Ralph sighs softly muttering to himself "Hmm she's youn'er den I tought prolly youn'er 'n me." He furrows his brow a bit "Looks'a kinda like a lil Minx." Finding the lettering across her bosom he quirks an eyebrow "Sumone's been wri'in on her cans..." Drake Khoth? name sounds familiar... Doesn't one of those guys call themselves Drake sometimes?' "Charlie? Nah couln't be..."
He lets out a relieved breath finding that although the young lady is badly injured, she doesn't appear to be in immediate danger. "I can' really jus' leave ya dere. Hang on Kit, lemme see if I cin sumtin fer furst aid. I cin at least getcha cleaned up." He goes off in search of a first aid kit 'Chuck would probably be better at this, didn't he say he's some kind of doctor?' He spots the red cross of a small first aid kit and grins "Aha."
Returning to the young woman he sets about trying to clean and treat her wounds as well as he can he has to remove her outer clothing in order to access her injuries. "I hope dis dame ain't too mad I took 'er clothes... dey were a mess anyway."
He surprises himself as everything seems to be going quite well, his hands almost moving on their own with their own energy. He then realizes it feels very similar to when Cassie kissed his forehead he felt something flow from her to him, only this was the opposite flowing out of him into Alice. After placing the last bandage Ralph believes Alice looks a fair amount better, maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought. When he tries to move away he stumbles a bit and catches his balance leaning on the cot. "Whoa... dis happ'ned ta Minx too... wha'd dat dame to ta me?"
Green eyes flutter open and fix Ralph with a puzzled stare for a moment. Suddenly realization floods them and Alice tries to sit, gasping with pain as the motion flares her injuries to life.
"Sir, there's... oh, gods, there's a monster in the utility corridors! We have to get out before the Tesla field comes up for the second act. It hasn't started yet, has it? We need to run!" She manages to sit despite the pain and swings her legs over the cot, biting back a wail of pain which turns into a mere whimper, drowned out in the hissing, rumbling, banging racket of the boiler room. Her eyes turn to Ralph again, this time with some recognition. "You! You were with Cassie DuSollier! We have to get her out of here. It's not safe!"
Having made its way back to the upper service passages above the more prestigious booths of the wealthier clientele, the figure crouches and works at a hatch which opening into the corridor below. after a few moments work the catches release and the figure stands. There is some complicated adjustments to an item worn by the figure...followed a few moments later by a 'pop' and a static 'fizz' in the air. For a brief moment all the hair and clothing on the mysterious figure 'puff out' before falling back into their normal place.
The figure drops through the shaft, tapping the control tab deftly as it plummets by such that the hatch mechanisms slip the lid shut even as the figure stands, gives themselves a final brush down before slipping back into the box shared by Drake Khoth and his companion.
"Eleanor!" Vorian calls out in surprise, having nearly forgotten about his earlier company. The Dowager's sudden arrival leaves him little time to feign any sort of excitement, and her scathing attitude towards his companion does little to inspire him. Nonetheless, he finds himself trapped in her clutches once again. "Apologies, milady, I found myself in regal company during my absence," he says, glancing at the princess, who now wore a knowing smirk.
There is no way for me to leave without causing the Duchess to make a scene... he concludes, looking to Cassie and Drake with a frown. Darkov and Veritas were perhaps the last two people he wanted to leave his companions alone with. Who knew what could happen? Left with no time to say anything else, he bows to the princess.
"I am sorry, your Highness. Thank you for your invitation, but I have other obligations to attend to..." he says, before being dragged off by the Dowager Duchess.
Alexia looks on with an amused smirk as Duchess Montresor drags her latest victim off into the shadows of her box. The look of dread on Lord Ritter's face was one that was all too familiar. As the two nobles disappear from view, she brushes some a strand of hair away from her face, before looking to Cassie and Drake. "I heard that the old Duchess murdered her last husband," she says to them in a conspirational tone, "Apparently Duke Fortunado liked his women a little younger... and perhaps a little thinner." With the interruption out of the way, she moves onward again. "It is as I said - perhaps she is what Lord Ritter deserves. I am sure that he can satisfy her needs."
Within a few moments the princess and Darkov stop, having reached their box. "Ah, we are here. And with time to spare, I suspect." Looking to her two guests of honor, she speaks. "This is your last chance to run away, I am afraid." Sticking her tongue out at them, she turns to enter with the Brigadier, with or without them.
Ralph looks somewhat wearily and somewhat confused at the young woman "Cazie Du'ollier? who dat? I tink ya gots me confoozed wit sumbuddy else sweethart. I ain't ne'er herda her. 's natural ta have sum confoosion dough ya took a purdy mean tumble. I ain't tink ya ought ta be tryin ta run any... I ain't no doc'r but I tink ya gots 'least a broke leg. Fixed ya up best as I could, but I ain't no mir'cle werker. I'd be mighty su'prised if ya could e'en stand."
Feeling steadier on his feet he no longer needs to lean on the cot. He puts his hand on the girl's shoulder to keep her from trying to stand in case that was next as it would most certainly not end well. "Yer ehh cloze were kinna messed up too, I hadda take em off ta treat yer injuries 'an neider dem nor you 're really inna shape ta put em back on." He sighs and nods to her when she says it isn't safe "Ya, I know it ain't; dis creepy Joe an' sum good lookin dame came inta da op'ra dey ain't seem ta be good news."
Ralph follows the vent up with his eyes as if he could see right through it to Darkov and Alexia. Then shrugs his shoulders "I can' move ya real well by m'self Kit, if ya know a bedder place I cin leave ya fer a bit while I find sum help I cin prolly carry ya dere, so long as we ain't gotta go trough any crowded areas. Bein caught carryin a young girl in her skivvies is li'ble ta get a Joe in trubble. E'en if y're only a couple years youn'er 'n me. If dere's a place ya cin sit tight fer a bit my Minx'll be able ta 'range fer sum help ta getcha outta here 'm shure."
Ysillith wanders out of the theater booth, yawning and stretching.
"Well..if that be whut folks call a passable entertainment, I think I'll give it away fer another game of soldiers..." She mutters as she wanders off looking for her charges.
Cassie leans in to receive the titbit of gossip, in a familiar manner despite this being there introduction. There's a fluttering of butterflies in her stomach, a taught nervousness. 'I don't know what she plans but if there is one place to learn. Remember be careful.'
Her visage breaks into a genuine smile as the Princess sticks out her tongue and enters. Cassie turns to Drake slight unsure; "Oh well, it seems my harem has dwindled to one. The cream (?) Anyway we enter?" she slightly queries, her curiosity kicking in but mixed with slight but mixed with slight trepidation.
He puts his hand on the girl's shoulder to keep her from trying to stand in case that was next as it would most certainly not end well. "Yer ehh cloze were kinna messed up too, I hadda take em off ta treat yer injuries 'an neider dem nor you 're really inna shape ta put em back on."
The girl glances down at 'Drake Khoth' and shoots one hand out to the cot blanket, pulling it hastily in front of her chest. Unfortunately, since she's sitting on the blanket, very little is available to protect her modesty, though it does seem to make her feel somewhat better. Face beet-red, she stares up at Ralph as he declares his intention to go for help.
As soon as he turns to leave, she tries to stand and plops to the ground with a muffled squeak. "Herr Ebner - Johan Ebner - is the Chief of Staff and my boss. His office is near Frau Stuptsmann's. He should be able to get help. Tell any usher that Alyce needs help and they can take you there." She rolls under the cot and pulls the blanket over herself lest the monster from the vents find her.
Ralph chuckles softly as Alice tries but seems to be unsuccessful in hiding her body. "Sorry Kit, I ain't do it so I could peek at ya nor nothin, not datcha ain't wort' peekin at. Hope ya don' mind too much dat I saw." He winks towards her "I unnerstand ya don' want e'erybody ta see ya in yer lacies dough... some Joe oughta be comin back here wit my jacket. 'ssumin he puts it back where I left it ya should be able ta reach it from dere, yer welcome ta it."
Ralph quickly turns back towards Alyce when hears the soft squeak, he tries, but is a step too slow to catch her and keep her from falling. Kneeling down to offer to help the girl get back into the cot he finds she wants to stay under the cot. The poor girl must have had much more of a scare than just the tumble down the vents.
He sighs softly when Alyce talks about finding an usher "Well Kit... I ain't really likes ta talk ta 'fficial types dey tend ta judge me on da way I talk. I'm trustin ya not ta give me 'way ta any o' dem. 'K sweethart? But don' wurry I gots sum friends o' my own Charlie's sum kinna doc'er I ain't gonna leave ya hangin." He peers at the young woman to see if he can catch a glimpse of those green eyes from under the blanket. "Sit tight Kit, yu'll be safe now, I'll be back soon an' I ain't gonna let nottin hurt ya no more."
He doesn't really want to leave Alice like that, but he knows she needs more than just his help. Starting towards the vent again he looks over his shoulder "Oh sweethart I'd 'preciate it if ya don' tell anyone 'bout me." The vent grate is quickly and silently removed and Ralph disappears into the vent before replacing it.
"No! Not in the vents! There's a monster! She'll gut you and hang you up by your giblets!" Alice squeaks as Ralph moves to the vent grate. She watches him vanish in despair, then huddles back under the cot, pulling the covers over her head.
Taking Drakes arm by hooking hers, it's drawn to the warm yielding lines of her body. There is a slight tremble of trepidation runs through the French teases body, unsure of what will be upon the other side of the curtain. She pushes the edge of her fan to poke from the corner of her clutch bag - readied for anything.
Taking comfort from the handsome doctor, she displays her courage and moves into the box. The curtain moves aside automatically, the heavy velvet rippling.
Inside the box the lighting is dull, a warm glow that reflects off the opulence. A couple of wide backed chairs are placed there with good view and there is a long fainting couch, with dark polished soft woods and brass ornamentation.
Madam DuSollier looks towards the royal Princess and her escort.
There is awareness of everything: sounds, smells, vibrations, and sights, though peripheral vision is not the best. Things are happening tonight, she can tell from the odd scents of tension and fear that occasionally drift her way, as well as strange vibrations and thumps from the guts of the theater. Though her senses tell her what, they do not tell her why.
A blur of stealthy motion and Ysillith is in one of the lower boxes - alone.
Another stir of elephantine motion and Ritter is within her awareness, along with a large woman. Eleanor, Dowager Duchess of Montresor, a notorious manhunter. Why is Ritter separated from Ysillith? Where are the others?
The state of hyper-extended awareness is interrupted by the blur of movement from a nearby box seat with a flash of familiar auburn hair. Rashida risks a flick of her eyes towards the box to focus on the occupants. It's Cassie along with one of her new men, and another couple. The man is familiar. Darkov. He may be useful, but her stomach clenches in a shiver at his being in Cassie's presence. The woman is a complete blank. Why? If she is high nobility, as she appears, why was Rashida not briefed on her?
The worry is distracting. A faint frown wrinkles the otherwise placid brow of the 'goddess' on the golden Massri throne. She tries to keep her gaze forward and watch the scene unfold peripherally again, but her eyes keep flicking there despite her best intentions.
Ralph makes his way through the ventilation climbing up the shaft to the main floor Squirrel is certainly an apt name for him, he seems quite at home in the close confines of the vents moving with hardly a sound. It isn't very long before he realizes he doesn't actually know where Cassie is, and sighs, hoping he can use the link between them as some form of communication he tries to reach her in his mind.
Cassie gasps slightly; then covers her mouth pretending it's at the opulence and luxuriant box. "I don't see how the Massri's could be any better, and the view..." she leans over the edge of the balcony to hide her shock. 'How, it should have been a simple connection! she thinks surprised at the communique. 'I hope this isn't taking my reserves, I'll have to husband them in-case, the General acts...'
Cassie concentrates for a second; the mental words go at the speed of thought as she broadcasts. However her thoughts are not quite as focussed as she the would like and the psychic message goes to all that she has established a link with.
Cassie then moves to sit where the Princess instructs.
"You do not need to flatter me," Alexia says with a hint of annoyance in her tone, before casting a glance up at the mitte box with a scowl, "Look at her up there, as still as a statue. But I know that she is looking down at us all - all of her kind do. Do they truly believe themselves to be gods?" She shakes her head skeptically, her long black hair swaying side to side. She could not deny her envy, but she could most certainly shroud it with disgust. Looking to her guests, she smiles wistfully. "My apologies, it is not appropriate for royalty to fawn over others. After all, she does look rather fabulous. And I am happy you chose to join me." She takes a seat, Darkov sitting at her left. The princess pats on the seat to her right, an open invitation to Cassie and Drake.
"There is now the question of why you chose to join me," she states matter-of-factually, before leaning into the arm of her seat, bringing her face closer to Cassie's. "I do not need a third eye to see that you and dear Rabek here have had daggers in your eyes for one another since we all met. Is there something that you should perhaps tell me?"
Despite her seeming efforts to make her questions covert, her words are more than loud enough for Drake and Darkov to hear. And yet, the Brigadier General remains calmly seated. The man is strangely aloof, his eyes directed towards the stage as though it were the only thing that mattered at the moment.
Ysillith saunters about the halls in a gangly amble looking for the rest of the group. Or some one who'll happily tell her where to go...(^_~)
Drake nods at Cassie as they walk into the opulent location and seems to be impressed by the atmosphere therein. He looks towards the lady of royalty with some amusement.
"Is flattery not required for such a seating arrangement as this? I am impressed." Even though his tone is cordial he did not seem to feel pleased about any of this and less pleased at how Alexia was speaking.
Drake looks between Alexia and Darkov but keeps himself slightly between Cassie and the other two. It was just enough to show that he was not willing to let his charge come to harm.
Pushing of the banisters surrounding the box, Cassie keeps her face neutral with a mask of pleasantness whilst the Princess bad-mouth's Rashida. Although she does break into a genuine smile; "She does look rather fabulous."
Slipping into the seat to the Princesses flank, the soft upholstery moulding to her form. Letting out a slight sensual sigh as she experiences the soft silk and the beautiful view. Cassie sees that Drake would rather sit between the two ladies and protect her; "Oh Drake, don't be disheartened. I know you'd rather be sandwiched next to a pair of gorgeous ladies; but we have to gossip." she leans into the doctor and whispers in his ear.
"Oh, am I that transparent?" she looks down at her dress innocently to see if that too had become as invisible. Then with an innocent wide eyed look she answers; "Oh he and I danced the other day. It was just a little prelude to the main event. How did you meet him?"
Ralph is somewhat surprised hearing Cassie's voice in his head he had fully intended to communicate with her, just didn't expect it would actually work. Getting the general feel of where Cassie is located although it's rather fuzzy, he supposes that's due to his inexperience with whatever it is Cassie's done to him. Following the vents in her general direction he peers out of one and tries to contact her again.
Ralph doesn't really know how this link with her works maybe he can touch her through it, deciding it can't really hurt to try he does so. Assuming she doesn't stop him Cassie would probably feel as if Ralph were right there with her, his arms around her and lips pressing softly into her cheek for a brief moment before his presence vanishes again.
"Wow, dis link o' yers is great Minx, but I gots ta get back now."
Ralph makes his way back through the vents towards the boiler room, he doesn't want to leave Alyce there alone for longer than necessary, and it might take Drake a little while to get down there.
Cassie crosses her legs the floaty skirt showing just a hint of creamy thigh; in response to the request. 'Hang on, below me! He is a naughty man, I hope he hasn't seen too much.' she thinks wryly. Listening to the words in her head a plan formulates.
The soft kiss of squirrels takes her completely off-guard, a soft warm feeling builds deep inside.
"Dahling Drake, would you be a love? I'm parched, a drink please. I'd be so grateful." she strokes his shoulder sensually subtly passing him a note.
xxx
Cassie"
Drake winks at Cassie as she tells him that he should let her sit beside the princess and touches his chin. He gives her a look that outright says if she wishes but he is still not pleased with the concept.
He moves from his spot as she asks him to go get her a drink and turns, taking her hand, "As long as you promise me to save some gossip for my ears as well."
The doctor kisses her hand tenderly then leans in to whisper in her ear,
He gives her a kiss beside the ear on her jawline and smiles at her as he leaves to get her drink. As he checks the paper he changes his direction outside of the box to go to the boiler room.
As the man walks about towards the boiler room he notices Ysillith and waves at her hoping that she would see him. He was happy to see her in good order as he had missed the horned woman.
The princess pouts profusely as Drake stands to take his leave, watching with mild interest as he leaves the box. "Your company really has its way of leaving you," she comments, slight disappointment evident in her voice. That's a shame... I was hoping we could all have a bit of fun later on. Looking to Cassie, she smiles again, giving as polite of a shrug as possible. "No matter. We can have plenty of fun, just the two of us." She plays with an idle strand of hair for a moment before speaking again, returning to the original subject. "Ah yes, your question."
The noble turns her head, glancing at Darkov for a moment. Seemingly oblivious to their conversation, he continues to look forward, as though show had already started. Nodding with satisfaction, Alexia then turns back to Cassie and leans in again. "Well you see, believe it or not, this gentleman here tried to kill me earlier. I did not fancy that at all. Not one bit. So..." She turns to the passive Brigadier, running a finger along his jawline. "I simply said to him, 'Rabek, my dear. What are you doing? You are supposed to be escorting me to the opera. You promised!'" Patting the man's cheek, she looks at Cassie yet again, continuing her casual tone. "And then he remembered his manners and obligations, got dressed all proper, and then we were on our merry way."
"Though I must say, it has taken a considerably greater effort to keep him pacified since we arrived. He must really not like you at all. Not one bit," she says, tapping her chin again, "All because of a dance, you say? He did not step all over your feet, did he?"
"No, he was a bit stiff necked. But I have had better dances." Cassie replies lightly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. 'What does she mean? Has she drugged him, well if she was not in Von Ryuko's pay. Not that I trust her, no matter how pretty she is.'
Acting slightly startled she leans into the Alexia; "Tried to kill you! Regicide, shocking behaviour. Did you find who paid this merc?" her tone amazed.
She shakes her head, biting her plump ruby lips with eyes downcast in a cheeky glint. "Oh I am sure we can have some fun, even without the men. However they will be back, they always are. And I would like a little libation."
Her cheek still tingles from where Squirrel had kissed it.
With a quick check to make sure there isn't anyone around Ralph quietly opens the vent grate and climbs out into the boiler room. "Kit, 'm back 're ya alright?" he comes over to peer under the cot at the blanketed figure then holds out his hand to Alyce "Will ya come outta dere? Sit wit me fer a bit, Chuck oughta be on his way 'an he'll fix ya up good 's new."
"Hm, that sounds like an excellent idea," the princess says with a nod, raising her hands and clapping them once. In a matter of seconds a servant enters through the velvet curtains, holding a platter of wineglasses. He first presents it to Alexia, then to Cassie, and finally Darkov. "He will not be needing one," she tells the sharply-dressed manservant, who simply nods and takes his leave. "I do confess, the service here is quite excellent. I will have to give my compliments to the owners of this establishment after the show."
As Alexia holds up her glass, a pair of small, metallic orbs emerge from the voluminous sleeve of her fur coat. Floating through the air, they position themselves around the wineglass. One orbits around the rim of several times, as the other orbits the entirety of the glass lengthwise. The entire process takes no more than five seconds, after which the orbs slip back into her sleeve. Nonetheless, the princess sighs in annoyance, her face lightens up with delight when she is finally able to take a sip.
"Now where we again? Ah yes, I remember now," she states, despite it being abundantly clear that she never forgot to begin with. "Despite my efforts, I was unable to make dear Rabek divulge his employer's identity to me. I can only go so far without breaking a man... and I suppose he must have had some kind of fail safe planned, anyway." She pauses for a moment, taking another sip of wine as she contemplates the matter. "There is no shortage of people who wish to see me dead, even amongst those in the League. Though I suppose it is a tad strange that Darkov came to me alone, rather than with his mongrels." Frowning for a moment, she looks Cassie in the eyes, narrowing her own slightly.
"Do you perhaps have any insight on this matter? The two of you do seem to have a quarrel of some sort. Not many would dare hold such scorn for a war hero... but that simply means you know what Rabek Darkov truly is."
At the familiar voice, the blanket descends a couple of inches to reveal wary green eyes. "You.. you came back? I thought you would send help. Who are you? And who is Chuck? And where is Lady DuSollier? Did you get her to safety?"
Ysillith, having been helpfully pointed in the direction that Cassie and drake have gone wanders up towards the appointed boxed suite of Alexia Veritas, just in time to see Drake emerge,
"Ah, there ye be." She calls to get the man's attention.
The Duchess finishes up her talk with Jansen, the director had agreed to help however he could, and was keeping a meowmail device with him nearby so that the feline could get in psychic contact. In exchange, however, she had agreed to lend her voice to evening, once a star performer, but only in rather specific sorts of roles. Once all was said and done, she would sing for the audience, but as she has no role in this one, they would have he wait until it was over.
Rashida watched as Drake left the royal box seat, leaving Cassie alone with Darkov and the strange woman. A princess, perhaps? But why alone? I don't like this. Her mind raced through options whereby she could protect her protector. But for now, they seemed in cordial conversation, Darkov very much out of the picture. The princess must not have any designs on the adventuress. But Rashida knew better than to trust appearances.
Ralph looks at the green eyes curiously "Ain't I tell ya I'd come back? ya din't tink I'd jus' leave ya here did ya?" I did send help, Chuck, da doc'r frien' I told ya 'bout. I jus' beat 'im down here, he gots ta walk 'n I took da vent." He sighs softly and looks sympathetic "'m sorry sweethart... I unno who dis Du'ollier dame is but I promiss when 'm sure yer ok I'll find her an' make shure she's ok. Come outta dere will ya? 'm lonely out here." He holds his hand out to the figure under the blanket.
The green eyes look doubtful, but Alice scooches out from under the cot, remaining on the floor since her legs won't hold her up. Holding the blanket around her (making sure 'Drake Khoth' is covered), she murmurs to Ralph, "You didn't see the monster? It's tall and has glowing eyes and a knife. I think it is a woman. It had a name like a wine. Merlot. It can talk!"
Drake glances at the tall figure as the 'Captain' approaches him in the hall outside Lady Veritas' booth.
"Ah...there you are." He replies, stepping back inside the space and garnering Cassie's attention.
"The...Captain is here." He ushers Ysillith into the space, nodding to the Lady Veritas and Madame DuSollier. "If you would be so kind?" He asks Cassie to arrange the introductions, himself returning to his task at hand.
"Yes, yes, perfect. Bring them on, and then... yes, we will meet, but for now..."
The ship begins to descend towards the Oasis, slowing down as the pilot's laughter echoes through the halls, prompting more fear from the few men who were still alive to man the ship. "We feed."
Cassie sniffs the wine delicately, trusting her own Gallic senses to locate any poison over any machines. Doing this subtly before she takes a sip of the exquisite liquid.
Cassie watches the Princesses eyes narrow; "I am not one of his mongrels, if that's what you think. If you know of my impeccable heritage, you would not doubt it." she smiles to herself a secret joke.
Then she leans in close to divulge a small confidence; "I believe the last man I asked about their employer, had a cortex bomb..." The French woman pauses to let the horror sink in, before trying to make a joke and lighten the mood. "We wouldn't want him to lose his head! It'd ruin our evening and our dresses." Inwardly she cringes at the callous words, just wanting a hug.
Then Drake returns with the disguised Captain in tow, her breathtaking dress fluttering about her. Cassie rises as is polite for introductions; 'Oh, what a sweetie Drake is, he just wants someone to protect me. I'll have to reward him.'
Putting out an arm in introduction; "Princess Veritas, this is Captain Mearlleux. And Captain Mearlleux, this is Her Royal Highness, the elegant and beautiful Commander of the Island, sitting upon the Geothermal throne, Crown of Justice, Alexia Veritas; Princess of Iceland." Cassies accent thickens slightly and she puts all the ceremony she can into her voice.
Then she sits back down next to the Princess, stroking the satin next to her for the Satyxis to be seated. "The second act will be started soon with more murder, sex and death! Poor Don Giovanni."
At the word 'Princess' Ysillith's manners straighten up markedly. She stands straight and proud, even offering the other woman a semi formal 'Bow' at the introduction. When Cassie offers the seat beside her and the mention of act two Ysillith can't suppress the sigh that escapes her lips.
"Aye, an' I be thankin' y'self ...M'Lady, but t'is not my place t'be seated there." So saying Ysillith takes up a 'guarding' position in the darkness besides the entrance to the booth.
Rashida nearly flinches as an Amazonian figure enters the box where Cassie, Darkov, and the princess sit, but she finally recognizes the imposing Ysillith wrapped in an opera-appropriate confection. She manages to stifle a smile and a chuckle.
That Cassie is a miracle worker. I almost hope Darkov tries to start something now.
Still unmoving, she mentally relaxes and prepares to turn her attention to the second half of the performance.
"A cortex bomb?" Alexia says with a light gasp, covering her mouth with her hand in exaggerated indignation. A small explosive hardwired to the central nervous system, she recalls quietly, tenderly biting her lower lip, The trigger mechanisms are laced to specific nerve endings, with enough precision to manipulate the exact circumstances under which the bomb would detonate. Thinking this over briefly, a smile creeps its way onto her face. “I can count the number of people with access to that kind of technology on one hand," she remarks, extending four slender fingers to emphasize her point, “But only one of them sent me a birthday gift last week…”
The princess’ train of thought is interrupted by the sudden return of Drake Khoth - she smiles with delight upon seeing the handsome celebrity. It recedes however, when she sees that Ysillith is accompanying him. “A captain, you say?” she says with a curious tone, looking the tall woman up and down. Her unfamiliarity brought on an uncharacteristic feeling of uneasiness. “It is a pleasure to meet you, then. What kind of ships do you commandeer?” Her question is politely asked, though even the royal is unable to fully hide her scrutiny.
There is something strange about her, Alexia decides, a sudden feeling of apprehension welling up. Feeling a sharp twinge of anger rise in the Brigadier General, she quickly tempers her concentration, quelling the man’s rebelling mind. A will like his took everything in her power to suppress – she could not afford to let herself be distracted. The conclusion made the princess uncomfortable; she would be able to act on her hunch, otherwise.
Ysilith, who'd been happy enough to slide into the background shifts, Hey?" Her mind obviously distracted form the present revealed by her simple initial response.
"Oh...I'll commandeer anything ye want t'give me a crew to take...Ma'am." She blinks as her mind catches up with the words in the question and sorts the meanings behind them.
"Oh,*cough* As in t'say I've commanded from Pinnaces in m'youth t' a nice 'raizeed' galleon..." And Ysillith sighs even as her mind's eye again brings the image of the Bonny to her inner gaze...
Ysillith takes her gaze back to the present very quickly and looks back at Alexia neutrally, one might say arrogantly, as she waits for the Noble's response -if any.
Ysillith absently reaches behind herself and scratches an itch.
Ralph smiles at her when she looks at him and carefully holds the blanket around her "Y'know y'ain't gots ta be quite so guarded sweethart. If I wuz gonna do anytin ques'ionable ta ya I'dda done it a'ready."
Ralph shakes his head at Alyce's question "Not dis time, I saw sumtin in da vent above ya when I furst found ya, but I made shure it ain't come no closer. I don' know whut it wuz dough, 's too dark." Since Alyce didn't take his hand to help her up into the cot he'll get down to sit with her on the floor. "Wuz da mons'er da one dat wrote on ya?"
Ralph cocks his head over towards the door and quickly whispers "Sumone's comin, we be'er hide Kit" with a quick glance Ralph knows there isn't time to get to another hiding spot "Unner da cot, we cin hide in yer blankit."
Even as the figure grabs Clousuk, the investigator lets out a loud screech.
""
The figure quickly clamps Clusuk's muzzle closed and slips a tight sock like sack over the kobold's snout. Clousuk struggles like a wild thing, but a second figure steps up and pins Clousuk's limbs while the first figure begins to truss him with cords. Curse his scaly hide for trying to hide behind the steam pipe! No one could see what was happening!
He finally gets a good look at his assailants. Clad in midnight black, he can only assume they are assassins from the one of the Asian clans.
He should have just stayed in his seat.
Alexia smiles and nods politely as Ysillith speaks, showing no indication that she objects to the woman's less than polite behavior. Even with her hands tied she tries her best to absorb as much information as she can from the unfamiliar captain. I have never heard this woman's name before, she contemplates, taking care to dedicate another part of her mind to keeping Darkov on a leash - even the precaution posed a substantial risk. This is rare indeed. It makes her interesting... and dangerous. She lets out a small huff of frustration. If only she didn't have her hands tied! Perhaps then reading her would be possible. No matter... it's more fun this way.
"Oh? You must be quite skilled then," she remarks playfully, looking the captain in the eye, "Have you ever considered employment as a privateer?"
'A Birthday gift? And only 4 people with that tech? Is Eichorn one of them?' Cassies mind is in a whirl and she virtually misses the conversation with the Captain. Gently she stretches upon the couch, reclining with her drink to hand. The soft dark silken dress stretches over her figure, rippling like liquid as it clings to her tempered curves.
'Interesting.' the French-woman enjoys observing the conversation closely taking another sip of the wine.
'I'm sure she is.' Cassie whispers breathlessly.
Ysillith smiles, though it is more predatory than a happy sunbeam,
"Aye, now gettin' th' right letter of Mark be always a challenge from those with th' proper authority." Ysillith replies to Alexia.
"As fer skilled? Ye should always be careful of some one who's mature, like. In a line of work where people generally tend t'die young." And she nods her hear towards the lady, as Ysilliths hand comes from behind her back and something cylindrical and the colour of brass slips quietly into a coat pocket.
"Indeed," Alexia simply responds, only briefly regarding whatever implement Ysillith slipped out of sight. She could not tell whether the woman was trying to patronize her or not, but she did not take kindly to her tone. Not that it matters. Her words ring true, after all... She takes a moment to sip from her glass, before revisiting her discussion with Cassie.
"Just last week, I received the most remarkable of presents for my birthday," she tells her, leaning on her armrest. Yet again she taps on her chin repeatedly, as though remembering something so recent were a chore. "It was certainly a delightful surprise. I received this life-sized doll, that looked just like me! Every detail was absolutely perfect; it was absolutely perplexing! It could even move and speak!" The excitement in her voice gradually dies, her smile soon fading into a pout. "It is a shame I broke the poor thing. I should have known better - it was only a toy, after all. So strange that Baron Von Ryuko would go through all that trouble and then send this man to kill me. Why bother giving me such a beautiful gift in the first place?"
Cassie's body tenses at his name, then she realises what she has done and slowly the tension ease. "Oh a toy, I am sure you have many of them." she looks to the General out of the corner of her eye, slightly quirking her eyebrow to him.
"Clock-work men are all the rage. Pity, I am quite adept with my hands." Cassie says sipping her drink. "I take it you didn't bring it with you?" she says conversationally.
Ysillith tilts her head a little at the Princes' words.
"Sorry, kind of lost the end of the rope here. Ye had somat whut looked like yerself turn up and some bloke turned up tryin' t'..." Ysillith's eyes drift sideways to the fellow sitting besides the Princess and she shakes her head slightly, obviously re-evaluating the woman sitting before her.
"M'self? I tend t'..remove them whut tries to take me..um...head..." Ysillith's comment changes as she realizes her expression needs self correcting.
Alice squeaks and curls into a ball, rolling under one half of the cot and holding up the blanket before her. She leaves a spot for Ralph but squeezes as far back into the darkness beneath the rickety bed as possible.
Ralph quickly squeezes in under the cot with Alice making sure they're both covered with the blanket. He's thankful that neither one of them are a very large person, even so there wasn't a lot of room to spare. Ralph finds himself pressed up face to face with Alice in order to keep them both hidden under the blanket. This probably isn't the most comfortable of situations for her, he whispers a quick apology, but can't afford to give her any more space until the intruder has left "Sorry Kit..."
Hearing the door open Ralph shuts up, staying as quiet and still as possible he listens to the steady thump of footsteps coming closer. The footsteps stop just in front of the cot and Ralph holds his breath fearing they may have been caught.