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Lately with some changes in my life I've had to juggle a jixed amount of time in a day among an increasing number of things to do. I have to cut some things. Therefor I can't guarantee posting every day anymore. But I don't want to slow down the game for the rest of you so I will say goodbye. Best of luck and lots of fun searching for the little boy. =)
It depends on the image we want to project. I will certainly raise more attention, if I show up with sword and pin. But if you take care of the invitation, I will take care of my dress. After Luciano's approval Giuliana will take one of her dresses to a local tailor, asking him for a few modification giving it a flaming sprite theme. What little time may be left till the evening she'll walk the streets and take in the sights and the mannerism of this foreign country.
So we gain entrance into the estate in part accompanying the captain, in part to buy some horse? I'm just worried about our degree of freedom once we are inside. You won't be able to just leave Don Rios presence, Luciano. Gaspar might have more luck. Best case we can extend our stay till the party starts and go our own ways in the chaos afterwards. But I am worried about Gabrielle. He does not seem likely to listen to either reason or authority and I am not sure the boy's best interests are on his mind alone. We will have to see. We should have horses or a cart someplace near in case we have to get away quickly. She sighs. A pity, but I don't see a way to take Flicker with me. Anything else we need?
Giuliana jumps up and moves for her blade before she remembers where she is. Sitting down again she hisses at Gabrielle. I am glad we are in a foreign country, far away from Vodacce soil, because surely your ancestors would rest uneasy in their graves would they know that one of their line has fallen so far away from the stem to possess so little of courtesy and sense, Ser! If the boy's wellbeing would not be taking precedence, I'd ask you to stand for your words right now and here. As is the case that will have to wait. For now, you will have to make a decision. Either you decide to work together with us 'children', in which case you will at once stop your condescending behaviour and start, well, working together. Or, you insist on your opinion, and continue on your own. In which case I'd suggest you continue back home to your freinds and paramours, who certainly will already miss you.
So you go and buy a horse for your stable. Great. And what do we gain from that? You gain entrance to his villa, in his company, having a nice talk in his salon. And then? Do you think he will parade the boy together with the horses, 'This here, signori, is a fine young boy I imported from Vodacce, of the best breed'? We have some idea where the boy might be and we have a definite idea of who's behind this outrage. And today the festivel begins, the streets will be full of people, half of the guards likely be drunk. This is the time for action! Giuliana hits the table with the flat of her hand. I say tonight we gain entry into Rios estates and look for either the boy or, him being gone, clues to his whereabouts and proof for Rios involvement.
We gain nothing if we act too rash and endanger the boy's life. His safety is of greater concern to me than a quick solution. But in an effort of moving quicker we might be able to split up again, one group trying to coerce Rios into divulging his secrets, the other trying to trail the boxes the boy was transported in?
Giuliana neatly finishes her meal and dabs her lips with a napkin. That's good news indeed. How did you get that information? I still don't understand, why Rios would kidnapp the boy.
At the waking call, Giuliana gets up and dressed. I'll be down in a moment, thank you. This feels a lot like a holiday so far, she thinks to herself as she saunters down the stairs and greets whoever is already present in the dining room.
With a little luck we left enough of a trail that they will want to seek us. I hope The two Gents had more luck than us. I'll return to my bed now. Good night, Gentlemen. Giuliana nods at the two and turns back to the inn, where she goes to sleep with a dagger under her pillow.
Giuliana looks about in frustration befor following Luciano. Another dead end. About the only hope I have left is that our forced intrusion might spark some reaction. Perhaps we should leave a subtle clue as to our identity. Or do you assume the sailors will remember my face well enough?
I don't think Giovanni led us astray. But perhaps we ask the wrong questions to the wrong people. I don't know. If you want to have a look at the crewquarters, be my guest. At least with the quiet rooms. The one with the voices, I don't know whether there's any information likely to be found in there worth the trouble. Perhaps we should take one of the guards with us, to ask some questions. Giuliana moves back upstairs towards the doors.
Following after Luciano, Giuliana stops for a moment at each door, listening in.
1 - 3k3 - + = 32 2 - 3k3 - 3 - 3k3 - 4 - 3k3 -
Where do you suppose they kept the boy during the voayage? Perhaps they left something behind and if it's only a handkerchief. Anything. She moves slowly closer to the hold. I have the feeling we are missing something crucial. There were five men who appeared out of nowhere and vanished into nothingness again. With a little boy. And nobody has seen them. That's a little hard to believe, don't you think so?
Giuliana picks up the invitation and hides it in her bodice befor returning the logbook to its previous state. Nothing of much interest, no personal notes in the log it seems. No letters or notes or anything. Just this invitation. I agree, let's search the rest of the ship. Perhaps we find a dungeon with an inquisitor. Stealthily Giuliana makes her way below deck.
Giuliana moves through the cabin on the balls of her feet, holding up her skirt with one hand. She quickly skims through the past few entries in the logbook to look for anything interesting before searching the cabin. Perhaps he left some correspondance behind?
Giuliana gives Luciano a clap on the shoulder before starting to drag one of the sailors to the downway. Good work, good work. Now let's find a cabinet for this two gentlemen and have a look at the ship. There might be more on board, so stay quiet. I'll go have a look at the captain's log, what about you?
Without any pretense at stealth, Giuliana walks towards the gangway, drawing the sailor's attention to herself. Good evening, Gentlemen! Wonderful night, isn't it? I was with your friends in the Salty Ale when they mentioned that you would be awfully lonely here and implored me to look after you. Would you like some company on that ship, Gentlemen? She smiles and waits.
I'd prefer not to arouse too much suspicion. How about I distract the sailor and you climb aboard from the other side and knock him unconscious? It's such a pretty night to sleep on duty.
Giuliana stands and curtsies at Luciana. How kind of you to be anxious about my appetite, monsignore. If you'd just allow me to change into something else, I'll be happy to go on a little stroll with you. Darting upstairs, Giuliana changes her clothes for something less adventerous, with tight trousers beneath her skirt and a dagger in her bodice. Downstairs again, she takes Lucianos arm and says goodbye towards the others. Oh, by the way, Gabriele, I hope you can trust that guide of yours. After all you ask her to work against a local power for some stranger who will leave town again. Better be careful.
Giuliana repeats what she told Luciano for the other two. That's it, little as it may be. Were we in Medico, I could tell you whom we'd have to talk to to find somebody who'd had seen the kidnappers leave the ship. But here? Everything is different. It was not in jest when I suggested paying the Sea Bull a visit. There might be something left giving us a clue about the whereabouts of the little Lord. Also perhaps we should have a little chat with some member of the crew. It is not unheard of for sailors never to return from shore leave. And obviously the captain must have known something. Giuliana plays absently with her dinner while speaking, doing the cook a terrible injustice.
Following Luciano back to the inn, Giuliana tells him what little they have found thus far. So if the boy was on the ship, they have a two days headstart. Benito Torres may be involved, but why would he? He couldn't be after the mistress, if she'd leave Giovanno it wouldn't make no sense maneuvrering her sons into the line of succession. I doubt he thinks the boy is his dead child. So why would he play along in this ploy? But if it isn't him, who has the power to commandeer one of his ships and use it for a game like this? To tell the truth, I am at a loss at the moment. Perhaps we should sneak onboard the ship tonight, see if there's any evidence that the boy was on board. And somebody must have seen the party leave the ship. This docks are busy day and night. Not those fishermen, obviously. Somebody at night. Giuliana sighs. Guess I won't get much sleep tonight.
Greetings Luciano! How are our lodgings? Let me try one more thing Motioning for them to stay behind, she goes towards the fishing men and with a curtsie starts a little conversation with them.
1: + = 22 2: 3: 4: 5: + = 20 6: 7: + = 21 8: 9: 10: What about that ship down there? It floats so gaily on the water, I'm sure it carries no cargo. Is it the pleasure barge of some important dignitary?
Shall we have a look at the ship herself befor we dive into the the salty ale, Gaspar? Giuliana takes a close look at the ship while strolling past. How strong is the guard on deck? How attentive are they? Are they still busy loading or unloading? Has the crew shoreleave or is an unnaturally high number of them on board?
They didn't give a passenger manifest, so if the abductors where still onboard, they must have left under cover. But perhaps somebody has seen something? Probably unlikely, but are there any beggars making this their favourite haunting spot? Or perhaps a travelling salesman with refreshments, food or something like that?
I have never been to Castille. But I knew someone once... Giuliana is lost in thoughts for a moment and was just about to say something again when Gaspar starts talking to the sailor. For a moment, shock plays on her features, before she straightens herself again. When Gaspar is done with the poor man and they continue down the dock, she discreetly punches him and asks: Wouldn't it have been enough to ask where the crew of that ship likes to drink their wine?
Out through the door again after a few more minutes of chitchat, Giuliana turns to Gaspar. So, what did he write on that piece of parchment? is it the ship we are looking for? Or did we perhaps overtake them and they have not arrived yet? Anyway, we should have a look at them before we raise further questions. Taking his arm again she gently maneuvres him through the docks. You are from Castille, I understand? How delightful. Somewhere close to here?
Two days ago? Perhaps the captain has a message from our friend if he could not make the trip. Is the ship still here? Giuliana joins the exchange of pleasentries demurely, asking the dockmaster to join them for dinner with his wife should he be so inclined.
Giuliana leans into Gaspar and whispers into his ear. Perhaps you should do the talking here?
Giuliana looks after Gabriele, clearly a little annoyed. But she gathers herself and slips her hand on his arm. Well, padre, if it's all decided let us get started. To the dockmaster than and afterwards we will visit every little tavern this side of the docks.
Don't bother, Gabriele, I doubt anybody could ever mistake you for a servant. Best you stay what you are, a honored member of the Falisci family. There'll be men on this docks to carry our bags. And somebody will be able to show you fitting quarters. For a tip. So let me make a counter proposal. The three of you get situated and afterwards speak with the dockmaster. I am sure you will find some legitimate business reason to inquire about our ship. Gaspar and I will talk with the dockworkers and visit a few establishments along the waterfront to ask for our masked prey. I am sure Gaspar will be able to offer adequate protection. Any objections? Fully aware, that, as long as she is wearing a sword, she'll stand out no matter what she does, Giuliana is dressed to kill, trying to evoke the image of the vodacce courtesan as it may appear to a foreigner, dangerous mixed with risque, in the hopes, that the attention on her looks may make her questions less meorable.
During the voyage, Giuliana will have spent most of the time talking to people. She has an endless curiousity regarding the ship and how it works, the fauna of the sea, stories and legends. Also she'll try to get a feeling for her comrades. So she'll join the card games with Gabrielle, spend an afternoon with Luciano gazing at the horizon and seek out Olivier and Gaspar under some other pretext. But all the time, her manners are immaculate and though she won't hesitate talking about her life in the employ of Lorena, she won't travel back in time farther than that. Once they reach port, she walks down the plank with enthusiasm. Something is bound to happen, she can feel it. Standing at the pier with her chest, she says: Here in the harbour, asking for the Torres ship. And the people that left it. But first we ought to find lodging somewhere so we can store our belongings and split up. We might get better answers if we don't show up in force.
Boarding the ship, Giuliana wears an ankle-length woolen skirt over traveling boots, a white shirt and a red corsett, with a heavy coat to account for the ocean breeze. It's all well made with little in the way of embroidery or frivoluous knickknacks. She carries with her her weapons and has the servant bring her travelling chest with a change of clothes or two and whatever she deems necessary. I'm sure nobody has a problem with sacrificing luxury in favour of speed, master Enzo. Is the Laughter armed? She spends the first day and night aft near the helm, with a green tinge to her face and little appetite for socializing, but starting with the second night she grows a pair of sea legs and becomes her own self again.
It is curious, isn't it? kidnapping someone from their own island takes daring and puts you at a great risk. And still they opted to increase their risk by leaving everybody alive. [b]I doubt they are just stupid. So they had to assume that the guards would tell us something. Also, they must have known that we would search the ships and know which ships left before the blockade. [b]All this allows only one conclusion: Castille is either a dead end or a trap. [b]Let's hope it's a trap, than. Because as far as I can tell it's our only lead thus far. I'm sure the household guards are capable enough to handle the situation here on the island. If the stableboy or any of the conspirerers are still here, they will find them. [b]We have the advantage of being mobile and with a little bit of luck we might be able to overtake the merchant ship and board her before she reaches her port. [b]But we have to hurry. We ought to leave as soon as possible. It will be the first time in years, Giuliana has left the island. To tell the truth, she's getting a little excited at the prospect.
We can look for him, but if he was involved, I'd wager he's dead by now. I agree with you, Mondavi, everything seems to point towards Castille. CAsius, do we know of any ties Seraphina might have with Castille and the Torres family in particular? On the other hand, we must not forget that Seraphina is Villanova. All this clues have been very obvious and easy to find. Too easy for a Villanova, don't you think so? Giuliana kicks at the leg of a bed in exasperation.
I know it's been a stressful situation and you didn't have the leasure to get a good look of them, but perhaps you might remember something more? Did they say anything? If they did, did they sound like native speakers? What weapons did they use? Rapiers, sabres, broadswords? Did you notice anything about their clothing beside the colour? Was it made from wool or silk? Did it look foreign or familiar to you? Did they wear open jewelry, a cross perhaps? Was their hair and beard clean or greasy? I know, that's a lot of details and you were fighting for your life, but any little detail may be of help to us.
Giuliana is deep in thought during their stroll through the park. There are just too many options at the moment. The two ships, the possibility of an unknown third, a porte mage, they could even still be on the island! Neither does she share the easy confidence the others seem to feel. Had she organized this, she would have made sure the vessel the boy used never to reach port. Still her eyes habitualy scanned the ground and every face they walked past, looking for undue attention to them. And she tried to get a feeling for her companions. Would they be of help? Or more of a hindrance? Only time would tell. Hello Giulio and Marcelo. Glad to see you are alright. Would you be so kind as to tell us what happened?
Relieved, she nods at Mondavi, before looking at Olivier. I do trust them, Signore. Nonetheless I suggest we question them and you will be able to come to your own conclusions afterwards. I have some questions of my own. Casius, has the island been shut down? Is every ship leaving searched for the boy?
Giuliana looks up from her plate. Before you retire, would you be so kind and tell us how Lorenzo was abducted? When and where was he last seen? In whos company? How do you know he was abducted? Do you expect him to be alive still? We will need something to start from and it ought to be here, not in Villanova I'd say. She looks at Casius expectantly.
Giuliana curtsies before her lord. She looks outraged that somebody would step so low as to involve a child in the Great Game. Her lord's child at that! I am most honored by your trust, my lord. We will see that your son is returned to you unharmed and this traitors brought to justice. I understand that Casius can answer our questions regarding the matter at hand, so shall we report to him, too? With your leave I will say my good bye to your wife, too. Perhaps it's time I had a holiday, yes? With a nod towards her new companions she moves towards the door, waiting for them to follow. Despite the circumstances, she is looking forward to dinner.
@Hauke: What nation was the foreign dignitary from? I guess Castillian would fit best. He picked a shell of a woman and molded her to his likings. Like a sculptor. Added Hero Point spendings to profile |
