.

Martel:
Oh of course. ::puts away paper:: Deacon Azo, of the Avestites, and company

Guard 1:
Listen, we can bluster, and we can threaten, and we can talk all day long about who's backing who.

Guard 2:
Whom.

Lan:
::supresses a chuckle::

Guard 1:
Right, whom. But what it really comes down to, is that I'm here to ensure that nothing happens to the nobles behind this gate. And you've yet to give me a scrap of proof that you should go in there.

An:
Then what proof would you have me produce? Call her if you wish.

Martel:
::bows slightly:: of course sir, our apologies. Might I impose upon you merely to take a message to the lady in question? she can verify our claims for you.

Guard 1:
Well, your name on the list would be choice. I've already given you a painless method for all involved that you could get that. Short of that, I'd need to see a writ signed by a higher level Hazat than those living here..

GM:
that you should be able to bypass the normal protocols.

Guard 1:
Sure. That's what I offered to begin with. ::nudges the other guard:: Take dictation, Juan.

Martel:
::ahem::

Guard 2:
::pulls out a notepad and a pen, then glances between Martel and An::

Martel:
Deacon Azo and his friends would like to have a word, madam, if it should please thee.

Guard 2:
Anything else?

Martel:
That should suffice. We were acquaintances once, and she should still know my name ::smiles faintly::

Guard 2:
Fair enough ::walks away from the group and pulls out a squawker box from the guardhouse desk and in a few moments a runner heads out...

GM:
he is given the note and seems to be trying to memorize everyone's descriptions. Then he runs off inside. The guard returns.:: There, we should hear back in a little while then. What say you all have a seat in our waiting room?

Martel:
::pulls out a firebird:: a tip for your trouble good sir.

Vasili:
::Waits patiently before driving away in case he accidentally strands everyone.::

Martel:
::walks to the waiting room, looking for all the world like he might be in the market to buy the place::

Guard 1:
Sorry, sir, we're not allowed to take tips, or bribes, or whatever you call them. Can get heavily written up for that kind of thing. Feel free to donate to our fund when you speak to a noble, however.

Martel:
Oh, of course. My apologies. What might be the name of the fund? ::pad is back out::

GM:
::the waiting area is a small room with fairly comfortable seats also recessed into the wall. It's a bit stuff, but not terribly uncomfortable. A radio plays some local muzak::

An:
::sits and waits obvious impatient::

Martel:
::strolls quietly around the room looking at whatever there is too look at on the walls. ::

Guard 1:
The North Isabella Bluffs... guard.. fund... I dunno where the money goes.

GM:
::the walls are bare maxicrete::

Budi:
::Looks for magazine or newspaper::

Martel:
::examines the maxicrete intensely:: very good. carry on then.

Lan:
If you, um. Want anything for mental balance, let me know, An.

An:
I'm fine.

Vasili:
::Pulls off down the road, keeping the crew in sight as long as possible:

An:
::is nervously tapping his fingers on his leg::

Martel:
::if we are alone in the room, i say under my breath when i pass by An..:: Dont mention your name again.

An:
::nods::

GM:
::after an interminably long time, the second guard wanders in::

Martel:
Yes?

Guard 2:
The Baron has consented to a brief consultation in the park. You're encouraged to remember that he and his family are still in mourning. You're to be escorted there by his house guards. You may leave any weapons here. For security, of course.

An:
::nods and stands, letting Martel take the lead::

Lan:
::looks uncomfortable. Follows along docile-ly::

Martel:
Of Course. ::sets the Flamer on the middle of the table, followed by a slug thrower, and then a big damn knife:: lead on.

GM:
::they write you a receipt for the arsenal::

Martel:
Excellent.

GM:
::you're passed through the gate after wandering through a rather run down but functional metal detector door, where you are met by four more guards in slightly different Hazat livery who look none too happy to be up so early::

Guard 3:
Please, follow us

Martel:
::follows guards::

An:
::follows Martel::

GM:
::where the city below is nice but arid, the noble enclave is a wonderland of imported water. Everwhere the colors of blooming spring abound in gardens and planters that line the orderly walkways that lead from massive hacienda to massive hacienda::

GM:
::you are led to a small park area in the center, where foreign and local trees bloom together in a riot of color surrounding a small pond full of colorful fish. There are comfortable looking benches arranged for conversation::

Guard 3:
Please have a seat, it may be a little while longer before the family arrives.

Martel:
::finds a seat with a view towards the entrance towards where we came from, and arranges himself comfortably::

An:
::doesn't sit, just stands and watches the fish, aware of a slight but powerfull beauty in them::

GM:
::from up here, you can look down onto the private beach. To either side, the walls extend several hundred feet into the water, turning into floating fences rather than massive edifices. A large pier extends out, with several brightly colored yachts moored there. A pair of motorized boats in Hazat colors move alertly but slowly across the man-made cove, keeping an eye out. There is a small fence that crosses the top of the beach, but it is nowhere near as impassive as the surrounding walls::

GM:
::after long enough to once again grow uncomfortable, a small party walks towards the park from one of the larger haciendas. All wear the traditional Hazat mourning garb of white accented with charcoal...

An:
::stands from kneeling by the fish::

An:
::to turn to the party::

GM:
with only a few touches of crimson to highlight their station and house. In the lead is a small, thin man who is only in his forties but already balding heavily. With him is Maria, eyes downcast, looking particularly tired,

Lan:
::examining the decorative flora. Showy enough. Wonders how native they are::

Lan:
::raises his eyes when the Baron and Maria walk in.::

An:
::takes all his self control not to run to her::

GM:
as if she has not slept well in some time. They are flanked by a pair of knights in their early 20s who are obviously brothers. All four bear a family resemblance, and the Baron is not too different in features from Jaime, for those that knew him::

Martel:
::Allows the Baron to start, if he is willing::

GM:
::the group moves in to the benches, but remains standing as the house guards move further back so as to not intrude but still be able to protect their lord::

Martel:
::stands as well::

Petros:
::nods at the assembly:: So.. hem.. I apologize to have kept you waiting, but these are trying times and your arrival was unexpected to say the least. But my.. hem.. neice says that she is acquainted with you.

An:
::is looking intently at Maria, waiting for her to look up, to see him::

Martel:
Indeed, we have met before on a trip from Decados territory.

Maria:
::still looking at the ground, seems to not be able to meet An's eyes just yet. A stray turn of her head into the sunlight shows a glint of teardrop beneath her lashes::

Lan:
::nods::

Petros:
We are all still in a bit of a... hem.. bit of a tizzy over the tragic events of late. You can forgive the Dona, I'm sure if she.. hem... is a bit reticent to talk after her recent travails

Martel:
She is a good person, and possesed of much inner strength. I have little doubt she would be able to overcome any difficulties recent events may temporarily present.

An:
::tries his best to hold back his own tears, his face trying to conceal his emotions::

Petros:
But, she obviously can hear you, and I'm sure.. hem... is as curious as I about what brings you here? Simple moral support would not, I suppose, be incentive enough?

Lan:
::wonders if she's drugged::

Martel:
::slight smile:: You might be surprised how much I'm willing to go through in order to offer moral support. But you are correct, I have other reasons as well.

GM:
::Lan quickly finds that he knows WAY too many drugs to easily narrow one down based on a few symptoms and no close diagnoses::

Martel:
It has occured to me recently that perhaps my report to my masters on Pyre was not entirely complete.

Petros:
::puts on an interested look that is only half-genuine, and obviously so::

Martel:
The events she went through some time ago, I agree, are somewhat faded, but I would like to go over them again.

Petros:
Ah.. these would be.. hem... the misadventures she had over the last several years? I suspect that most of that is behind her, now... buffered by the tragedy that has recommitted her.. hem.. to her duty to her house

Maria:
::almost manages to contain the muffled sob completely::

Maria:
::brings a handkerchief up and covers her face as her uncle glances back at her for a moment::

An:
::closes his eyes for a moment, sending comforting thoughts her way. ...mentally willing her name::

Martel:
Possibly. However, I have come across some mutatants recently whose particular problems make it imperative that she be examined. It is important for the health of her future children, should she still be capable of such.

Lan:
::nods gravely, and offers without missing a beat:: Genetic counciling, might be, beneficial.

Martel:
::gestures to Lan:: I have brought the physick who developed her rather roughshod cure.

Lan:
::sharp glance at the deacon::

Petros:
I'm not sure I'm aware of the particular circumstances of the.. hem.. adventure in question

Martel:
You need not overly concern yourself. Needless to say, the Curch is, so far, accepting of the circumstances. Mother Church wishes that they not be...Spread further than strictly neccisary.

Petros:
As the young lady's guardian.. hem.. I'm sure that I do need to concern myself. We have some very good physiks on call here, and if you'd like to leave a description of the ailment I'm sure we can consult locally

Martel:
::turns to Lan:: Doctor?

Lan:
Well. ::scratches his head:: I can... outline the types of alele damage to look for, if you employ a comptetent geneticist, Lord.

Petros:
That shouldn't be a problem, should it prove necessary. ::he motions to one of the guards to give you pen and paper to write::

Lan:
::nods gravely::

Martel:
::hopes that poor guard runs out of paper::

Petros:
So.. hem... the potential for some ailment gained on her travels going into relapse or some such is all that brought you all here? Still seems like quite a trip.

Lan:
::Sits down and begins to write, straight away::

An:
The Family that was lost was dear to my heart. Those that are gone, and those that remain. That is why I came.

Petros:
Oh.. hem... I'm not sure I caught your name, young man?

Lan:
I, too, felt, fulfiled, in their employ. I think many of us did. ::glances at Deacon Azo to see if the Avestan thinks this name thing is still an issue::

Martel:
I never knew this family, but respect the member I did find.

Petros:
Yes, indeed, my coz was the kind of man to inspire such loyalty.

An:
Anhetpf Griffen, Chief of the Reeves Guild.

Martel:
::sighs, and mentally gauges wheather he can take the two rather imposing guards::

An:
::slight bow:: ...sir.

Petros:
Ah, yes.. the same Griffen who handled Jaime's books, I'd imagine.. hem.. you know I've looked over those. I'm not sure why he gave you such a free hand with them, though the tallies do seem to add up.

GM:
::there are four guards and two knights, actually::

Lan:
::pauses to draw a molecule. Then looks for more paper::

An:
I am very apt when I put my mind to it.

Martel:
::sighs again at the bad math, and begins to gauge how long he could DISRTACT them. in seconds::

Petros:
Yes... I'd imagine you might be.. hem... apt... so I've heard some interesting rumors about you, Mr. Griffen... most of them fairly benign...

An:
As are many things about me I'm sure.

Petros:
You see.. it seems a lot of people just trust you completely... having met you.. hem.. I can't say that I feel the same way. I think you're a scoundrel and a profiteer... a good one, I'll admit... but I don't know why...

GM:
you continue to darken my doorstep with your feigned interest in the family... I shan't have need of your.. hem.. money management if that's what this is about

An:
No my lord it is not. This "scoundrel" would have not part in managing your "balanced" books.

Maria:
::behind her kerchief, Lan and An can sense that Maria has swung into the anger they've seen on numerous occassions. An is certain she's using all of her devotion to the house to hold it in::

Martel:
Why, praytell, are you so rude to this man who has served your house, as you have admitted, faithfully and well...Sir?

Petros:
Faithfully and well as others may tell it. A bit too faithfully and well, less I miss my guess. His record is full of cleaned up spaces and spread over marks.. hem.. like I said, he's very good but I trust him not.

An:
I say this, "honorable" Baron. A deep wrong was made to this family, my family ::looks to Maria:: and I swear that those who have taken part of these terrible acts shall suffer a great retribution. For none...

Lan:
::dislikes hearing people swear oaths. #1 cause of death in known space. Even if it keeps him in business::

An:
know how deep my heart cries for those lost. But in vain their deaths will not be, so I swear, on that which I hold most dear. That is why I am here ::looks back to the Baron:: ... sir.

Petros:
That is well and good, should this prove to be more than a terribly tragic accident.. hem.. you'd have the entire house with you looking for the truth... but there have been no signs that anything but a tragedy has occurred and in the here and now, oaths of vengence are secondary to oaths of friendship and blood that will see us through this dark hour with unity in our house... Perhaps, should you not wish these deaths to be entirely in vain, you would help our family grow strong again rather than languish... but I don't think you're that kind of man

An:
You do not fear oaths of vengance my lord?

Martel:
If you'll excuse me, but you both are in error.

Petros:
hem.. You are intimating that I should have to fear your search for an iron fist moving the pieces of tragedy? I am almost as much a victim as my poor cousins.. they died, but if I do not move I will see the rest of their

GM:
legacy die with them. And you accuse me of being a party to their deaths.

Martel:
Neither oaths of vengance nor oaths of family and blood are primary. Oaths to Our Lord are primary, and through them, oaths to be true to ourselves. you would all be best to remember that.

An:
My lord, you do assume to quickly.

Petros:
Ah.. indeed good father... but our oaths to the Pancreator as noble are to.. hem... make certain that we rule fairly and with benevolence. This we cannot do if our house falls around us.

Martel:
Not true. You, personally, can always make sure to perform your actions with a fair and beneviolent hand. That includes to your fellow man, and woman.

Petros:
What are you getting at?

Martel:
It does NOT include making vague accusations ::looks to an as well:: either of you.

An:
::isn't even listening, just watching Maria::

Martel:
I'm saying that you cannot simply do what it takes to survive. you must be kind and fair as well, or the survival is meaningless.

Petros:
Fine, fine, arbit all you want... hem.. I thank you for your concern for the health of my neice, and I'll be certain she gets the medial care she needs. As .. hem.. acquaintences you may all leave your addresses with the guards and you will be invited to the wedding. Date to be determined when the period of mourning ends. If there is nothing else, I think we'll ... hem.. bid you good morning

Budi:
Noble lord

Martel:
::tenses, waiting for An to make a move, if he wishes::

Petros:
::glances at the unkempt pilot:: Yes?

Budi:
Please. We have come very far so that this man can pay his respects to this noble lady,

An:
So be it... Maria will know how to find me... if she wishes. We will trouble your doorstep no more.

Budi:
I pray you, noble lord. Can they not have 5 minutes to speak in private.

GM:
::for a flicker of a second, Maria glances up at An while Petros is looking away. The glance contains all of her sorrow, fear, and loss.. and her utter captivity to the whims of her lord::

An:
::drops his game face back on, taking all his years of sinking his emotions to heart::

Budi:
These just men have saved her life.

GM:
::but behind them, hope that An can do something to free her from this nightmare::

Budi:
Do they not have the right of friendship to console each other. Please.

An:
::looks to Budi:: Worry not my lord, let us leave this fair lord in peace. ... for there is no need to worry. Nothing shall stand in the way of Destiny. Know that...

Petros:
Indeed. There is too much at stake here to risk more chance for.. hem.. escapades.

An:
my dear pilot.

Martel:
My only fear is that destiny shall leave cbeatles dancing on the corpse of the hazat...

Budi:
My lord, the bonds formed in the heat of battle often are the strongs bonds and can not be denided

An:
::looks to the Baron:: If there is any way my guild can be of service I'm sure you can reach me through your local representative.

Petros:
I am already well assisted by a trusted member of your guild

Budi:
Thye have shed blood together, as warriors and friends.

An:
Ahh... well perhaps others of your family may be in need of my service. The Guild can reach me easily.

Budi:
Please, just 5 minutes.

Petros:
Please do stop talking, friend pilot. I have given you my answer on that course.

Lan:
::scribble furtively::

An:
::bows to Petros:: I bid you farewell. May we meet again on better terms. ::looks around:: Friends, shall we.

Martel:
indeed.

Lan:
::contemplates saying something, sees it's inappropriate, sets the quill down::

Lan:
::gets up and follows::

An:
::bows to maria:: ...my, lady.

Martel:
::nods to maria:: be strong.

Petros:
Good morning ::he motions to the guards to collect lan's treatise and then show you all back out::

Budi:
::Bows ot Petros:: Noble lord. I hear and obey. For give my emotial outburst. I thought ... ::Turns and leaves::

An:
::Follows the guard out::

GM:
::you're all led back out to the entrance after recovering your weapons, and Vasili can pick you up::

Vasili:
((Done))

Budi:
::whispers as he exits:: there is no honor in this house for blood spilt in the name brotherhood.

GM:
::you all drive away back down the road::

Lan:
::rubs his head in frustration. Waits 'till they're someplace vaguely more private::

Martel:
<w> don't worry. i kinda figured that wouldn't work. baby steps ya know. Time for Plan B.

GM:
::the car is plenty private for talking::

Vasili:
So, did that go well?

Martel:
About as well as expected.

Budi:
Yhis Pedros, must no be a warrior at heart, more like a decados

Martel:
Lan, did she seem in any way drugged that you could tell from visual symptoms?

An:
Damnit! ::slams his hand the seat in front of him::

Vasili:
Drugs? Her uncle wouldn't. . . Would he?

An:
::rests his head in his hands::

Lan:
::nods, holding his palms up to express his uncertainty at the same time::

Martel:
Calm yourself An, you had to have known that didn't stand much chance of working. Now we know precisely where she is and how she stands on the matter. Unwillingly.

An:
I hate this... these noble trappings.

Budi:
Well, could wait for the wedding and help her escape as she travels to the chapel.

Martel:
Why I went with the robes dear boy. breathes better.

An:
An army... if only I had an army my life would be so much easier. ::forces a tired smile, tears coming to his eyes::

Martel:
No, no indeed it would not. besides, why do you need an army when you got us?

Vasili:
An, I'm sure we won't have to go that far. Were you able to speak with her alone?

Budi:
A bribe here and a favor there, chief.

Martel:
::toVisili:: unfortunately not.

Vasili:
Well. . .so her Uncle gave you a chilly reception. We can probably talk him into seeing reason.

Lan:
Isn't there any way.... ::muses:: You can present their house a more favorable... ::shrugs:: An army, perhaps. Or perhaps a Stone. ::puts his chin in his palm::

Martel:
Next things next, we need to find out what she has been traded for.

Budi:
So, tell me this. Her father held higher rank then his brother?

An:
I need to speak with my sister.

Vasili:
No, he didn't. At least I don't think he did.

GM:
((they were both barons, but Jaime was more influential))

Budi:
So, her father was vassel to his brother?

Vasili:
((Right, like he said))

Budi:
((retract))

GM:
((mostly because he was a jolly fat man))

Budi:
So, then who was her father's lord?

Budi:
can we not appeal to him?

Martel:
((gotta go guys))

GM:
::and they discussed more stuff well into the ride home, I guess:: ((since rob just jumped off and Andy's gotta go too))

GM:
~~~ OOC ~~~

Budi:
And is not Maria of age? Does she not gain her father's title?

Budi:
darn

GM:
yeah.. if you research that you'll find that Hazat custom doesn't really account for massive deaths...

Budi:
I was hoping to now understand the power players

Budi:
Well, if we knew the order of inheridence, and loyality/...

An:
When this is all over An is moving where there are no nobles.

GM:
Maria, as the fourth child, and a daughter, was never expected to inherit. Since her father didn't specifically leave his title to his daughter, requiring a special contract/will, then it defaults to the closest blood male heir..

An:
Nobles have been the source of all the problems we've had.

Budi:
Was the Don killed as well?

Budi:
Don Richardo?

Vasili:
Alright, folks, I'm out.

GM:
which is his first cousin... Maria still stands to have a substantial dowry, especially with her uncle's wealth added in, which makes her attractive as a bride...

GM:
Nobody in the Hazat has seen Ricardo since 5000...

Lan:
We gotta spiff up our Reeve. Maybe an army *would* be the thing.

GM:
You guys haven't seen him since shortly after you joined the sewer mutants...

Lan:
Hmmm. ::contemplates armies of demons::

Budi:
You mean since we left the planet with Maria?

Budi:
ok, before that

GM:
He disappeared a couple weeks before that

Budi:
But he was not listed among the dead at the site, yes

GM:
presumably he slipped back into his madness and was killed by the Decados, as far as you know

GM:
as far as the Hazat know he's been missing and incommunicado long enough to be presumed dead

Budi:
Therefore we have to find the Don, if he is still alive

GM:
but if you could find him, he would stand to inherit, AND be in charge of his sister's marriage

GM:
if it happens before she's married

Budi:
And the guy she is to marry, higher rank then her?

GM:
marginally

GM:
he's a knight, as far as you know, but has more middle names

Budi:
Then we have to find the Don and fast and AN's Sister would be a choice contact

Lan:
Oh boy! Let's go back to Severus, and hunt for him in the jungle.

GM:
yeah.. let's all go several weeks out of our way to hunt for the PC of a player that doesn't attend anymore... knowing that I generally don't NPC former PCs without a really good reason

Budi:
Send a psychic hunting dog.

Lan:
I just miss the gentle fauna and flora there.

Budi:
Then I am thinking more and more that we need an assult team to hit the wedding party

GM:
anyway, I think that's all for me tonight. Gotta see if I can reserve a CoH name real quick then get ready for bed. I think we'll try to play again in two weeks, since next week is the last day of our CoH head start

Budi:
Or at least when she is moving from site to site.