GM:
~~~IC~~~

GM:
::After a jet lag nap, you all reconvene in your hotel suite (a new one this time, presumably) to finish planning::

Lan:
::makes tea. I mean, ti.:: So, how did we get ourselves invited to the last party we needed to crash? Couldn't we just do that again?

Maria:
How did you get invited?

Martel:
That's not really the problem, I think. The problem is getting in to see the servant...what's the gents name anyways?

An:
::gets out the milk and sugar:: I assume were probably on some... do not invite list.

Maria:
Nereo Calvo

Lan:
Her lists say no, no, no.

Martel:
Right. The problem is getting in to see Mr. Calvo, who presumably is under guard.

Maria:
And, if you can get to him, how do you convince him you're not just milking him for information like everyone else?

Martel:
Well, at the very least, we are going to set the man free. But how do we convince him of THAT?

Maria:
If he's willing to come with you at all... this is someone more duty-bound to the house than even I am... it could still be just a long-running con to get him to reveal secrets

Martel:
Is there some sort of codeword you guys use for "I'm not a douch"?

Lan:
Aren't we a Questing Knight and his Entourage? Aren't we good for an occasional rescue?

Maria:
We're nobles. If you're not being a... what you said... you're not trying hard enough.

Lan:
I don't expect he gets much news tho'.

Martel:
What's this "we"? I barely even represent a church!

Lan:
Still a cohort. I'm for cohortion. Wait. That sounds bad.

Maria:
I'm saying that being a... feminine hygeine product... isn't out of line for how he'd expect to be treated. He's looking for people that were supported by his master, not nice people.

An:
True story. When it comes to him I think we may have to play it by ear until we learn exactly where he stands. If he's truly loyal to the house then he'll understand our need. Expecially if knows this is for Maria.

Martel:
Any way for us to PROVE this is for Maria?

Maria:
Maybe. If I'm even on his radar, he may assume I'm just being manipulated by the house faction that's been holding him captive.

Lan:
((Wait, who is his ranking living liege, anyhows?))

Maria:
I'm not even sure who would have credibility in butler circles.

GM:
((hard to say. he's technically outranked by everyone, and the chain of command was cut, so he has just as much of a leadership gap as the rest of the house))

An:
What about Alfonso? Would they maybe know each other?

Maria:
It's a stretch... but maybe

Lan:
You know. Personally I think noble legitimacy is what you make of it. But don' t mind me, I'm only so far away from being a 3rd Republican.

Martel:
Well, at the very least, we'll need to get him out of there if we can't get the information swiftly. We might have to get him out of there anyways, if the local nobles are acting like...obnoxious people themselves.

Maria:
Just remember, I come from a very long line of people that came to power by shoving other people out of airlocks, and killing anyone who objected ::smiles sweetly::. Don't contest my nobility.

Lan:
Extracting the dude exposes our hand, I assume? Or, you know, whatever the appropriate gambling metaphor is. ::shrugs, and pours ti which has just come to boil::

An:
I think our hand is pretty much exposed the moment we show up there. He'll need to be priority early on in the distraction

Lan:
Not if we're just here persuing some sort of addlebrained intrigue of some other sort.

Martel:
Well, if they are hurting him, which seems very possible, we will remove him from harms way. I'm just not able to stand aside and let that sort of thing happen.

Maria:
I doubt they're hurting him, unless the Castenda really have lost all honor. They're probably using more subtle interrogation techniques, though.

Lan:
I agree, of course. Oh, well, good.

Maria:
How long could you guys keep a secret from Malena?

Martel:
What do you mean?

Lan:
I believe she means "how willing are you to decieve Malena?"

Maria:
There are non-violent interrogation methods that are still... physical. I mean... An had secrets before he met me

Lan:
::three scenarios flash through his impolitic and politically inept mind, none of them strictly delightful::

Martel:
Well, If such is the case, we'll leave him be on his own recognasance, assuming we get the information.

Lan:
I take issue with almost any sort of dishonesty... except where there's worse wrongdoing afoot.

Martel:
But if we don't, it's extraction time.

Maria:
Your problem with dishonesty is why we didn't support your seduction mission.

An:
::runs a hand through his hair and sits back in his chair thinking::

Lan:
::frowns:: But if that woman is involved with ... holding this gentleman captive and ... well, I suppose there's no reason to believe they're torturing him, yes.

Martel:
It all comes back to the basic problem. I'm relatively assured of our ability to remove him at need, rather through reduction or espionage, but getting him to give up the information is the important part.

Martel:
*seduction

GM:
((i dunno... i like the reduction plan. shrink ray him and just carry him out in a pocket.))

Lan:
((I was thinking more broth.))

Martel:
((you said I couldn't have a shrink ray!!!))

GM:
((missile launcher. no missile launcher. you never asked for a shrink ray))

Martel:
((well, the request was in REALLY tiny type))

Lan:
Wait. There's something I don't understand. Who's going to seduce him?

Martel:
I thought Maria said you were.

An:
I think our best bed may be the duel.

Maria:
No one, hopefully. I was suggesting that Malena might have already been trying for some time.

Martel:
When you didn't object, we just assumed...

An:
*bet

Martel:
Ok, what does a fanatically loyal servant want? Whatever his master wants, right? Do we know what his master wanted?

Martel:
((I liked bed better))

Maria:
Proper succession for the house, hopefully.

Lan:
::clutches head, stares into tea. Picks it up and sips::

An:
I think we should look into getting the man out of the location first. We can get the information we need from him after we remove him. Because if it takes longer then we have we'll have missed our chance.

Martel:
Good point.

Maria:
If we're getting him out, we have to deal with the house guards and the gate guards.

An:
We create the distraction. We attempt to question him on scene for a small amount of time. Assess his status then remove him to a location we can control. ::looks around:: Has anyone checked Pegasus just to make sure it doesn't have a "Manipulate Time" switch somewhere on it.

Lan:
OH!

An:
Just thinking that maybe someone keeps accidentally hitting it with their knee. That would be really helpful.

Lan:
Well... no. But that would be ... It wouldn't be a switch, you know.

Maria:
I think it only does it when it wants to. That kind of thing is notorious about not working when you need it to.

Lan:
The seeds of many an Eskatonic argument, that, I'm sure.

Martel:
Plus, I'm not sure ALL of the occupants of our ship would be happy with a bright glowing gargoyle in the cargo hold.

Maria:
Oh. right. I'd forgotten about those guys. You think we could get them to help with the distraction?

An:
Possibly true. Why can't super powerful ancient artifacts come with instruction manuals. Lan. Get on that.

Martel:
You guys might be able to. I'm persona non grata with the Avesti right now.

Lan:
Oh, they do, but the script they're written in makes Etyri spoken langague look easy.

An:
::nods:: Sad times.

Martel:
Ok, so, extraction plans. Rumors that he's suffering from some sort of rare illness, and we are moving him to a treatment facility? Guards don't like to get near that stuff.

Maria:
Keep in mind that it's going to be you and Lan doing the extraction. Any plan that hinges on you lying believably... well, let's have a plan that doesn't require a lie.

Martel:
Hmm. Fair.

An:
Remember we also have access to a fairly competent pilot if we need air extraction.

Lan:
What, brandishing swords around a household full of Hazat?

Martel:
That means we could, what, bludgeon the guards, or slip them sleeping pills?

Maria:
Or some other kind of distraction in the house. Or you could be persuasive. There probably won't be very many guards, assuming our distraction outside pulls out the rank and file. How many guards do you need to keep on an old butler?

Lan:
There's the poetry recital distraction. ::shrugs::

Martel:
Ok, how is this: If any of the guards are left, we try to convince them to stand aside. If they don't do that, I knock them out. Then we take the prisoner to the roof, for an air extraction? It avoids dealing with the gate guards.

Maria:
There's probably anti-aircraft security.

Martel:
Hmm, especially after recent events.

Maria:
These are people that just narrowly avoided being blown up by a crashing spaceship.

Lan:
Right.

An:
So, ground extraction it is. Maybe I could win him in the duel.

Martel:
I'd still rather not fight my way past the gate guards. Lan, could you draw up paperwork claiming we were carrying hazerdous biowaste? Then we wouldn't actually have to lie.

Lan:
We're carrying hazardous biowaste? ::looks around alarmed::

Maria:
You'd probably have to piss off someone more powerful than Tyrone to take a valuable prisoner.

Martel:
Besides, then they'll know that WE know they have them. He'll be FAR more well protected after that.

Lan:
Have... ::clears throat:: you know, really not to be a pain, but have you considered my obligation to ... ah. Treat tyrone, if you seriously injure him?

An:
Which is why you won't be there but will be part of the extraction party.

Martel:
You won't be there Lan, you'll be with me.

Lan:
Mm. Right.

Martel:
I was thinking that Lan and I drive in some sort of waste removal truck during the distraction, load him up into it, and then drive him back out again. Thoughts?

An:
And don't worry I'm not going to hurt him... ::looks all mock nefarious for a moment:: I'm going to kill him... ::he says in a deep raspy voice::

Lan:
::cringes, sipping tea:: That's not funny.

Lan:
((At some point, you realize a character you've developed is hopelessly emo. And it's annoying even to you, the player.))

Martel:
An, I know you've got a ton of reasons for not liking this guy, but taking a life isn't something you need to be doing lightly.

GM:
((you're a very emo party))

Martel:
What with how that can mess with your psyche and all.

An:
What... it was a joke? Should I have done a "DUN DUN DUNNNN" at the end of it?

Martel:
I'm just saying, I'm gonna be mighty pissed if I have to kill another Transvestite An in a few years.

Lan:
Alright, alright. I'm reconciled to you doing what's necessary with the man. I can hardly say I approve of his ethics. Yes, yes. I know, a joke. So, we persuade, you two.... ::looks at Padre::

Martel:
Pummel?

Lan:
He'd look interesting pinned to a corkboard, maybe? I mean she? Ack.

Martel:
Nah. Never works with that sort. Gotta set em on fire. I don't follow many of the church rules, but I'll be damned if I ain't stickin to that one.

Maria:
The next one will know about your rock.

Martel:
That's why I've got a different plan for the next one, and no, I'm not saying while An is in the room with me.

Lan:
::eyes shut as if to shut out morbid distractions:: Does winning the duel change the chess game of extracting this gentleman?

Maria:
I'm actually not sure what they'll do afterwards.

Martel:
I rather doubt we should wait and see.

Lan:
Tyrone is mortally wounded. I save his life. They keep us around as guests?

Martel:
Drive in, get the guy, load him into the waste truck, drive out.

Lan:
Just grasping here.

An:
Hopefully not. Lets hope they don't just shoot me. Though shooting a questing knight that just rightfully won a duel would most likely be frowned upon in political circles.

Martel:
Especially if he challenged YOU.

Lan:
True.

Maria:
Indeed. But I don't think beating Tyrone in an honor duel will have a binding effect on my uncle.

An:
Not a terrible idea, but I can't assure I'd mortally wound him without just mortally deadifying him.

Maria:
Malena probably doesn't care. But she might not be the ranking noble there these days. And who knows how angry they are at us about driving out the Jakovians?

Lan:
Don't penetrate his *skull* and he has minutes of life afterwards for me to work with.

Martel:
You will not be there though. Remember?

An:
Having Lan invited to stay, using him as our inside man wouldn't be a terrible idea if we had more time, but were workign on limited time as is.

Lan:
Okay, then. We simply free the man, and depend on his gratitude.

Martel:
We haven't even decided how we are going to free him yet Lan. Opening his cell door, doesn't count, we need to get him out of there.

Lan:
Pardon, complexly free the man.

Martel:
Heh.

Lan:
Should we wait until he asks to give him our reasons for the rescue?

An:
I think you'll need to inform him of your status as imperial agents. Show him the proper paperwork. Quickly assess if he is in his right mind, then remove him .

Martel:
Agreed. The less time we spend there, the better our chances. Ummm, I kinda just had an idea.

Lan:
::wonders vaguely if being imperial agents is a free license to do any sort of ostensibly good-in-somebody's-eyes thing in the name o' the Emperor. But after all this is to a particular point.::

Martel:
Of how to get in, and get him out.

Lan:
Oh?

GM:
((What is "It's better to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission" in Latin? That's totally the Questing Knight motto))

Lan:
((Give me a minute.))

Martel:
Hang glide in off the cliffs. Both Lan and I are good enough to do so with a little instruction. Grab the servant, run back up to the roof, hang glide out past the guarded waters to a waiting powerboat. It's quick, quiet, and leaves virtually no evidence.

An:
Are we to that level of epionage awesome? I mean, if we can do it, I'm for it.

Lan:
Hang glide?

Martel:
I certainly am. And Lan is too. Well, sorry, I misspoke. Hang glide out. Get smuggled in with our gliders in the laundry. I think we might know a guy what can help. A beach bum who knows the laundry people. Grease their palms a little, tell them that we are just looking for an awesome hang glide session, and we should be fine.

GM:
((Samson was your contact who seemed to be able to smuggle at least letters in the laundry))

Martel:
We'll just get one of those two-person gliders for Mr. Calvo.

Lan:
So crazy it just might work? ::unsure::

Martel:
If you have a better plan, I'd love to hear it. If you don't then we are just wasting precious time here.

An:
Three person. Remember you'll have a third. And for some reason I'm under the impression this person is old.

Martel:
One glider for me and Mr. Calvo, another for Lan. And that's why I want a glider that can strap him in, instead of forcing him to hang on.

An:
Think his heart can take it?

Maria:
Actually... it may make sense for me to trade off with Lan at that point. If I can slip away after the fight, he can come in to tend Tyrone. I'm probably better at this kind of thing, no offense Lan... And they're less likely to detain Malena's favorite doctor and a Questing Knight that just won a duel.

Lan:
Ah, heh, none taken.

Martel:
And this way, Lan can keep Tyrone from dying, preventing all sorts of potential complications.

Maria:
I don't know. Doctor... do you have anything you could have ready just in case the guy doesn't take to flying?

Martel:
Or meybe a seditave to give him ahead of time, as a preventative?

Lan:
Oh! ::had been mid gasp:: A sedative, not a, right. I'm sure that should be easy enough. Not so much a sedative, but something to give him confidence.

Maria:
Wait. No. What did you think I was asking?

An:
So, Maria, you're going with Martel? Lan and I will be there for the duel. I'll have brought him along as my personal physician.

Maria:
If I can slip away after the fight. I don't trust uncle to let me go.

An:
In case I am stabbed.

Maria:
But I'm going to be there to see you kick Tyrone's ass.

Lan:
I didn't think anything, I'm sure. Sorry. ::wrings hands:: This is giving me nerves.

An:
Won't people be suspicious if Lan just sorta... shows up?

Lan:
What's the ostensible reason for our visit then?

Maria:
Unless you can figure out a better way to get in, I assumed we'd all go in together and Lan and Martel would slip away during the fight. Try to draw it out. Martel, by the way, is a lot less obvious when he's not wearing those robes everywhere. They may not even really notice who he is.

An:
Sorry, thought we had gone with the glide in glide out thing. Alright, let me see if I have this in order. We all come in. Who slips out during the fight?

Lan:
((Possibly something like: "Melior deprecor veniam pro concessio." ))

Maria:
Gliding in would be harder than gliding out. It's probably easier to just smuggle in the gliders somehow.

Lan:
Maria and Martel glide out, we linger.

Maria:
We all go in. I guess under my authority if nothing else. That should cause a stink. We try to have it happen on the main lawn. I stay while you fight. Lan and Martel slip away while you're being overwhelmingly macho.

Martel:
I've still got a few ways to suggest my credentials, if need be, but yeah, I'm not advertising these days.

An:
Then Lan sneaks back? Doesn't that seem inefficient?

Maria:
They get Nereo somehow, Martel and Nereo slip out to the bluffs and start putting the glider together, Lan slips in just as you win, I join Martel in the confusion. They'll notice if I leave during the fight. I don't have a large window to get away.

An:
Alright. I'm with you. Then it'll be up to Lan and I to escape afterwards. Before they notice he's gone.

Martel:
Well, if all I need to do is give the servant an injection to calm his nerves or something, I can probably do that, but if he needs more, I'll be pretty much useless.

Maria:
If you don't make it, you two have the most likelihood of not being immediately imprisoned.

An:
True story. I have full faith that we can make it, right doctor?

Maria:
Martel, don't bring any guns, or you'll have to leave them at the gate.

Lan:
::nods unreadably:: I'll prep a hypo.

Martel:
I figured as much.

Maria:
And we'd hear them over a swordfight anyway, so using them would be worse than not using them unless it just helps intimidation.

Martel:
If I need one, I'm sure a nearby guard will willingly part with it if I ask nicely.

Lan:
Have we a rough estimate of his weight?

Maria:
He wasn't a large man when I saw him. 150-200 pounds? Maybe on the low end?

Lan:
::prepping hypodermic spray cap::

Maria:
You'll see him when we start, so could you make a full one and just squirt the extra out?

Maria:
I guess we need to contact a local sporting goods place and your contact.

Lan:
Oh, yes, yes.

Martel:
Right. ::starts rummaging through the phone book for hang glider stores::

GM:
::as a resort community, there are many likely stores. you call around a bit and find one that's likely to have a wider selection::

Martel:
::strike up an idle conversation about how one hang glides::

GM:
::they apparently have lessons in-store::

Martel:
Hey Maria, you know how to hang glide?

Maria:
I could probably stand a refresher when we get the gear.

Martel:
Right. ::asks for two lessons, post-haste::

Maria:
You have a good place? Let's go to the store and get the gear while Lan and An get the boat and talk to your contact.

An:
Does anyone know how to drive a boat?

Martel:
You got it. Tollusk does. Chances are, so does one of Ans spies. Anywho, that's for you to figure out. see ya soon. ::heads off::

Maria:
Oh, dear... give us money ::smiles winningly::

An:
::fishes out the proper amount of firebirds plus a tad extra:: Don't go spend it all in one place.

Maria:
::kisses An then leaves with Martel::

GM:
::The sporting goods store shows you a range of glider models. Hinting at what you need without outright spelling it out, your quest for portability takes you to the end of the floor... where they have a few custom jobs made by the Engineers. Apparently, they use some variation on Stiffsynth technology to fold down to roughly backpack size and then expand back out with a button press and some simple struts::

Martel:
These look like they'll do nicely.

GM:
::they look like big ugly bat wings folded out, and are really expensive to rent for a few days::

Martel:
::is comforted by the fact that it isn't his money::

GM:
::they do come with an optional harness for tandem flights::

Martel:
::is pleased at the tandemability::

GM:
::after you pay, they take you up on the roof for some practice. You both prove to be naturals at it, as it's far less troublesome than surviving the desert or climbing waterfalls, but the portable nature means that Maria is probably going to have to man the tandem craft, as Martel is a big guy::

Martel:
Excellent. Thank you for the lesson, good sir.

GM:
::meanwhile, Lan and An rent a cab to go up the coast to the bluffs?::

Lan:
So. Rent a cab and head up to the bluffs?

An:
Lets do that.

GM:
::also, call in Tollosk or contract locally for your boat pilot?::

An:
I think I should call in Tollosk, if he feels its safe to leave the "object" behind.

Tollosk:
::on the phone:: You want me to pilot a what?

An:
A small water retrieval craft. Can you do it?

Tollosk:
How hard can it be? Also, that project you had me working on should be ready tonight. Do you want me to put up the brothers and their package in a hotel here and just bring the ship and our silent guardian to Isabella?

An:
Yes, lets do that. As long as it won't be a problem for you.

Tollosk:
Nah, they should be fine. This way all of our eggs are in one basket.

An:
And you know how much I do enjoy eggs.

GM:
::after talking to Tollosk, you make your way up the coast and rent a speedboat with a nice sized, lighted deck. You are able to find Samson without too much problem, even in the off season...

Lan:
:: a "what?" expression crosses his face::

GM:
he's pretty sure he could get in some packages if they were small enough and not weapons, and he'll let you know what the social situation is on the hill.::

GM:
::A couple of days and a bunch of bribes later, the four of you and Tollosk have gotten ahold of yet another hotel room, have the boat ready, the hang gliders presumably in place, and information that the guard is typically lighter than normal tonight, but most of the nobles should be home::

An:
I guess I should dress in something appropriately impressive?

Lan:
Yes, we'd better dress.

Maria:
::seeming to be hiding her own nervousness, she badgers Lan into wearing something functional but just outside his comfort zone as far as sexiness is concerned::

Martel:
::dresses in dark, servanty clothes, with a thing of shoe polish in his pocket for darkening his face if needed::

Lan:
Pff. This is supposed to be good looking?

Maria:
Definately unbutton down one more.

Lan:
Because... chicks dig the belly.

Maria:
No no, from the top

Lan:
::acquiesces:: Oh, right.

An:
::dresses in fineries befitting a knight of his stature. Under his top is a form fitting shirt for the fight. He retrieves his weapons and poishes and sharpens them. Placing them in their case::

Maria:
Is that synthsilk? Do you have a dueling shield?

An:
::he finishes off the ensemble with a full cloak to cover his outfit. Something to appropriately pull away to reveal the full knighthoodness.:: Is that how nobles usually do it? I thought it would be mostly naked. ::blinks:: That didn't come out right. I mean without protection.

Maria:
Even amongst the Hazat it's about getting shallow cuts in under the shield, or wearing it out first.

An:
Right, so I shoud probably look into that.

Maria:
::sighs and looks over his clothes:: These are good. ::slips off a brooch she's worn most of the time you've known her:: Have you used a shield before?

An:
Ummm... yes?

Maria:
::pins the brooch on under his collar:: The switch is on the back under the pin. Don't forget to take off the cloak or it won't work right. ::is trying to hold back the urge to fret, but not concealing it well::

Martel:
Maria? Thia guy An is fighting. Could you take him?

An:
::reaches up and touches the side of her cheek:: Don't worry. If all else fails I'll spawn another me and make him do the duel.

Maria:
Yeah, he has no form. He's quick, though.

Martel:
If you can take him, than An can take him. Have faith.

GM:
((well... Maria has dex + melee 20 and all of the combat actions... :)))

Martel:
((yeah, but I'm trying to COMFORT her.))

Martel:
You did train him, after all.

GM:
((the rest of you sort of differentiated where you spent your character improvements))

An:
He may be fast, but I'm wise. Precise, and confidant. And truth be told. I've got too much to do to lose. I'll be careful though. Won't take any unnecessary risks.

GM:
((maria spent it all on stabbing bitches))

An:
((Thats been my most recent investments))

Lan:
Well, what's the worst that could happen, anyhow?

Maria:
::hugs An:: Go kick some ass dear.

An:
::returns the hug:: With pleasure.

GM:
::and, all snazzed up, the four of you make your way up to the bluffs. They sort of have to let Maria in, though they radio it in, and they want to take An's sword before he flashes his noble signet.::

GM:
::Lan and Martel are thoroughly searched for weapons, then let in::

Lan:
::kill bill style music as we simultaneously walk slow-mo down the .... walk?::

GM:
::certainly::

GM:
::In the failing twilight, you saunter towards the central gardens where the pavilion was set up the last time you were here, and you can just make out Baron Petros storming down the opposite path as curious nobles and assorted guards make their way out into the central area where floodlights illuminate the gardens::

Petros:
YOU!

Martel:
::wispers to the others:: I think we've been noticed.

Lan:
::folds hands and assumes bland expression in entourage-ial perfection::

An:
::raises an eyebrow at Petros::

Petros:
::strides up to the party:: Months later and now you come sauntering back into my home? I hope you've come to return this young woman unharmed!

An:
No, ::he says standing up tall and straight, an old school An look of arrogance on his face:: I've come to correct of stain upon mine and this young womans honor.

Petros:
::look of pure anger:: You low born filth! How dare you?

An:
::steps forward:: How dare I what?

Petros:
Stole my brother's money and his daughter, and flitted about the news like a hero right under the nose of the Eduardos you claim to serve, and you talk to me of honor?! You're lucky I don't have you arrested.

An:
::reaches up and unclips the side of his cloak letting it fall away revealing his seal:: Arrest an agent of the Emperor. Seems like poor judgement. Please retrieve for me Don Tyrone Maurice Augustin Castenda de Sutekh of the Hazat. I require satisfaction.

Martel:
::begins to casually scan the crowd for an appropriate exit. ::

GM:
::the buzz of the assembled people begins to spread, and more nobles and guards begin to pour in::

GM:
::Martel and Lan are able to let themselves be casually displaced and jostled towards the fringes near the garden, and once they're behind a floodlight all they have to worry about is the hawkeyed or people coming from their destination::

GM:
::the last of whom seem to be Malena and Tyrone... unless Lan calls attention to himself, however, she seems intent on the distraction::

Martel:
::walks towards where we suspect them of holding Mr. Calvo like he was told to do so by someone important::

Lan:
::makes with being inconspicuously evasive and evasively inconspicuous::

An:
::waits patiently in the yard, next to Maria::

Tyrone:
::shoving his way into the crowd, wearing nothing but a pair of attractive silk breeches:: Who has called for me? Is it the lying Reeve scum that used me to ruin my wedding?

Lan:
::follows, as though-- what else, looking for Malena. Such measures help defeat telepaths scanning for devious people::

Tyrone:
Someone give me a sword so that I might strike this lying dog down where he stands.

An:
Don Tyrone Maurice Augustin Castenda de Sutekh of the Hazat, I Don An-hetep-f Griffen del Sol Imperial have had my honor slighted, the honor of this lady slighted. ::motions to Maria:: And have been insulted, it will not stand.

Tyrone:
What does this mean, del Sol Imperial? You think you are some kind of knight? I think you are a liar. I am the one who has been dishonored!

Maria:
By *my* honor as Hazat, Don An-hetep-f was knighted at the hand of the Emperor himself. Where did you get your title, Tyrone?

An:
::unclips his cloak:: I am knight by order of Emperor Alexus. ::folds the cloak across his arm:: And truth be told. To call me a liar is to call the Imperial Throne a liar. Do you wish to rescind those words?

Tyrone:
Whether or not this latest charade is true or not does not repair the lies you have told before, little gray face. You ruined my wedding and disrupted my family. Who are you to claim insult?

Lan:
((Soliloquy! ))

GM:
((Well, I'm glad you asked... you see...))

An:
::looks to Maria:: Were you to marry this man under your own free will? Were you free to leave and act as you saw fit? ::looks by to Tyrone:: I have come to rectify wrongs you have performed. You are disgrace to your house. You are a disgrace to your title. Your insults alone since you have come into this yard tonight are enough to justify me cutting you down where you stand. But as a man of honor, I will give you the chance to redeem yourself. You stand challanged.

Tyrone:
You come into a grieving house and pluck its most precious flower, the flower of its future, and you take offense that you are called a thief? What right have you to play the victim. Nevertheless, I accept your challenge...

Tyrone:
When you are cut down, perhaps the wound you have dealt to this house can begin to heal. Bring me my sword, shirt, and shield. We shall do this now!

GM:
((It's now 9:30, and I have no idea how long swordfights with dueling shields take in this system, plus there's Lan and Martel's whole arc. Want to push through, or pick this up next week?))

An:
((Can I just throw my sword through his face and be done with it? ;-) -))

An:
(( I'm totally up for whatever. I do kinda need to be in bed around 11:00 ish. But whatevah. -))

Lan:
((I should be to bed around 11 as well-- I leave it to your judgement re: breakpoints.))

Martel:
((I'm good either way, but combat is rarely fast))

Martel:
((especially since he's supposed to draw it out until Lan comes back))

GM:
((let's call it. that will give me more room for narration, denoument, and... unexpected obstacles))

An:
((Hooray!))

GM:
~~~OOC~~~