On Secrets and Maps

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Janice: The late afternoon sun climbed up into the sky so it could fall down behind the streets at the rear of the Turas Lan Cathedral. Water in fountains at the center of a good district of well-meaning folk lept from bowl to bowl in a feat of impressive engineering without a suitable bit of explaination from the admirers. Where the water began was in a lion's open mouth, it lept to bowls, and returned to said places in the lion. Other fountains were more common, but the sun illuminated the plates that changed the liquid's color. Janice for all of her years here, still never failed to be distracted by the likes of such. "I have yet to figure how it is done!" She cried aloud, grinning to a passerby as she adjusted her arm full of books. Fortunately for her, the fountain sight was right from where her shop and adjoining house were located. Minding the cold that could frost a street, she stepped carefully, seeing over her stack of literary goods in order to slide the key through the front door. (d)

Marius: Marius had spent his morning well. Never a late sleeper, he was up early, and lucker then most of the others in the barracks who only possessed the one blanket issued to them. Marius had his own and a good oiled cloak. They had easily kept out the cold of the barracks. He was looking to explore. He was informed that Lord General was delayed and would see him on the morrow. Until then he was free to take meals and sleep in the barracks. Marius graciously thanked the page, who also informed him that as he had not officially been received into the Duke's service, he should not be found wandering about the castle. Marius smiled; he would explore the town and perhaps even the city walls. He had all day to amuse himself. Wandering about, he politely asked many questions and almost always received gracious answers; these people we well used to foreigners being about. He even heard of an area where they usually resided, but was also told of a place for the better nobility and even wealthy middle class. It sounded promising. In fact Marius thought he could use a good map of the city and of Skye itself. He made some more polite inquiries. At the great fountain, he found himself across from a young woman with a much too large stack of books trying to open the lock. He, of course, walked over to assist her. (d)

Janice: Her arms were full of books on the day Vance was not by her side to scold her load, on the day she had given what little hired help she took on a few days off. It was awkward to hold the heavy volumes she acquired from a merchant while fumbling with a large, copper key. The good natured do not complain of a happy, self-inflicted burden so neither would she. In fact, the assistance he offered came as a surprise! Round, doe eyes peered along the edge of a jutting page to be repaired. For her, the day had been a delightful one as one whom thought being bent over a parchment could find it. She, too, spoke with foreigners on things that had to do with letters and the words they formed. The man didn't appear to look like the comely people of the Row, whom took their hard earned money to act with a bit more pretense than their former lives allowed. She was the other sort whom were born gentry but still worked without the air of too many servants, or too big a dwelling, or too much of anything really. "Good Afternoon to you! The store will be open for business in just a moment, it is ..merely a matter of getting the key in the door.." Assistance was not expected to assist, either. (d)

Marius: In a gentle voice. I am Sir Marius de Brabant, and you Mistress should not be carrying such a heavy load." He didn't just speak, but took the load of books out of her hands with almost no effort at all. "I do believe it will be much easier for you to open the door now." His face is smiling while his eyes are examining the woman, who appears just a few years younger then himself, but no bookworm. This he intends to investigate. She intrigues him. (d)

Janice: "Fair day, Sir de Brebant..I am, oh my...why thank you!" It was easier to see her when it was his arms full of books and not her arms, which were smaller by comparison. She was smaller by comparison, of course. Copper key wentinto the lock, targeting the mechanisms that sprung to life, thus opening the door. "You can put them just there, on the counter Sir. Thank you, once more. .." The introduction fell flat as she smiled her appreciation, stretching the strain away from her limbs. Closed shutters were opened revealing many shelves of books in a wide, wide space. They were tall shelves, wide shelves. A few in another room were shorter shelves. To the left of her was where business was conducted while to the right of the room with short shelves she went about preparing things for display in the shop. "Oh, what manners! Please, hang your cloak Sir. Sit down. There is a stool right there..I can put something together for us. It is a frightful cold outside.." He might have to remind her that while her generosity was lovely, weren't names nice? (d)

Marius: Marius's eyes quickly took in the surrounding and he was impressed, bookstores were rare enough where he came from. She knew her manners; he would give her that but no name as yet. He was almost chuckling. Something about those eyes and what lay behind them. She looked older then her years. "You are most gracious Mistress" He handed his great, hooded cloak over to her, careful not to hurt her; it was a heavy winter cloak. He licks his lips for a second. "It would help Mistress if I knew the name of my kind benefactress." He spoke the last tenatively; he did not wish to bully or frighten her into revealing her name. (d)

Janice: "You are also gracious, to have helped me with the books." She could handle books so heavy, a cloak would be a thing of ease. She put it on the pegs beside the door before jutting across to stoke up the fire. A proper young woman kept a proper companion to stoke it through the day, but she too had the day off! Generosity suffered a loss, but it wouldn't be long before the shop was soon warm enough to melt the frost pieces out of their heads. Brown eyes danced a quick step about the place as if to deduce what was missing. The comfort of generous sir, the re-opened shuttes, a fire -- the fool's curse struck hard against the back of her head as if it had been a nun scolding her for reading so much she missed a prayer! She flushed pink, turning her head as she cleared her throat with embarrasment high in the ranking. "Oof. What a fool...forgive me? I am Janice..Janice Viscreed." Hands caught the fold of good brown fabrics before she lowered into a cursty. A gentry girl with a lady's manners in a book shop. Ah well, a stranger afternoon has been known to occur, no? (d)

Marius: Marius smiled as he bowed again to her. " Sir Marius de Brabant; at your service Mistress Viscreed You do seem a most curious phenomenon. You dress like gentry, but you possess the manners of the nobility. Most curious, would you not agree?" he was smiling. In truth he did not expect a direct answer, but he kept his eyes fixed on her to gauge her response. Already, he expected a gentle battle of words with this female. This was going to be a most interesting afternoon. (d)

Janice: "And you are soft spoken but do not seem the sort that would live about Bryante Row, is that not also curious? I would like to think, Sir deBrabant, that we bloom best were we elect to plant ourselves." She was inspired through her shyness to regard him, After all, it wouldn't do for the Lady of Letters to stare at the tops of her shoes whilst the shop held person other than self inside of it. Her voice was gentle as her baring was, one might even say that it was shy still by nature. She laughed, picking up one of the books on the counter and shelving it. The kettle hadn't whistled yet so there was still time to banter. Letters and Such, see? It swung on the sign above the shop door. It was good to be the Lady of the Alphabet if nothing else. Janice picked up another book as she looked at her curious visitor. Forgive her, she was fast of wit but slow if admiration appeared. Such was she. (d)

Marius: The smile remained on Marius's face. "I have only just arrived in Skye" Noticeably, he did not say where he had come from or why. "And I am most curious about evrything here. You are a puzzle. And I like solving puzzles. I think your dress is a bit of a sham. You were searching to buy. Nobility always drives up the price considerably. Does it not? May I ask what your offical position is here?" The smile never left his face and his eyes never left hers. Always inquiring, but never abusing. It was his eyes that seemed to bore into her, and yet he was still smiling. (d)

Janice: "A traveler with a healthy mind for exploration and adventure! I like stories of travel -- wait-- myself, a puzzle? " She chortled, hiding the sight behind an upturned, lady-like hand that did little to hide lip curves thus revealing the edges of an almost permanent smile. "Sir deBrabant it is very simple. Hence, I will enlighten you." She put down the book and spun about infront of the counter, giggling, "My name is Mistress Viscreed, I sell books and curious, upon occasion I assist curious buyers in translations. I live behind the Cathedral where prayer is attended twice, if not thrice daily." She stepped down, only to step up again from the middle floor to the slightly risen portion that let her take down books easier, "What pray tell was a book seller looking to buy? My lady's maid is a very good stich, and so is the dress maker near the marketplace." She did not speak on intimate details within moments but did not lie as to the simplicity of it all either. Janice was gentry, patroned by well meaning family friends who turned her out a lady in society after the cloister had done a sufficient job of making her ludacristly pious, stuffing her head with an assortment of knowledge, and setting her out with said patrons into the city so large it astounded her for years. She came down from the step to fetch the tea, chuckling all the while. [d]

Marius: Marius surprises her by applauding. "Your performance is magnificent M'lady. You were buying books of course. Merchants always charge nobles a much higher rate for such things. He probably thought you wanted them to stoke up 'fires. And they are so very heavy to cart around. I have dealt with merchants and books before. In fact I can read and write most easily myself. If I perhaps took your name to Griffin Castle, I do wonder what I would be told of you. You are known there I believe. I do not think I have inquired into any secret information. I believe a more direct answer is required. He is still smiling. (d)

Janice: "You can read and write? Well, this is a blessing. This may come as a surprise to you -- so can I." She wrinkled up her nose, grinning while she got some tea in two cups to prepare. She always kept tea nearby, on a rare occasion she might indulge in the import of coffee if the night were one to be made long. Was he curious, or was he trying to dig into places sealed by locks and long pieces of wood? "Oh , you would hear from my former instructor in ways of the court that I was a zealous learner, or that I utilize the privelege of castle visits to read thick volumes of ridiculous proportion, and copy faded pages for his Lordship's pleasure. You are a curious fellow..." the young lady passed him a wooden mug, hand carved, not peweter. It was immodest to discuss the breadth of station's advantage, let alone she never settled well into her supposed nobility when it was revealed, just as some never settle into other things. (d)

Marius: "You still have not told me of your actual rank in Skye. You are of the nobility, but you certainly do try to hide it, at least here. Now, own up to it, please. I promise not to say a word to anyone. The smile never leaves his face. (d)

Janice: "No, I didn't say anything of the sort. I am quite what I appear to be Sir deBrabant. Now drink your tea, before it chills. You have said nothing of your rank, or where you come from. If you are Sir I can deduce you are knight. deBrabant sounds as if it might be French, if we are to take turns nit-picking." She looked into her tea cup before coming to the plain of asking, "Though it begs to wonder why you care to know so much about a book seller. do you wish me to write my life story on a piece of paper for you to read?" (d)

Marius: Marius chuckles. "A knight I am; the rest of it you do have wrong. I am here simply to seek service with your High Lord the Duke. He is well known as an intelligent, wise, and honorable ruler. I am a most experienced officer as well. Yet, I shall pursue my inquires as to your position here. I think you are well known at the castle." For a moment he pauses, almost dramatically. "I will find out. I always do" (d)

Janice: Perhaps she'd lived too long in the inner circles of fascinating people to deduce the simple. Or it could be that some simple pleasures had gone poorly, so like with wine she often abstained. It sounded as if he were trying to find out of the present, not more, and he was struck with a fancy. Was he? She just wasn't any good at it.."Padon me, Sir." The bell above the door chimed a merry saving grace as a customer came in to look across the goods in the store aptly named Books and Things. "Mistress Viscreed, good day. I do wonder if you might have for me anything new..the printing press still marvels me. Though I also wonder if you've anything handwritten?" She assisted the customer with his wants with a knowledge that came far easier than socializing alone with unknown men who did not speak of books nor things associated with matters of intellect.She did not favor a book worm, but was one in every sense of the word. "The printer's press has released the almanac..this one is of London, and this one, straight from a publishing house in the Luib village, just beyond the city. Of the written..um..let me see....a particular style? Monastery or Cloister? Oh I have just come across the most beautiful illuminated texts from Wales! " Her enthusiasm was contagious! She practically floated toward the shelf, pulling down the precious volumes..The buyer was impressed as she told tale of origin, right down to the sorts of inks, where the paper came from, even the book cover! What sort of girl grew excited over book covers? It grew more interesting when he asked after the curio of the little italian fresco piece for his wife..wherein she promised it would be delivered on the morrow by one of the lads, it had come from Sicily, though heavily spanished influenced it bore an italian state flare. She certainly was good with her geography and items in it. (d)

Marius: Marius could only notice that she was an artist with the customer; she knew people and knew them quite well. He was willing to bet she was a scholar as well, but something told him she was no ordinary bookworm. There was something about her that made it a lie. She was also of the nobility at least at some level. And what else he wondered. (d)

Janice: "Fair you well, and thank you! You needn't pay double...my lord.." "Keep it, lady! Thy service pays for itself thrice over." She saw the patron to the door and of course not before seeing his purchases wrapped in a fabric to keep the snow from marring it. Once again they departed, and she was amazed at how profitable the sale had been! Ah well, every bit counted in the financing of eventual expedition to the edges of the states for knowledge, and the continent! "Is your tea suitable? I hope it hasn't gone cold..you keep starting." She teased him, pocketing the money in a pouch at her side while resuming her own audience with the sightly luke-warm cup. (d)

Marius: "The tea is quite fine and still quite hot, still." He couldn't help smiling and truly he found this lady most intriguing,fascinating even. "I feel that we may get to know each other better in the future." he was smiling on the inside as well as the outside." Will you tell me again Mistress that you are not of the nobility? And that you are not known at the castle?" His eyes were dancing as he spoke. He did wish to know much more about her. He had never felt like this before. It even scared him a bit. (d)

Janice: "Why does it concern you so terribly. You haven't known me even a good hour..." she chuckled softly before offering, "Gentry born, gentry preferred. Occasional courtier in the Griffin's Halls. I merely prefer rhetoric in books than that of people. Will that suffice for you, oh curious Sir deBrebant? I am not all that fascinating..my days are spent in books, of books, around books, and if not books curios. I do go to the castle, to the library just as I told you. Thus solves your great puzzle." She leaned over the counter, chuckling as she spoke anew behind an upturned head. "Sir this is silly, and if I sound silly forgive me. Perhaps you should like a tour of the city? When I first came here it overwhelmed me, in spades. I was nearly run down by men with push carts." (d)

Marius: Marius was chuckling as well, but he hid it behind a raised tea cup. This woman had played well, but had finally been driven to admit that she was indeed a denizen of the castle and a member of the nobility. But she told him little else. It would be a great pleasure to learn more about the city and this fascinating creature. "Of course Milady, a personally guided tour of the city would be most excellent, and your company even more so. I do admit that men with pushcarts don't even come close to running me over; my bastard sword seems to keep them from me." (d)

Janice "Men with push carts can be devious sorts, your sword might confound you one day as you are beaten by a wheel. But then again you have the advantage of a sword.." She chuckeld, drinking more of her tea while admitting to herself that his persistance had been a combination of bothersome, but pleasant to entertain. It was nice to laugh with new people, in a new world and indeed within years of a new life! "Well my company may bore you if you aren't one for idle facts, but the city will make up for that, praise the Lord. Would you like any more tea?" (d)

Marius: "Your tea is very good and hot, which is especially useful on a day such as this. By chance is this usual winter weather for Skye? I'm actually used to much worse" he smiled warmly again. "I feel sure that your company will be most pleasant and most informative as well. Perhaps you could help me. I would be seeking a detailed map of Skye itself and perhaps one of the city as well? I'm sure such a scholar as yourself would be able to find those items." He was almost challenging her to produce the two maps, but he did it with a twinkle in his eye. (d)

Janice: "Mm, it is frigid! You are used to worse, you say? Oh my. Oh my stars. You must have come from even further to the North.." She merely shook her head at the idea of something colder than a wet, wind whistled Scottish winter could be, though granted Skye seemed to enjoy its fair share of better days. Spring also broke early here, too! The challenge for detailed maps was met with a risen brow, "How detailed? Not only do I sell books, I aspire to be a personal historian of where we sit. At least for my own leisure. Detailed maps of the city..we shall have to go upon trips indeed. The city houses many great collections. The Scholar's Guild Hall.....just adjacent of the Knight's Templar.." The Knights Templar! Had those enigmatic figures not vanished from the continent or been burned for horrendous accusations in France some years ago? "Mm, here. Here is more tea for you....." She grew quiet a time "Oh, goodness..I'm sorry...I was just thinking on where it would be best to acquire the maps." (d)

Marius: "Most knights are stupid; they just go where they are told, and kill whom they are told to kill. I prefer to know much about where I am serving. Maps save time and maybe even lives" his face gets a bit flushed. "Most warriors do not even think of them as weapons, but I do. The lay of the land is everything. Knowing it gives you a tremendous advantage over your enemy." Becoming flustered Marrius apologizes. "I'm sorry, sometimes I talk too much". He just smiles right into her eyes. (d)

Janice: "No..go on, really! Don't you think they are utterly fascinating, how engineers and architechts must remake them every so often for so much happens in such short times? A stuidous advantage could be a military one, I would wager.. but for me the interest is just in how things become so different.." She encouraged it, even laughing as he did. Oh so astute, deep digging puzzle solver could ramble! That was one of her faults and endearing qualities too. "Oh I lose my place all of the time...just going on and no one seems to travel there with me.." she stood up, finishing her tea (d)

Marius: "M'lady, this seems to be the beginning of a very great adventure together. I think we are both going on a voyage of discovery." He did intend to discover more about her, and he had a feeling that she was about to attempt the same of him. It was indeed going to be great fun to see who could discover what about the other. He had never allowed himself to feel for a woman. He was already beginning to feel something good about this one. It was a good sign. This indeed may be the place where he can make a future for himself and mayhap even a family. It is a very good beginning for him. (d)

Janice: "A voyage of great discovery, that is quite the way to put it!" She couldn't agree more with him! This was a pleasant way to spend the time, with tea, gaining a new friend whom had a fondness for booksellers, puzzles, and maps. While she could not guarantee the length of the first, she could go on all day about the latter two subjects. While she stood up, she handed him his cloak from the pegs as she went about fastening her own into place by way of a frog clasp that held the rich blue thing into place. Further conversation would leave enough time to fidget about the shelf nearby and draw out a pair of gloves. "Are you ready for said adventure? If we are quick, we might make one or both places of maps before the hour grows too late." (d)

Marius: Fastening his heavy cloak about him, Marius's face is wreathed in smiles. "I am most ready for our adventure Lovely Lady. I think I have been ready for a long time." For the first time, his eyes take in her entire form; she is true loveliness, in a petite package. For a second his thoughts rebel; this is crazy; he's just met her. And then he immediately reversed himself. It's not crazy; it just is. Go with it Marius. And he does agree. She is well worth the trip; it will be a great adventure for them both. (d)

Janice: "Then off we get. We can start at the beginning.." The fire was put down to a respectful place, the windows again shuttered, and a lamp left on the step to light it when she returned. The key slid into the pocket, she introduced him to Bryante Row "See in the middle there, Bryante Row's open garden..with the fountain with water that jumps from bowl to bowl, changing color. Tis amazing! There are many shops here, homes...and it is behind the Church. That will be good, for the Church is central to everything in the city.." She made a happy tour guide. Her ignorance was not total, but her simplicty was refreshing. Her connections were tight, her family made of those same connections so at times it was good to know the world did not think you entirely estranged from it. She lifted her skirts in order to descend the steps on a shorter street leading down with the church rising in front of them (d)

Marius: Marius enjoyed the tour and especially this lady's company. Janice was quite different from all of the other women he had met around a court. She was truly refreshing and challenging at the same time. She knew this city well and he wagered she knew all the most interesting stories. And the maps would be a great help to him as well. It was the first time in many months that he had truly felt comfortable, as if that debacle in the empire had never happened. And this lovely lady was aiding him. Perhaps one day, he could tell her his story, but not today. (d)

Janice: "Over there is the Cathedral..see how the setting sun hits all of the stained glass? I have never seen a city with so much glass work, let alone glass. They became wealthy early on, it goes, because the Knights Templar took bastian here several years ago, and put forth their treasures into the construction.." They took the stairs down beyond the Cathedral so that he knew of where to find the great Market Place that stretched on for days, what shops were hither or yon, or what stalls to avoid. She took him up the great City Stairs for it was faster than as she explained traveling up hills and down only to flat places for the city as he could see rose up from the coast and into the Cullins. He was good company, and she enjoyed it a great deal. Not all was meant to be told in one day, nor did she ever venture far beyond the paltry details of life anymore.Perhaps one day for someone beyond what she knew, she might. The clock tower told time by number, the church by bells, and the one on the Templar Hall and Scholar's place did so by the months, stars, and moon! "There they are, the Scholars Hall. The templars fund it, they also keep their own open libraries..." (d)

Marius: At the term Templars, Marius became even more attentive. "I've heard much about them. In Germany they were never persecuted; nor in Scotland so I have heard. And the great King of France owing them massive sumes. Just a coincidence that they were all arrested there, and then His Holliness the Pope issued a bull against them. Of course at the time the Papacy was in Avignon and not in Rome. What a great curiosity?" His eyes looked straight into her's once again. He wanted them to say that this man was no fool or ignorant. She was a most intelligent female; he hoped she was appreciate his statements. (d)

Janice: "It is! They say the Knights left with 23 ships laden with themselves and treasures, all to have vanished. A row boat came assure on Brest, with seventeen men upon it. So it is assumed by those here, that perhaps some of them landed in Scotland. It makes good sense, I think. I am reading a book on the subject during break fast and before bed...." The way he looked at her was a little disarming. He impressed her with his knowledge of the day, for there were some knights with their heads full of other than campaigns, but not many. The ones she knew were in passing acquaintance only. Sir Lucius MacLeod, or Sir Kendrew Campbell. Sir Marius deBrabant was a different animal entirely. "They are quite revered here..for their work..here, the door." She pointed before bouncing down the last few steps after they'd come up, for the sake of distance. Pulling open the Scholars door were their guards, and insidesome berobed persons moving about vast rooms and living quarters. Some canted their heads to her, wishing that the girl would have taken a scholarly life in full. Such would be grand in preparing the nation's universities! "Ah, this way." She whispered now they were in the presence of books, like walking in a world of saints. Instantly fingers fell out into the air to greet one hundred old friends as she moved fingers over bound spines or parchment roll (d)

Marius: Whispering in her ear "Lady Janice, I would recommend that you not speak of the Templar Treasure Fleet at all. Much too dangerous. Please. The Templars are also revered by me M'lady. Such a place full of books. You will not see such in the Empire. Perhaps a dozen or twenty at most in the library of some lord, and that's all." He kept smiling. He actually did enjoy books and reading. Now he most certainly found a great many to read, in the bookstore and in this great library, and one in the castle as well. Skye was a most marvelous place. No wonder it was the center of the Celtic Alliance.(d)

Janice: "Oh, you needn't worry so badly here. It's common lore.." She whispered back, though the feeling of his nearness enough to speak into her ear was...strange. It was not that she was so foreign to nearness, merely, this sort of it. She cleared her throat a little as they went on. Wait, the Empire? "So..you are from the Holy Roman Empire? That is expensive terrain, but it covers some section of a map." She chuckled, nodding her head, "I have seen monastic libraries, and one in the cloister I once lived in..but nothing like these. So many scrolls and books, in so many places! All kept quiet for many years until the Aberdeens came here..ahhahahha..maps." She pulled out two thick scroll sets, passing him one. "Shall we to a table to unroll the great treasure?" In the back of her head, a little joke played out that life threatening need not be on a boat. Some have their lives threatened merely in their being born. At that, she was a prime expert (d)

Marius: Entering the library, as much as he loved the books and scrolls, made Marius a bit uneasy. The Templars were known for their knowledge of many things. His problems with the Duke of Austria might be common knowledge and not his side of it either. It reminded him that he had to reach the High Lord or even the High Lady to explain it all to them first, before they could hear some twisted version of it. He swallowed that fear, just like any warrior before abattle. Besdes he did like this lady; she was simply special. And he did not want her to hear these rumors either. Sooner rather then later, he would have to tell her as well. (d)

Janice: "Here's a table, just here. Would you get the candlabra over there please..." She began to untie the bindings on one of the protective covers to her set of maps. What was enough to call her away from books to adventure out into the city with a kind book carrier who came to tea? Maybe it was in excersising freedom because she could, or that friends of difference were rare. They all had their secrets, Lord knows she wouldn't begrudge him keeping his for she kept her own as sealed shut as the locket about her throat. (d)

Marius: Marius simply looked at her and smiled. One of the Templar Knights came over to the table. The Templar nodded to Lady Janice, whom he obviously knew, but to Marius he asked his name and his business, politely. Marius stood up and gave his name and his reason for being here. At the mention of his name there was a sign of recognition in the Templar's eyes, but nothing else was said. It put him in a terrible quandry. He wanted to tell his little scholar the whole story, but rightly it should be told to the High Lord or High Lady first, before he could take any oath of fealty or even of service. On top of this Marius also realized that Janice had much more in her backround then a sort of nobility and a love of scholarship. Not the way she could play at words, deflecting and interrogating at the same time. He had to know more, before he could fully trust her. Beside her, he just felt more alive then he ever had. Marius could not explain it, but it was.

Janice: Janice expelled the shut string and unfurled the aps, smoothing the edges until they lay flat enough for a book to do the rest. The Templar received her smile, but she watched discretely as she prepared the maps for reading the exchange twixt the two men. Oh she had Ebony Hall's eyes now, had its ears, but her heart was what stayed different despite influence. If Marius told her a secret it would die on Janice's mouth, lay buried between her ears all her days for she'd never betrayed a soul. Still, it would never be easy to relay her own story beyond a few details that to his day to mention made her ache in such a way that it felt as if she'd been hit with poison all over again. You can not change what you are, only let time make you better than your roots. "Are you ready, Marius...if you'd open your Map the table is long enough..then I can tell you of them both. I have the map of Skye Isle here.." (d)

Marius: He smiled into her eyes again; he could lose himself there with very little trouble. He did wish to tell her, but not here. Too many ears, even in the library. "M'lady, i do have something to tell you, but I fear even this place is much too public. I do feel you can be trusted, at least by me." Very carefully and slowly he moved his battle scared hand over to touch her delicate hand. (d)

Janice: "Sir..de Brabant..tell me after we've read the maps. Tell me after we have done something that involves no secrets...at least..not yet." She found herself stammering rather suddenly. As his hand was on hers she could have heard herown throat fluctuate in how it swallowed. "Here, this is Skye Isle. Scotland is there" She moved her hand with his atop it, chasing it a little forward of his. "This is Edinburgh, where the King would live, here is Aberdeen, St. Andrews...the Highlands, the Lowlands...and up North is the Orkneys..smaller of course for Skye is the focus. The chain makes what you call the..Hebrides." With her other hand she brought the candles closer as to read." Skye is made up of the Skye isle, lewis and harris here, Rasaay sound..just beyond Turas Lan here at the east. This map is a little older, but some of the villages are larger now, and Stornoway is becoming a thriving trade capital.." God must have been bored this evening, for Janice was terrible at these things and the Lord knew it. Instead of pitying her, he dangled her out. How many times had she refused to be walked about the row by good sons or even older brothers and fathers? When she was 'englightened' to the state of things she simply...released it. This didn't seem to be as easy as a fish you tossed back into the water, however (d)

Janice: As his hand touched hers, and his eyes locked her her orbs; he felt things that were totally foreign to him. His body actually trembled, but it was a good kind of trembling. He almost felt himself reaching out to her. This was a great warrior of proven prowess, and he felt all a twitter over a little doe eyed scholar. And then he offered to tell her his whole store, including his troubles. Conqered by a small female; a knight of the Empire. But he felt Janice tremble as well and he saw some fluctuations in her throat. And most importantly, her hand did not recoil from his. This woman was the most special in the world. Thank God, he had come to Skye. (d)

Janice: "Did you want to see the city map now...the Skye Map will take us quite a bit, but the city..is..more pertinent for you I think. Given you are in service to the realm, and not entirely knowing of all the way round.." Wouldn't it end up that Janice Viscreed would only come close to a man in odd locations, such as libraries? She hadn't tried to conquer a soul, nor had the capacity to do so, or so she'd thought. Someone had told her often that she was wrong on some of her individulal self perception.."If I may be so bold as to state sir..you are quite close?" Her face was burning, and she pulled her hands to busy them untying the other map given he seemed to besotted to do so. That was the term, besotted? Much as she had many things, she inadvertently tripped into a man with a secret, to go with more secrets, among what she couldn't say herself. Her breathing steadied with great personal effort. (d)

Marius: "My Lady,let us make a pact. I shall tell you of myself,if you will tell me of yourself. We both have secrets. Anything you tell me will go to the grave with me, rather then be revealed. But I do need your promise of the same. You will understand when you hear it, and that properly it must go to the High Lord, as I am seeking to join his service. Let us talk of this tomorrow, as it is not right to speak of it the first time we have met." He pauses, a bit red faced. "I am sorry if I offended you by touching your hand" He is almost tongue tied. He stops or he will make a fool of himself. (d)

Janice: "Sir, come to me for books, for maps, for company. But I tell you now I do not make promises that are half kept, for they are false in that they are not full. I can not tell you all of my secrets for they involve things not entirely mine to tell. Please..do not do this.." As if she begged for the chance to have something free of it yet things with secrets understood secrets better. Seeing his red face and flummuxed state, she added, "and it isn't offense..it it is..just..a little familiar..for a first meeting." In that it made her face flush, her heart race for a mixture of flattering and fearful reasons. "I am sorry if I ..offend you in any way as well." A candlelit library. God on high, Janice Viscreed, you can enjoy nothing can you? Alas. "Oh, goodness. I sound like the village idiot.." (d)

Marius: Marius took her hand and simply stroked it to calm her. "You are anything but the village idiot and you are most honest. When I tell you my story, you tell me what you can of yourself. Since you have already told me you cannot reveal all of your secrets, at this time, I shall aceept that as honest and honorable." He did like her, but realized a bit how she felt. In a library of all places. Now he felt like the village idiot, but something just seemed right between them. He hasn't even been accepted for service and here he is getting himself involved with a little scholar. Still, now that it had happened, it would not have it any other way. (d)

Janice: "Thank you...Sir. I appreciate your candor, what ever it is you will...tell me, shan't be given unto a soul. My word is my vow, my vow is my honor sir." She gently let her fingers thread through his, issuing a comforting squeeze. "I think i will stay here awhile. Do not worry for me getting home, the guild master often does it himself personally. He takes a shining to book dwellers." The guild master was an elder gentlemen, whom often patroned the girl for opinions on new work, while the Templar knights who took her home often found her riveting religious knowledge refreshing. "Rest you well, Sir De Brabant, of the Empire." (d)

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Do not think of me as rash, nor so naieve that I would think to lose all of me in one day. It is too precious a thing to hand over. Your secrets will live, as others do, in the silence of my head. But still..

Janice: The morning after a night of impact on a life looks a little different than the other mornings that came behind it. The Angel, The Lady of Letters, The Book Keep...simply Janice, opened her eyes to view the sun coming through aset of windows appearing to be angled different than the usual behind-cathedral light. It could be in that infusing her own conceptions, her own fears of imminent doom soured the experience of the gold shooting through dawn gray. No matter the mess mucking up the mind, the day was meant to be lived! By the time the world had risen all together, Janice had long since dressed, supped on porridge, and had moved from her home along the Row outside for the short walk to the shop but two doors away. (d)

Marius: Marius had spent an uneventful, but restless night. Again the barracks was cold, but his personal equipment had kept him comfortable, unlike most of his fellows. As always he arose early and gratefully accepted the breakfast allotted him. Porridge and ale was nothing to insult for a man who had been living on almost nothing for months, only what small coins could buy and easten usually cold as he rode. But it was thoughts of a certain small booksellerand scholar which had kept him unsettled. Women, he had met before, some at the court and some when the army was in the field. But none of them had ever made him feel like this and it was a most unsettling experience for this warrior. Marius's way was to meet anything head on, rather then avoid it. Once again he was informed that the Lord General was unable to meet with him. He headed back into the city; directly for a certain bookstore where he would find his little scholar most likely hard at work. Fortunately, Marius possessed a very good memory and he went right back to the great fountain and the shop just beyond it. (d)

Janice: She opened up the door to her day's first patron to find that just beyond the fountain was the foreigner she'd ended the evening with prior. Given the benefit of a patron, she turned her eyes down to pay heed to the immediate filling of a need. A lack of vision did little to sweep away the words of last night. Not even as she tucked a strand of loose hair that had escaped her bun behind the shell of a far too open ear. "Good morning, m'lord. What can be done for you today? It is my pleasure to be of service.." For an instant more she leaned against the lintle post as her fingers climbed up the opposite side's frame before slipping inside. Fortunately, if this were his destination the door would be compliant to entry. (d)

Marius:Marius was well aware that he had been seen by the little bookseller; he had not tried to hide after all. He smiled warmly, but there was a patron waiting for her; so naturally he would be attended to first. No sense staying out in the cold; so he walked over to the store and entered. His lips were pursed as he was not sure what to say, but he thought that it best to pretend to be a customer. "Good day Mistress. I see another patron here first. I shall wait." So saying he found a small stool and sat down; stoically waiting his turn while examining some of the tomes on the shelves. There were so many of them. Besides, concentrating on the books took his mind off concentrating on Janice. Whenever he did that he became unsettled and confused, but when he was with her alone it felt so right. He was totally out of his element with women; he was basically a killer. That he understood; this he did not. Still in all he felt not just unsettled, but also wanting more of her. Marius was quite glad that other patron was monopolizing her for so much time. He had no idea what he was even going to say to her. (d)

Janice:"Of course, sir. If you will but wait I will see to you shortly.." She paid him heed with a greeting that was proper from bookseller to customer seeking to hold tomes of knowledge for their own. Whilst she spoke with Sir Patron on the delights of the Canterbury Tales on occasion her head would discretely drift to the man whom occupied himself with the same books she sold. By the time the customer would look up, it was as if her focus had never lifted from the individual. He said something that sparked her interest, causing the pretense to drift away as she came to life! She floated around the store on feet of air, plucking up this small notebook or discussing this writing on a bit of religious philosophy. "Are you a sister of the Church, or a bookseller, little one?" The man arched his brow, chuckling as he took hold of the copy of the Canterbury Tales, pondering the writing of St. Augustine as well. "Well my lord, I did come to your fair city from a cloister in France..I kept books for the Reverand Mother.." A bit of the past on lips, so easy wasn't it? Nondescript pieces of the obvious flitting about as easily as her feet when the freedom of expression was nigh. In time the distraction of both left, leaving them for the time alone again. "Good morning, sir." (d)

Marius:"Good morning Mistress Janice. For some reason I found myself compelled to return here this morning." He licked his lips. "I may as well own up to it. I had to come back to you. Yes, I do admit it. Much needs to be said between us M'lady, on both sides." again he hesitates. "This is not easy, for I am not by nature a talkative person, and my story alone is not for most ears." His face is a bit flushed, but his eyes show that he has made a decision and one made, it will be carried out. His visage also mirrors his determination to proceed. "Could we not pick a more private place and speak. I know you cannot tell me all, at least not yet, but I would also hear what you consider I may hear. I would rather have my tongue cut out then ever reveal it to another." Finally the breath just runs out of him and he stands there towering over her, but inwarly trembling for her response. (d)

Janice: " If you would wish to speak, could it not be done at another hour..perhaps near luncheon, or supper..." Janice swallowed back the nervous energy that clotted up her throat, making her tongue cotton thick as the possibily of more words become improbable at that moment. She paused, looking over to his flush faced. Still, his modesty was not entire because he wanted to carry out the ambition of laying his secrets inside of her. So many did, so many lives were irrevocably tied to hers and for all of her love of them, they were tied that way before she could even breathe on her own. Each choice to do so of her own accord was haphazard, awkward. "You vow intensly for someone who's only introduction was the last day. What e'er it is you tell me, will never be uttered. My word is my vow, my vow is my life sir. Stil..." Part of her wished that it wouldn't happen. In fact she would have gone to the shelves to make busy some imaginary task but he was towering over her..."I....please. I am open for business..should any venture in this would look most..uncouth." She chewed at her lip, "But..sir.." she sighed and then thought, "To the back there...to the back room. But a moment. " (d)

Marius: Marius smiled down upon her doe eyed visage. "A most excellent idea M'lady Janice." He was already treating her like a noblewoman. Marius took his heart with both hand and waited for her to lead him to the back room. Not for one second did he believe it be some privacy for a time of wild abandon. It was privacy for both of them to speak to each other with any other ears present. God, she was such an incredible creature; strong and yet gentle at the same time. As always there was just something about her that did much more then attract him. It would be good today; he needed to tell the story to another; he needed to tell her. And then he did need to inform the High Lord or High Lady; that was only honorable. Until that he could take no oath or even accept service. But now, he just wanted to tell the little bookseller cum scholar and friend of the Templars. He was most agitated inside, although outwardly he attempted unsuccessfully to display few signs of it. That back room looked better and better as the moments went by. (d)

Janice: "Quite, please..this way." She showed him the way to the second room of books on low shelves. Janice touched her hand to the shelves, figners walking across the upper tops as they said nothing between them. Was it cruelty or comfort to release secrets? "What is it that you would have to tell me, Sir deBrabant? What great mystery do you want to impart on a bookseller?" She sucked on her lower lip, looking up to the knight as the story was set to be revealed. For a moment she shut the door between the one shop and this room. Her heart raced hard against the inside of her wool covered chest that kept winter's chill away. (d)

Marius: Marius smiled into her eyes in gratitude. "You do make it a bit easier Lady Janice." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I was born the third son of a marcher baron of the Empire. Obviously, I did not receive an inheritance. There was a marriage for my second brother; the daughter of another marcher baron. None were available for me, and other noble families did not wish to lower themselves for us rude, crude people on the borders. Every sword was needed; so I was trained as a warrior. I was also taught the reading, writing, and figuring to help me advance somewhere else. At fifteen, my father managed to get me into the service of the Duke of Austria to make my own way in the world. For eight years I served the Duke loyally and well, even receiving the accolade of knighthood, but nothing else. No lands, estates, or revenue. I was still just a poor knight in his service but I served; or rather I did much killing for the Duke." At this point he had to gather up all his courage to continue; he looked into thosee doe eyes again and they allowed him to go on. "Durring his campaign in Lorraine, I was given charge of the ducal standard to bear on the march and into combat. This was a great honor, usually reserved for one of the Duke's most trusted followers or one of their sons. It was unprecedented for a poor knight to bear. It was a great show of the Duke's favor and the beginning of a more prosperous life for me." A wan smile appeared on his face at this point in his story. And here he halted for a few moments. (d)

Janice: Like the blank pages of an open book, the young woman said nothing but recorded everyword in her brain. She sat on a short stool while he told her the story of the third son whom was not given much. He had to aspire to all things of his own accord despite the few tools he'd been given. She breathed in, releasing it still with no words until his story crossed from the Empire, from Austria, down into the Lorraine. The air became charged with a familiar curiosity. " What became of your time in Lorraine, of your baring the Duke's banner? What came of it for you?" The way her eyes looked showed that she was trying to figure out the rest of his life without a word. Janice might have even written it down with only a hint. (d)

Marius: Marius gently takes her hand; as if pulling strength from it. "Against all advice, the Duke demanded that his banner be carried with the advance guard; so that all could see who was marching through Lorraine and destroying everything he came across. Orders are of course orders and I rode in the advance guard. On this day the Duke halted the main body and the rear guard, but forgot to inform us in the van. As a result we were far ahead well out of supporting distance. The Duke of Lorraine realized this and set an ambush with his entire force, meaning to weaken our army considerably with little hurt to himself. He succeeded beyond all doubt. Our men went down under showers of arrows, and coordinated mounted charges of knights. Thre was no rescue; though our horms blew loud for aid. The commander Sir Eldrid ordered me to the rear to save the ducal banneer and to bring aid. I obeyed and galloped back I could not believe that such a thing had happened and that the main army was so far behind us. Finally, I did arrive and told the Duke. I made no charge or complaint; just a report and request for aid. The Duke looked at me coldly, and ordered me to surrender the banner to another. Then I was ordered back to the baggage train for the rest of the campaign, which was a dismal failure. By the time he arrived, almost all of his advance guard was dead, including the officer who had ordered me to the rear. The campaign was a failure and I became the convenient scapegoat. I was dismissed from the Duke's service with nothing. Of course, he had carefully spread word all over the Empire of may "cowardice". None would employ me. None would even give me shelter for the night, as is customary for a knight to receive. Even the friend who gave me coin and the information about Skye could not let me under his roof, and incur the wrath of th Duke. For almost a year I had nothing except what few coins I could spend on food. I worked my way to the coast to find passage here. Now I hope to take service under the High Lord and win the honor that I am due. I have heard he is a wise and honorable ruler. I hope so for my sake." Finally he manages almost a smile. "You see why I wanted to speak in private. I would not wanted the High Lord prejudiced against me inadvance." At this all the breath seemed to go out of him. He stood before her; somewhat deflated and an almost haunted look in his eyes. (d)

Janice: "Marius.." it slipped from her lips like the haunting refrain of his past that swirled in his eyes. Her brow furrowed, as she rose from the stool she sat on. How long had they been in the room? Through the crack in the door no bell sounded to speak of anyone's approach. None were there to listen but the words of men, living or dead, wordless words. An irony. It did not take much to deduce the dishonor that hung over this man greater in his self -infliction than the consequence after. By his own admission, he had nothing to loose when he went to the front of the guard except himself, and in the Empire he'd served he'd lost that. While she pondered too why the Duke of Austria sought campaign in Lorraine, by her closeness to others she wondered if others knew of the news of the winter where in Philip Valois had united all of France. "Pardon me, you did not give me leave to become so familiar as to use your name sir, but might I say..that it is true what is heard. Both the High Lord and His Lady rule equally, and fairly. They are very different sorts of people, I would venture, to offer. You should tell the General, and the Duke. If I may...I think the first honor that can come to anyone is the one they give themselves. Our Lord said the truth shall set you free." Gently she put the stool away in a corner as she continued. "No one shall no of what you have told me, not unless you tell it yourself. My word is my vow, my vow is my life." A smile that sought to be of comfort curled up on her mouth. What of her life? She wanted to look to see if the shop was as slow as she thought or if time had made her ignorant to all else but listening. (d)

Marius: "I know your word is good M'lady. I have been trying to see the Lord General, but for two days now he has been unable to see me. Yet, when I do I shall tell him first as you recommend. He is a hard man, but I feel a most honest and honorable one. I believe he will at least listen." Now for Marius came the most difficult part. "Would M'lady now honor me with some of her story? I promise to accept only what you tell me, and no word of it shall pass my lips, save with your permission, which I doubt will evrer come. It will go to the grave with me." (d)

Janice: Or send him to his grave on the topic of a grave matter. It was easy to make it into a fashionable, gallow humors styled pun. Janice considered her end of the bargain to the extent she was willing to offer. It was a promise, and that she had to make good upon. "My mother was French. Her name was Danielle deBarberac, my father was both French and English. My life was spent between a village just outside of Avignon, and in London. He was a retired physicianbecause his hand was injured, it shook. As did the leg so Papa was not very steady. His name was Jacob. He kept an apothecary's shop in each place, it was quite a good way to live because of those who'd known him so we were comfortable in the gentry. Mama would not have an idle-household, or us pretending to be impertinent. For we weren't rich, nor were we poor. We had two good hands and being idle leads to the Devil's influence, or so she believed. I was very sheltered from a young age, going outside only as it was necessary into the streets. Not much but the gardens of our home. A saints day or feast occasion, Church would be what we left for. When I was..nearing fourteen, it had been like any other day, I was minding the shop for papa. Cleaning, keeping his books, and I noticed one of his others out of place. I picked it up, and saw.." her eyes grew vague, distant, as if her mind replaced Turas Lan with London and then pleading to remain in Avignon. "things that were not right, that I could not believe he could draw or do, or no. The ...insides of men, women, children. Ages...things written down I screamed. My memory ...I think I was even younger..perhaps nearing thirteen. In any sense, in fear of what I'd seen marring me or so he said, it was decided that I was going to live in the nunnery until such time I was fit for marriage. He feared all ..reading, learning, had marred me. That I would be damned, and it would be his fault. My mother agreed, to which I was shocked. She hardly let me from under her hands save to the shop. So then when we returned to France I was placed in the nunnery." She leaned her back against the wall, half smiling in a sad sort of way that would break a heart as well as cause admiration. Dual things weren't her intention. It was an expression, devoid of much motive, like her. "My parents are not alive anymore. Old friends of my fathers called me hence to Turas Lan, on prospect of a marriage. He passed, my intended groom. He was much older than me." So was the usual fashion. "After that, instead of sending me away they kept me to stay. And a few years later, here I now am." The truth, and the short of it. (d)

Marius: Marius's eyes had not left her for the entire length of her story. He knew there was much more to be told, but he would leave that to when Janice wished to tell him. For now he simply picked her her hand very gently and touched itto his lips. "May I ask, did you ever marry this older gentleman, as it was arranged?" he gets a bit flustered and flushed. "I certainly would never be alone like this with a married lady; it would not be right and it might soil so as not to have to search for it. He was searching too. Perhaps they travel together? (d)

Janice: "No, he died before we could even make a proper introduction. There is no honor to sully, Sir. Ne'er wed, none to offend." When he kissed her hand, she froze in place but did not rebuke him the action. A smile too still stayed, as if even mild confession were good confession. Buried was the word to best describe the life of this one. Perhaps even his own. "So. That is your story and you have some bit of mine. Are you at peace now? " She looked at him to with eyes that gently relaxed, pursed lips blowing away pieces of golden hair. Once it had been as brown as her eyes. (d)

Marius: Marius kissed her hand again; he had never let go of it. And his face had relaxed into a most kindly smile. "Yes Lady Janice, I am most satisfied. I believe when the time is right you will telll me much more. And only you can decide when that time is." He had to admit that he did enjoy holding her hand, even being close to her made his body vibrate. Marius could not understand it. All his life, he had lacked any tenderness or compassion; a father who was cold and distant, more of a commander then a father, and a mother who died when he was four years old. There had been no love in the Duke's service either; just more killing. But this little scholar confused and unsettled him,but somehow he did like it. (d)

Janice:"Good, Sir Marius, good. Thank you for telling it to me, for what it is worth." The impass was in the necessity of leaving or the want to stay. The bell had not chimed yet, perhaps for seeming as if none were in the room! He kissed her hand again, sending pink up the throat covered by half with a collar that stood, held closed by buttons. Her chest rose and fell, and she found that the fact he held her hand, kissed it, was not unpleasent. "We should perhaps return to the front of the shop..tis well beyond Morning now." If he stood, the hand would still be in his. Her face looked down to the floor, but mouth was not without a smile. (d)

Marius: Marius did stand and kept her hand in his. Very gently, his other fore finger found the tip of her chin and carefully tilted it upward; so that their eyes met once again. "Do you truly fear to be alone with me Lady Janice?" (d)

Janice:"It is not what I am accustomed to, and it does give me a little pause.." A forefinger beneath her chin meant she could feel the flesh of him on her. Little places. A hand. The tip of her chin. Their fingers. "Should we be alone like this? Despite the freedoms the High Lord and Lady grant the women of the realms, decency is a matter of personal...stance." Her breath caught as she still looked up into his eyes instead of at the tops of her shoes for once. Her hand squeezed his. Her other was even mobile instead of flat on the wall, gently touching his forearm. (d)

Marius: Speaking softly. "I would never dishonor you Janice. In truth I am not accustomed to this either" As he spoke his hand moved from under her chin, yet her eyes did not waver. His hand moved to gracefully and lightly land on her side, just above her waist. Marius was well aware of what he was doing, but stopping could only be commanded by one, and she had already placed her hand upon his arm. "Whatever My Lady says, shall be done." His full face smiled down on hers, and somewhere there he saw the beginnings of a smile. (d)

Janice: "Aye, my lord. Thank you.." She nodded her her head even as that hand went to the intimate proximity just above her waist. She should command him to return with her to the front of the shop, yet she let the arm that was on his forearm drift up to his shoulder. The other let go of his hand, following the path of the other. "and I do believe you, whole heartedly. I am sure the bell will ring at any..given time." She muttered, her face flushed
incredibly red. He was heartbreakingly close to her. A young mind was swimming in a strange place of experiences that were new. (d)

Marius: Marius was speaking in barely a whisper. "Closer Janice" His voice was so totally gentle and unlike the tall warrior before her. He opened his arms. He could see her almost shaking, as inwarly so was he. Marius too was in a place he had never been before; it was both strange and wonderful. Magnificent and frightening at the same time. And yet there they were; almost strangers, but between them was something wonderful and both were experiencing the beginnings of the journey to find out exactly what it was. (d)


Janice: "Um...I..." A hand was tempted to move to the door, press it open and insist they drink tea or some other civil activity that could create a necessary distance. Janice could hardly believe that a sound so timid could come from a man so tall. Compelled, she advanced instead of retreating. Her arms gently closed around him in an embrace, forming a circle though the limbs could hardly lock about, for he was much taller than she was. What was it like to be this close? His clothes were homespun, rough, as men in service are want to be. Butterflies grew wings in her belly. Escaping, they assaulted her veins, made her fingers flex and shut, but still she did not retreat. "Alright." It wasn't the most riveting thing for a woman of books to announce. Janice looked at some spot on his shirt to ascertain just how close she really was to him (d)

Marius: Janice had just barely touched his body. His arms encircled her now; pressing her just a little tighter against him. Still their eyes remained locked; opening a gateway between them that was for them and them alone. No sound thankfully came from the front of the store. They were not disturbed. Marius held her close in his arms and she held him in hers, her head very hard against his chest. His heat beat like a triphammer. How could one so small and delicate do this to a proven warrior. Yet, he would not end it for anything. One of his hands went up to gently stroke her hair; the other to stroke her cheek lightly. He wasn't exactly controlling his own movements; they just seemed to come from somewhere deep inisde him. He leaned over and just gently kissed her on the lips. And that action sent shockwaves through his body, but it was the pleasant feeling he had ever experienced. And he held her lightly but close. (d)

at least, for a moment...just maybe..I may linger a little while in a better silence than that which can't be said because it can hurt. This simply doesn't need to be spoken of at all.

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

We don't believe it is that easy, that simple. Youth is going to bely us a few opportune places to excersise the extent of an age in the belief that a few moments may last forever..

A pair of days prior..

Marius:After leaving the tavern with the group. Marius and Janice find themselves alone in the shadow of the building.

Janice:"I saw you and wanted to speak at once. I have so much to tell you!" She whispered with excitement on the edge of her breath, on impulse, she took up his hand. (d)

Marius: The moment she took up his hand, his heart seemed to catch in his chest, as he turned to face her. Barely able to control himself or his emotion; he brought her hand to his lips for a long, tender kiss. Even after the kiss was finsihed, he could not let go of her hand. (d)

Janice:Talk lapsed in a moment of tender affection. Was this what so many of the women discussed? Open mouth gaped slightly before curling back into a smile. She stepped closer to him; "You are stealing my words..I..i wanted to tell you his Lordship bid me translate something for him, four days hence it will come! A message into the Berber, to be sent to the far place of Morocco...His High Lordship..asked me!" She whispered, though was it excitement or his nearness making her head swim? (d)

Marius: Bringing his face ever so close to hers. "Who else could be so worthy of such a trust?" He smiled into her eyes, losing himself there once again. He wanted to have words with her, but he simply could not hlep himself. Marius leaned down just a bit more and brought his lips to hers; not tentatively either but a full longer tender kiss as his body comes to touch hers, his arms gently encircling her; he can barely breathe. What she does to him. (d)

Janice:"You flatter before you know fact..you are as much poet as you are fighter.." The closeness was intoxicating, the wonder of the sense of touch. A look from him, she melted! Then she sparked to life! It was a paradox, a joyous paradox. When he kissed her there was no hint of regret, no fear. He was kissed back with as much joy as she could muster. "Marius.." She smiled, kissing him again. (d)

Marius:With this proven warrior was almost knocked off his feet or perhaps melting into a warm puddle of something. He simply yielded totally to the small blonde scholar he met in a bookstore. (d)

Janice She felt him weaken in stature to take the stance of a man gone tame. Janice was shocked by the power in a kiss. Was this, too, what writers made with their letters? So many odes, ballads, poems and stories of love. So powerful it changed nations. Formed them! Tore asunder constraint. She shook again. Only for an instant did she pull back to look into his eyes..."Perhaps..we should speak." She let her forehead rest against his lowered one. Her eyes closed, this nearness. This night. Please God do not end it. Please..do not change this. All things in time did and would change, but now it was the time she would recall what perfection was. (d)

Marius: "Lady Janice, you have turned my world upside down. I, a proven warrior, tremble in your presence. You rob me of my strength and send energy bolts shooting through my body. I cannot explain it but I know it. I know I want you to be my partner for life. At this moment I do not have the right to ask for your hand. I am a poor knight, but I do have prospects here. One day I will be worthy to ask." Marius sudenly became tongue tied again. It was beyond belief what he had just said. But he would never take it back. And it was the truth. (d)

Janice: She was in awe of what he was professing to her .A few days, a few kisses it should have been. To stay course with him? He said, himself, in knowing that she would stay such a course. "Is it truly so simple with such a fate? " She smiled warmly, leaning her head into his. "Marius, if you think me so worthy..than.." She kissed his hands. "Then work you well...I will work doubly as hard. Marius..in but a few days you have changed all that I thought on these matters. Come, walk me home?" She would linger with him in these moon rung promises. She would not accept them flat out, yet knew them to be true. She believed them, but sought the goodness of moving in tadem with some regularity. Still..she could not deny that him, that God was refashioning her heart (d)

Marius: Looking into her eyes. "I am always honored to escort My Lady anywhere." His heart is in his throat; he manages to calm himself by speaking of another subject. "I had a meeting with the Lord General today." he pauses. "It could have gone much worse. It seems as though I must start from the very bottom; for the third time. Only because of you and my allegiance to Skye can I accept it. But I will endure it.............for us and Skye." His arms goes around her agently keeping her against him, and he does revel in that feeling. (d)

Janice: "Thank you sir." The topic turned then to his own news. "But it is not so hard, though I know nothing of these things. Still, you are no less to me for what you do..." She whispered to him as they walked in the light...as they walked in the light of lamps, moon, "Look, do you see the bridge there?" (d)

Marius: "Aye, I do seem them." In truth he is much more interested in watching Janice. He can never have enough of her. "The Lord General was most difficult, my knighthood is barely tolerated, but not accepted." He looked into her eyes. "21 years of service, and I go back to the beginning. I started cleaning my father's stables at four and a year later I was fixing leathers and burnishing armor. I have to be in the infantry. I've been a mounted warrior since I was 12 years old. It is much to bear, but I shall do it for Sky.........and for you." (d)

Janice: "Could you not then seek the Marshall, for the mounted service? Marius, I am sorry...I am sorry you must begin again. I think it is because of what has come in the past, and they are careful" On the bridge she leaned over it, and looked up to him. "Hold no ill will of it..." She laced her fingers in with his. "You will have your chance to prove yourself..to prove yourself to one could be to prove yourself to many. But..I hardly know." She sighed. Kissing his hands (d

Marius: "I hold the Lord General in esteem; he acts based on what he himself has endured. I will endure and I shall advance myself. And this time I shall not be doing it for myself alone but for my lady." He leaned down to once again touch his lips to hers and feel the same sensations. Every kiss is like the first. (d)

Janice: "Your lady..." The two words made her feel as if Time stood still. "If you do this in some way for me, than might I ask of you, when the time is right..seek my guardians, ask to court me?" He kissed her once more, sighing, locking her arms tighter about him. Tighter still, her arms trembled but he warmed her (d)

Marius: When this kiss finally ended and was an eternity, but all too quick. "I will most certainly request that permissions from your guardians; the very moment it is possible; the moment I can provide for you." Holding her against him sends so many emotions coursing through him. Confuses him it does, but it is the most wonderous feeling in creation, and it all comes form Lady Janice in his arms. (d)

-.-.-.-

A Few Days Later..

"I told you, nothing was as easy.."

Janice "The Berber...linguistics are not too hard for me to engage upon so therein, I can translate the Berber..one of my former clients came from this region.." The Lady of Letters had been subject to a long coversation with various sidesof herself over the state of contents that arrived upon her doorstep. An important errand wherein four days were all that was given to translate a message of importance from one nation to the next. Had but Adam lay a literal anvil on her chest, it would not make it cave in with curl like the weight of her own nervous hand. To track the Lady, the simplest way would be but to follow the stream of soft olive green dress from one end of the city to the next. Currently, she was walking the great City Steps, the longest, widest place of public traffic moving twixt the city levels. Even at this time of the evening along the steps there were vendors, people sitting, people staring, and then the productively lost individual such as herself. (d)

Marius: Marius had spent a second drill packed day serving as a foot soldier. At least the foot wrappings had saved his feet from any further abuse and he felt much better. It was just like a quiet, peaceful day under his father's tender tutelege. he did see that some of the other new recruits were not having it so easy. They could barely move in the morning. Marius had demonstrated some basic stretching exercises to loosen up their tight muscles. After a few moments of agony; they find themselves surprisingly limber again. He also showed them the trick of foot wrapping; he did make some new friends in the barracks with this. Otherwise he did keep to himself. After dinner he felt much better, especially after he had been told to report for some mounted duty the next morning. In truth, one day without seeing Lady Janice was a day too much. So naturally, his feet started him in the direction of Bryante Lane, and a certain book store. (d)

Janice: The row was lit with another little innovation that had spread to different places within the city: Torches were being incased in the artistry of lanterns that made the fire flicker behind panes of thick glass. Pools of light descended from the walls or against archways. Personal fires in the common manner would be what showed that while a housekeep kept the fires of the Viscreed townhome, Janice herself was not within the confines of home nor shop hearth. A bit of direction would give the Knight of Austria the chance to make sense of a day's worth of wanderings toward a direct location. The Great City Steppes. Often, the youth would lean upon them to think. Tonight, thought increased the feet to push up the steps further until the North Wind greeted her with a smack of air in the face. She looked over the passes, down toward the aquaducts on the wintry night. Sporadic snow was falling, sticking to the chapped red of her cheeks. (d)

Marius: Marius did indeed find himself moving over relaxed feet toward the Great City steps. It seems that a message left at the barracks suggested that site. Arriving there, his heart was rewarded by the sight of a lovely scholar coming toward him. His whole body seemed to surge forward to meet her before she could even reach him. Conscious of their public position, he did not throw out his arms to encircle her. Instead he merely inclined his head, his eyesalready locked with hers. But he did gently take her hand and bring it to his lips. It was enough; again he was greeted with the most incredible sensations surging through him from head to toe. And their eyes; he was totally lost there, and most happily so as always. (d)

Janice: Janice was going to surrender to the desire to float on a stream of conscious thought; one idea would lead to another idiom in the stream. An iota of opposition pushed the murky wave over the bastian of a conclusion only to allow the traveler to progress forward toward sno absolution inparticular. Eyes narrowed, watching pieces of the water break apart from a mild, frozen condition. Fluidity conquered everything. She would have let her eyes create a narrow gauge image of the sky if it weren't for the clear cut path he took through the crowd, up to her point of aestheic isolation. "Marius?" she beamed, stepping down with care to meet him on a landing. She curstied, he canted his head, and her hand was taken up in the age old ritual that to her, was still new. "I've missed you.." Janice wasted no time in saying. (d)

Marius:Marius trembled as he whispered to her. "A day without you is a day too much. Forgive me. It wasn't exhaustion. My feet. No foot wrappings were issued. I've taken care of it. After a full day of training, here I am; for the one who means the most to me." Carefully, he reaches up to stroke her lovely blonde locks. "God I need to be with you. I feel so incomplete without you near me." (d)

Janice:"Forgiven. The training must be so hard, even more so if they are testing you. Do your feet hurt now..." She took up his other hand to interlace within her own so that whatever seperation of space was had, it was remedied. Already her eyes moved across his body to see the change in it; the attire of the Griffin was what he wore now, but besides that she looked at his physical appearance with a suprising half lack of shyness. "If that is so, there are many book collections in the capital. Try not to lose your heart to another lady-scholar, for me?" Janice teased him, tilting her head so that what he played with felt the weight of her head in it. "I'm sorry you had to come so far up to find me, I've been wandering about all day.." (d)

Marius: So very quietly. "I would traverse the ends of the earth to find you. Do you not know that just the sight of your face banishes any exhaustion." Again he took up he hand and kissed it. "Don't tell the Lord General, but today was almost easy for me." He just couldn't contain himself any longer. "And I do have some wonderful news. Tomorrow I am to be exercised with the mounted troops. I was told, nothing too difficult. Yes, I will be tested. But once again, I will be allowed to practice for combat mounted. I killed my first adversary mounted, before the age of thirteen. I cannot wait for that. I had to tell you. But tonight is ours My Lady" They seemed to be alone in a shadowed place and he brought his lips to touch hers. And for him time again stopped. (d)

Janice: He was a killer with the heart of an ode writer even if he wanted to deny it. A few meager days with words writ between the lines fostered a belief in him that her heart fought with her head to overwhelm. Leaning in to whisper a reply so tha tnone could betray him as they walked through the night spaces, "No word will be breathed of it from me to him. Besides, what would he wish with the likes of me? Once, I lost my temprament towards him when I was seventeen , it was ridiculous. Since then I have wondered what he would think on it... " As for the first part, she would merely hold his hand tight, bringing it up near her chest. They spoke of his day and when he came to the mention of being mounted, what he was good at? She extolled her gladness in his venture. "Marius that is wonderful! So soon? You must have made an impression already..surely stay thy course! I am glad you told me. I am glad for you...I.." Before she could stammer she only had to stand still. For a little while emotion was allowed to overwhelm sense as they had the first taste of a kiss. She looked up to him between intervals, only to return to the practice not long after it had ended. "The night is ours tonight.My Lord.and no other way do I wish it.. You make me stop thinking twixt English and Berber. The High Lord has given me his trust and mere days to earn it fully, but the task is very daunting." Her forehead rested against his (d)

Marius: Stroking her cheek gently and then running his fingers through her hair. "The High Lord knew that he has given the task to the best scholar on Skye. And I know that his trust will not be misplaced. You will have it done in time and done correctly." He stopped for a moment and concentrated only on her and he was intoxicated. "Would that I could assist you in some way, but that languare is totally foreign to me. I have never even fought those people, although I have heard stories from my father." His tongue again falters, but the truth came out. "I'm here because you are here. I cannot stay away from you." His cheeks reddened as he spoke, but he was used to it by now. "You hold my hert in your hands Lady Janice." (d)

Janice The actions provided comfort to her. Pieces of her hair were pulled back in the wind, but settled back into his fingers. "So I pray and have been trusting to believe since a night or so hence, Marius. God, were it not for the use Hebrew, I would have had no chance to ingest such a tongue as the Berber. It is for a trade document, no war intended. His Lordship hosts alliances of all sorts with countries as far away as India. He is a charasmatic speaker, from what is remember. This is more assistance than you know. Helps the fear to be replaced with sense. My fear of failing..." She bit into her lip, holding back the last bit as he offered up his own segway. "So am I. We're trying very hard to be sensible...tis appreciated but..I don't want to stay away from you. Nor do I want you to stay from me." Her hand brushed up against his face. "Rest assured it stays in good keeping, your heart." Onward further they went, from one end of the flat landing of the steps to the other. "Let's go inside, somewhere? I can't feel my fingers," she blushed now out of her own idiocy,"I had left my gloves at home. (d)

Marius: Without a second's hesitation Marious peels off his own well worn gloves and places them on her hands. "I know they are a bit big, but they will keep your hands warm. I'm used to it. My hands are a bit tougher. Look where we are; Isn't that your shop? There's the fountain." Marius's eyes caught something strange; movement inside her book shop. And yet the proprietor was standing with him. "Something is wrong there Janice, and I do not see the watch about I must take maters into my own hands. You go for the watch. Is that trade agreement with you or in the shop?" (d)

Janice: Small hands inside large gloves were comical given any motion of her finger still saw the glove had infinite space from her tip to the tip of it. Still, she sighed in relief because the wind had become very obvious on cracked, chapped hands. They'd walked so far and so long they'd walked back to the familiar fountain where the water had gone still in the lateness of the night. Only her touch to it rippled it. The edge of the fountain was gripped as strained to make sense of the shape in the shop."Sir, must you go to immediate conclusion? I do have a housekeeper whom keeps both shop and home for me, she has two sons, as well as my assistant. Tis not uncommon for any of them to be there after hours. The documents are with me..naturally, I was using the libraries to further my study.." No, she didn't want anything to be wrong or his honed warrior instinct to be right. Her heart began a descent downward to her stomach. (d)

Marius:Janice I want you to go for the watch. See if they know of anyone else in your shop. That's part of their job. I will keep an eye on things here. The sooner you go the sooner you will return and hopefully we can be as if this never happened. Go quickly sweet one" Already his sword and dagger were out of their shealths. He had a feeling and it was not good. (d)

Janice"Marius....God.." She crossed herself, her face screwing up as if she'd bitten into a sour lemon. Nothing that glittered was golden for long, nothing that was peaceful remained at ease. Doing as instructed, Janice searched the usual places along the beginnings and end of the main street, finding a pair of watchmen on patrol. "There seems to be movement in my shoppe, and it has the concern of one of the other Griffin men. Please, come and see after it? It could be nothing." But even they did not trust in that. Without fail they began to approach the bookstore, giving instruction for one guard to remain with Janice outside, while two would venture towards it to meet Marius (d)

Marius: Marius approached the building most carefully keeping to the shadwos himself. Remembering that the shop had no back door made it easy. He watched, listened, and waited. He easily heard the voices of two men, not so young either. They were definitely searching for something, and it wasn't money. They wanted a document; he also heard something about four days. The Trade Agreement. The found nothing. And they decided to leave. Marius did not allow it. He caught them in the act of leaving. The first took a dagger in the groin; the second a slash to the leg. "The watch is coming to speak to you both" Marius heard Janice return with the watch; so he turned to greet them. "Two intruders, both wounded but quite alive and able to be questioned. He was about to speak to Janice but was contradicted by the watch. "Sorry Sir, their throats have been cut." Marius is aghast. "They were alive moments ago." Now he is frightened. This was the mark of a professional. "You will immediately provide an escort for both the lady and myself to go to Griffin Castle. And send a messenger ahead to warn the High Lady." He turns to Janice. "Best bring what you will need for at least four days. You are not going anywhere till this job is completed. Nothing is going to happen to you. I swear it on my sword." Even his voice to the watch brooked no objections. Marius had taken of this; much danger was here for both Janice and perhaps Skye as well. (d)

Janice: With each step closer to the steps of the shop her heart was let off the precarious edge of a rip to take a bottom descent to stomach. In the end, the organ would rest somewhere by her feet, in the same place the intruders would have put it had an option been done. Their slit throats were bleeding into the wood of her floors, onto her steps! Dora Lynch took pride in the beauty of her cleaning where Janice too was on hands and knees, them laughing together The watchmen held her arms as it seem she might go slack from the shock at what was done to violate the sanctuary. Violated! Despite the pale face, trembling limbs, a hard voice said. "No, the first thing you will do..sirs...is take me into my shop..they may not have what they sought, but this is still my livlihood. I must account for the damages within...afterwhich...the first place we are going is not the Griffin's castle..nor to the Lady. Twas a matter of the Lord's Esteem, and second...there are other places that think on similar accord as what was done here...." Voice for voice, no objection to meet with her own objection, her own agenda. The man wouldn't object the Lady this..already leading her up the steps. She looked over her shoulder in the hopes that he would come to ratify a vote in favor of her unusual stroke of confidence. Ah, only to have been raped so many times of solace, of peace.. was not to shy when it was done years after the near breaking. For all that had befallen, this was enough to break her. Within the shop's front were items overturned on the shelves. A seeming organized disaray until the frantic search tore down the lowr shelves. Disturbed by the light, Dora Lynch had come from the townhouse on sounds of action. "What be going on here? This is the Mistress' shop! Mistress Janice, ye be in there m'lady!" Poor Dora. She knew by the look from ceiling to floor that the seams of their life were being pulled at. The front was a mess, but not as horrendous as what befell the back room where all things were on the floor, and a few price-less volumes decimated. "D..dora.. I am back here...I am back here..oh, my God. Some of these took years to acrew...to replace them...oh...God.." Dora was quick to cross the floor, giving the poor arm's girl some fortidue, evenushering the watch to let it go. When they came to her personal work-room within the store...that was where she screamed. It seemed Marius kill had not been the first of that night, for bloody prints were across the room, perhaps meaning the pair had come from some other misdeed. In that misdeed, they ruined a great many months of comissioned work. (d)


"so go down with me where reason and perception straddle a line with horror, where you learn to pray for the killers, and not for the dead. I will follow you to suspicion, and shock. I will even go with you to your extremes, if you go with me."

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

(From: The Translation, as written by the creator of Adam Aberdeen)

The messenger had his orders from Adam and expeditiously carried out his orders. Locating Lady Janice was not easy, although she spent all her time in the Libraries of Turas Lan, there were in fact several. Finally the messenger found her and offering her great respect, knelt and held up the official container of the Mo’r Triath. “M’Lady, Lord Aberdeen offers this manuscript for translation…” Once the Lady Janice received it, and offered the man no questions, he bowed, back out of the area.

The scroll is supposed to be translated into the Berber language of Morocco… It would not be an easy task, as to day, the Berbers have been leery of Christians, for obvious reasons… Trying to dispel that all Europeans are like those of the Crusades, Adam was not venturing into a new realm of trade, but new realm of trade politics….

To the Amir Abu Said Uthman of Fez, His highness of the Marinids of Morocco…

It was a great pleasure to meet your emissary… We have discussed trade agreements before in our meetings with grand results. I regard a free trade agreement as a significant encouragement to the economic and political reforms for both our Kingdoms, and a powerful tool in the development of bilateral relations.

Salt, Sulfur, olives, fruits, fragrances, spices, and fine materials shall be but a small list of what we two nations can accomplish.

Another matter of importance is the Bab el-Zakat or "Gate of Charity" better known to Europeans as the Pillars of Hercules… The Strait to the Middle Sea is of great importance to the Gaelic Nations… I wish to ensure that free trade shall remain an agenda for all nations, but should a nation wish to strangle it, then that becomes a concern of all concerned…

It would be a matter of great importance should we be able to meet and form an alliance to keep the Strait open for all… and that Skye ships be able to traverse the narrow straits with freedom from incursion… Please refer all matters thru your emissary to me directly…

Mo’r Triath of the Gaelic Nations,
Adam Aberdeen

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Marius: "Janice this be not a good idea. With the torches of the watch, we are easily observed. Best you take you to the castle. I would not have your connection to the Ebony Tower public knowledge." He takes her hand. "Please". (d)

Janice: "Tis not a tower, Sir, tis a hall. From the house," her voice became a whisper to him, a seeming invisible entity to even all others around them. From the distance at which they were observed it appeared she was only leaning in to listen to her protector for advice on what to do next. Poor, helpless little bird! "a noble residence. Furthermore, Marius, it is thrice as safe as any castle you will ever find." Pushing her hand from his shoulder to lean herself upright, she canted to the night watch to begin the escorting. Dora had since gone to collect herself and the two boys whom were her sons to join the entourage. She placed the three of them infront so that she and Marius fell near the rear with one of the watchmen behind, and one infront of the little family,so they might speak in private (d)

Marius: Realizing that he was new to Skye, Marius made no further complaint. Yet he kept his hand on his sword for the entire trip. Carefully he kept himself between Janice and some of the torches; he would not have this gentle lady, his lady, as the target for some unknown enemy. More then one he did lean over to place a sot kiss upon her cheek or her neck. He did want this journey to end swiftly. In his brain he knew that for this night the enemy has shot his bolt and would be quiet unless pressed directly. His fears for Janice were not rational; he knew he loved her. If anything should befall her, he was sure he could never live without her. (d)

Janice: His newness hadn't rubbed away; simple chivalry, basic commands all had a subtext. A woman opposing a man's direct command in her protection could be left as she was capable of defending herself or had other means to do so. By no means a warrior, she walked with them through the rich district's streets to turn away at the Church on the right. Avoiding the marketplace, they went as she guided. Streets that were no greater or more than the one's before it. He would notice they walked along the water's edge of the city as the destination appeared before them, a house of stone and brick, of simplistic elegance. It was the last before streets delved down into the labyrinth. "Dora, will you use the great knocker please.." Miss Lynch reached out her middle-aged hand to do so while using the other to swat a thumb out of Loomis' mouth. Janice had no care whether the boy indulged it, but Dora insisted he should act the stout lad three was supposed to be. One, two, and on the third great strike one of the tall doors of the pair opened to reveal one man and one woman. "Mistress Viscreed, you come at late hour.." The Bavarian accent of the woman melded with the accent of her Italian-French husband, "Come in, La Bella, come in.' (d)

Marius: Once inside, Marius did breathe a sigh of relief. Then he took Janice off to the side for a few moments. Unsurprisingly, he does not berate her overruling him, but she does expect it. Marius's voice is quiet and gentle. My sweet Lady. You are the most surprising person I have ever met. You are so sweet and quiet, and yet there you are giving orders to the watch. The more I am with you, the more impressed and intrigued I am. You do know that I am never ever going to let you go." Raising her hand to his lips once again he felt so many things. As always every touch of her was like the very first. (d)

Janice: Once inside, the foyer of the house was inviting to the eye. Indeed, it conquered the common aesthetic of what was fashionable. A chandelier concocted of low lit candles hung over head. The sheen of light spread across a floor made out of white marble that went off towards different areas. In other places, white floor succumbed to black outlay. Beneath their feet each step could echo one hundred miles but the trained never made a single, solitary sound.More than one staircase led to more than one level, spreading out on both sides the house had appeared, and further back it went. The pair whom had answered the door kept a respectful distance from Viscreed and the unknown. The elder man kept a trained eye that pierced dark concealing places, whilst the other was scarred, sightless. He would whisper to the Lady his wife "Go to the Madame." Dora needed no introduction, so went with Bromheilde to be settled in Carlotta's former chambers with her sons. "My silence nor sense of person holds little to do with the sense of others around me Sir. Unfortunately -- I am very used to the display at the Shoppe." She sighed, "Save....there was hope....such a proximity to it was not to be." Weak smile he found as he lowered her kissed hand, forehead to his only one moment before she realized that this state of being would have eyes that watched it. "Recall how I told you that there was more to me than the nature of books?" (d)

Marius: Marius smiled into her eyes, but he did not lose himself, because he forced himself to concentrate on his surroundings, and the very unusual people they had already me and probably were going to meet. Remembering what Jancie had told him, he deeply wished his cousin Nicholas was here. "The Spider" was much more at home with this sort of people then he was. Of course he was "most comfortable" with Janice. Still he knew some of Nicolas's techniques, as they had spent some time together. Marius had listened intently. He had thought that it would be better to hustle Janice up to the castle, and then contact the Ebony Hall. Eventually Janice could return, with the Ebony Hall keeping a very close watch and they would wait until the unknown came to question her. Then he could be captured and questioned. And that would lead them to the power that was so interested in Skye's trade agreements. For now, he was grateful that Janice was safe. For now that would be enough. He would work out an operation with Janice's friends; they would get the man who was so interested in keeping his identity secret. (d)

Janice "Welcome to Laurence House...or what we know as Ebony Hall." The words were enough to give him pause: the young woman turned out with him at her side to not disguise the male portion of adult age, the company she'd come with. Had he any in his kin that were skilled in the arts of diplomacy, matters, nobility, and death? Had he those whom could turn a room into a theater of doom or conceal where masters taught apprentices in a regal household of good repute? If so, mayhap they were destine. From the foyer they walked into a wider room where the ceiling stretched high above their heads. The house was marked by the fashions of Rome, old Greece, France. There was a sumptious elegance that only the eecentric with taste could manage without being goash. The odd man awaited them at the stairway. He spoke, Voltaire his name. Maxamillion Voltaire." "La Bella, the Madame will be with you soon. You are in some trouble, no?" He took her hand, pressing to it a gentleman's kiss. An eye turned than to Marius.."You have friend with you. He knows whatever he may see.." Janice seemed not to flitch from his thin, regal hands nor the cat-like motions of him. "sworn to secrecy, Master Voltaire. I know. Sir Marius deBranbant? This is the Lord Voltaire, to me, he shall always be known as Master Voltaire. Old habit."; (d)

[b[Marius[/b]: Marius inclined his head to the old man. "Any friend of Lady Janice is mine, as is any ally of hers." For a moment he stopped to search for the correct words. Lord Voltaire, Lady Janice is indeed in trouble, through no fault of her own. She has been bidden by the High Lord to translate a certain document for him, a trade agreement. People were ransacking her shope searching for it. I wounded both. When I came back moments later from speaking to the watch, their throats had been slit. There is an individual at large who is most willing to kill and wishes to gain information on a trade agreement, which Janice has. Even after it goes on its way, she will remember it. This puts her life at risk." And he halts for a moment. "If I may add her safety is of great concern to me personally" He takes Janice's hand tenderly in his, and turns to look into her eyes. She always affected him the same way, even here in Ebony Hall, God, she was magnificent and now he could only love her more. (d)

Voltaire and Janice: The old man was advanced in his numbers given they surpassed fifty, but he was fit for his age. Rest assured; the likes of Marius would prove to be no more taxing than were he to be made thinner, and even five years less of age. He drew no conclusion until he'd heard all the information to which he simply put "Yes, or La Bella would not call at such a late hour. It is against good custom. Though no hour is too late, by nature, for the likes of us. You wounded both of these men, though we will have to make due with finding their better rival. At large is a rather dramatic way to put it, Sir deBrabant. They are only after two things. The work of the Lady of Letters, and the Lady.Whom you have seen hence." The hand migrated up, down, over the air around Janice's form, than over his. Such a hand possesed of a sword - what fantastic things he accomplished in his years! "A personl concern? Hm." Janice was put at odds with her freewheeling moments of tender youth under the moon and the decorum before the Order. That good eye looked at interlocked hands, to which Janice did not remove her own. The tender eyes, the ginger exchange ofglance. Aye me. It happened to all at one point, only not all youth carried such a storied past as the one he'd elected. "Rest assured that is noted. Her safety has been among our chief concerns.." Since her arrival? No, more since her birth. "You mean to introduce him to the lot, don't you, La Bella." The Beauty. That was his name for her amidst others that different members had, nor would it ever change. He placed a paternal kiss against her brow. "La Bella is a treasure. For all your sudden poetry, make sure a few days of swept beauty is more than just a few days more. If you hurt her, there are more ways to kill you in this one house than exist in Christendom without my motion. God help you, if one of us needs to move." He told Janice to await the Madame within one of the sitting rooms. (d)

Marius: Marius listened carefully. He did totally agree with the name La Bella. "M'lord Voltaire, this lady will receive no hurt from me" His voice is most quiet and respectful; this is Lord Voltaire's place, and he, Marius, is only a visitor. "She has wished to introduce me to her "guardians" before I come to them with a certain request. I do admit to intentions toward Lady Janice, but they are of the most honorable." He can't help himself, he looks over to her again. Marius cannot ever get enough of her, and he knows it. (d)

Voltaire and Janice: "They should be nothing but. " His last words slit the thought of impropriety in twain with a snarl that slid out of his liquid voice. Voltaire then vanished, leaving them alone. She sighed heavily, sitting with him on a long chaise. All was dark, until she reached out to strike to life a candle or three. "He is one of many, Marius. One of many and he is very right. If he wanted to, you would be dead where you stand with no chance to react. " It emphasized a simple fact "For all our coming devotions, we must also proceed in our ...courting, with sense." She pulled what had caused so much trouble, a satchel at her back, to sit under her feet. (d)

Marius: Marius decides to be competely truthful to this man. "Lord Voltair, I do not come before you tonight to request permission to court Lady Janice. As of yet I am unable to provide for her. Therefore I make no formal request. The very moment that is possible, rest assured that I shall return here to ask your permission." Turning to Janice. "Lovely lady, I do know well that these people could arrange my death any place or any time should they wish. But M'lord " as he speaks to the old lord "I have given my loyalty to Skye and my heart is held by your La Bella. You will have no reason to demand my life." Marius pauses for quite a long moment. "And it is my intention to reveal nothing of this Hall, including those I meet here." He gives the man a small smile; he understand well their need to total secrecy. (d)

Voltaire and Janice: The Master was not able to take his leave for the night rambled on as if this were the only chance to make his request. What he did not seem to realize was that he was but one of many to impress with making his poetic rambling life valid. Concrete proof would ascertain his tongue wagging by over half, but the rest he could give to love's fractions. He offered a half-smile with finger to mouth in suggestion that he rambled long. "Less poetry in your verse, sir. Less poetry. Thy youth betrays you in this. Speak here with your head. If you are of it, the rest will fall in good translation. I am only one man of many whom care for La Bella's fortunes." In the figurative sense of self and the literal sense of asset. In that he had no coin of his own he would watch with great care, taking care to mentor the lady further in how to secure her futures. He had offered such guidance once, and his star pupil excelled him at it now. The doors were shut to leave them alone. "You are nervous." Janice said, admiring that it was because of her he'd become so flustered. The threat of life was almost cliche, almost novel. What made it harder was that her livlihood, her peace, was violated. Perhaps his company could heal it. The more logical of the pair by years of practice drestraint, she at last let her arms go about his middle, her head come to his shoulder completely devoid of sensible talk. "This night. I wish it would go away, save for the beginning of it." (d)[/color][/font]

[mariusdebrabant]

At that moment, a short attractive woman appeared from a side corridor. Marius had, of course, never met this woman, but he did note that her face was set and most unattractively, as opposed to the rest of her which might be called appealing, but that face was almost frightening. Janice recognized her immediately. "Oh Claramae" She ran to her friend of many years. Claramae, smiled enigmatically, and gently guided her friend out of the room and away to get some rest, much needed after her ordeal.

Marius turned to Lord Voltaire. "I thank you M'lord for your kindness" Marius used the formal mode of address; he did not know if the man was a noble or not, but Janice called him Lord and that was enough for him. After a day of military exercise, followed by the fight and then the murder of the burglars, he was tired. Yet he had to speak to this man to initiate the services of Ebony Hall in this whole episode. "Lord Voltaire, Your people can move all over this isle. Would you be so kind as to send them over to the docks this very night. I need to know if someone suddenly needs to get off Skye, and where they are going." The older man grinned at him, telling Marius that such orders had already gone out. "Above all, do not hold or hinder him in any way." He almost bites his tonuge. "I would much enjoy a long private chat with this person, as I've no doubt would you. But his employer must not suspect that we have any knowledge of him" Lord Voltaire again nodded approvingly. "I do understand Sir Marius. I also tell you that one day, when such reticence is not necessary, we will indeed have such a "discussion" with this person and he will receive our justice." Marius simply inclined his head in agreement. Perhaps he too cold be present at that chat.

Marius noted that the older man's single eye seemed to actually glow when he spoke of meeting the man who had so violated Janice. Marius knew little of this man save he did appear Italian and moved with both grace and agility of a level usually seen in a much youger man. "There is one more thing sir. Until we determine otherwise, I would respectfully request that your associates keep the bookstore under observation and Lady Janice as well. She cannot remain here indefinitely. She belongs out in the world." He smiles. All right, she belonged out in the world with him. Lord Voltaire smiled gently, the man understood that the one before him cared much for little Janice. And he also did aprove of this Marius's conceern for her safety. "It will be done as you wish Sir Marius. Janice is quite dear to us as well.

Finally relieved of all his immediate concerns, Marius prepared to take his leave. "With your permission Lord Voltaire, I shall take my leave and report back to my barracks." "Stay here boy, you'll get more sleep and tomorrow may be just as exacting as today was." Marius recognized the wisdom of his words, and allowed himself to be escorted to another room holding a large, comfortable bed. This day had been more trying for him then any battle he had ever fought. Without trying, and even fighting, it simply overwhelmed him and claimed him scant minutes after he lay down.

(Note: The characters of Claramae and Lord Voltaire were used with the express permission of Livie, their creator)

[Master Claramae St. Laurence]

"He is overly poetic. He is also green, in the ways between men and women. These are not too terrible qualities. The first and second can be polished. So it is being polished in his lady of choice. Still, with what has come to light we must be careful with him around our Angel, no?" She did not spy upon their private time the night before. It was uncouth to look in on one's own when there wasn't a pressing reason. Claramae was able to see the difference when illustrated.

The stone alcove of the hall seemed no more than a wide shape of a mason's design bridging the high ceiling from one end to the next. In reality, it did not even bend as it was designed, but was a straight away twixt one area and the next. The side walls were in fact panes of glass fixed into supporting stone. She used her right hand to trace idle circles in the pane in front of her. Lord Voltaire stood with her, the eldest of the men in these walls. Hers was a company surrounded by many men and their few, bold women.

"We are going to see the High Lady come the morrow, Madonna. We will no doubt find out what we need, and more besides. Do not concern yourself too deeply. This is why there are others. This is why there is me."

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Marius: Marius slept late the next day, probably because no one was there to wake him, and he was totally exhausted from the day before. When he did waken there was tray of food next to his bed. Even more remarkably was his good surcoat and undertunic both on a small table neatly folded and ready for wear. Even fresh linen was provided for him; his fresh linen. Ebony Hall definitely had long talons. There was also a small rolled parchment placed there. He read it; it confirmed his worst suspicions. There was also a note. It stated simply that the High Lady was expecting them both. Marius ate, and was shown to an area for bathing. He did that and even carefully shaved his face. After he was dried and dressed, he awaited the expected summons. He was quite sure that he would not be allowed to simply wander around Ebony Hall unescorted, and it would be an excellent idea not even to try. His patience was rewarded (d)

Voltaire: Those that come forth in good faith find it returned. Honesty with honesty. In the same state of earnest, it was not hard to find the upturned paw of a great, black beast more than willing to caress one cheek if a different, overturned hand would strike out against the enemey. Cold, calculationg individuals were not without their humanity. It was what seperated them from the godless, from the damned. The room he was offered was not one to be scoffed at; had the third son of a baron on the heathen outskirts ever partaken in such things as a bed with curved bird beak hooks for the curtains that drew shut, or was offer end a fire that burned high? Did he slumber upon heated stone at his feet or beneath the stuffings of warm feathers, fur? It would be Bromhielde that had seen to his necessity without him being able to bare witness to her effect. How many ways in, how many out? Did he even want to know? "Are you ready for your audience?" The voice came from down the hall, where a smartly attired Voltaire was approaching him (d)

Marius: "Lord Voltaire, my thanks to you M'lord for everything. I hope I do meet with your approval" Jestingly he modeled his garb for the head of the Ebony Tower. I am ready and I do thank you for your work and your associates as well..If the Lady Janice is ready, we can proceed to the castle and see the High Lady." I believe that Skye will in some months be once again menaced for a foreign fore and a more dangerous one we have not met. His face mirrored the concern in his voice. "God willing Skye will again prevail. God and the valiant people of Skye that is. He favored the older man with a small smile. All of Skye would rise to fight for her, from the highest to the lowest. And it might well come to that, or so Marius believed. (d)

Voltaire: "You're welcome, though your thanks is slightly misplaced. Tis the Lady of the house that keeps thee and sees they well tended. The Governess, The Baroness, a Master. You may elect which title you prefer. This is her home alongside the others whom rank higher than I." He laughed, watching youth do its impressing parade of approval. He nodded his ascent, following him down the long hall, "She will be with us in a moment, Mistress Lynch and the Lady Voltaire are helping to prepare her. Sir, you speak far too much on the spirit of the people when thus is yet, a matter of person. You need keep your faith and your relics of soveriegn victory yet at a hush. You, consequently, should fear if Lord Aberdeen's proposals become a great public bout at less than the Merchant's Guild Halls or celebrated a profit in the square. There is too much at stake be that so. For now, let us remain simple. We are to inform Her Grace. In turn, she will relay to her husband, for they rule equitably. In the interim, Janice's safety is always provided for. The Hall has kept her for the likes of years, while you have had days at the task. Not that I discount you.." He cautioned, brokering no reason to take offense, "Only that there is quite a bit to the tale." (d)

Marius: Marius laughed. "There is indeed much to the tale, and I await Lady Janice for the telling." He continues on a much more serious note. "I agree completely about this document being no more then a trade discussion. I will speak my mind only to the High Lady. I do believe she may know this already." His voice becomes a bit nervous. "You understand that this sort of work is not my area of expertise. I am a warrior. Dearly do I wish for the presence here of my cousin, Nicholas de Brabant. He would most quickly draw a most complete picture of what is happening. I'm sure you have heard of him." Marius gives him another smile, as his head begins to turn in numerous directions, already searching for Lady Janice. No matter what Marius knows she will look simply beautiful. (Note his cousin is known as the Spider) (d)

Voltaire and Janice: "Nicholas deBrabant. Let us hope you keep such an affiliation silent. Again, such names you should not idily toss about. Sir, this world with its manners and diligence is but one modality upon the surface. Become a little rough beneath the mannered, chivalrous collar, or you won't live long to make good on the courtship ritual." The hand lifted upward, then shut as advice accompanied hand gestures. Down steps they would go. Many steps, many rooms Ebony Hall seemed to be made up of. As many steps as they had taken Janice was not devoid of the same. With Dora upon her right, Bromheilde at the left, she emerged from the double doors of her room to move minutes after Marius had passed. "As you are taking up a matter of court, and La Bella is a lesser courtier, you will ride in the carriage today. It provides a certain point to those watching on roofs who understand power above all else." He turned his head to spy his own wife in company with the youth whom refused to be elvated, but would be ,surely, for her troubles. Gentry turned a rather lovely shade of Noble in a dress of deep black die. the sleeves, the collar were fur lined. At the center of the bodice was a broch crafted of a stunning diamond set in gold. Understated, but enough. her hair had been twisted up and braid about her head, with small ornate pins to hold it in place. (d)

Marius: "I agree most completely about the mention of my cousin. It is to you only I have spoken of him. Besides there are enough de Brabant's running about Europe." When his eyes beheld Jacice, his tongue caught in his throat and words would fail him to describe her, and the old emotions and feeling took over again. Incredible, she was more lovely then ever. He did manage one thing; she did need to get her hair out of that bun more often. She was always a princess to him; now she did indeed look like one. Without a second of hesitation he put out his right arm for her to take. He whispered in her ear. "Waiting for you has been like an eternity, and I would do i all over again for such a sight. You are even more beautiful My Lady." (d)

Voltaire and Janice:"Good. Than say nothing of the other deBrabant unless it is to those in these walls. It is for the best, lest they consider you among his intrigues. Ah La Bella is ready, the gentleman, should you both follow me please. He would make falicitations to both Dora Lynch, and to Lady Voltaire with a kiss to the cheek of his prized Barvarian bride. Years had earned him the luxury of being so lax in public with his show of affection. For Janice? She passed easily from the keep of women onto Marius' arm. Her face flushed pink, as she uttered a cant of head in thanks to his high praise. "You are too kind." Let it also be known that herein, should the world dissolve, Ebony Hall would remain and so would she within it. No, she did not wear such things within a bookstore! Outside would be awaiting them a carriage of elegance


Marius:Marius did whisper one last thing to Lord Voltaire. "My cousin may be coming here to seek service. Only for the High Lady's ears." He escorted Janice out to the carriage, gliding as if upon ice. He did feel truly this was a fairy tale, yet in the back of mind lurked the dangers; those he could see, and more importantly, those he could not. At least through all this Janice would be kept safe. Inside the carriage, he could tear his eyes off her. "You are magnificent" It was all he could get out, and his cheeks went red as he spoke, but it was true. And he knew it always would be. The coach was clattering through the streets up to Griffin Castle. (d)

Janice and Voltaire: "Thank you. You look handsome, too. Not a day for books nor for field excersise, is it?" Humor kept the mood light while in the back of her thoughts it lurked in a dark, torrid place. She felt as it was in the time before when her back was watched, her sides, her front . When from the ground itself along to hair tips were under scrutiny, under seige. It was bad enough when the Hall took her in to their fold, now when life had settled and love came to call it began again. As the carriage moved through thestone streets, to pass the Griffin Gate, she held her breath. Voltaire would put a gentle hand against her knee before removing the impliment to the door's edge. "Keep a keen ear to report what we learn back to the Madame. I fathom it shall include her decision in some way upon how to keep heads attached." The young lady was not unaccustomed to morbid speak. She canted her head, aware of the gently suggested command. So was this entire world. Elegant. Elegant and downright deadly as it craddled them in a velvet hands. (d)

Marius: Once inside the castle Marius of course assisted her in alighting from the coach. He had a good memory and easily retraced his steps to the audience chamber for the High Lady. Outside, he easily surrendered his weapons to Brom, whispering to him. "Only the High Lord can interrupt this." he looked up into the eyes of the trusted servant of the Duchess to let him understand the seriousness of it all. A silent nod was his only response, but Marius needed nothing else; he would die rather then let anyone anything enter that room. Inside upon her throne like chair awaited the Duchess. Marius escorted Janice all the way there before stopping for them to bow and courtsey. (d)

Beathag: "Sae then, ye are here Sir n' nay alone as the custom o' the day seeks. Mistress Viscreed, Lord Voltaire, g'day." The doors were sealed as the woman rose from her chair to met the one step below them for today they met in the wide hall. "Come, walk with me. Ah think better when we dae. We take a different route tae m'other rooms." Brom was amazing to the extent of which he guarded. While the one door remained close, he opened another one, smaller in size to the left. Beathag wasted no time as the party moved along. "M'husbands agreeances have gotten ye intae a lot o' trouble. Seems we learned o' some Spanish plots n' ye are the result of it. Tell me wot happened." Janice did not offer up her side of the tale, so it would be up to Marius to do so (d)

Marius: "High Lady, simply put Lady Janice's shop was ransacked, and much destroyed of her work that took her years to amass. I overheard them and they were speaking of a certain trade agreement and when they had to obtain it by. I wounded them both as they left. When I came back from speaking with the Watch, both had their throats slit. There a third man who killed the other two to protect his identify. He gave them gold in advance. At Lady Janice's insistence we we were escorted to ebony Hall. I engaged Lord Voltaire and his associates to inquire into the matter. I did take it upon myself to instruct him; to find the man, since I was sure he would flee. Let him go and find out where he went. I received a message from him that our culprit fled immediately to France, even paying the ship to set sail a day early. (d)

Beathag: "You are trying to mark yer mark early upon arrival, aren't ye? Hmm. Have a mind tae stay calm n' mind the General's commands as tha' is yer first priority though I worn ye, ye are at the Ebony Talon's beck n' call now. Ah know Master Voltaire won't be abusin the privelge given his own civic profession." The man gave a cant of his head to mark the words into his heart as a command, while looking to Marius to observe him whilst they all spoke. Soon, they opened out of a passage and into the informal sitting room where in she took her seat again. The mark of ages wore itself in her eyes, her mind, but not a face that seemed to age far slower than others. Ten years past she was, ten years past what most marked her for. Youth's appearance instructed the mind to be confused whilst the Lady lept a few paces ahead. It was a savory arrangement. She looked over to Janice to await the young woman's mouth to open but nothing came without regal prodding. "Wot works did ye lose? Come lady, speak now. The manis not your husband nor your guardian specific. Ye 'ave your own voice, let it be heard." Corners in her eyes wrinkled, the only sign of age still as Janice emerged from behind Voltaire to speak her own piece --

Janice:"It took me some years, Mo'r Oukselo, to acquire my collection of both print and handwriten text, for I traced each one myself. Some came of negotiations with other sellers retiring, others from various households or agents. Some of them are lost, some can be repaired but it shall take much time. Others..such as my commisioned works to be writ o fmy own hand...six months worth of such is ruined beyond repair. I must begin again. I fear my utter ruination if I can not quickly resume busines..." (d)

Marius: Marius's fists clenched hard, when he heard Janice's explanation. He could only guess what such destruction has cost her. He wanted to say so much more, but he yielded to Janice most happily. It hurt him so much that she had taken such an injury. As much as he wished to speak, he would wait for the High Lady to call upon him again. (d)

Janice:"With your permission, your Grace, I should like to state that I am loyal to your husband's request. He shall have his translation, perfected upon the morrow. He shall have me always at his disposal my lady, be it this or other ventures. But might I have leave to repair my shop as well? Being at the end of a trailing arrow is not new to me.."

Beathag:"From wot the Lord has told me of you, nay it isn't. Strange though..." She walked over to Janice, gently lifting her face with a smile, "Tha' they at once cherish and ye are utilized...as such a sweet thing. Ye truly are. Ah miss ye hauntin' m'library. Ah will allow it n' will have a few of my men intermingled with those from Ebony Hall. We shan't draw a public outcry tae this affair. It shall merely be as a botched robbery , a kidnappin, on the lesser extreme. Given it is personal affairs of state n' some of this now falls n' the orders realm Ah prefer it tha' way. N' you..Marius. Hardly here a fortnight n' taken up with the sweet one? N' ye seek no great reward for your deeds?" Evidently, she was testing him. How could she be assured it was now service he would provide of the utmost and not a token he thought to get out of the girl? She was well monied, more than him. Well educated, quite the prize really for any who sought her at station or even above. A few did, turning their eyes but none had yet sought permission for her. Had he? (d)

Marius: "High Lady, I see nothing to even seek reward for. I did capture two burglars, but that is a small thing. I am much more concerned that Lady Janice is safe and that she remains safe." he looked over to Janice and smiled to her; her response alone lit up his entire bordy inside and outside. He then turned back to the Duchess. "High Lady, I must speak honestly, I came here as a warrior to win some renown and perhaps a place. I had no intention of becoming involved in affairs of state. Yet I was given information." He lowers his voice conspiraorially "My cousin Nicholas de Brabant, whom you may have some report of, gave me the information which I said in Bannockburn Tavern, but without mentioning his name. I have some expertise in tactics and strategy. May I have your permission to set the scene as I see it? (d)

Beathag: "Ye may have experience tae lend it to the Ebony Talons whose posistion is tae set the scene as is necessary. Iffn yer cousin is intelligent, he will avail themselves tae them, or risk ruining their affairs, thus ruinin his reputation. All of our galantry n' ways m'lord are nay the lot o' these people whom serve m'husband n' I. Ye would dae wel though, I think, in learnin the facets in case ye may need to call on their assistance if others do nay know how. Ah'm glad ye come on an earnest note..we will still see. Ah grow wary o' a man caught up in intrigue sae fast, thus deep in the heart of' my city. Mah lands, ye understand. Lord Voltaire will see ye receive what instruction he deems fit. This is nay yer principal area o' service, remember ye tha'. Dun dae anythin foolish n' get yerself or the girl hurt, nor the others fer tha' matter." Her voice brokered no objections, with little tandem to negotiate given it was the voice straight of the Isle itself. The Lady Griffin then sighed, seeming to have sunk deep into her own thoughts. She looked at them through a curtain of hair to be pushed away."Ah dae want this solved quickly. Ahdam's work is key tae a great many things. Now please. Go ye back tae life beyond this, for a little. Keep ye all safe, n' leave me to my thoughts awhile (d)

Marius: Marius understood completely that the High Lady wished to hear no more. True, he was no courtier, but he knew when he was being dismissed. He was not pleased for he knew Janice would be hard at work to finish her translation, and he would miss her presence very much. He craved every moment with her. Before withdrawing he too Janice's hand and as always he found himself awash in emotions and wanting her. Again their eyes locked and as always their souls joined. Quietly, they withdrew from the presence of the Duchess. Marius reclaimed his weapons from the every watchful Brom. Outside in the carriage, Marius leaned over to Lord Voltaire, speaking in a whisper. "M'lord, the man who fled, can you find out how he came to Skye, and perhaps who may have come with him? This is most necessary. We need to know if he still exists and if so how he communicates to his exployer." Then Marius sat back in the carriage with Janice close beside him. At last he could perhaps get out of this area and back to where he truly belongs; as a warrior and a commander. (d)

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Janice had played her part with dignity, grace, and presitge. Would not the Lady Inveryne be proud? She had dressed the part of the courtier while speaking her part without too much emotion to mar the presentation. The diamond brooch sparkled in the low lighting of the High Lady's meeting place. Her curtsy featured no fault to be found; once upon a time a girl from the country was awkward at the gesture. Now? She was groomed for more finery beyond her gentry station. A consumate courtier, or a delightful pretender. One may take their pick.

What if you took away the carriage, the ermine, the diamond? What would happen if the hair came down? Like all great events, Cinderealla would return home from the ball. "Marius, I will miss you," she told him when he helped her to slide down from the carriage. She did not want to leave his side. For all of the talk of good sense, of poetry, Janice felt something with Marius even better than the racing of her heart. She felt that with him she was as normal as any young woman who ever set her eyes on something the hands wanted to hold. There was a heart inside she wanted to give, and one to recieve. No course of affection ever ran smooth but did it have to come down to this?

She paid him one last glance before she vanished up the stairs to put away the courtier on the shelf of oft unused play fantasy, and pull back down the Lady of Letters.

Down the long hall the process begun. One pin pulled out, and then another. Three pins, four. Five. The braid fell down with a soft thud against her shoulder, the curs of idle arrangement hanging listless where they would. Fingers undid the diamond brooch to feel the weight of it inside of the palm. Was this the weight of wealth? Between her shoulders twenty diamonds must be pressing as an example to remember. Once the doors to her room was opened, she merely splayed the lot out on her vanity table. The dress? She went for every lacing, every closure, until she was in the chemise that had puffled through the open places to display the rich fabric underneath. She threw on top of the black cotton a wool overdress of conflicting faded khaki. At the desk she sat, staining her fingers with ink straightaway.

To date, there were many in Aberdeen lands that could do many things, but was there a woman who came out a convent? Was there another that could speak God's languages, or those of the desert? If there was not she took pride in it. If there was, he still did. The Lady of Letters was a title of affection.

She would make it one of merit, one of substance.


Adam's letters were turned over into that other tongue one by one until she had made not one copy of the letter, but three. One to be sent, one for his keeping, and one for archiving lest all esle should fail. The fourth would be only that which lay nestled between her ears. In it, she would extend Adam's words in the proper native elegance, exalting the Amir while being sure his points were put across. When she began the sun hung halfway before the mid-day point in the sky. By the time she was finished? It had slipped away.

She would summon up a messanger to approach only his Lordship with the following message: it is done.

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

We Move Along, There, and Back Again

we have our ways of getting by..

"Mum?" Little Loomis gave a look to Dora, those big black eyes of his eyes sadder than an abandoned puppy. "How come we need to move house? How will Da find us when he gets back? What happened? Does Mistress Janice not like her book shop anymore?" Even if it had been vandalized, the book store was a magic place to Loomis, filled with so many pages he had not yet learned to read. He felt the hurt, as if someone struck at a family member and hurt them beyond repair. The little lad popped his thumb in his mouth for comfort and this time he got away with it.

"We are Miz Janice's helpers, aint' we?" Dorie tied another basket cover on, for moving. "Where she go, we go. Me and me little men. Who will get the tinder ready for the fire if not Liam? And who will go tell Miz Janice when the tea be ready, but you Loomis? We have our work cut out, we do." She handed the basket to a cart-man who was there to transfer personal items to Ebony Hall. " There ye go, Clifford. I will be down directly, with me boys."

Liam stood and stared as he saw his clothing and toy sword go off with the rest of it, out the door to the Hall. "The big man there, he don't like children. I see him look at us like we was pests." With that he caught the eye of Loomis and jerked his head in the direction of the door. The boys took off at a run, downstairs, their Mum calling after. When you are eight and three, change from the familiar is too drastic to handle on your own. "Let's play we was grown men!"

"Wait at the main door. I will be right there." She was but they were not.
"Loomis? Liam? Ish! Those boys! I bet they went on to the Hall with the first cart." Dora walked along the luggage and hummed a song of her youth, happy to know at least her Janice was safe from whoever did that damage to the book store. Books were like magic, to Dorie. Word-herbs that she did not know how to use. Respect. That is how she felt for the printed word.

Down the lane the two ran, clump clump their hobnailed practical boots rattled on the cobblestones. To the market? No, they went to see what was in the Cat's Eye Pub. It was a wonder in there, where grown up men went. They thought themselves as little men, so in they went.

Neither considered that the city engineer was walking along, from her morning inspecting recent street repairs when she spotted Dora's children running along, unsupervised. They ran into the pub. Aegraine hot on their heels. her hand reached Loomis first. "Hello there. Is Dora inside this place? Let me go with you and we will see."

Rhythm of Thy Hips
For Dora's Experience within the Cat's Eye

Adventure. God damn the lot of it. A proper lady would not say 'damn' nor seek out God to damn anything. That was the jurisdiction of divinity. Janice felt small by comparison to the great company of Christ, angels, and saints but could not help in all her logic but to still search for an answer. One good night spent as any other woman would spend it; the image was chock full of stolen kisses, embraces, and the happiness in her special secret that someone adored her for more than her innocence. That she could adore them for more than trying to save her. It ended with one realization across the street in the fountain park. It ended with tattered books and blood stained places.

"You needn't worry over me," she told Dora when she came to check on her in the shop. The little Viscreed was nearly hidden behind a mountain of books she was stacking one by one. How long had she been there? She didn't tell time during nor did Mistress Lynch seem to keep it after. Her fingers were rubbed raw from the page by page flipping to see where minute damage was, if any. One pile were the flawless books that were supposed to be, the higher stack was what could be saved either by repairing a page or fixing a cover. Lesser of yet, but only for now, was what couldn't be spared. Just from the oils in fingers or the substances of the world a book could be married. What was in that stack already? One could tell a great bit of chink was being tossed out with it. Good for the fire, then. Good for selling to the scrap collectors and tid-bit takers. Practical penny ages. "I can not be here long. The escort from the Hall has other duties, so it will just need be other days when we may get leave to return here to clean." She choked on her words but refused to let any tears come out. Was she not the Mistress of the home, the establishment? If she let it show how heart broken she was, then her sorrow would become someone elses.

Past the foggy windows the carts rolled on to Ebony Hall, leaving Janice behind. Janice stood to her feet to watch the first one depart, pressing her hand to the glass. It wasn't far to go. It wasn't as if she wouldn't be back. What pulled another string on her heart was that they had to leave at all. Why, God? Why must you be so good to your devout and then so unfair in how you test them? The four of them made it home. With the edition of one more? It was becoming a right slice of heaven.

"Dora, what's the matter? Are you sure that the boys have gone ahead in the wagon?" Her head swung out of the door as Dora passed on her merry way, singing a song that brought a smile to Janice's lips. The mother was sure. Janice couldn't be. She wasn't in the townhouse where their necessaries were made ready for the move. Oh, it was folly to tell Dora that she didn't need anything when Ebony Hall had everything, but the woman was firm in that 'a lady ought 'ave her personals.' The baskets held her favorite skirts, a full length dress perhaps. There were good shoes for business, fancy shoes for affairs, and work shoes that were comfortable because Dora always stuck bits of wool sewn together inside to pad her feet. Bouncing on stone went her quills, paper, inkpots, and ledgers. "I will see you anon, Mistress Dora! God bless you.." she whispered as they went out of sight..

"God bless you."

At least the Almighty would not be fickle in that.

One Night of Peace
Janice's evening with Marius, after the translation's complete

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who fallen asleep in him, ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Jean-Claude:How fondly he looked upon the pages of a tattered torn book that had been scattered on the book keepers floor. Stumbling upon it blind he found the pages to be filled with light, copied by her hands how many times? The scripture of an ancient belief that had sought her death, this Christine that had first copied her thoughts upon blank pages. Through watered eyes his gloved hand did come to pass over her pen name, the binding name that separated her from the rest--Margaux. Through the long hours of the night he had worked through what wined visions had brought him, putting back together a shop dear to a beloved friend. Imagine his surprise to find such a name, but should he have been? Christine had been one of the first to die, killed not of her work, but of her race publishing under a name not of her own to have only her written voice heard. Jean-Claude had proven her theory wrong nearly a hundred times, but the passionate tart had only pushed forward. "I shall be right someday! You will see!" Her last words to a world that would watch her hang in the red dawn. The mid morning sun did find the same color, passing over the floor to find a man weather worn, but much the same. Nearly 20 years had passed since, but still he would prove her wrong a hundred more. "God did make the mountains to be moved, Christine." He spoke as he closed the book, and would dab lightly at his eyes in fond memory of a fallen friend. From the night before he had been stripped of his overcoat, down to the layer that lay against his body, and stained. Raven strands held back by a ribbon of blue, a borrowed token if only to keep them from his eyes--still a mess. Ink, dust, and blood did stain where he had worked; but look there..there was the floor for feet to dance, and a work bench for handsto do much the same. (d

Janice: The sign above the door read "Books and Things: Mistress Viscreed, Proprieter." Six words that between them read as much as one verse writ in an old book the antiquarian in her bid be brought into the collection. Young, flawless fingers seemed to dance along hard leather spines. Familiar, silent friends. Familiar friends with a thousand different voices that would be distinct. One had only to pick up just one of these books to learn what a mind could do. He was over twenty years her senior. Twenty years ago, Janice didn't exist but Jean-Claude did. Whilst his hands fashioned aesthetic blasphemy that only the alleged damned would understand, she was tumbling inside of the safe, warm darkness of her mother. Two separate miracles at the end of life or death. What bound them now was similar to the strings binding parchment to book covers; passion. Three piles had grown in different sizes:. theflawless, the fixable flaw, and the beyond repair. No one asked how long it had taken to undo nor what was going to happen after. Silence, thy name is Viscreed. While the pile of the front books to be undone was minimal, the pile from the secondary room where specialty was kept grew in proportion to an unexpressed disdain. I love you.. said a caress to the blood soaked cover of one piece, I will give you second life..was said in passing eye glance. She was not unsocial; while some scholars grew hunched backs over dimming talow candles, her own remained straight with light that poured into the study. Currently, her fingers were chalk white from scrubbing at the walls. Now, they held a slender needle she used to sew pages back to their binding. It was a complicated process. (d)

Jean-Claude: Thankfully he was indeed a patient man. Though, there was a bit of laughter to leave him, a sound that broke his face of a portrayed misery. "You have such a collection, Mon Cher Ange, I do not fathom why one would come to look for simply one page." He knew she held many keys, to take nations to their knees, but she coded them well. "Here a book in England that would have had you stoned, beside a book of lore." Which one was which? It took more then a brilliant mind to see past the plot thickened ink, and the hard working hands of the scholar. From over the rim of thin silver frames would he look down the hall to watch as she worked, placing the book upon the pile titled without trouble--or at least of the cosmetic type. His gloved hands would come to pass the dried blood soaked pages, and a somber look would capture a sculpted face, too perfect to be real. "I have many treatments for blood." Stains, for ifany knew how to get blood out, it would be Jean-Claude, "But I would fear for the ink." He would hire a hundred hands to sew, stop his business across the nations to see to it her library was complete, but it was fear again that held him. A man of many things, a coward he was not, but to prevent past events..he would keep promises. He loved so few, confided in even less. Of all on the isle it was only Peregrine who knew his work in and out. This reason alone should have kept him quiet, with a life given again--he should have married, lived as others did. However, the madness did not let him be. Coming soon to stand a little beyond where she worked he would look at her again, with but someday even she had to grow up. (d

Janice: They didn't need words to talk as it was. When he laughed, she looked up from the book to peer down the short distance to where he stood as humor took hold. A small smile came on her concetrated features as she pushed up a pair of thin rim spectacles so they didn't fall off her nose. her reply, "Because they were so focused on one thing, they did not see the greater treasure in the room. It is supposed to be in the eye of the beholder though." She switched maginfication glass for another by pushing it away, pulling the other one toward her. The glasses were mounted on a pole with a flat base that allowed the glasses to swivel as needed. Clever, ingenius little bit of thing. The mind that pulsed under the now thick, glowing head of hair! Once, it had been as brown as the earth unplanted .Portions of it still were, but the lightness was heir apparent. Once, her eyes had been as sparkling as two new copper coins in a palm anxious to spend them. Now the glow was sharp, pronounced in a sense of what experience can do. What she carried with her to the city were infantile thoughts; some were abandoned while others blossomed. She worked, she fixed, in a sense she fought with due diligence. "Yes, in England some of my books would be purged, if not me I suppose. That is why I like it here. Nothing is beyond scople." She propped up the right side of her face in the right hand, "Nothing..if you only are willing to reach for it. Once I was afraid to barely reach for the door knob? Now I do. I'd let you try your way to remove the blood too, daring it is. If it weren't for the ink. I've been working on a steadfast ink..both for writing and printing." She mumbled as she caressed the edges of a blood spattered thing she'd have to recopy to her left. "Too little too late for this one. It was, and will be again, a hand copy of Antigone..in Greek." (d)

Jean-Claude: Had they ever needed words? So few things had ever been said between them, yet his love had always been present. He would have paid for her to see the world, charted on the back of ships meant for kings, but her loyalty had kept hergrounded, and for this he would have been the foundation had there been such a need. No, The Lady Viscreed was without want when it came to her own hopes and dreams, working in hands much of her own, there was much he did respect.Such were the fruits of thy labor, when planted with thy own hands. Many on this Isle he did admire for their strength, and many he did envy. He was content to live the rest of his life locked away is the tower, watching the world go by, and waiting to die. His time was close, suppose everyone knew their end, and this reason alone had him write of his fortune built empire of silk gowns, and under the table experiments--to his Godchildren; their keepers until the age was right. "Whoever due to daring cherishes evil is without a city." The one line from Antigone, practiced once before his mother in schools far too constricting with such a mind.It had been his cry for help at the age of 12, when a man coming of age would settle into a profession. "But such a fine city as this.." Jean-Claude would come to the window looking out, the window to hold his reflection, would be his only reminder of how much older he had since become. "I will keep an eye out for it on my next visit to France." My God his hair was a mess, stringy fallen out from the tightly tied ribbon partly. Turning away he found himself surrounded by the warmth that even in this mess of a store, only she could carry. He did cherish evil..for what was taught to him to be evil, would have justice in the youthful mind here. How many times had his mother scolded him,beaten him in place of his whipping boy, for fear of killing another--she would stop with her son. Where did Jean-Claude stand with the open book of Paris? His king, his country..did he pick a side? (d

Janice: "Thank you. Who knows, perhaps I will beat you to it. My work does on occasion take me out of Turas Lan, though it is only as far as the states thus far, to England. France would not be so bad...I should much like to go to where home was, pay respects. There are also things in Paris and in Avignon that are both book and curio." Be still thy heart: the years had seen her move about the world to some degree, though in nothing suited for kings. For all of the eductation the core of self was in so that two hands were better than four giving respite. Her time, as Beathag herself had said, as Adam had noted was marked at court by her passage in the library and the map room. Words were exquisite company failing not where people often did. Jean-Claude nor the others had ever failed her. Claramae found this a point of detraction, but in the end the choice to come to the fore was her own. "For all that they were looking for, they missed a great many things. Here.." she ducked beneath the desk to pull up a box. In opening it were a series of bound sketches with notations. In another time a man named Spinoza would be famed with charting the human form. Here, the Healing Horse would surely be the master of her time, but others had thought on it. "This is a catalogue of the knowledge in the famed libraries at Alexandria that were once there. Under it, a treatise on mummifcation. under that? That is more an odd affectionate keepsake than anything." She pulled up the ledger and passed it to him. "Papa Jacob, Uncle Jacob really but..this is his sketchbook of disections. It is the one I saw, that had me convent bound. It was among the things that Lady Laurence and Sorschal could obtain. See, 3/4 of the book are his, while the first quarter is my natural father, Elusha." (d)

Jean-Claude: A book of sketches, indeed. Open hands would take the ledger with care for him the greatest treasure was of the past, a stroke of mind, and priceless--this was all three. Aislin, he had come to learn was indeed a Master, but no she was not the first, nor was he. Such minds dated back to when Egypt was in it's glory, and beyond. "How proud he would be of you." He spoke with idle thought looking over the sketches. "Many books like this I had found, cutting corners in my own work, but what they did not know.." He would find a drawing of an open hand, the veins that ran through an arm, all connected. "This..Ah, Ma Ange, your Papa was indeed a brilliant man. Though, I would wager many called him a fool." Jean's eyes were as black as coal, the color seeming to bleed into his pupil, making it hard to tell what lines were being read--if they were at all, but he was indeed soaking up the words like the sun. This little angel of morning, had started out right. "Convent indeed..my mother had sent me much the same." He would smirk, thinking of the good it did. Thin pale lips would part to start on a name that was spoken with such tenderness, "Claramae," The name so soft on his tongue, his accent adding romance where there should have been none. "She is indeed very proud, as am I." They all were, "You have had many options, and still you stay with your passion." His gloved hand came to collect her own balancing the book against his arm, squeezing it before it was released. "I will not lie, but it bothers me so that someone so carelessly came through here. It tore apart of your soul, to see these books ruined. Perhaps we should come up with a place to hide the ones most dear.." (d

Janice: Egypt, Greece, perhaps even in Rome which so favored Greecian influence a person could find interest in what was deemed a divine work. People preserved them, people sought to fathom the unfathomable human condition in the most intimate way. Between the brothers Vittergaust, Elusha was the foremost in everything but Jacob was not without his intelligence. What his brother had left in death he finished before he went after. She touched the sketches with afond hand where once they had scared her beyond imagination. A girl-child with nothing but God, work, and words thrust between her ears. She turned her hand over to run it up the back of his before squeezing it again. "It still tears it apart, but if it isn't mended, then it will be ruined. I can't allow that. But it was akin to..please pardon the connection..violated. I would rather stand on that stage a hundred times over than ever see one night of thisruin again..." Yet he was proud? Her smile increased a little to think on the pride that he would have. Once, when even Claramae could not speak to her, he did. When Vance, Sorschal, and all were on the brink of their lives he pulled her back from the oblivion of her own. "That means the world to me. Your pride. I think a part of me will always be searching for it." She looked out over scoured shelves that Dora Lynch had done, the others she'd done, and where Jean-Claude had been. "If his Lordship finds my head of use, they have to be hidden. Goodness, they do." It was an honor to be chosen, but work within the Order was oddly safer than doing one small translation for the Mo'r Triath in public! "The art is everything to me. if I am going to be the Lady of Letters, it may as well be a title of use besides one of good affection." (d)

Jean-Claude: It broke him, to hear the words that fell so from her mouth--killed him with soft words. "This Janice, is your freedom. This little space is your universe, I shall not like to hear of it vandalized again." He moved to replace the book once more within the rest, "There are many places in the Underdark willing to host such a treasure, as you are very right. Or even somewhere in the halls, though I would think even there, they are at risk." Jean would turn on her then, finding the distance between them less important as he spoke of closer, "My pride in you has always been there, and always will." He found his voice raw, as he knew the words that would come then would be some of the hardest he had ever thought of confiding. In books he had written the stars, maps of the night sky to only still work her name. "I would have given you my heart, had I not thought it pointless. Even I would have held you back." The truth would have set him free in this moment, to confess to her the story of 'what if' or 'what would have been' Had he been but a few years younger, and not so selfishly fixed on his work. "After the fires in Paris, I was not the same man..Janice, you would have thought me arrogant," He smiled thinking back of his roguish days, "Outgoing, and careless..but now in my days I am cautious..careful..This is not what love favors. I have heard of this man, who spends his days dreaming of you..and I will watch with pride again as he will take your hand and run with you into the wind." Perhaps it was the lack of sleep, or the wine from the night before but tears did spring to his eyes. "I am so happy to watch you be free..proud of myself for helping you find your wings, and so very happy to see you sour." (d

Janice: "The Hall is perhaps the safest place, though holding them away was a matter of professional pride. Pride is too expensive among pricless things. I think if the city fell to the ground, two things would remain: Ebony Hall, and the Underdark. So moves the foundations of heaven and earth when you find them in one place. The city is wide, the realm is vast but all the matters is twixt Bryante Row and the Labyrinth." Sun, moon, stars. Night and Day. Life and Death. The pillars of it all were upheld between the aforementioned districts with firm hands. Bold, brash indignation and elegance. So much sorrow and joy lived here that the rest of Turas Lan could not understand. To have been touched by the darkness was to be blessed by opportunity. Janice let her hand remain in Jeans, watching the white washed thing oft stand with ink. What were his like cacked in blood? Would those who died so she could live have fingers caked the same as his. All that seperated Viscreed from d'Aquitaine was their choice of ink, the type of paper. "Idolatry is my sin; Ebony Hall is placed upon a pillar little lower than angels where in you are like Apollo in my mind. Claramae and Alendral are my Zeus and Hear, Vance my Hermes. None are loved the same..so you should know, you are loved better by me than you could ever devise, Master Jean-Claude." She looked up to see his eyesmatching her own. It caused her to pull off the spectacles to push them aside, as well as his own. "You're journals to me, every year that mark your visit upon the Hall door to see after me., I have never stopped writing in. You have odd sense of time! They always come just when I've a half page left. Your gifts, your clothes.." she laughed, softly. He all but replaced any tailor at all! Her hand played over the soft skirts before holding to his. "You are all around me. How could I not love you in a way that was more distinct? You are as you are, not without reason, Jean. I do not fault you for it. You keep a piece of me, just as I do you. You needn't be older nor younger for that." She let her lip tremble as she shut her eyes. The tears fell down her cheeks, splattering against her throat. They soaked the cross so it looked as if divinity, too, cried. "I could have gone without ever knowing what is written of in my books for knowing enough to have known it in you. Now there is Marius, and it is more amazing..than anything. I do not know what I shall do if someone is so cruel as to steal that. I did not ask for it, and already it is threatened. Ah me." She looked up at the ceiling, smiling a little. "But it will be better. I have to believe that." (d)

Jean-Claude: It was very selfish to have thought about keeping her, taking her away and whisking her to the tower. He would have kept her like a bird in it's cage, but even he was not that cruel. "For as long as I am alive, I will see to it you have another, and in your husband I will see he too will carry the tradition." His promise was true, and as he fought the tears that did fall he would shake his head, "But this shop.." He took a deep breath closing his eyes, "When Ithe words finally reached me I felt I had failed you. I of all people can say I know when you ache. Lives are lost each day, but when work is destroyed..Everything that I had forced myself to forget, of you each fear was lived. It could have been prevented, had I been open with you." He was at his breaking point, having to catch his breath from fighting back all the raw open emotion that flooded him, "I love you so dearly, that I know that I can promise you
it will be better." He closed his fist over her own, curling her fingers to press them to his lips before he pulled her into him. His arms though not as strong as before still held her with the strength of any man. "Always will you have me," His eyes closed as he bent his chin against the crown of her hair, having always wanted to feel them, to touch them openly without restriction, "He is a good man. One best suited for you. A kind, open, patient man, whosesimple dreams will not see you dead. Do not let this hinder your hope for the future, Angel, let it only make you stronger." It did him. He would release her slowly taking a deep breath trying to compose himself, for this simply was not like him at all. Ada would be in shock. "Forgive me.." He would pull his handkerchief from his pocket to dab at her eyes, clean of course. "It has been a long road, but I would take back nothing." (d

Janice: In a world of selfish perfection the girl may have even lingered in his tower, but inevitably she'd become too much of a butterfly to have her wings clipped short again. Before,they were all but shorn off against her will. He made her look at him with eyes holding no scrutiny. In his odd, crazed genius she began to understand what it was like to have a talent the world couldn't appreciate with a narrow mind. It was through him she could envision a pair of elegant, death made hands that spared her life after an attack on the row; this was Claramae. It was in their bond she was able to see Peregrine for more than his worst qualities. How each of them had such an influence. In Vance she knew what it was like to see ghosts for he saw his dead sister, slain, in her. She had been a semblance of meaning to all of them, and for her they all were the things that made her lot in life easy to understand. She was honored by it! In that moment, the last fleck of shame dissolved. She was the daughter of brilliant minds and devout love stories. She was the daughter of epic faith and the last to live for those that couldn't. Janice was the best of many people, and those people were the best of her. "You did not fail me! Jean-Claude, you could never fail me. This was a choice, all of my choice and while it was naieve of me...to not think such could ever be, there will be no such thoughts again. No, my beloved friend. You need never be forgiven for this." She chuckled softly as he dabbed at her eyes."And despite this...nothing I would change. Not one blessed time from then till this. A convent girl's finest education comes from those who live above and below the Under-dark, you know." She canted her head forward where the gold side flowers that held up her chigon bun could be utlized to spare her life in a sharp edge or delay escape with a dram or two. It was a gift, fashioned akin to one Lady Laurence held for many years. One of Sorschal's commisioned illusions. "Besides that, it is where you are. God bless it, it is a world Marius may actually find entertaining and taxing by way of annoyance some days. He is a good man. He is..well, he is one spectrum of love. He is at one end, you at the other. We move one another from one end to the next." She put her arms around him gently, smiling. "You will never be without me, Master Jean-Claude." She let him go long enough to pick up the box by her desk to take out the contets of her father's work. She slid this inside of his coat. "You are hiding one of my precious volumes. You know, you always asked who was inside of my locket." She clicked it open. "Papa Elusha and Maman." (d)

Jean-Claude: He had known this much of her from before, and smiled with the warmth of all the sun burning inside his chest. "I shall hope to always have you close." He touched her cheek again, "I do hope that, I get to see your children." One of the only children he would bet of the Order, save for Rosalinds. In all the world, he had not known such peace as he did now. "I feel only I can tell you, of how deeply I care by the bit of freedom I too have won. I am surrounded by voices much like my own, and can listen to them talk of subjects that interest me. Up until this land I had wished Peregrine to have let me die those days in the fire. Now..I can breathe again." He smiled, proof of something he could do again, "I live.." Because of her, because of Ada, because of Skye. "In Marius I hope you stay our Angel, but so too must you let go if only a little.." She was right to speak of two ends, for this is how he felt the world two sides, Light to Dark. She was the light, everything about her was that of the sun, and he the night. Jean-Claude was the man you went to seek sanctuary, for none could escape the depths of his madness. His hand came to cover theplace where she hid her father's work, and he did not refuse. He would keep it safe, there in that same place of refuge. "Of those you gather strength from. Kept close to your heart." He smiled touching the locket if only for amoment, "Think of how happy they must be to watch their daughter now. You are just, with a heart of perfection..Mon Ange..Think of it." He would close the locket as he bent to lower his pale lips to kiss her forehead. "But before we put all behind, one trip to Paris..To see the school?" He smiled then, knowing she would know his meaning, to talk her into attending the university. It was hard to tell if he was in jest, or favored the idea. There was much change in him, all of the town knew of it. He was not such a shut in, and walked with his eyes open at best they could. He would force himself to turn from her, lifting the book so stained in blood it could not be salvaged--his experiment for the night. (d

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Someone was out for blood that night.

Janice: "Until two days hence, near the midweek! Bless you this night and all others. Lady Heather.." She had not embraced the entirity of Beathag's offer, but did not refrain from companioning the lady in some ventures. Where it concerned the perfection of English in documentation, a writing of history, or even the work of the Lady as her husband's traditional harper to mind the realm's work one could find her content, zealous to assist. The Lady's household was not of her manner; neither the sort of linens on the bed, nor her wardrobe, nor what languages courtiers spke with aplumb fell to her minding. Above all else? Janice Olivia Viscreed was the Lady of Letters, a keeper of books. She kept excellent penmanship with meticulous records to prove the bounty of her intellect's majesty. At days end, she bid one of the true lady's of Beathag, Heather, fare well. It was under Heather's careful guidance she recieved instruction in how to attend certain gestures of the woman, certain whims. It was a good education all the same. She found that for once her equistrian training would allow her a ride home on a mild winter's evening (d)


Marius: It was a heady day for Marius; he had shown off his skills as a mounted warrior to the Lord Marshal and had been rewarded with silent approval. But he did most certainly need to speak with one very important lady; Janice. He had much to tell her, including the communication from Austria. In truth it been too many days without seeing her. He could not stand it. She did indeed hold his heart in her hands. He prowled the castle, even hoping to meet the Lord Marshal again, but it was Lady Janice that was in his thoughts. Today he had proven himself. Yet, Marius knew that he would be offered no command at this time; he was still quite new here. Perhaps the Lord Marshal would give him an opportunity during some combat in the future? At least he had shown him that he was a competent mounted warrior and worthy of his knighthood. So much to tell Janice. He also knew he must tell her of the letter as well; she should know. And his reason for refusing such a princely offer. Now, he had but to see her most
beautiful face before him and his day would truly be perfect. (d)

Janice:So much to tell, so much to relay! Janice was full of things to tell others but had been bent over book, parchment, and task. Her mouth was silent as things were poured into the waiting vessel of her mind to retain for the coming years. How was it again that she would meet Marius upon a fine horse, as if she were a fine lady? Fantasy was a fantastic force that painted the most exquisite pictures; her hair was in the soft braid at the crown of her head, studed with small pearl pins. Her dress was mahogany beneath a fur lined mantle of rich blue-black. How it must look to parade as what she never considered herself! Marius had a concise definition of stature for his future, came from a world where it was defined. The most traditional had tried to offer her tradtion which was in some way, rebuked. She had only embarked out the stables, toward the gates when she caught sight of him, "Fair eve, Sir Marius!" She waved (d)

Marius: Marius was mounted on Thunder his warhorse, when he heard his name called. He turned his head to see this incredible beautiful and beautiful clothed and coiffed lady upon a magnificent steed. Now this truly was Lady Janice as she should always be, manificent as well as beautiful. "Lady Janice, just person I most wished to see. You are truly magnificent this eventide, as you should always be." Marius himself was still dressed in his armor and simple surcoat over it along with a great, dark heavy cloak t
to ward off the chill of winter. Without any hesitation he maneuvered Thunder beside her mount. Reaching over to take her hand he brought it gently to his lips and once again he was rewarded with the most unbelievable sensations, like the very first time. (d)

Janice: They looked like figurines in their very own little courtly love story; two dolls of feminine beauty and a knight's chivalry. Janice blushed at the height of his praise. Was it too high of a praise? She fathomed now what side of her he more so favored, which side he imagined beside his own. "I look as a woman ought look in the presence of the royalty. Twill come different on the morrow, of work within the shop.And you, my lord are of a fine form. " Janice had ne'er seen him atop his horse. The way he fit upon it was a picture of strength. How was it to see him in a joust, she wondered, the closest she had ever seen of mounted men near battle? She bit into her lip as the picture distracted her enough to take her from the present. "What of your days? You can tell me of them as we ride back down into the city?" (d)

Marius: "Most delighted" The words practically fell out of his mouth. "I was able to demonstrate my abilities for the Lord Marshal, and I received a nod of acknowledgement. Very soon I will be accepted as a mounted warrior of Skye. I was just practicing with my new morning star. I had run into the Lord Marshal the night before in the kitchen and he told me to come and show what I could do. I did show them all with my morning star." He paused for a second. "You would have been very proud of me. I could have shown him so much more, but I had not the opportunity. I just know that one day soon it will come. And I won't be marching around in the dirt anymore." It all came out in such a rush. "I do wish you could have been there to see it." The last words were spoken with true regret. "You should have been there as you are now a true queen; the queen of my heart." (d)

Janice: WIthout further delay the road lifted to meet the feet of the horses as they went downard from the heights of mountains into the sea-side city below. He was enthusiastic ever as the days increased in number! Skye was becoming to the Austrian, she thought. At the talk of mounted service she gasped softly, "Truly! So then tis no trouble for you to become a mounted warrior! Oh love, this is extraordinary news!" His speech was also tempered by some new found patience as his craving to be mounted was at least satied. How he was changing! New life meant new times, no? The reigns in her hand were adjusted to lay soft across one palm as the other brushed stray hair from her eyes. "I should much like to see you, should it be no distraction and allowed. Oh, I should! I can only imagine the grandeur you shall build, Marius. Of my own exploits they are simplistic: I learn of the Duchess, she allows me ease into her private maps and books, her historical work of the realm to be made into fitting English. Upon the end of such day spent I return towards those that know me best. Twould not do to keep poor Mistress Lynch wondering what would become of her, or our livlihood together. Ah me. But glad am I her Ladyship hath not decreed me remain on high. A queen of your heart is enough. But to be jeweled as one, or see even in these years those who still doubt our lady's sovereignty, or her husband's heart unto her! Such petty things. Books are not so." (d)

Marius: Marius smiled across the short interval into her eyes. "You will never be a petty thing, most especially to this warrior. You are my lady." he continued very quietly so that only she could hear. "And someday my wife" Marius did not blush; in fact he was more and more easily accepting Janice as his lifelong companion. But he did go to another subject. "So you want to see me in action? If the training officers will allow it on the next training day for the cavalry. Janice, I do know that you have felt more comfortable in humble attire, but here as you are now is how I believe you were meant to be." Such a light shone in his eyes as he spoke. His pride was radiating from him as rays from the sun itself. And you are truly worthy of a king. He actually didn't realize he had said that last. Had he gone too far? He just looked so helplessly sheepish. (d)

Janice: "No, I shan't, but some always remain petty! The Griffin Court women have such grace to bear the prejudice issued forth against some of them, but I would rather remain in my shop ignorant of it some days. It should be denounced in the public, but one can not change the ancient heads of an ancient state. They are still for all things new." Janice based her thought upon what was seen, what was felt. Would such whispers suck the want to examine the history of the Isle up close away? Questions aplenty were asked to only God while they road. Soon the castle path became that of the city proper, winding them through the streets. "The way one dresses has so little to do with what is truly within them. Your words are said by others. At days in these gowns, I feel like a peacoke being paraded around some exotic menagerie. (d)

Marius: Marius just laughed. "You can always be my peacoke, for I shall never tire of you dessed so finely. It is what you were meant for, just like your books, scrolls, and map. And you are a most wonderous treat for my eyes. Yes, even more then usual." He was so proud of her. Yet he admitted to himself that he was always proud of her accomplishments,especially in letters. "You are a most unusual woman; a scholar, a magnificent form to put any gown upon, and you have friends in the strangest places. How can I help but be intrigued and totally beguiled by you Lady Janice. I have truly never met another like you, and I daresay I never shall." Again, the words just burst out of his mouth as if from a bombard. Marius fought to control his runaway mouth. There was another topic which needed to be spoken of this night. He braced himself. "Janice, I received a communication from the Empire; from Austria." (d)

Janice: "Intrigued yes, beguiled..no." She shook her head as the horse bobbed its own as if to agree. There was laughter, too! Oh so much laughter as she envisioned herself trussed up to the nines and stuck on Bryante Row, such a comical enterprise. Still, he was right. There were so many strange places, so many strange people in her world. Being a court fixture made about as much sense as a book store, or scholarly persuits. She saw herself in intrigues inso much as she sought to be devoid of them. "You will then be my admirer, my lord with peacoke to court? That makes for quite an image, Marius." As they turned a corner she let herself ride close enough to touch his hand as the crowds thinned out. "What word of Austria? I am surprised they would make way with you after your story.." She thought nothing of it, nor noticed that he braced himself as if for shock. (d)

Marius: This time Marius licked his lips nervously. "They have made me a princely offer to return to them. Command in the Imperial Armies, lands, the title ot Count, and the hand of Lady Kunagunda of Swabia; the great heiress." He was glad that he got that all out. Marius just looked at her with his adoring eyes. He truly did not have to even tell her his answer but he did so. "I did not accept the offer of course. Instead I informed the High Lord and reaffirmed my allegiance to Skye." He continued to drinkin her beauty, before he continued. "Had the message reached me three weeks earlier, it would have been accepted, as it was all I could ever want. It was their way of saying a mistake had been made and this would make it all right. I have given my allegiance to Skye without any qualification or expectation. And that is that." Now when he looked at her his face was set as if granite. He had made his decision and given his word. No more need be said. (d)

Janice: Word of Austria was met with the young woman of mixed heritage to forget the English language. She began to speak in French of her shock. Was he to leave? Was he going to take what he desired of landed match while her own heart my shatter? For a moment she thought she might. For a moment she thought that everything was just as much a dream as her own logic deemed it to be. Waking up was cruel; reality began to take her to the sticking place before fear could be calmed. He said he made a promise of alleigance, of service. Yes, while the past would be recognized, he cared more for the future? Janice was relieved yet confused. A book did not cover the course of love. "But, is it so simple? You might have had anything you ever wished, even a landed, beautiful woman who would do better in such a court than ever the likes of me." She felt for an instant her reluctance of court a glaring mark aganst her, imagined or no. (d)

Marius: Marius answered her carefully. "It is true that you would not do well in an Austrian or Imperial Court. Yet, there is also the promise of my heart. Did you truly think I would abandon you? If so you are much mistaken." Then for a moment his face darkens. "Still I do yearn for the moment when I can properly provide for you. I know there are no lands to give out at Skye, only positions with salaries. I was a slave for many years; first to my father and then to the Duke. The knighthood should have freed me from that. I should have been awarded a fief as all knights deserved. But the tap on the shoulder cost the Duke nothing. All I got was a move to small private room, out of the baracks. And now, above all when I have another person to consider, I am not much better off." Softly. "If I were I would marry you this minute, though I think you would prefer something grander in the cathedral" (d)

Marius: "No, I would not." The admission met with his words pricked tears to her eyes of self-lessening stature. Was it enough to love one like she? A scholar, a book keep, who would be eaten alive by Austria for not wishing to embrace all she was taught. "Marius, I do not want your absence. For things like this, for the sake of..war or coin..I fear for it. The knighthood should have done you many things but were it always so than the convent should have freed me from the outer world, not fed me things that would coax me in to it. Even now, do I do wrong, or right? What is our place and is it enough? I would love you even if you were not of great esteem, your esteem is enough to me. Yet you would not live off of my earnings, nor is it proper to allow it. You do wrong your hand too much in what it builds for perception of me to reside in." She rubbed his hand, "Twill all come, but you must have faith. Be it twelve years, or more. My word is my vow, my vow my oath of always. Tis time that would better serve us in courtship. What wealth is exchanged matters truly more to you sir than ever it does me. I did not always have such fine things, and could be absent of them again." Or was it but one fine thing - the books - that would hurt her to be without. "Advance thy own ambitions Marius absent of doing it for me, or I will become a burden to you. What man wants that? Even I am not so naieve as to think a man goes made trying to prepare himself of marriage. Tis why he is often the elder and his bride the younger. " She pulled away, riding to the edge of the street as she looked out to some district of business. "It is you I care of, not your stature. Though I do have my fears. Of a peace that will not last..of..what happened upon the shop not being the last thing. That is a great many things for any man to consider." (d)

Marius: Marius trots up to her and leans over in his stirrups. "Lady Janice, will you marry me?" That is all he has to say to her. The lady has made it quite plain that he is all she wants. And in truth she is what he wants. (d)

Janice: "Marius......." She whispered softly, in complete shock by the question he was to ask her. That he did ask her. "Upon when did you think the marriage to take place?" Pragmatism. Concentration. Janice swallowed as she suddenly so her future cracked open in such a way, so much changed within a matter of a mere fortnight. (d)

Marius: "Beloved, I would wish to be your husband as soon as possible. A betrothal of no more then a month. And I would like very much to see us married in the great cathedral; so all the other woman can be envious of you." This time he leaned over, even mounted as he was, and kissed her long and full on the lips; his own body and mind swept up into a paroxysm of swirling emotions. Gods, he wants her so badly in every possible way. He loves her with his heart and soul. (d)

Janice:"Marius we have only just begun, please believe me when I say that I love you. This much I know without fail but..a month? Are not these things to last longer..how can we set a month when in complete earnest I can no more trust the shadows o'erhead than the ground underneath.:" She leaned over to him as the future was in talk of discussion. From a distant roof another pondered the future. He was swarthed in black infamy. He tasted disdain for their simple, idle lives. He swallowed it with a mixture of Berber contempt. That little bytch was the Lord's word woman. What of the man beside her. Guard, lover? It mattered precious little. Janice leaned over to continue speaking, "Let us make it two, if not three. There is much to arrange Marius...much to." Before she could say more, the animal on which she rode became restless. Hands went to soothe it, but no sooner than she had did an arrow sail from the roof, landing one inch from the horse's hooves. Its point of sail left a wicked cut on her forearm, though sank not within. She backed away, looking all around as she had enough sence to keep hold of the reigns. "Damn it," the man snarled, preparing another sequence. (d)

Marius: "No" screamed Marius as he slapped the rump of her horse sending it galloping forward. His crossbow, hung on Thunder was already in his hands and he saw the arrow and the archer. Fortunately, his crossbow spoke true with it's first bolt and the dark clad figure toppled to the pavement. Using a special piece at his belt, Marius quickly reloaded with another bolt. He found no other target. Instead of waiting for the Watch, he dismounted and took up the body of dead assassin. Then his pushed his mount forward to catch up with Janice. He could see she was thoroughly surprised but by no means terrified. He commanded, and there was no hint or compromise in his voice. "Back to Ebony Hall" With the head assassin over his saddle, and Janice's reins in his other hand, he led them both at a quick trot. Help was going to be needed to unravel this. And that was where they were headed. (d)

Janice: Sense captured her throat with an invisible hand; it was that sense coupled with shock that bid her not to scream out to draw notice of the scene. Her heart raced as the horse went faster than she ever commanded a mount to go! A slap on the ass, an arrow, stirred the creature to its edge. Her soothing tone was almost lost in the shake of her body, but the last bit of command came as the reigns were surrendered to Marius' keeping. To the hall! It was not an unwelcome suggestion, yet they would have more opposition than they intended. Another arrow, shot from a different location caught the fragile ankles of Janice's horse, causing the creature to topple over into Marius! "Marius!" She gasped this time, pulling enough of what was in the reigns to make the horse go side ways enough to not put her under the knight's steed for crushing. Someone was out for blood that night.

to be continued...

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

"You're going about it wrong," one Spaniard said to the other from a seperate roof as he watched another fellow shoot the arrow that collapsed the girl's horse. On the back of the man's steed was the body of one of the leaders, for rest assured after what became of the litte merchant venture their backs were aptly covered. More than one entity was after what the odd little woman's scholastic ability deciphered for the godless Moors. "Go for the one here," he indicated the man that wore a tunic with little else. Capability aside, a mounted warrior was vunerable from their aerial perspective.

Long bow, short bow. If he could take out the man with his crossbow bolt they would have little more to worry over save the struggles of a hapless woman. What were women, anyway? She was merely the smart whore to a country just as ungodly as any land of Berbers, so he cared little what became of it, of her, so long as he returned to Castille to collect the coin promised. Were the opposing faction Aragonese? Ah well. This too, mattered little. To the victor go the spoils....

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Marius: Marius is really worried as he sees Janice and her mount go down. He knows that in these narrow streets, the assassins had an advantage. If nothing else, Marius was an exemplary horseman, and tonight he proved it when it mattered most. Without breaking stride, he leaned over, reached down, and took solid hold of Janice's outstretched arm, pulling her up and behind him on Thunder. "Hold tight Love" Marius spurred the mount to make their escape. More bolts were emenating from other hidden assassins. More by lucky then skill one of them landed just in front of Thunder's hoof. It was just enough to throw the mount and Marius off balance; as he had both Janice behind him and the dead assassin in front of him. For an instant Thunder went down and so did Marius and Janice. The horse was well trained and managed to right itself and keep going. Marius and Janice were not so luck, being dumped on the street, along with the dead man. Unless they could get to safety, they were at the mercy of their intended killers. (d)

Janice: The fall worked on a woman's physical endurance, practicality, and the ability to maintain any semblance of sense while the world erupted in a flurry of wickedness surounding. Janice would have been stuck twixt equine and stone if it weren't for Marius' hands. Once on his back, she braced herself by wrapping her arms around him. To his words? She only nodded, channeling fear into the intense grip that kept her astride of Thunder. The streets here were empty, but the sound of bolts splitting through the shadows made her head turn this way or that? How many could be wedged into these side thoroughfares? Marius was well skilled on the mount, and were this any other time the maiden might commend the soon to be mounted rider of the Skye Calvary. Alas, Thunder had better fortune than they. She winced as she felt the more uprisen portions of the stone press into her arms, her sides, and back. There was hardly any time to feel let alone think as the vantage point procured her a view she wished she hadn't seen. The outline of a man was evident if one but began at the shows, than moved their way up. A bolt would be wasted on closed quarter combat. What combat, exactly? The man may be fast, but the girl was literally within arm's reach. Or ankle, as it were. "Marius?" She turned her head over to see if he was well, reaching out one palm to begin to get herself up, to tell him of what she'd seen. No sooner was this done than she was forced flat again, finding herself pulled. By the time she screamed half of her was already in the dark. "MARIUS!" The Spaniard was suprised by how much force one small thing could exurt. She stalled him by digging her nails into the mud between the stones, kicked legs hard enough to constitute some level of difficulty..but the darknsds was still swallowing her up. "MARIUS!" Was it to be his worst nightmare? The last he'd hear of her for the time was her scream...and then nothing. (d)

Marius: Marius managed to roll with the fall; he had been unhorsed before. He had his bastard sword and his daggers. At close quarters, daggers which could be thrown or used as a hand weapon, were the optimum weapons. One of the assassins was suddenly right in front of him. The warrior in Marius jumped to the fore; a second later and the man went down in a heap with a throat slit end to end. Down from the roof came another; seemed to slide down a drainpipe. One of Marius's dagger caught him in the shoulder. With those seconds gained, He drew his sword; scratch another assassin. By this time the street was indeed silent. The screech of bolts could no longer be heard. Marius was relieved but his eyes searched again and again through the darkness until he was totally sure there were no more enemies against them. (d)


Janice:"You are so small, to cause so much trouble." The Spanish language seered Janice's ears as the man had pulled her back, back away from the fighting where her hand reached out for a man who couldn't take it. Marius looked around the silence he'd fashioned but found only the echoing screams of Janice to greet him. No Janice, no sign of her! Where had she gone! The city was infernal in situations such as this; the Spaniard had spent time noticing the construction of twisting streets, how if he took one over the other, he could be more hidden. "Marius, Marius!" She struggled when the man took her up by the back of her collar. "Shut up!" He snarled, knowing she understood full well without him having to speak so unappealing, so unappetizing a tongue as English. She whimpered, but still struggled. His path came to a halt as she dug her hands into a side wall. He would smack at her wrists with a closed fist, causing her to scream out until he took up her hair in a fistful...under her twisted hair! Memory clicked into focus into just what held aloft the twist. Bringing her hands back, she pulled apart the requisite piece of the golden flower ornament. For a time it grew silent..and should the knight be tracking? He would find the way when he heard a man's scream, instead of Janice's! (d)

Marius: Marius had indeed heard Janice's screamed. Being Marius, he did not hesitate and sped after her. He could well guess that the other two were distractions for him. he kept after her in the general direction of the sound. But when the sound ceased; he came to the end of a street and he had no clue which way to turn. His anger was white hot and the one who had committed this atrocity would pay dearly for it and even more dearly if Janice was so much as scratched. Then he was rewarded with a male scream.
Knowing Janice he took off. He was one man and swiftly he over took the shadowy figure trying to run and drag something that sppeared to protesting. Marius took a chance, swiftly a dagger flew and it hit the fleeing figure in his shoulder. Dropping his burden, the fugitive attempted to continue his flight, but to no avail. Marius caught up to him and grabbed the dagger already imbedded in the man's shoulder and twisted it. The scream of anguish could be heard for a dozen city blocks. Taking some rope from the man's belt, Marius bound and even gagged him. He dragged the would be kidnapper back to Janice. Relieved to find the love of his life unhurt, but still shaken. From the ground he raised her up and held her tight against him, kissing her passionately. "I thought I had lost you" Marius's relief and love were so obvious. "You lady had better no frighten me like that again. Don't forget we are betrothed." Marius meant every word, but his mind was also working. Who were these men and why a Lady of Letters marked for death. This man would be tough, difficult to break, but Marius was a very determined man, and his time was unlimited. It was going to be a very long night. (d)

Janice: He was quick, prolific, and deadly. Were he not so devoted to mounted warfare he may have made a delightful edition to the people of the Ebony Talon. Her cries mixed now with that of a man in pain. The golden piece had broken off to be a sharp dagger on one end, with a golden bit of flora on the other. Her methods were quick, not meant to be neat, but effective. First she stabbed through the top of his palm, immobliizing his fingers as blood poured from a fresh wound. Next, as he grabbed at her with his opposite hand, she was tossed against a wall. Then would come the dagger coming down into his upper thigh. By the time Marius arrived the Spaniard was a shocked, bleeding bit of himself that was able to be felled by the swift Austrian's tactics. "What in the name of hell are you, and this one? Why does it take this many to fell you." He screamed out, rather late, to the blessed Santa Maria to spare him the indignity of being bound by heathens! She slid against the ground, breathing rapidly while the dagger was slid haphazard to hold up the sag in her hair, clicking to its mate. What passion, what zealous hands moved to be quick enough to inflict even that much hurt to a man twice her size? The darkness showed one thing of interest: Marius. "She reached her hand up to feel his face, lock her arms around him before the kiss was returned with a vigor she didn't know she possessed. So many were afraid of losing her that it was distinct when one was afraid of losing himself in the process. "I shall..try my lord. It was no tmy intention. Believe that.." She swallowed, looking at the bound, struggling man. "He is speaking in Spanish. I know Spanish. So do those where you would take him. So we..can..continue.on our destination. We should merely take another route..Where they had been the watch came when a felled lady's horse called out in pain. Thunder road on, within the city. To heavens' knew where. "Once we are at Ebony Hall..we can..send someone to find your horse.." (d)

Marius: Marius chuckled. "Just wait" He even almost smiled. It was the best he could muster after what they had just been through. Minutes later, Thunder came trotting up to his master as if he had merely ben coming out of the stable. "Now you come back." Still his master played with his mane and stroked him well. "At least you made it back." From the men of the watch he procured more rope and spent some minutes tying a most intricate knot. He waved it in front of the prisoner before putting it around his neck; it was a hangman's knot. The wretch understood well that if he tried to escape he would strangle slowly. Always keeping the rope in his hand, Marius once again swung easily up into his saddle. Even with one hand it took little effort for him to bring his little scholar up behind him. "Now Love, pick us a safe way to the Hall. At her direction they started off once again with their prisoner in tow. (d)

Janice:"As you desire." Janice turned her head so that she would not watch the binding of the Spaniard. He was made to follow the likes of them while she directed them through the narrow streets instead of the main streets. Sweetness. That was all she desired of life. Sweet, gentle things. It was not to be without some great trial. Some terrible happenstance that would shape her into what she no more wanted to be. Around another corner, they came upon the sight of the good, stately house. "About the back" she whispered to the likes of them. Already, the guardians that had been called off would need to be returned. Silence did not equate to the end. What was this? What was in that agreement, in the forging of this alliance that would cause them to harm the translator? "You are looking for something else." She specified in the language of the Spaniard, causing him to look up. Her observation came in that language on distinct purpose. But what were they looking for? The Mo'r Triath had not yet replied to her message, hence she fathomed that it was all done. No, it was not done. She touched the stones in sequence, bringing them to where the man might be stored, locked into a room. "There, lock the doors. Lock it...leave him for now: She almost pleaded in the tone..she merely wished to be with him, to soak it in (D)

Marius: Marius let Thunder go to a man who took his reins. "Take good care of him. He has performed splendidly this night." Then he took Janice's hand and went inside the Hall once again. He whispered quietly to the servant who approached that Lady Janice was to have her own room, but that they would need some time alone together. As if his wishes had already been anticipated they are lead to a small chamber and the door is closed behind them. (d)[/color]

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Janice: "God in heaven. Tis happening again." Janice muttered in a voice thick with a rage she couldn't express, twisted in a sadness that was the first to come forward. Under her dress that was torn in some places, dirt covered in others was a nice smattering of bruises for her trouble. Her heart wore ones that went deeper. The lacerations there would take longer to heal. Her forehead went against the door while her hand brushed against it. "Peace of mind. It really is all in the mind, if not an abseloute illusion." As she pushed back from the door, she winced Hands were bruised, too, from a nice collection of cobble stone imprints. What would be said to Mistress Lynch, who would be aghast at such hurt? What of the others, who'd already risked so much? What of..just being..of having, and fearing for its loss? Somewhere, between her own frustrations and the taste of fear lay the reason that had to be unraveled as to why. (d)

Marius: Marius was most unquiet as well. He was a warrior, well used to keeping it all pent up, but tonight was just too much for him. Battles, skirmishes, and ambushes had not affected him as this one night had. But it was not for his own safety that he feared. It was this little scholar and bookseller. It took no expert to see that ehe was totally worked up and almost ready to lose it. Marius was not going to let that happen. He just walked over to her and easily draped his arm over her shoulder as he gently turned her around to face him. "Easy Love, it's all over. You are safe" Marius gave her his most reassuring smile. Then he just held her close against him; she needed it and truthfully so did her. He almost lost her tonight; it was close. Just the feel of her body against his sent his emotions once again into overdrive. With all that had happened to them, at this moment he wanted nothing more then to truly become one with her. Exerting every ounce of his self control he managed to calm himself just a bit; it was enough. He could could feel Janice respondsing to him as well; they needed each other desperately. If anything, this night's work had multiplied that need for them both. He just held her most silently for both of them. (d)


Janice: She shut her eyes to feel the years thrum up against the back of her head. Bolting her down, the past poured in through her ears whispers of the auction where she stood in far less than what was worn each day for the alleged good of everything. Her wrists ached, her arms burned from the incisions that had drained poison to save her life. Her memory fought with itself in constant collision. God, if she could only find the words to tell him ..."No, it isn't.." she wrasped, letting him enfold her in his arms. If that could erase the pain, then why not? She winced when he held her, still unfolding her arms to capture him anyhow. By now, the hair was free of its twist to be in its free length. How did it smell to him? A woman with no intent to drive men wild might find in surprise that it was done with minimal effort. A small body curled among a large one. Strength for softness. " It just isn't...." To be come one, body, mind and soul passed her ideal for a flitting second when a bit of his masculine presence broke through the haze in her mind, but was lost as she recalled those who would have paid a fortune for it. Who still would, and she grew sick by it. What had she chosen? Had she done right? Worse yet were pieces of a life trying to fight for dominance with the present she had no want to explain..."Oow.." She hissed, pushing away from him as she walked to the fire. "I'm sorry..Marius.....I'm sorry..."


While Erstwhile, in another part far from them..

Claramae:"My spanish is fluent" A woman sliced a moonbeam in half with her stride, replying to the main who groaned, cursed in the language. His wounds had been cleaned, bandaged. But rest assured he was bound to where he sat. What as inflicted on him would be nothing compared to what awaited him (d)

Marius: As gently and tenderly as he could Marius looked down into her eyes and spoke to the lady who held his heart. "Janice, you have nothing to be sorry for. Tonight we were both caught by surprise. You behaved courageously and intelligently. I could ask for no more from anyone." he paused for a second. "One day soon, you are going to have to tell me more about your past. It will help me to understand you better." He just leaned down and kissed her. He leaned into that kiss, almost overwhelming the both of them with overpowering emotions. It was a very long kiss. Finally, by mutual consent it was ended. His fingers found themselves entwined in her blond hairs and wanting never t leave them. "And you are never going to get away from me." (d)

Janice:"Don't I? Would this naught have happened to any other or is it only because of some way my star is aligned in heaven? They say that to follow the stars is to follow the heathens but perhaps they are right. I was born under some cursed omen." She retorted, almost angry in being soothed when part of her wanted to scream. "If you wish to wed me, you should know. Do you have the stomach to know.." She shook her head, wanting to pull away from him when he brought her in to a kiss. Whimpering, refusal turned to mutual acceptance as a selfish part of her ingested the comfort he provided. Her nose would nuzzle against his face, when the kiss ended. Eyes filled with tears, she wondered if she could truly keep. She wondered if he would be hers to truly keep. "I love you." It was not coated in other things, wrapped around other words.. "I don't know if we should do this...be this..Marius....it could get you killed." Her heart broke at her own words, but could she be that selfish as to find another night like this with him in it? She bit into her lip, kissing his cheek. No doubt any refusal she brokered with come with his strong protest..

"Protest, I dare you.." Madame took leave of Voltaire. In the exchange of a half hour the man was pale in the face. His Spanish pride was being laid against the table similar to the posistion a side of his face was in. "Castille, we see. The sort of Spanish gives it away. Hence, we continue. Castille, in league with Aragon. The Crowns then are united or are close.." The spaniard spit at her shoe, causing a risen eyebrow. Heathens, heathens! The King will not keep you long. That little book woman, with her translation. We will get a hand on it, if not her. " Claramae could ascertain much from boast. His face was white because Voltaire had sufficiently held his neck in his hand before pressing him down to the table. Now,the lady pulled on black gloves. When least expected, her grip at the back of his neck opened her eyes. "For every lie, I will push further. Every push brings me closer to either disabling your head from turning, or the snapping of your neck itself. Tis your choice...now. What are your designs against this nation?" (d)



Marius Marius just looked at her. "You are not cursed Janice. And the only fault was that of our High Lord who gave you this assignment without explaining its significance to you. It is more then a trade agreement, and it will put Skye in much danger and very soon. I love you with all my heart, and absolutely nothing on this earth, especially some Castillan Assassin is going to stop me from marrying you.. Get used it it." he smiled again as he continued. "I know you have brought much with you; there is much in your past. The best way is to tell me. Still you will not be rid of me. And we shall marry soon. I've taken gold from the two who ransacked your shop, and tonight both the dead one and the one we captured held very weighty purses, which are also mine. I'm no longer as poor as I was. This is more gold then I have ever seen at many years. Plus my salary is now higher as a heavy cavalry warrior." He smiled down to her again. "I love you." (d)


Janice and Claramae:"Be mindful...Marius." Janice traced the side of his face with her hands, "He didn't know, lest he wouldn't have entrusted it to so plain a translator. It is in them, don't you see? There is something that he stirs his hands in that someone in Castile or Aragon wishes to cut off. It frightens me, " His simplistic viewpoints brought some peace to her mind so that logic, oh clear logic, could take hold. Tracing the outline of his lips the young woman would say, "More than a month, Marius. I love you, but it would not do to hurry hence toward the altar lest it seem as if we have some torrid affair to remedy, or some great haste to make." She smiled, finding that his straight-forward ambition included as much simplicity in a way as hers did. A place to call home, a place of merit, and one that made it matter. "More than a month, sir..." That moment's respite was marred as the walls were rocked by a lingering, long scream from the Spaniard. It was conducted in a room of purpose that none would disturb them with petty involvement nor doubt the force of the work. She curled into his arms.."More than a month..to reconcile all unto this..more than a month."


"The King is not content with the Mo'r Triath because of his alliances and dealings, so he seeks an unknown means to cut them off?" The woman considered what she knew, what Adam didn't. She considered his diplomacy tainted with this malady and found that the remedy would need come swift. Quick. The side room where Marius and Janice remained would find it was knocked upon thrice, as Bromheilde summonded them to come to the Madame's study.

"God.." The calm he'd given her fell away, leaving her shaking in his arms. (d)

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

"You soothe me and distress me in spades.."

Marius: Marius intended to clear the air once and for all, and not just about information, but about himself and Janice. She was still clinging to him. Marius knew that this night had drained all of her resources. He held her close and he could feel her body, needing his support. He would always be there for her. Lord Vontaire and Brumhilde were waiting for them. Marius left Janice for a few minutes, while he conversed with the older man and the lady. They were in deep and almost intimate conversation. At one point in the conversation both Brumhilde and her husband smiled knowingly. It was Marius who deliberately kept the speech to a whisper; it was necessary. Both the Lord and Lady of Ebony Hall then retired. Marius brought Janice forward and sat her down on a very well padded sofa. "You need to be put fully in the picture. I'm sure you've heard of Isabella, formerly of England. She's back in Spain and her upcoming marriage will unite Castille and Aragon. Once united, they will turn their attention Grenada, to bring all of Spain under their rule. What was the High Lord of Skye doing? He is making up with their enemy; the Sultan of Moracco who rules Grenada, and Pillars of Hercules. That Trade document you translated is practically a declaration of war against a united Spain. Now, I also found out that the man who arranged the burglary and ransacking of your shop came here on the same vessel with another man. I have his description. I think he is a servant in the castle, and that he is the one who found out about the trade document and you doing the translating. And he's still here. I've made arrangements with Lord Voltaire. They will keep him under observation; so that we know how he communicates with his employer." He takes a long breath. "The assassin we captured didn't speak. I could tell his was not only Spanish but Castillian. The accent is peculiar. Lord Voltaire's people confirmed my suspicion. But that tell us nothing. Men like this will work for anyone who pays them, normally. He is probably Castillian. Tomorrow I will speak to Lady Heather at the castle to confirm my suspicions." He takes her chin and lifts it up so that their eyes can meet. "I have also informed them that we are officially betrothed and will be married in two months time. It wasn't even a surprise to them. Lady Janice Olivia de Brabant. It has good ring to it." (d)

Janice: The air rang with the crisp, pronounced cries of the Castillian before it subsided into a stark contrast against an elegant nothing. The walls had been opened on purpose that evening so that any who sought to 'contradict' methods or detract to be a deserter knew that neither were tolerable. Left alone, Janice would watch the fire from an idle place. It didn't leap like it ought, or move. Maybe it was because in her mind the world was stalled. Through a curtain of gold-brown hair, she watched as the Lord and Lady Voltaire entertained the Knight in a fashion that reminded her of how those within these halls oft spoke. It was at once a comfort that settled a vein of suspicion within; how was he acquiring such good faith in such short time? News came out of his mouth that was not public knowledge, how was he privy to thus? Was it discussed in the circles of government? "How come you across such news." The terse, blunt tone surprised even she as it was continued with an arched brow. "You are familiar with them, and you speak of the Lady Heather as if too also seek a familiarity. Marius, while I do not fault you your aid nor claim, I do not think a man would be so fool-hardy as to stand among the castle's staff. Not since the days when a man nearly killed the Duchess does such ever occur. Tis too obvious a ploy when too obvious has been done. No, no that I do not believe. There are no Castillian accents within the service save for the Captain de la Costa, and he is not an interloper, he is a resident many these years..and mercantile.(and a real character, that is mercantile). No..profess this to the High Lord if you wish, as I do, but pull nothing towards the others. If it becomes business of this Hall than I can not let it be..no." She shook her head in vehement protest while working on the first portions of what he'd said. "This is..not new..but they have wed, this is quite unsavory for the longer run. You are quite right" Janice found her head throbbed. Her untended bruies still throbbed. "I need to be rid of these clothes, this pain and this..head. It aches, it isn't clear." His proximity within her world was in stark contrast to what he didn't know of it. He was molding in, too far, too fast. Or was it to be kept close, to be watched? It wasn't his fault that all of this came with all of her. The stagnant fire was a figment of her head, roaring suspicions were natural. "Marius..we are to be summoned by the Lady Vincere St. Laurence, no doubt. We ought not go before her physicaly disjointed." She took up his hands, kissing his cheek in the process. "Forgive me." (d)

Marius: Marius held her close, and did redden when she kissed his cheek. "Love of my life, there is much about me you do not know. My cousin Nicholas has given me much information and some techniques. I am no spymaster, but I can put the information together. I found out that Lady Heather runs the castle household. Spain has agents that do not even sound or look Spanish. If he came to the castle he probably even came with references. As for the rest of it, it makes sense. Once I was told about Isabella returning to Spain, it all fit together. Tomorrow, I find out for sure. But right at this moment it is a pretty sure bet." Marius looks down at the floor before he speaks again after a very long moment. "My lovely Janice, we are both caught up in a web, which is not of our making. You do not wish to be threatened and I have no wish to play spymaster. Yet here we are. As if in a card game, we have been dealt these hands, we must play with what's here. I wanted simply to be a warrior and to rise to a comand. Tis not our choice, but here we are. One other thing. I have always had a strategic sense, and I can easily read a map." Marius held her closeto himself once again and felt as he always did. In his heart he wished he could weave a cocoon around her to keep her safe from the entire world. He wished for so much, a life, a family, and each other. (d)

Janice and Claramae: "You take hold to this world with too much zeal Marius: Would this be a map you would truly wish to read if you had a choice? Betrothed, to a woman who has not yet told her the entirity of her story, who is fool enough to accept you in that state. Your intimacy with this world frightens me at the proficiency in your deduction. Maps, cards, euphamisms and allegories Marius." The anger relaxed to a somewhat better sense of calm than before. She pulled him closer, gently letting her arms go around him. " You have no desire to play spymaster, but you are betrothed to one whom has sworn an oath to them. Marriage, Marius.." she ran a hand up to his face, "Will not cure me of that. It won't cure me of books, or languages, or this. I travel to collect curios..now it may even be to deliver things or decipher. We are here. You are here. You have a choice though. Yes, I have one but in many ways I've made mine. Not for what tonight entailed no, but to know of such nights." Her forehead came to rest against his"Can you embrace all of this as you do me now?"

"Tell me more.." By now the Castillian couldn't feel his face, nor could he much of his arm for that matter. Be it the places she'd touched or the fact of the steel that restricted it to the back of the chair, he knew not. What he did know was that the petite instrument of destruction long ago earned his respect. Now, he was scared for what little of his life she'd leave him if he survived. He told her things of Castile, of Aragon that only the intimate would know. He told her things that pleased her enough to forgo insult to injury by marring him with burns. "You will call them both to me, if you please. This one may be now taken to the dungeons to be dealt with in a fitting fashion?" "Will he speak, or prove a burden?" "Not hardly. By the time he is healed he will not even be able to accost a cat." Inhibiting him was akin to gelding a horse. It made him useless, lackluster. It would mark him for death should he ever venture farther than the edges of the Continent - that would be if he was not tried and executed first. Kicking out his chair, the man fell to the floor to be caught by the other guards. All of this was done in a dress so dark that none would have found any incriminating stains. She was so dazzingly bizarre.


"Bromheilde told us some time agone we would be wanted. We should make ready.." Janice leaned in to press her mouth against his. For once, she did not become overtimid in sampling a taste of it. As if each kiss could be the last to be had, she made sure to cherish the experience. (d)

Marius: Marius just reveled in her; for the very first time she stepped up and took him; perhaps it was the shared danger that brought them even closer. They were melded together; their bodies fitting as if they were one. There was no other world; there was just the two of them and that was all that mattered. Marius put his arms around her; he touseled her luscious blond mane, which he did so enjoy. But then reality intruded upon them and they went with Lord Voltaire and the Master. Neither one of them wanted to go; they wanted to just remain together.(d)

Janice:For the very first time she wanted to lay claim to someone with the special, physical affection that was so sacred between them. He was not book, nor bell, nor parchment. He was not an inanimate object so much stoxk was placed in but a man whom she was tethered up with. Her hand went up the back of his hair, and for once a sigh came through her lis. If only, she thought. If onlyReality was the heralded that ruined the precious time. Voltaire emphasized the summons so Janice had to let him go. Before the meeting, 'Lady Viscreed' sank into a prepared tub of warm water, rose oils, and her concentration. For the first time she rose to whole heartedly contradict her future lord and husband upon the thought of the castle's infiltration by way of the people. That was not possible. "I still object, my lord.." the young woman sank beneath the water with only her eyes above it. It was habit, really. A quirky, strange bit of thing that Dora Lynch found 'amusing. Whilst she missed the good mistress in direct company of her, she had to ponder the situation at hand. Infiltration. Reference. Castillian-Spanish. Castle. The four tier phrase repeated itself when she was dressed a'fresh in one of the simplistic, but beloved gowns bereft of much ornamentation. The one difference would be upon her reshowing was the fact her hair was left unbound as it finished drying. Should Marius seek to refresh, he was given his former lodgings in which to do so, allowing them to both be escorted soon enough outside of the two doors that would lead to the study of the madame.(d)

Marius: arose and then carefully dried himself off, before putting on a clean set of clothing. It took no small time to make himself look presentable. Finally, he took a deep breath and went out into the hallway, knowing he would be directed to the Lord and Lady of the Hall. He was not disappointed. A servant acted as his guide and escort. Soon, once again, he found himself in front of the Lord and Lady. Soon Janice joined them. Marius looked and smiled to her, before taking her hand in his. (d)

Janice: "My Lord." The hand in his was small, soft. He could see that fresh bathed skin still reconciled with pebble mark bruises. The doors would be opened by Voltaire and Bromheilde, while Bromheilde paid him an actual phrase with a bit of advice, "You speak to old nobility and one of the Order's grandmasters." The house in which they belonged was the original commision of two individuals: Sorschal and St. Laurence. Of the two, St Laurence awaited them. While a few steps in, when the Lady rose Janice came into a deep, reverant curtsy. "Master Laurence."

Claramae: To prepare for one interlude was to be done with remnants of the last. Her hands were cleaned, her hair freshly twisted with a stylish French Cap atop of it. "Good evening, Janice." The gentle, intimate use of a first name could calm a fluttering heart, could it not? She lifted the young woman's chin as if to say the head should rise, not too long lowered. She was not royalty, after all. "And you, Sir deBrabrant. It seems you are ensared in a bit of the darker business. Thicker and thicker it becomes, yet you seem to entangle yourself all the more." (d)

Marius: Marius politely inclined his head to to the woman who was not introduced. He suspected that she was the Lady Claramae Vincent St. Laurence. "I am quite a bit more then some simple sword swinger. Not by choice. I do believe you have heard of my cousin Nicholas. He gave me some instruction and does keep in touch. Rather, also, I did things for theDuke of Austria that also opened my eyes. Not to get to current cases, I am entangled because Lady Janice is entangled. I have to need to find out why, how, and by whom. This began with burglarizing and destruction of her shop. Tonight, I was as much a target as she was. I have already uncovered quite a bit and tomorrow will see much more. I fear there is little you can add to my knowledge, at least of our current difficulties. Yes, the assassin was Castillian; I recognized the accent as well, and from what I heard, he was rather resistant to your interrogation. If he was merely a bought man, he would simply have talked, as this was part of the profession and save himself the agony. He did not do this, which shows him to be a motivated man from his native country. We have brought the ire of an almost united Spain down upon ourselvs for this so called Trade docuent, which is much more. I would be happy to hear any more details if you have them." His face gave her a small smile. He knew he was performing, but at the same time it would give them pleasure to tell him what he didn't know, and Marius wanted every bit of information he could gather, by whatever means possible. (d)

Claramae: The Lady listened with attentive ear as he spoke of what he was and whom he knew that allowed him to form such intimate proximity or pretend that he knew more that could be bartered with at her table. It was admirable, that he at least came to the forefront of the agenda. Her presence while he spoke was so not even her throat flashed as she breathed. No movement of the eyes, nothing of the mouth. One would have presumed her an exquisite work of art hadn't she begun to walk closer towards him. Around him, in survey. "So that is the way of it. Your kin is of knowledge to me due to my own service to the Empire. He would not appreciate such a flippant use of his name, too often mentioned in these halls as you know not what sort of foreign hostility or praise awaited it. That was not intelligent of you to do. Your sword arm, and your prowess seem to serve you much better. You are alive, which is suitable for both Mistress Viscreed and myself. It would not due to have one of the Griffin warriors meet his untimely end in a sloppily done bit of business on some stride alley street, would it? No. What have you uncovered? Pray, share. It would behove you to be forthright because allow me to be plain: Within these walls should you so much as breathe wrong, that will be the end of you. While I favor Mistress Viscreed and her choices heavily, I will not be afraid to undo that which threatens many. You are somewhat cokey, if not arrognat in your presumptions. There is more to be added to your knowledge in spite of current difficulties. It is too early to have the complete puzzle. Furthermore, the Castillian has spoken. Do you assume it was not done because of what is before you?" A woman whom stood at five feet, four inches, attired in fine velvet fashions? "Again, you are highly mistaken. What I do concur with you on is that the Lord's ambitions have thrust a one Viscreed and one deBrabant into quite the center of hostility. Sit. " She offered him a chair with a sweep of her hand as she returned on her track
towards her own chair..

Janice: "He has belief that the castle may have been infiltrated --- while I do not share that belief, I have considered which of the two castles one might infiltrate..but fear it was not the castle they meant to." She began, sparing no time for more words to go between the two of yet. Of all the ones to play games with, she was not sure if St. Laurence was where he ought to begin. "And...I have something that may unify his suposition..to another."

Claramae: The Lady Laurence recognized that he was attempting to unravel the case of his own merit, well that simply would not be happening. He might as well accept his presence in their business where he would be of aid, not of hinderance. There were things of him she respected. Things of him she felt needed tempering. "Go on. Yes it is often figured to think first upon this angle but here it is quite impossible. The royal household is guarded not only in its metal but in its members."

Janice:"But the Blue Castle may have been lacking on such a day. The seat of the government, and dignataries but I think that it was but a ground for the true spot...Marius, recall you the day we met? The night, too? When we went to the Scholar's Hall, among the maps?" (d)

Marius: Marius made rather a point of annoying the woman standing before him. "I have heard no great font of information which you supposedly brought forth from the assassin. You seem to spend more time fruitlessly in attempting to insult me. Save your breath and give us the information rquired. " He more happily turned his attention to Janice. "Sweet Lady I do indeed recall that day. I came looking to learn of Skye and I found you. Did you notice something in Scholar's Hall? I fear my attention was strictly upon you. Please, anything you remember that might be helpful, speak now." (d)


Claramae: "It is not for me to reward you with what you seek first. You forget it is the other way around. But that is beside the point now. Mistress Viscreed has the floor."

Janice:Janice listened to Marius and flushed in such embarrasment that if he didn't see it, he was blind . Swallowing the bile out of her throat she went on with the logic while a man hated one, and a woman was a crisp as ice. "The Scholar's Libraries are within the Templars domain. As we crossed over the maps, they knew of me but not of you. They seemed to linger awhile I recalled, and left as I showed you a map of the city. We spoke also on Templar knights, of the treasure ships. It may seem strange to consider, but the infiltration of a Spaniard to the Knight is not so far fetched. One of the newer residence is Spanish, the same in fact that lingered on us awhile. A Templar would know as much of this city as any intimate servant - tis Templar founded. they would also know that the maps include those from the continent..perhaps hidden in plain sight are the designs of a united Spanish crown. I can not believe in the castle's infiltration but in this...I see a marriage of ideas."

Claramae:"Yes, it would have merit. Your deductions can be joined in this idea more readily than in the first. This melds well for the Castillian mentioned something that would settle to investigate such. I have leave to tell you that your shop's repairs will soon be finished. Should you wish to return to your home at that time, you may, and well guarded."


Janice: "Thank you, Master Laurence. I am sorry for the way in which Sir deBrabant has spoken to you.."

Claramae: "Do not be. He is not the first nor will he be the last. I will leave you both for a time at which you may join me to view the information which the Castillian surrendered. Perhaps you will be a more appealing font, mistress." With that the Lady rose up and seemed to go with all the quickness of smoke.

Janice: When the last bit of her skirt's hem disappeared with the closing of the door, Janice looked at Marius with a glare that could have sliced him in half. "Are you mad? Do you listen to nothing they tell you. This is no place to try your hand for here you are their hand, Marius! Wish you to be welcome further into this end of the life than you must recognize the Master of the House when you see her! Not only that..she is the Lord's personal political advisor, his English Govenor, and one of his confidants! Marius you soothe me then distress me in spades. Whatever game you seek to play here, stop it. Simply stop it! She is also one of my guardians!" (d)

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

"Bend me. Break me. Test me to the ends of all limits, see what I will do. Oh, you will be suprised what I will do. Still, I am nothing without the absolute truth.."


Marius:: Marius is very gently caressing Janice's cheek. ]"I know I am in some danger here. But I do believe candor is best with the Voltaires and Lady St. Laurence. Calm yourself." He holds her tight up against him. He speaks a bit hesitantly at first, but then more firmly. 'Love, the time has come for you to tell me about your backround and your connections to Ebony Hall. I need to know what I'm getting myself into. The Voltaires don't particularly frightenme but your friend Claramae does. She tortured that man without a qualm. So I need to know what happening here." He stops for a couple of seconds. 'And whatever she thinks I am totally cognizant of the political situation. And for the record I am unimpressed by a High Lord who informs you about this necessary translation in a tavern. That was damned stupid, whether politely said or otherwise. I know much more then most warriors ever will. I've done some things as well, for the Duke, plus my cousin's instruction."(d)

Janice: A hand unto her face couldn't quell the utter embarrasment that flushed her cheeks scarlet before the anger took hold. She remained as unmoving as a piece of marble save for the head that ticked to the side, letting his hand have a place. Yet the more he talked, the more she wanted to scream. Just a few words would leave her as vunerable to him as if she were without a stich of cothing on. The latter half of his words featured an insult to the man whom was the master of the nation's fate! Her eyes widened, wherein she found the anger took a firm root before ste stepped away from him. 'While the ignorance of these surroundings is my fault, and my own to remedy? You, Sir, have a pride at want to be made smaller, with some shred of humility! It is not for you to be impressed with his Lordship when had he known what was given, he would have given it better." He was not the only one that thought in such a way, but such thoughts had their place, their time. Anger was at once latching to the tangible, and grasping at straws.'it is for you to impress upon him your worth, your esteem, and if you are unimpresed with him why you made a rather long venture for nothing! In other's presence I have noticed..be it the way of men or simply your way at times I know not. You wish to speak among those of the castle but why would, if ever he knew, you be allowed there? Your cousin's instruction PALES to the full tome of knowledge he is for living the life completely. You pass judgement while holding no full room for it to be excersised! By certain the land is odd, it's people strange, but you do not know them! If you seek first impressions to be all you take to judge them on then you have given a woman whom has power ,power in one hand than the both of us may muster together a piss poor one!" That was as close to swearing as she was in no mood to be tread upon. "We have been tossed from horses, shot upon, all in the name of some unknown thing requiring all of us. Aye, I must give you my closely guarded secrets but you must also be willing to lay down your prejudice or it is all for nothing. My hands be clean but my lineage is as sordid as that woman's qualm to kill without second thoughts. She does it for Adam. For what you serve she serves. She is on the same side of the battle lines as you. If you wish to know anything truly of me, or truly of this realm you will learn to open your head and open your eyes and admit that what was learned in Europe will be of no use to you here otherwise. How think you life was carved here by any of us? What we knew comes down by half." She turned on her heel, pulling back the doors to head out of them. (d)

Marius: Marius goes after her and takes hold of her by her shoulders. "Well Love, you've certainly had your say and a bit more" He does kiss her again gently on the neck. "It part of my curse that I can see things very clearly; cut through all the details and come to the core of it all." He pauses carefully. 'As for my pride, that is the truth. For so many years, I've kept silent about anything, and I'm a bit tired. I thought that you were the one person in the entire world that I could trust to let it out. I serve the High Lord and the High Lady because I want to. But I am not blind. The reason I'm so angry is that his little error may have almost cost you your life, and it certainly was responsible for the ransacking of your shop. It happened, and we cannot pretend that it didn't. We daren't pretend." He becomes even more serious. "We are in the middle of more danger then I have ever known before, and we need answers. I love you and anything that threatens you scares the Hell out of me, and that is the way it's always going to be. Now tomorrow morning, I'm going to see Lady Heather. From there I may have to do some work onmy own. After that I will return here to speak to Lady St. Laurence. That's when we both put our cards on the table and it all comes out." (d)

Janice: When he touched her, kissed her neck? Instead of making her sigh it made her snarl. It was an almost condescending affection to placate the anger in her. "I will have more say than that, Marius deBrabant. If clear sight is your curse, than my lord you were, in some way, very poorly cursed. You may wish them to try again. In there you seemed somewhat dense." She gave a great sigh, "Perhaps it is better to seek to know whom and what you are claiming before you marry it. There is naught that I would neither listen nor hold for you, but there is a difference between expression of opinion, and insult. You may not outwardly insult without deserving, without full knowledge. You serve them because you want to? Again, know whom and what you are serving. This is not Austria, nor any other place of the continent. His little 'error' as you call it may have had less to do with my shop's ransacking and the thread to my life for believe me sir, I am well versed in a few things: religion, ettiquette, languages, and how to preserve my throat. We are in need of answers, but you may again be surprised with how much 'answer' you insulted. God bless you. Learn as you do, learn and make use of it. On the morrow you will then see if you truly wish to serve the Mo'r Triath AND marry a woman whom is connected," she touched the wall, "this. And this love..no matter what becomes of rhyme, nor reason. Will ever change. I am proud of all of them here, and for the life they gave me..I would give them mine." That was when she canted her head to him and continued down the hall. Till morning, then. (d)

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

An amber lamp was lit outside the door that was journey's end, but flickered with the breeze pressing against the painted glass. It was his warning, but as well his welcome.

Jean-Claude: Storm clouds gathered in the distance, the first sign of spring. Heavy winds did press through the open windows sweeping with it winter last lament, but it was the flashes of light that would see it out with such a rush. Lightning had always held such power, but it was the roll of thunder that did humble a man. The heavy boom like canon's in the distance could pull any from a slumber best not disturbed. A good thing on this night, he was far too lost in maddening science to even notice shift in the weather.There were spiral stairs that lead up into the holding that so kept the angel of night, a hundred feet above the ground; level with the clouds. With every step, the ground was felt from flat footed step to the heavy breath that escaped in the push. Come...The wind would beckon, swirling from the drafty twist of fated steps, Up..A page fallen loose from the notebook he carried with a small sketch of a twisted deep rooted tree, that connected with it's branches slowly took life of it's own faltering only on the railing long enough to wave, before continuing on it's journey. An amber lamp was lit outside the door that was journey's end, but flickered with the breeze pressing against the painted glass. It was his warning, but as well his welcome. A mind was at work, while idle hands ran over the neck of the violin while deadly hands did pull the bow across the bridge. A song of sorrow, a song of praise, a song to keep him sane. It was a rare flash of what drove him from his solitude for it was an art, and one well studied. Mindless steps carried him over the same path back and forth, in a slow pace as his thoughts were driven into the sound.

Janice: She left her lover to himself when the storm clouds opened up to release their rain down onto the earth. How appropriate, how prophetic almost that a slight in the weather could give so much indicator of a mood turned opposite.Long, dark stretches of poor lit hall cascaded against the richly lit rooms. At times, one or more doors may spill out a hint of someone within but for the most part this portion of the hall was always poor man's pitch. Here.. she focused her intention on the world, carving an invisible rendering into the wall pattered in fluer de lis. Here, she acknowledged the darkness alongside the exquisite elegance of where Death came to roost. Forever yours. The promise to never forget the aspects of this place was a heavy burden that should have broken the flesh covering the spine, snapped the bones. But it didn't. "Shall we, to Master Jean-Claude?" Death's harbringer never sounded mournfilled. Death never walked with slow-dragging feet or showed stole a soul with omnious fanfare. Why, then, did it need be as beautiful as Claramae? How come Death was as skilled a musician whom sought to please a King? Clarity could easily be convaluted in a world where the tip-top of reason was only the vertex to another angle wrought with confusion. Nodding, she accepted Claramae's upturned hand to rest her own upon. Cold cut face softened for the likes of few, but what a breath of light could do! "Yes, we shall. His violin mocks the weather well, which seems appropriate." (d)

Jean-Claude: Live for it...breathe for it..survive only inside..Each stair had its purpose winding upward as it did, pulling them from the ground up. Though his hands had not built it, ideas like his own were carved in each stone. Once a mockery, the very idea of climbing so close to heaven, but now...His bare hand came to free itself of the neck allowing the scroll to sit idly in the other hand, long before the song should end, but in it's place ink would come to write across weather worn parchment, in an elegant nearly perfect script; of course in French naturally, he wrote so little in English. This was an idea born so freely, working through the possibilities with pent up aggression. There had to be an answer, one of reason--of justice, but what was he missing? The edge of the quill did tap so in time with the rhythm left from the somber song, and soon he would replace the bow again, picking up where he had left off. He had divided the tower into three different spaces, the wall of written text, the long tables where his experiments took place, and the area for his dreaming. The high vaulted ceiling continued with the spiral and with it objects hung so freely, stored out of sight out of mind--inventions not yet ready to be finished. There was much of him still undone, but at least he was not nearly as 'naked' as with nights prior to this very one. However, he could breath less confined by layers of heavy wool, or hot brushed cotton. He wore simply the black breaches tucked into his boots, the white laced top that tied around his neck, and a vest of the same satin. The storm would burst with one single sound, that shook even the paintings on the walls, and here it would be when he did stop; listening for a moment as if he could hear the voices of the electricity mocking him. His hands then came to behind him, his stance coming to be as proper as it ever was, and the violin propped against his backside, "I shall give three gold pieces to the first to name the title of that composition." He spoke with a welcoming smile, one that was not as warm as any other, but still inviting all the same. The door was open, they would have little reason for invitation. (d

Janice and Claramae: "Books, Master Jean-Claude. Not composistions. Therein, my culture is only that of appreciation." She spoke with a diminished sense of volume but a vivid sense of presence that electrified the barest hint of smile. As if she were an experiment, a work in progress, energy had sunk into her toes from the tip of her head where it was drawn down from the air. Childish curiosity presented itself as she pondered what delights for the devil of Science he might have concocted. What extraordinary plights from the box of Pandora had he made from plague to paradise? "Original composistion? The instrument is more commonly played among gypsies and the music's daring than those who can not seepast lutes and glockenspiel." Jean-Claude played Satan's instrument, afterall. "Have you the mind or want for company? Janice was moving toward you and I thought to join her. That is if we interrupt nothing." Janice listened to the pitch of their voices. If she had perfect pitch would her bias allow her to find their speech in the same point of sound? A woman whom only a few hours before had torchured a man without second thought now wrapped her voice with care around their names. A man whom could defile the dead was not without a heart. She wondered how it would be possible for any person with a simple, sane mind to find any sort of ironic humor in this place. Perhaps she was asking too much of Marius, but then again he had wished their betrothal. It was expected that he would take on his lot, as she would take on his. Being the wife of a mounted warrior with a dense skull in pursuit of viewpoint seemed easier than being the husband of a scholar who would die with little qualm for state sanctioned murderers. (d)

Jean-Claude: Jean-Claude would shake a well defined finger at the Lady Death, as she held far too much wit for her own good, but smart this one..he was now in her debt three gold. "Non, Mes Amours, you do not interrupt anything." He spoke as he gave them his back, moving to replace the fine bit of carved mahogany back into his case, and replace across his fingers the silk of his gloves. "I welcome the company.. but..Mon ange... quelque chose vous tracasse..." Turning on her then, he once again folded his hands behind his back, resting them there at base of his spine as he came to stand against her.His head did cant downward, catching sight of her eye pointing out something worried her so easily in French. A thin brow came to rise as he passed Claramae a look. "She is flush, Clara, her cheeks are far too red, but her lips are pale. I have missed something." Something very important indeed. They were still a good bit apart from one another, but he could nearly feel the heart beating below her chest. He could see the way her vein pulsed against her throat. Was this anger? He was amused. "Please.." He would offer his hand to the small bit of seating, there by the window that could so easily be opened, "Take a seat." The rain beat against the panels on the roof, falling around them on all sides, the lighthouse affect seeming more natural then ever as the inner fires did fill the walls with their shadows. An upturned hand would be extended to Claramae, his palm welcoming as he would help seat her, before doing much the same with the The Lady Scholar. "I'm afraid all I have is a bit of wine left from dinner." Would it be believed if the entire bottle was still there? He had forgotten about it, but it was still cool from it's container. As he went about to fill a few glasses from the service tray, he would beckon them to start at the beginning. (d

Claramae and Janice: Claramae couldn't help what was true nor what was false. In this case it only rose to be simply 'what was'. She would not do the action so cavalier as shrugging her shoulders but she did afford him a casual cant of head. The wager would later be paid. Alas, Madame Death had never conquered the realm of music. Her release was in the composistion of poetry, at once a feminine and gentle outlet for one who toppled governments without a second glance into the destruction. It was decreed by the Three Fates: three triplets at the height of youthful beauty whom bound their hands to make the laws of the universe. If the Greeks would not decry their will, nor their duplicates in Rome, why should others built on their foundations seek to escape karmic retribution? She took his hand to be escorted within, to seat, with Janice second. For her part the Lady Scholar had not studied her appearance over-much, but then again she never lingered long in mirrors to this very day. "It is good we do not interrupt. Your violin music was lovely -- but let us not talk about what worries me yet." Mon Ange was comforted by the French spoken on the Island, none more so than when Jean-Claude and Ada did it. Whilst she replied in English (her mind went twixt too many tongues these days) her ears were still swayed by the rhythm of French linguistics. "You missed quite a show, but the Tower is your so God keep you to it. I would say it was a little of the norm but the deviation is rather odd. No wine for me, good lord. But the Lady Viscreed may indulge?" She gave a cant of her head to say yes, accepting what he would offer when she didn't struggle with where to start, merely if she even wished to recant it. "Yes, please. Thank you. I was shot at, with arrows, while with Marius. He, too, was shot at. My horse was felled, his horse is more sturdy. I am bruised. He thinks a great deal to reach for answers, a conclusion, but at times has a head so thick tis a wonder anything succeeds in lodging twixt his ears. Part of it is my own fault to remedy, I had no desire to recant much, does him a dis-service if I don't. Still, he..does not help much." Well, that was a rather short verse. Claramae let an eyebrow raise, herself amused by Janice's answer. Poor Austrian had no clue how simplistic they could be in the aftermath of loosed weapons. While by no means a killer, the small one was not alien to it. "Now, now, Janice. He is not dense, infact your Sir is quite perceptive. His fault lays in a norrow mind, a tunneled vision. This is not a thing most people lack, nor any man for this matter. He does possess a rather glib tongue with what he thinks, good for passing of information, horrible in his payment of respects." (d)

Jean-Claude:Seven nights from his birth..what had the Moirae found? Did they stand over the cradle of The Lady Death's bed and wonder..The spinning had done so well so far, but there was one single thread that held them all together.."Janice." So rarely did he use her Christian name, and without title or formality. Yet here he was no longer a guardian, a mentor, or anything other then a friend. He would hand her the stem so elegant and refined, would it break in any other hand? He mused behind his hand if only for a moment to muffle the little small portion of his smile. Dear Lord to be that young again, and when he caught Claramae's raised brow he would keep back the curl of his own. Silent words between them, perhaps somewhere later they would find private times to laugh. "My darling, perhaps we should have you take but a few more lessons from The Lady Inveryne."Or he would have to perhaps speak to this Marius. "You can not be so quick to judge him of his narrow mind, or brash action. A thick head..Mon cher..that is called being young." Ah, if they had known him in his early years. "I would certainly not approve of him acting as if this were no important matter. If he washed his hands so freely of the subject." He was not so lost from the entire ordeal, having picked up a few bits of conversation through the hall, but the logics of he could have figured on his own. He fell quiet again listening to her, his eyes scanning quickly for any visible sign of injury. "Bruised is all? From a fall? With arrows.." Janice knew how to twist the hearts of the men around her, but he would only take a deep breath. This, was what he let go of. "He seems to have helped a lot, though perhaps we are a bit too busy being angry to see..he has saved your life no?" (d

Janice and Claramae: "Master Jean-Claude, it is clear to me he has saved my life. It is clear to me he worries, quite plainly. I would be less than Christian and more than blind not to notice..it is..should he expect to work upon the matter beyond my sparing. You should have heard how he spoke to Master Laurence.." Guilt crept up for being so angry at him when he did do all of these things, but he seemed so intent on behaving as if he were but one lone man when there was a world at his disposal if he could...would...just listen. The memory of his words with Claramae made her aghast as the same arms that had shielded her from worry these nights were the same she wished to take hold to shake until sense roosted. "M'petite..you are the sweetest of us, though you will need a thicker skin yourself, especially within the public eye for what you have embarked upon. He is not the first to dislike me upon first meeting. He is not blamed, but you must recall that in earnest, I simply do not care. We share a civic duty to protect the Mo'r Triath's doings while our more common denominator, being you, even differs. There is no man that does not love that will not go to extremes for a woman. That is the make of chivalry. Indeed, take no offense to this...given your disposition on the life depleting end of our ventures, you lack the physicality that would put you his equal. Furthermore, he is an Austrian. The Empire works not this way, all is within its place. Here his place is askew. Still, I will not deny you that his care of you will invigorate some anger towards the wrong individuals, but you must also recall while we hold respect so highly valued, we are not without opinion. We are holy unorthodox, The Lord Adam seeks new ways to find us tested. " Claramae poised her hands upon her lap while considering the extent of the matter. "He would be a fool not to be frightened, much as Adam and I have spoken much on the similar subject. A clash with Spanish kingdoms is no simplistic matter, nor is negotiating with enemies to Christendom. You, my child, are wedged in the middle of some plot..I dare say we all are. A trade agreement and plithy letter indeed, there is more to it than that." (d)

Jean-Claude: Listening to Claramae, Jean-Claude fell silent as the edge of his fingers ran along his lower lip, his sign of deep thought. He was pressed back into his chair, his elbow keeping support of the arm, and only then did he break from his silence. "It is one thing to be so protective, Claramae, but she is right..what if he is careless?" Would Marius have been so willing to parade the object of his heart's desire like some play thing above a crowd of hunters whose game was between her legs? He would doubt it. "We play with fire, toying with the heart strings of young love."What was to be done of this? A good matter to stir on indeed, but what if there wasn't a way to see to the middle. He shook his head, as with a wave of his hand, "I'll not have anyone speak to you without respect. So it is best that is corrected fast." His eyes were within Claramae's, as if Janice did not even sit int his room. "I should not think someone who is so well versed in knighthood manners, to be willing to speak to the one who can truly offer your hand to him, Janice. So in this I understand where your frustration is born, but know this..I would believe his actions to be out of fear."Though having a mounted warrior admit he was afraid would be no easy task, but it was the truth. "He would only be so if he did not care." His lips would seal then, a flat line forming over his face with a small frown once again as he took the sight of Janice in. It would be a lovely painting this mood of a woman now torn between two worlds, and how easy it would be to convey the emotion over on a canvas with only the simple color of her cheeks. "I fear you to become like one of those books, Janice, pulled in either direction you will tear."Jean-Claude would not have that, "So there must be a happy middle..give him time. This is much to take in, and very overwhelming. We shall pray that when the day comes he does ask to court, you shall be able to offer him a bit more of the truth..if he would listen." He felt for her. "Time..let there be time between you." His eyes would narrow in on Claramae's the fine black coals burning for more answers, perhaps in private later on? She was keeping much, and from what little he could recall from the night before..going to England? His bags were packed. (d

Claramae and Janice: "By way of respect we command it, but we are the least of his worries. Woe unto him should his tongue go glib with the Marshall, or the Mo'r Triath whom is not as gentle as supposistion makes. Still, dear one, we must not allow the infraction to continue. Glib tongues find early graves." The truth of the matter was as plain as her eyes upon his. She put a finger to her chin in consideration. " He will have to be guarded, at a distance, of course. A companion would insult a man of militant merit. Listen, for Jean-Claude is quite right." Janice looked at them through what she must have considered a half-fog. Logic poured in through one end to bounce around with storm clouds in another. She gave a cant of her head in agreeance while remaining silent while the pair continued on. "His reactions are born out of fear for your loss, a lack of understanding in a world where he nearly drowns, and for a love of you. These three things alone demand even we give him patience, time, albeit short. Should he love you truly you will have ample time beyond this. Believe me, darling. One might have both though it is not without being torn as said book, being mended, and being torn. For a pair, this world is merciless, pitless. What we have here we are quite greatful for, we know it is rare. We know one another is rare. You must also take into consideration that any of our tales is overwhelming. To be esconsed so far.." The little one released a sigh too large for her body, for her age. Strands of mouse brown cavorted with the gold as if side by side were the old with the new, still seeking reconciliation. "I am telling him everything in the morning. He must not love some half completed picture. I do come with much, and I come with you all, and this." Claramae looked to Jean-Claude before taking Janice's hand in a gesture of tenderness that caught even the girl off guard. "This is brave of you, it is much to put upon the table. You know, whatever or wherever you shall be..you shall always have us. Yet, do you truly come with this?" "My word is my promise, my promise my vow eternal, m'lady. I do come with this. I had no idea how simplisic my ideal was, between the old and new things. His ideal is so drastically simple that it begs wonder if there is room for the complex. In earnest, I was near a nun unto vows by way of marriage. I am not..unkeen to it now, but the nature of family is a discussion we will have to have." She stood up, smiling to the pair of them. "Thank you for the company. Your words give peace and aid most assuredly. This is all quite taxing, and to continue I am sore and tired." in more ways than one. She stepped forward to kiss Jean-Claude as a sister might her elder brother, before doing the same to Claramae's hand. "I should like to speak with the Lady Inveryne. I am in the castle much these days, though tomorrow I have a map to find in the great Templar Scholar's library. Dora will be in undue horror at thebruises so I shan't do it worse with a later time a'bed." As she walked away, Claramae asked quite plainly if she were up to the task should need to defend self came again. In a move that would have Claramae lift both brows in sheer astonishment, Janice pulled apart the flower piece in her hair, twirled the sharp between her fingers to make it spiral before putting it back in her hair as an answer.

Claramae: "No killer, but no less nimble in the digits. Those areindeed her father's hands, and by God, her own are quick of the family's mark. It is no wonder she was able to inflict damage to her assailant enough to move away. Nimble hands coupled with a righteous indignation make for a want to endure. I see now what it is to be seduced by possibility." But give her even a month with those hands.still...she would never do to Janice what for better or worse, was done her. Lessons in defense and ways to ensure flight were quite enough. "They were shot at with crossbolt, so it is quite a serious agenda." (d)

Jean-Claude: "Outside of the castle?" He listened for her feet to hit the landing below, soft little steps that had walked away many times. Jean-Claude would be happy to see her rest, to have her return in the morning with a bright smile, but he feared she too was swept into the dark games of the Ebony Hall. Though...she was born into it. "You have told The Mo'r Triath? I do doubt very seriously he would allow her to stay in her position if he knew. There is much I do not pretend Adam does not know, and in truth Claramae, I still have yet to learn. Yet, this is not a weathered veteran of war he is sending into the wolves. There must be another.." It was so rare for him to be so relaxed in a conversation that mattered so very much, but here he could do that. In this hall, he could call himself a new man, and here he found his calling."Do you believe these to be the same men to take her shop? This is connected to the trades, and she only the one to translate..Forgive me for being so jaded, but there must be something we are missing." He sat back in his seat once more, his fingers coming to position over his mouth as he let it all sink in, but there was a subject change that came forth as if plucked from the night sky. "I knew her Father." He admitted without reason, "Janice gave me a manuscript of his work, and the text I know..I have heard that lecture before, but.." Dark lashes touched his cheeks as he closed his eyes trying to remember the face, "It has been so long..perhaps I am confusing him with another, but it is flawless." This was what had him in shambles, the book of drawings had made him forget himself to find this person on the other end. This was how Jean-Claude came to be as he was, why his mind could expand with such little effort. He let go of his own roots, let go of his soul to allow another in, to see through their eyes, and often he lost a very big part of himself in the process...or took on the burden of another. "I simply worry that even after this, it is not finished...Every bone in this body can feel it coming." He opened his eyes again, the deep rich coals blue for once, the color of the night sky. "It is a doom that can not be stopped." He spoke in riddles, but the thought unraveled him as she could tell; enough so he planned to marry Ada within the next year so that she could be the one to inherit his fortune. He and Ada would have never married had it not been for this practice, butthe both of them saw how it fit. His time was coming, and those hands that held the golden thread were pulling it tight. "And England..is this why we go?" Very serious he was the night before, on going with her, and Jean-Claude was not a man to back out on his word. (d

Claramae: "No, she is not, but she translated the text from English to Berber, this speaks of a talent that even we did not know had gone so far. Berber? Holy languages yes, but beyond Arabic to a direct dialect. The child is a polygot. A linguistic genius. Besides the romance languages of the continent, she is fluent in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Aramic, Arabic.. Her mind must cycle in several languages in each moment. If she hears one, sh emust be able to discern it, trace a root. Her father was a brilliant man, but even he is put to some shame by her. " She looked at Jean-Claude while folding her fingers into a steeple, reclining back into the chair to think on the matter while speaking of it at the same time. Minds that clicked so far ahead of the human race's pace were blessed and cursed things. Deep brown hair held a heavy sheen under the room's lights. Here in, beautiful women and beautiful men were black winged angels with demonic tendancies. Janice could have no more than gray feathers at times, easily bleached to their state. Her stains were too far, too many upon them. A father he knew in life was much the same to her when he breathed, "Elusha could mend a body from its core just as he could dismantle it. There was poetry in that, were it not for Gottchalk, I would have contentedly did just that all my days. You are fortunate to hold such works. His brothers' are also quite good. The family was just..infalible in their context. Should Elusha have lived, we would have been as children at his feet, spellbound. Now instead we have spent more years with his child than he ever had the chance to do, even better ones in our mere few than his brother Jacob kept in most of the girl's lifetime. There attack came within the streets, the narrow. No one is so fool as to attack that castle again. Not after the last war. But tis connected in some small way. Jean-Claude, I have wanted to tell you. I should also tell Rosalind, for she is French and this involves her." Fingers fell together, locked. "Isobel, the former Queen of England, of the french family Capet has, in her name of Isbole of Castille, married the King of Aragon. Even as we speak the two kingdoms are becoming one." She joined two separate fingers, side by side. "Adam and I have spoken at length of his arrangements with Morocco long before he sought Janice to translate his letter. With these two kingdoms now as one Crown, Spain is whole. Two seperte thoughts merge as they did. Adam is making an ally of trade yes, but among the enemies of Christendom. True, it is not unknown, but behold a map's proximity of where Morocco is from Spain. I have it on good authority the Reconquista will begin as soon as they are able..to take back Grenada. Now, Adam seeks free trade through Gibraler, The Pillars of Hercules. Free moving, free trading Muslim ships in good faith with a fledgling, upstart but powerful country. With the Muslim rule to be ending no doubt..Isobel will turn Alfonso's head up. There is already a rabble of old loyalists who believe that even a Spanish king is better than none, and hope he shall take England. There are those who believe Edward the III's heir is being held against his will and he is not. The woman has abandoned all of her children, and in fact Edward is under my protection and is being mentored, while his sister Joan is being hidden lest all unspeakable things befall the girl. The other two have died. So, to England to use both official and unofficial powers to keep secure what is now the literally gateway from the continent. Besides that, God knows..but I see more than a war of economy. It has been brewing, even since thatnight..in the masquerade. the men fighting over islands in this chain. Those documents were not falsified, and were turned over before they could be taken back. It will be quite a year, my friend." She shut her eyes for a moment before opening them. "As much as I loathe to say this, Adam has need of a polygot as much as he has need of our likes. She may go places that while we can go, she makes it through with far better ease. Marius has a cousin whom I am familiar with, Nicholas..though he uses that name even too glib, so the man is versed in some sense." She grinned to him, "So then, there it is. Why one must to england, the news of the day, and at the heart of it an innocent remains, though not naieve. I...listened. Though Janice did nothing to soften her voice nor should she have to, at home. Though the length of time for it remains undefined, the Angel is betrothed." (d)

Jean-Claude: It would forever be an amazement that the likes of war, and treason could slip under him so easy...but it would be the last bit to have him nearly return the contents of his cup back into the fragile flute. "Betrothed to who?" He would try to gather himself water nearly filling his eyes from having to catch his breath from his choke. "Do not tell me this..knight?" How quickly his taste changed, "They have known each other what? A month?" He would widen his eyes at Claramae. Bringing his sleeve to dab at his eyes, he would shake his head, "Excuse me..I had not expected that." He would round a serious of shock.."If she is happy..but? Did he ask you? Vance? Alen?" To say he was surprised would be putting it mildly, but this??? With a wave of his hand, his face would pull and he would shake his head. "Claramae..not tonight. We can not talk of this tonight. France is enough to deal with, and her attack?" He was speechless though did crack a small smile, "A year indeed." It was going to be an interesting one. (d

Claramae:: "Betrothed to who, that is as silly a question as asking why any of us are as we are. Come now. He will have time a'plenty to ask, to prove himself, and to be thoroughly frightened into marital bliss. It is not my cup of tea, nor shall it be a long betrothal or too short as to appear suspicious. We are not exactly a bastian of rigid morality, Jean-Claude. We merely attend more confession that the average mortal." She would pat his hand softly before standing. Twixt Janice's anger and Jean-Claude's shock she was near set to laugh! In fact, she did chuckle a bit! What odd people they were, indeed. "To bed, my dear. To bed with us. The best deal with many things at once for our reptuations would falter if we dealt with one sole thing at a time, that, and we would be bored." As she turned to go she looked over her shoulder, "From the small things I have ascertained? She is happy. As much as he fears her loss, she fears he may not be able to accept her in utter fullness, or to accept her and then die for it. If Anything, it is Janice who reminds us what it is to be so upstanding in the ten commandments without bending them." (d)

Jean-Claude: "Help an old man to his feet, Claramae..you have knocked my legs from underneath me." He did tease coming to stand as well, "Lord heaven, it is not we he should fear.." He did smile coming to join her, an offer of his arm, and locking as they went. (d

[mariusdebrabant]

Marius was up early the next morning. Thinking that Janice might need some more time to cool off before seeing her again, He left Ebony Hall with his usual swift, military strike. The day had dawned cold and wet. Marius did not even know it. He was a man on a mission and that was all that counted. Making his way straight to Griffin Castle, he asked for Lady Heather, who headed the household. One of the servants lead him to a small ante room, where he patiently waited for almost half an hour. His patience was finally rewarded with the appearance of a small woman, about 5'1" tall with dirty blond hair, yet possessing the grace and presence of one born to royalty. Marius bowed politely and was rewarded with an equally polite courtsey.
"Sir Marius de Brabant, at your service M'lady Heather" She smiled, as she rose from her courtsey. "Under the circumstances, Sir Marius, it would appear that I am at your service. After all you did ask to see me." There was a bit of a twinkle in her eyes as she spoke.

"This is difficult M'lady, but I must ask you some questions, none of which are personal, and I cannot let you know the reason for my inquiry. In fact, it would be best to instruct the servant who led me here, that I never was here and had no contact with you at all. If you need further clarification, you may contact Lady St. Laurence or perhaps the High Lord or Lady. "Have you in the past several months undertaken any male servants into the castle service?" The answer was a shake of her head. Marius found himself considerably relieved that the man he believed to be a Spanish or even a French spy was not a castle servant. But being thorough he took another tack. "Has a man matching this description perhaps applied to enter castle service? He passes over a written document to her waiting hand. For several moments Lady Heather found herself lost in thought. "Yes, he did." She remembered back several months to the man with the impeccable references requesting to enter service. All this information she relayed to Marius, who mentally confirmed the time he had come ashore with the one who had orchestrated the brutal assault on Janice's bookshop.

Marius had to tread carefully now, because Lady Heather immediately jumped to the correct conclusion and became concerned. "I hope I did nothing wrong Sir Marius, but something about the man just did not seem right. He was properly subservient, but too glib about his former employers. He was just wrong. Fortunately, there were no positions open at the time. I asked him where he was staying; so that I could contact him if a position opened. He said that he would be looking for one of the lesser lords. This man, who called himself James of Lincoln, had a touch of an accent as well. I could not determine which. He allowed me on the most cursory viewing of his references, before he quickly recovered them. He was a bit too smooth for my liking. Did I do wrong?" She was most concerned that she had somehow compromised castle security with her action.

Marius smiled quietly and even put his hand gently on her shoulder. "Rest easy Lady Heather, you did everything right. And I must say it is to your credit that you felt something wrong with him and that you remembered all this." Marius now was the one who was deep in thought. And then a smile appeared on his face. "Can you tell me if there is a particular tavern that the castle servants frequent?" Lady Heather in her turn smiled "The lower servants, which this James would have been, usually prefer the Blue Boar Inn." Marius looked at her with admiration. "M'lady is truly a mine of useful information, and Skye is most fortunate to have you in this position." He bows to her, not out of courtesy, but genuine respect. To this Lady Heather smiles. Marius retires from the ante room and makes his way out of the castle.

Taking a most circuitous route, he takes himself to the Blue Boar Inn. It's still a bit early for many customers, but the tender won't refuse any money. With the place practically entry it was not difficult for Marius to engage the man in conversation. Leaving out his knighthood and his reason for asking he inquired about the usual clientele, and was rewarded with clarification of Lady Heather's statements. "They have any particular friends outside of other servants?" he asked most casually. At that point the tender became suspicious. Marius mouthed silently. "For the High Lord" And then carefully and almost invisibly passed a couple of gold coins across the bar to his hand. Surprise, the man described by the tender was an exact match to the so-called James of Lincoln, but here he was known as Philip. Again Marius mouthed silently. "I was never here" And two More coins changed hands again. Marius received a nod of the head in response, along with whispered information that this Philip started by buying a round or two for the other servants, and that he hoped one day he would be able to join them in service. Marius had enough information; so he switched back to his normal voice, asking the tender was a good brothel; he needed to relax, or so he said. They spoke of the Gilded Lilly, which was recommended, but noted the girls were pricey. He was given the name and location of another which would suit his purpose and while being better suited to his purse, but of the better sort.

Marius left, making a beeline for the brothel. He found it and checked it out from the outside as well. The Knight did go inside, but walked in one door and right out the other. Checking carefully that he was not being followed, he again took a most roundabout route, even going through the marketplace. But in the end, he was again at Ebony Hall.

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

To Summarize: Masters and a man whom has little truck with spies but much to invest gather to discuss items of both supposition and reality. To read further will be to venture further. To venture further will still never be as far as those here have gone. To date:

- The High Lord sought a translation of a trade document into the Berber language of Morroco
- Spaniards have looked for said document, thus ruining the Letters and Things bookstore
- Attacks on life have been had
- The High Lord has been informed, a meeting soon shall occur
-Below, the meeting of Masters, Grandmaster, One woman born in, one man who is there for love of her
- In the last attempt at life, one of the men was captured and taken to the hall for interrogation.


Now..let us assay our plot

Marius: Marius has returned to Ebony Hall and knows that before anything else he needs to see Lady Janice. It may well be violent yet he will not shirk from it. He loves Janice and he knows that she loves him. They both have pasts and it is time for them both to come clean to each other. If they didn't their relationship would never work out. No secrets between husband and wife. In his heart he did want to understand more about her and just where she came from. After all she was a lady of surprising contradictions. So shy and quiet, and yet she did not hesitate to overule him to the Watch or to explode at him after his little talk to Lady St. Laurence. And yet she was all trembling after the assasination attempt, but had kept her composure while she was being kidnapped. A most unusual lady indeed. But now it was time for him to learn all about her life. (d)

Janice: The day had pulled them in two different directions: one went towards one idea while the other took off in a pursuit that led her towards the Templars, and even to Blue Castle. At the day's conclusion the sun dipped down into the Western sky to explode into a source of riotous color before gray clouds came to swallow it up. A fall of light snow was coming to do what the rain hardly allow it by sticking to the stone streets for longer than an hour in this stretch of days. It had no want to acknowledge the Isle's beginnings of season turning, nor cared for it overall! Life could be full of contradictions so it was no wonder that people were the same way. A woman who wanted nothing to do of life on a hill in the main castle could be the same one who was more mannered than a little. Just as a man whom wanted nothing more than to ride mounted was the same that could dig through layers of unfocused facts to piece the heart of the matter. The same who knew fear could be the one that quelled it in order to survive. Once her passion was stoked she was not afraid to disagree, disassemble an idea, or push on for the validity of her own. So entered the contradiction on small feet after she turned her horse over towards the stable hand. Once within, she pushed back of all things, the hood of a white, fur lined cloak. (d)

Marius: Because of the cold and wet, Marius has been wrapped in his heavy, lined cloak. Only now does he fully unwrap, due to the warming hearth of Ebony Hall. Asking a servant, Marius was informed that Lady Janice had gone out earlier but had not yet returned. The Austrian Knight resolved to wait here until the lady in question returned. He desperately needed to speak with her. And that speech would have to be very soon. (d)

Janice: "Lady..er..Mistress Viscreed?" The servant called her by name, yet he was never confused as to what should come before it yet the stature of she mixed with baring presented a picture beyond even the most well-to-do central classed person who worked for what they earned. "Mistress...and yes?" "Sir deBrabant is awaiting you, in the foyer. Should I tell him you are approaching now from a north-eastern path?" You see, Marius didn't know the stables would let them in devoid of the main door, but then again he was not familiar with the other ways in by himself. Lack of knowledge here was not his friend, today that should be rememdied. "No, I can emerge myself thank you. And until indeed. The Lady of Contradictions pursued her course until she emerged somewhere just over his shoulder should he care to look. "You sought me out sir?" (d)

Marius: "Hello Janice" He came over to her and gently put his arm about her, noting how she was attempting to remain cold and distant. "Janice, we need to speak about many things" His voice is quiet and gentle. He escorts her over to a small antechamber. Once inside he closed the door. "I know you are angry with me, because you feel I insulted some people including the High Lord. I was angry when I spoke, because the life of someone very important to me was put in danger. This little scholar didn't even know she was in any danger, and nothing was done for her, even after her shop had been burglarized and ransacked. I spoke out of concern. I know that rulers routinely use people as toolsBut here at Skye, I am told things are different. And where were your vaunted "guardians" when you were almost assasinated? Would you expect me to just sit back and take it? You don't know me and you don't realize the depth of my feelings for you Janice. I may have spoken about those I should not have, but that does not negate the truth of what I said. (d)

Janice: "Greetings sir, let us speak then." She maintained a quiet formality, following him where he lead her so that the conversation that should have happened prior could begin. To have a past was hardly it by half, but it was a start. As he recited her reasons for anger there was also the source of his own. No, this was not hard for her to fathom. Shutting her eyes she let it the truth retain its own weight; he did love her. His outcry joined with the likes that Vance had demaned or Jean-Claude. Words of love against the reason of those that shared the same feelings. As she undid the large ribbon of the white cloak, beneath she wore a modest gown of ice blue. Her chest trembled as words emerged, "Where they were told to be." What, by God, did that mean? "I do not fault you the thoughts you have, nor the reasons for having them. In this, there is no anger towards you. After the ransacking of the shop, I was helped to clean it, to mend it. It is my choice why it is not yet open. Some greater service has called me hence, so my little dream must wait awhile. The world is not as small nor as simple as my life would propound it to be. You are no fool and you knew that almost immediately. A knight with the ability to deduce from imperical evidence." She smoothed the cloak to lay across her lap, "Mistress Lynch scrubbed the blood from walls, Master Jean-Claude helped to spare priceless books. What was needed of my work was moved to my own study here. As for the other night? Had my guard been with me as it once was, it would not have happened but it has been years since I allowed them to do that. You have no idea, what it is like, to be the source of so much circumstance . At first it was sense versus love as to guard me, then it became both, and then all was done from love. I can not let them use every resourceupon my safety again. That and..perhaps stupidly I thought to have one less bit of it would allow me one more stronger breath. So it did! So that was when we talked books, and maps..and you touched my hand. In that moment you tookhold of my heart. I was only a woman in the throws of what she'd never known. Now? Now I am a Lady of Letters, a title of love that now has substance, merit. I am in love with someone I have done an injustice I pray he forgive me of; allowing his ignorance. " She then turned to look at him with a pair of wide doe-eyes but in them was sense, not senselessnes "My birth name is Miriam bat Joheved, but I grew up as Janice Viscreed. The family name was Vittergaust. My father, his brother, and my convert mother were Jews, by my birth hidden again. I have some fathoming of what it is to be one thing, become another, and then hide in an old way as y mother did. She became a Jew to love my father without hinderance. My father, Elusha, was the physician for the Earl of Canterbury. A high posistion, for one of the old book. Possessed of a keen ear and wit, he was also the Lord's spy, and his assasin when necessary. He came to England escaping the pogroms of both Russia, and Germany. I am told he was a man of a blended ancestry: Germanic, Russian, English. My mother was French, with some small English. Her name was Danielle deBarbarac, before her conversion and marriage. " The body stood up but turned to look at him still. "My memories of a life where they were married and his brother Jacob was only my uncle are still slight. At times they come,painfully, in fact. I think for my own good my uncle may have done his best to expound them ou tof my head. But I was no less loved. My father served England when he found there was reason to serve. His great apprentices were Gottschalk, whom took Alendral Sorschal as his own. Proven mad, Alendral was given to Claramae St. Laurence, and they both remained with Elusha until his death. The pair of them, him, my mother, and my uncle from what I can deduce or see...loved me so well they would have given anything to keep me from my father's world. Like with any house, an heir is an heir. In the end, my father's work on the Masterwork of the age, a great collection of cases broken andsolved, technique, and lore was in his keeping. He was not only Grandmaster of his order, the Order of Roses. He was Europe's grandmaster, just as each continent has its own. By the time I came to Skye, the Leviathin was trying to be risen. I imagine your cousin would have known what it was, the collection of rite to invoke a private army to eradicate the shadow and whatever else lay in its path, end game, abseloute dominion. It was believed I was the missing Key, for my father would have put some knowledge in my head, or I would have had stories, or something to lend to this prophecy. My uncle carried on my father's work stupidly after his death. Jacob was never the master my father was, but he was quite good at being a man of science. Himself a physician, he pieced together the book's key by utlizing it's pieces to eradicate their keeper and pieceing them out from disections. It was his book of disections that drove me to be afraid...and that is how I was placed in the convent. Prior to that I know nothing or recall nothing torrid. French Catholicsm has no room for that." She paused, to let him gather the story thus far.(d)

Marius: Marius listens quietly to all that has been said. Now he finally understands much of his little scholar. In response to her plea for forgiveness, he simply opens his arms to her. There is a most unusually gentle smile on his faceas he offers himself to her. "Come, beloved Janice" (d)

Janice: "Will I be so beloved even when you hear it all." She would allow herself to come to him, to put her mouth against his face. Nose inhaled his scent as she sighed. "In the end the masterwork was destroyed. It was written in languages that are noted by the Church, but most care little of because it belongs to Jews: Hebrew, and some of it, in Aramaic, to hide it. There was a good man whom came, the Gradmaster from the lands of sand..who helped my father,who helped Claramae and all of them to reverse what was writ, or none of us would be here. Marius, of that story...the masterwork.." She tapped her head gently, "Is myself now. I commited it to tradition over the years I broke the code for its translation..it was destroyed and now they say the masterwork is hidden deeply..and none know who keeps it. I am no grandmaster..but the work of them is in my head. My father groomed two heirs, whom remain quite modest despite the length and breadth of their work: Sorschal and St. Laurence. They will only call themselves grandmasters here, but should you ask there will be none who will doubt the power those names hold. Besides that.. I know them as people who have been enchanted and heartbroken, ill, near death, and surpassing it all together. Everyone here is this way and they command my respect. Not because they spare my life..but because they are all the family I have left in the world. Master Laurence may seem insufferable, but please, lend her, lend them all your respect. It is not their fault for what has happened. It is I who sent my guards a'back. I can not tell you how much guilt still wracks my heart, there was so much death. Everything nearly lost. I would break my body to pieces for this place, for them. Perhaps in some ways I have." She kissed his temple. "I hear, from my Masters, that it is possible to have both this world and all of the things in the world beyond..but it will take much sacrifice, much patience. Have you heart for that? If so, your name to me will be as much a prayer as theirs are. Your secrets I will keep with me until the day of my passing. On what I have told you alone, should any ever realize you may become of target. Even more so now that you know of my service in translation. I took hold of my destiny with these gifts I couldn't wait around to be killed or watch others die..and they could not speak hebrew or dead religious languages. Even now, the liklihood of me fleeing because someone shot an arrow from above. I will see this through unto the end and serve our High Lord, and my family. If we wed that will not change, Marius. You shall be wthin that canon to me. Should you wish children with me know that aside from a fear of the unknown..I just..can't quite imagine them anytime soon. It may seem downright unholy to cease such a thing but...there must be a balance. Of a life to give a child..better than what was given either of us, but this child will know the people that we know. Should younot be able to love me with this knowledge..I understand" (d)

Marius: Marius quietly took her to a high backed chair and sat her on his lap. His arms around her, holding him close to her, her kissed her very long and very passionately. As with every touch of her body to his a cornucopia of firery emotions courses through his body. God he wants so badly. "Janice, I love you, and I wish to marry you. We will have children, maybe not immediately, but we will have them. I love you Janice and I always will. And we are going to marry. Of course you stay with this until it is finished. Did you think I could love any woman who would not? I gave my allegiance to the High Lord and to Skye; that has not changed either. And I have been offered much. Get used to it Little One. I am with you permanently. We stand together and we always shall. (d)

Janice: "I have it on good authority men love danger and what might get them killed." She chuckled while shaking her head, allowing him to kiss her as he saw fit. Where anger had been, she brushed a hand against his face that was kind. She was content to hold him, to smile. "Well then, before we might discuss a union, we have facts and figures to share with the others. But one thing?" She lifted a finger, "It will be hard. I do not deny that the Masters are taxing, but be not coarse love. Yestereve you nearly killed me." She stood up, awaiting him to take her hand should he wish it. Well, why not. If the one might be shot at the least she could do was hold the hand of her more than one time rescuer. Most men speak with fathers, mothers, and siblings to acquire a woman. They do not dodge bolts, fall from their horses....

Claramae: "Well this shall be a plithy thing, Lady Voltaire, Lord Voltaire. I am not against wine this evening when all gather to speak. I am certain some of the facts will drive more than one to drink.This shallbe a fascinating turn for a house that was once nearly obliterated. Our true proving ground no? Protect the crown, God save the reluctant King. Pray, Bromheilde. From your mouth to God's ears. We may live to see true crown upon that man's head." Second chances, second impressions. As it was they would all share one thing in common by the end of tonight: Scotland grew too easily bored and was trying to kill them with some new thing. (d)

Rosalind: Whisperings of Lamonts were enough to drive a sane woman mad. Rosalind, saner than most, had had her fill of clan politics today. She bid the gentlemen (a very loose term) goodnight, and walked with Murtagh through the streets. They were an odd pairing. Murtagh was an ageless specimen of ancient Scot -- shorter than Rosalind by several inches, his shoulder-length dark hair scraggly and matted, but his trews were in good repair and he seemed in good spirits, as far it was possible to discern such emotions from the man, whose brow hung low over his dark eyes, and gave him a rather intense, if Cro Magnon appearance. Rosalind's cane made a decisive, but pleasant, clicking sound upon stone as they neared Ebony Hall, the clansman making a gruff noise in his throat as Rosalind turned to say her farewells. Murtagh was as solid as stone, but even he had his doubts about this place. He'd be standing stubbornlyright where she left him, but he was not to venture further. It was long ago apparent the Lady Inveryne went where few others dared tread. What other woman would lead the Lamonts, if not Rosalind? A servant opened the door and allowed her entrance, Rosalind's fingers already sliding along the papers she had gathered from today's meetings. The edges were crisp and new, as was the information contained therein. *

Marius: After taking Janice's hand and leader her into a larger room, Marius looks around and sees several people there including the Voltaires and Lady Avalle whom he recognized. And a rather odd gentleman; he suspected this was the Jean-Claude of whom he had heard, another of Janice's Guradians. He was not surprised at all to see Claramae St. Laurence. He coughs politely before beginning. "I'm sure you are all wondering why I called you hear tonight?" There was a little twinkle in his eyes, as technically he had done no such thing. "Much needs to be said and frankly. Some of you may be offended by what I say. Know that I speak from love of Skye and the love of a small scholar who will be my wife. Further, my esteemed cousin once told me "Mistakes will be made. You will make mistakes. But will you be the kind of person who learns from their mistake or the one who constantly repeats the same mistake." He pauses for a few moments. "The international situation is simple, Skye and the Gaelic Alliance are in trouble. The lynchpin of our probem is is Isobel, originally from France, formerly from England, and now in Spain. Because of her Aragon and Castille are now united. With this woman in a commanding position there and with a great grudge against Skye, and most probably assistance from France, we can expect a massive retribution some time in the future. The High Lord has of course been looking for allies, which are in short supply. He's taken the step of communicating with the Infidel Sultan of Morocco, ostensibly camoflaged as a trade document and translated into Berber by Lady Janice. Unfortunately, the High Lord informed her of the assignement, or at least the trade document version in a tavern." Marius shrugged his sholders. "I have no doubt that Lady St. Laurence will convery such concern to the High Lord. There is time, as Spain will first attack Granada to expel the Moors from the peninsula, and probably go into into Africa. The High Lord sent a tentative exploratory missive. Yet's it very existence caused Lady Janice's shop to be burglarized and ransacked. This lead to utilizing the services of Lord Voltaire and the Ebony Hall. We found that a man made a hurried departure from Skye immediately after the incident, even paying a vessel toput to sea day early. Further investigation under the auspices of Lord Voltaire revelaed that his man had come to Skye months again in company with another. The other man is still on the island. After the assasinatin attempt, Itook the descritpion I received from Ebony Hall and made my own investigation today. I learned from Lady Heather that he did indeed attempt to enter service at the castle. There were no open postions and that was that. He struck Lady Heather as suspicious, because he would even give her an address where he could be reached. I spoke to the tender at the Blue Boar Inn, which is frequented by the lower servants of the castle. It seems he is a regular and always palling around with the servants, obviously milking them for every bit of information he can get. The castle has not been inviltrated, but the result is the same." One more pause. "This island is a sieve. Anybody can get ashore or leave whenever they wish. Our security is much too lax and needs to be greatly improved and quickly. With this one agent, we need to leave him in place, track his method of communications, and when the time comes, scoop them all up. I ask you all to think deeply on what I have said and act them. Marius quiietly stand and bows, before he sits down. (d)

Claramae: Indeed he had done no such thing. Lord Voltaire sought to restrain the man but in her role as Grandmaster, Laurence gave him leave to speak a rather rousing epic on the situation at hand. Lady Voltaire was rather bemused by the fact her mistress remained completely motionless. My, he quite covered the gamet while launching out onto his own investigations. The man was quite intelligent, but if something currently was a sieve it was the container through which all words poured in a continual steady stream. At the end from the base of the stair the Grandmaster spoke, "Sir deBrabant that was quite the disertation. While I will not fault you the passion to which you speak, I will say by general tradition? It is the Grandmasters or the Masters who assemble the meetings and by heaven, not in my foyer?" She indicated where he sat. "Let us have the civilized discussion of these matters in the lower meeting room. Come. In this way we may think upon what you have said and give others likely chance to reply? You will have your say, sir. Of that I assure you, but it is better to be..introduced, unto this world than to dive in with such zeal." Not that she didn't find that highly fascinating. The poor man's cousin must have had quite a time keeping Marius from trouble. Nicholas she knew to be well versed in these ways, though he'd only given Marius a basic primer. It wasenough to make him a spy of sorts, rough around the edges. Very rough. She descended the few stairs while offering the ghost of a smile to Inveryne, and to Janice. No need to fear, Small One. She was not going to put him on the block."This way, all , please." The hall would be off to their right. (d)

Rosalind: Had Inveryne known it would be such a lengthy exposition, she would have taken a seat. She stood, with her usual perfect posture, until even she began to flex her hands impatiently upon the head of her cane. Lady Rosalind was a woman who knew precisely the effect of every word and action spoken. Though her dress was plain, it was no mistake. She knew the power of her austere appearance, though it had lessened somewhat since her introduction to Skye some years ago. No longer was she in mourning. No longer was her hair hidden in the modesty of a wimple. It was now as many of the Skye courtiers', though how much was her hair the inspiration for style, and how much she had adapted of custom here, had long been rendered a moot point. The court followed Rosalind, whose keen eyes and ears set the trends the M'or Oukselo would find pleasing. Little escaped the attention of those hazel eyes, and each point of Marius's speech was taken under very careful consideration before she spoke, a nod to Lady Claramae before crossing the room and congratulating Janice with a kiss to either cheek. "My dear, I am so very pleased for you. My best wishes as you begin this new life," she said in her usual, schoolbook French, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. "My dear sir Marius, that is quite a rousing announcement of betrothal. Against whom are we to take up arms?"The joke was a light one, though in Rosalind's wry voice, it may have passed for truth. Even her own husband occasionally failed to see when she teased. "But I very much doubt ma dame Isobelle acts on behalf of France. By right of parentage, she is French, indeed, but of nationality, she is sworn to England. The French court is silent, and no more do her parents' families hold power." Philip had retreated from the public. Though Rosalind's contacts in France were many and great, they had nothing to report. She trusted them with her life. "It is a new generation of power in France, and I do not think it is wise to paint it nor Isobelle with such broad strokes. But ance, yes? By right of parentage, she is French, indeed, but of nationality, she is sworn to England. The French court is silent, and no more do her parents' families hold power." Philip had retreated from the public. Though Rosalind's contacts in France were many and great, they had nothing to report. She trusted them with her life. "It is a new generation of power in France, and I do not think it is wise to paint it nor Isobelle with such broad strokes. But my lady Claramae is quite correct -- this may not be the most opportune place to discuss such delicate matters. But we may find a bottle of finer wine for the occasion?" Perhaps even Janice would have a little, with so many dutiful guardians to oversee the filling of her glass. *

Jean-Claude: He had been in the door, the shadow of the outer hall had done him justice until he pulled from it, like a spider dawning from it's web. Jean-Claude was a tall man, a frame far too thin, but well built had any gotten close enough to tell. He had broad shoulders under the fine fabrics of a gentleman, but the rest was outlined with the notion of lean physic. Tonight he had left no detail, from the ascot that covered his neck with a blush of red silk, to the elegant detailing in the hem of his coat. This was a man of well practiced manners, and heavy ideas on what the modern world would soon come to discover. There was death against his eyes of the night sky, and an amusement across his pale lips. It was clear to him now, what had happened the day forth did have merit. His hands would fold behind his back, and he would let Claramae talk for now..becoming the shadow just over her shoulder. "Prenez un souffle..Diamant." He would whisper to Claramae beforefalling out of place to cross the distance between he and the hall. There was little need for his cane on this night, nor had he had the one before. Jean-Claude had found himself without pain, and even the age from his face seemed to lift of sorts. "I had thought we were to start with introductions.." He mused making sure all of the women were seated, and motioning to a vacant chair for Marius. "I have heard nothing from France, but Peregrine spoke that the sea is alive with talk of the letters." Proof that the Order did indeed do their own investigation as well, though Peregrine had been asked by Bess. With a wave of his gloved hand to refuse the wine, he would come to stand just off from the group to listen best to them all. Listening to Rosalind then he would quickly pipe in to add, "But we can not overrule it either. Rosalind, much is changing on our homeland. I would not be surprised to learn they would have their hand in much of it, but I fear that our biggest concern now is the safety of our own lands. And that of our beloved Angel. The young Knight is right when he speaks of her safety, but what good are guardians if she calls them away." That last part was given a long drawn out look to Janice. (d

Marius: Marius inclined his head in respect to Jean-Claude and his offer of a chair, which he cheerfully accepted and sat down Marius had listened most carefully to what had been said. He knew enough not to refer to any of them as Mastersor Grandmaster. What Janice had told him, he would take to the grave and not ever give any evidence of such knowledge. He did also take cognizance of Lady Avalle's comments. "Thank you for your kind offer of a seat. I would like answer Lady Avalle's comments on Frane. I freely admit to a lack of hard evidence, and I see The Organization has none either. I am postulating that France is not in love with Skye. We took England, and they would like it. We simply cannot be sure they will not get into it. But I would suggest that perhaps we could make some tenative overtures to Portugal. They would certainly have reason to fear a united Spain. We could indeed use some allies. This of course is only a humble suggestion but one can hope that it would be carried to right ears." (d)

Jean-Claude: He would laugh then, a small bit as he sat forward to fold his hands over the table, "I am sorry, who are you? I can assume you are Sir Marius, but none have offered me your name, and you have not given it." Jean-Claude was a strict person of politics, and did them very well. "I am Maître Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine, I am sorry we have not met before, but I do hope us to add more clarity on the subject." In all of his spoken word there was nothing to show signs he was cross, he simply had an order how things were done. Frankly, he was a bit offended he had to hear of the entire subject of their betrothal on the fortnight of their meeting.He would lean a bit closer to the man, a hint of sulfur on his sir-coat, and the stormy weather over the shining surface of the long raven strands that fell over his arm. "And do not be afraid to admit anything here, mon ami, the lack of hard evidence is not such a big deal." Of all men, he would be the one to back Marius on this as he too was a man to act on instinct, but his mind was centered around reason. "But trust me when I say, if France wished to be so sloppy as these Spaniards were..The Lady Avalle would be the first to know." With that he sat back in his chair, the long gossamer lace of his sleeve falling over the black silk gloves that covered his hands. "Sir Marius, makes a good point." He moved the motion to Claramae, "No matter how free he admits it." (d

Claramae: Claramae sat, of course, at the head of the table. When the floor was turned over to Claramae she gave a curt nod of her head before beckoning to Voltaire, whom brought a large collection of papers before he too was privy to a seat, along with his wife. Voltaire would take a moment to interject, "Madame wishes to present things for you to review, but before she does, allow me to say that from my own observations..the situation is quite..layered. I too, agree with the Master Jean-Claude, if France were to be of concern, the Lady of said nation would know. What I will interject is that we have become quite a beacon for observation and for ourselves to observe. The lines are filled with talk. It is not idle. Also, I will say that while deBrabant is young, rather quick he has not managed to get himself killed. Quite the accomplishment really. My wife also tells me of a shifting conversation amidst foreign bodies of women on talk of the continent. Whatever we are to face, it is moving fast." He helped Claramae to rise, to which she unfurled a map of the world as it was now known. The continent as they had all known it, and the areas in the sea marked by his Lordship. "Let me first begin by saying that it would serve to know, for one who does not, whom all are. Sir deBrabant, the Lady Inveryne, and Lord d'Aquitaine. You know the Voltaires, and myself. We all hold civic posistions that allow us ease of use in this one. Lady Inveryne leads Clan Lamont, is an excellent courtier of such repute she stands as the principal head of the Lady's household, to which as you have met Lady Heather of Armadale, is a third, second being the Lord Campbell's wife, Lady Liliana. Lord d'Aquitaine is a man of mercantile ventures and other persuits as he sees fit." She took a thin rod to act as her point, "Lady andWaiting. Somehow, she has convinced the man to marry her. With that marriage, the merging of the crowns came in celebration. To my knowledge, Isobel is a Spanish as birds are cats, but tis no matter. What matters is that she has done it. The Mo'r Triath's main wish is to have open trade, among all. We discussed this in England..him and I. While I do not disuade him his alliegances, of which he does have many on the continent and further still..that he makes allies of pagans will come at great peril. The Berber Moroccan Empire and he sought trade..through the straight of Gibraltar. Now..take you that thought, my friends..and marry it..to where Spain sits. If this is but a little knowledge to them.. you see where we begin to find issue." (d)

Rosalind: Rosalind canted her head as she listened, taking in each word, but more importantly -- what was not said. Claramae gave little of what she thought, and Rosalind supposed what Sir Marius thought was worn clearly upon his face. A courtier, this one was not, as he lacked the delicacy and command of double-speak required of the position. There was respect in the summation. Rosalind spent her days deciphering what her Lamont men demanded, and what the ladies of the court played at. Honesty was refreshing, though if he wished lessons in her arts, she did not have her title for naught. With a brief flicker of a smile, she turned to Jean-Claude. He was careful. Had Rosalind not known him as well, she would have read nothing of him in his speech. Formality was his code, as it was her own. She folded her hands upon the table, steepling her fingers. It was not so sinister a gesture as it seemed. "Nor am I hardly a Spaniard," Rosalind joked lightly. "Portugal would, indeed, be a strong ally to court. I have connections among their sovereigns," she said simply, leaving it at that. Those who knew her connections needed no explanation. Those who did not, had too often exploited them once discovered. "I do feel that perhaps one of our qualms may be easily satisfied. Here is one letter that arrived today. Our dear Welsh abbot is returning from Rome." She slid one of the letters to Claramae, smiling more than she ought to. She respected the Neath abbot a great deal. More, now that he was no longer an abbot, but Bishop of Skye. "He is as amused as I expect the High Lady
shall be when she has news." *

Marius: Marius considered carefully his next words. He had already made his point about Skye's security. But perhaps there was another way to reinforce it. Or at least to obtain more information. "I should like to address these remarks to Lady St. Laurence. As we know an assasination team was brought into Skye. The intended target was Lady Janice. I happened to be with her at the time and was similarly threatened. One of them was captured alive and handed overto you for questioning. I heard the man; he was Castillian by his speech. By his screams I ascertained that he resisted. Normally a bought assassin talks if captued, in order to spare himself the pain and perhaps even his life. This man appears to be a believer and Castillian. I believe someone name Claire did the actual interrogation. Am I correct in my assumptions? And what else was learned from this man? It would be most useful to know if they had any other contact on Skye and what was their method of escape. Marius had spoken quietly and earnestly; he wanted that information, not only for himself but Janice. (d)

Jean-Claude: "No someone named Claire did not, Sir deBrabant, but someone whose title is Master Laurence did in fact. He did resist, Sir, but I can assure he it was not for long." Jean-Claude would smirk to Claramae, that bit of the devil coming alive He did pray that he would be given the body once it was finished..even if the man did survive. "And it is a pleasure to meet you, formally. If I could put your mind at east, know this..everything is being done as it should to figure out the reasons, to find the culprits and certainly have them find their fate. I do not feel it was simply Janice they were after, but who ever took the position. I would like to hope that, Mon Ange, could now return to her life in peace, but let us post a few armed guards at her doors? Sir Marius, no doubt will be a great shadow for her, but even in his wake of duty another?" Now onto the topic of Spain, "It is hard for me to even believe this is where Isobel sits." He was a bit shocked indeed. "Perhaps Rosalind, we should dig a little deeper and see what reasons she would have to make such a jump?" Meaning he would wish to question a few contacts perhaps hire a few private spies. "My Father.." He would start, but think better of it as he propped and elbow on the chair and ran his fingers over his lips. "England even." Yes, Jean-Claude, that is where you just need to stay. "I think it would be wise of us Claramae on our trip to see what the underground is saying." He did hate to get his hands dirty, but would pack an extra pair of gloves. (d

Claramae: "Well, the Master Inveryne does present us news of an ally, with Meurig as the Bishop of Skye, our posistion is cemented with Rome. This also bodes well for any future interaction with Wales within the states. Brava. I do concur as well Portugal would be a wise ally to court given they will also need friends, given their precarious posistion on the tip of the land mass where Castille and Aragon sit. We shall make haste in that category. Better early devised than later regret. Now, I do believe a question was posed of me. The Castillian. Yes, his spanish marked him for it immediately. In my interrogation of him." Claire -- dear Lord. Claire. It had taken years for her even to allow Sorschal the pleasure again, Michael her husband was also another but beyond the pair she could hardly digest Claramae. Not that it was in direct referal, but why did the Isle insist on a local custom of such blatant familiarity with names? "He spoke, but it took some time to break him. He became shocked when his riddles were easily cracked, his postulating meant for nothing. It took him longer because he is of an Order intimate with high affairs. They do not go after your tailor upon the square. So as it is..there was enough news to have already set out targets, I believe any translator would have been the target, it became Janice when they discovered it was her. Furthermore, his list of kills were to also include benefactors on water and in knowledge. He mentioned that while now Spain remains quiet, it shan't for long be so in the sands. It is evident that this group shall be the reason Alfonso turns his eye there but he would have anyhow. A Reconquista, come now? Why it would cement him in history. This man further indicated a greater body of information as far as what finances these ventures. These men are byno means cheap. Spain having so many kingdoms it is n't as if they must vie for one master thing. They must be courted. He is of no use to them anymore and should he return they would kill him. He is slow, and hobbled." In essence, he would be a useless set of hands. In this world, folk were killed for less. "Before we continue further, I should like to say to Master d'Aquitaine that should the Lady return to her store in the near future, or any time beyond this she will be guarded, to which pardon me Janice, they shan't be dismissed. More of England will be discussed as well, but please, another take floor."

Janice:"When it comes my turn again...I should like to lay upon the table a complete portrait.." Claramae arched a brow, but nodded she could in a short while (d)

Rosalind: "It is indeed a bit of good news for us. I shall speak to the Bishop when he arrives." She nodded to Jean-Claude. She would also make use of her contacts in Portugal and France. France had troubled her for some time. There was always news emerging from France. There had been considerable shock and disbelief three years ago when Philip took back the Aquitaine and Brittany. But since then, the court was quiet, concerning itself with internal affairs, with business of the state, and very little else. Philip had been quiet ever since.... When had he the news of her uncle's death? She placed her hands to her mouth, not of emotion, but to think without revealing her cards. Not for the first time, she wished very much she had the time to listen to her uncle, in more matters than her own story. He was a man who held all of France's secrets in his capable hands, who had lost everything to redeem himself, who was misguided but honorable. She wished she had the chance to know him better. She sighed and dropped her hands into her lap. She had nothing more to offer that wasn't sheer speculation, so she settled back in her chair, as much as one could with such perfect posture -- chair backs were unnecessary, lazy contraptions that ruined the spines of women. *

Marius: Marius again spoke slowly quietly and with deliberation. "We have come far this night, further then I had thought possible and much has been made clear" He pauses "To all of us I think. Yet, I am still irked regarding the security of Skye itself. Just how many of these Castillian agents, if they even truly be Castillian, are about. We know of one. I still have not heard the details from the mouth of the assassin. I do agree that Janice was the target because she is the only one who can interpret the Berber language for the High Lord. Yet we must know if they have more of an organization right here under our very noses. Regretfully, I have heard nothing yet to answer this question. And it is burning to be answered." (d)

Peregrine and Jean-Claude: "Perhaps it is because you do not listen," The pirate spoke from the doorway, uninvited and unannounced. Peregrine held little place in this Hall, though somehow he had always held ties. Moving forward from the dark hall, he would place out upon the table a box, and those who knew the contents would not open them. He was fresh from a fight, and that was clear from the good hook given across his jaw..His hair was a mess (more so then normal) and in one hand he still held the short sword that was his faithful companion. Over his back the crossbow of his trade, and the longbow of his heritage..but was that the same bolts used upon the attack.It would make one wonder wouldn't it? He of course had no clue what they were talking of, but the rogue had offered Marius a smirk. "Sir Marius, may I present to you Master Peregrine, the ears and eyes when all others are blind." Jean-Claude would wave to his friend to take a seat, "If any were to know of an underground society it would be this one." Many times in his life had he depended on Peregrine not only having contacts above, but below the ground as well. "The Lord General's wife and I were attacked today on the docks, She will keep it from her husband for now, at least until I could get answers. They were trying to unload on my side of the dock's, and seek shelter in the Underdark..I can not deny them sanctuary, Claramae. You know this." He would harbor the fugitives for as long as they wished, and if his people would protect them, so too would he."But I'm a torn man, and this box is locked.." He pushed it forward, "But inside it are the names they are hiding under..You found this..you hear me. You found it in the books. They didn't seem right, and you wrote them down..that's not my handwriting." Was he trying to convince himself, or her? Peregrine, would not offer where they were staying, but should they wish to chase..well, he would wish them luck. "Perhaps your next question is why we do not notify the army, or the armed forces in Skye, Marius, but here is your answer..we are in a time of peace. The people here are the heart of this land, and with it the very pulse..To know there is evil afoot, would cause panic. If the Lord General would get word of this, he would have posts at every station, and somebody would find that odd..ask the right question to the wrong person, and before our hands we have blood." Jean-Claude wouldopen his hands to suggest the spilling onto the streets, "So we keep it inside, keep it quiet, and keep it clean. You would be surprised at how many kingdoms have the same routine." (d


Claramae: "Ah. Master Peregrine. Well, with your as usual uannounced arrival some benefit can be seen. Introductions taken care of, at least this time you come to the direct point." He could have well danced on rafter or lolly gagged in hidden alcove again. If any man were trying to kill her by stroke, it was that one. "So now we know how they are coming in, Sir deBrabant, through the Under-dark. Peregrine here minds the under-dark." a loose way of saying he wasthe criminal master-mind that had the sense to be on the finer side of the tracks but often grew bored so this allowed him something to do. Better than him in her training courses again. "This then means they will be more open, more willing to speak. It also then means they can be easily trapped and cornered. This larger body tat attacked you..court it, seduce it. Give them wine, women whatever your custom. Draw out everything you can from them on their stance in the desert, what they think of the Berbers, any plans for attacks on either side, what they find of Adam, everything. And when you are done? Well..have at them. They certainly can not be expected above ground nor out of the country now. So as you see, Sir de Brabant, some things are answered quite diferently around here. We think not in straight lines so pardon our angles. You seem not to think the same in some hints. As far as speaking to the Castialian, no. The next man who does that will be the High Lord himself, it is his right of course. It is mine because if you wish it plain, somewhat cruder terms? I am the High Lord's velvet covered attack hound. You have merit here for wha tyou have survived and your place at Janice's side, but you too must maintain your civic accord. You are a mounted rider, you must continue that persuit as much as you may have stake in this one. Too much a mist-step and you giving information we need to know becomes you near getting yourself killed. We will still have use of your more militant talents, however. I am certain such a chance will be presented to you. Merely wait. Merely see. Now. I do believe Janice has the floor now. The Lady of Letters." The conclusion of it all would come after this, because she was highly fascinated by how much the girl had absorbed in her lessons, let alone how on earth a mounted warrior had as much rough insight as he had.

Janice: "Thank you, Master Laurence," the last time she had presented anything to a company was when she had translated said Masterwork, and been called upon to read it. Now this was of matters wholly domestic and foreign. Life threatening, yes, but quite broad. "Master d'Aquitaine is correct, to produce this to the public means panic. The policy is followed across the world. Master Inveryne has made good connections, and pray God, may be needing them soon. My betrothed." The small one rather fond it hard to digest those words in reference to her, of all people. But proceeding on, "Spoke of his investigation by way of the Lady Heather and through other channels..came across a servant who sought to infiltrate but did not, yet still has some access by way of entertainments to the lesser staff. While the intention didn't manifest, the plan was clear enough. There was still one other castle to infiltrate and their they succeeded. Marius' man came with two others. One is an Aragonese diplomat, the other is an Aragonese count..but the draw is that they are both Templar. Now, how this matters is that they have infiltrated the very heart of the state's politics...and as Master Peregrine stated they try to come through a concealed end. This is an island. It has ports. Any ship may hide itself well enough. But here.." She pulled Claramae's map closer,opening a tube of her own. "When I first met Marius we spent some time looking at maps of the city. What I did know then, like I know now love...is the Templar that looked at us, was of Aragon. These maps I pulled from one of the older scrolls. Yes..they've given me access to their deeper resources really..their history..everything. But one thing we puzzled over were old templar legends, the treasure ships..23 of them that set sail upon their leaving France. Claramae wondered what in creation treasure boats had to do with Berber or Spanish politics, but Janice lifted a finger, "Please, please Master hear me. By deciphering the language they were were written in..I've deduced that library is like Alexandria incarnate. The Mo'r Triath 's alliegance with them gives him room to touch..what others haven't, or can't! At any rate...two of ships can be accounted for. This old navigation char follows the trade lines out to spain. Here, are two of the treasure ships. Now..they landed..one in Spanish territory, the other in North Africa. Instead of reconnecting with the others they remained separate, being absorbed to other things but the wealth of those ships to this day is funding whatever shot arrows at me...I am of little comparison. The other templars don't know...nor do I even think Alfonso realizes the extent of his Spanish politics thickening but it is intention to make civil war. A seperatist order of knights may arise of it, or a chance for those templars who do not agree with their fate to rise again. The man Marius sought must be in league with these, as all of them are with others. If the Berbers are befriended of Adam his power is immense. But if there is war? War makes a greater profit for these seperatists who will then coax the king..and I am afraid it grows worse of there. The number of assasins that traveled to undo the trade agreeance is perhaps 15. Some of them have been killed, at least by reckoning ten to date, one of the others is captured. "

Claramae: "You have enough clout to maneuver that far into their alcoves?" Claramae lifted one brow as she looked at the map upon the table. "Well then. Everyone has brought pieces to this event or others that will soon fall into place. So this leaves a total of 5 assasins, plus two templars, plus the servant of Marius' reckoning at the head of this greater pool. Dear God, child...Templar ships." She then deduced a rather frightening prospect, "They are settled : enough to have immense wealth on that corner of the world..and a great many advances here are Templar secured. Oh my."

Janice: "Yes, they will cause all of Lord Aberdeen's work to backfire upon him. He may be blamed immensly for any resurgence of their power, their machines taken from the states...run the risk of being discovered by the King if not already being learned by Isobel..if even a foreign legion goes to Morroco, say the lord should send one..they may be terribly beaten down by what would look liek their own. If they court Morocco...then any would have to defend spain or they retake Iberia. If Spain holds it..and after they do as they please with it....I fear my lady they will look North. At England. There is by your own reckoning a movement of loyalists.." (d)

Rosalind: "Ah, Peregrine." She would have reached out to touch her husband, save she saw he was still armed to the teeth and there was company present. The women of Skye were considerably more affectionate in public than Rosalind had ever been. She had once shocked Peregrine by kissing him at their daughter's baptism. She did smile slightly at him, a promise of a fuller one when she was no longer Lady Inveryne, but his beloved Rosie. She looked back to Jean-Claude and then to Claramae. "I believe the Spain situation may be more ... urgent than dear Janice's safety, though I have not quite made the connections yet. I was called into service to help translate for a recent wave of immigrants -- though I use the term loosely, as Skye was not their final destination. There is some confusion as to whether one of their ships was under attack, or simply ran aground, but I am told the damage is consistent with the former. Many of their goods were destroyed, and some twenty were killed outright, drowned, or died of cold. Knowing there is a stake in trade seems to point toward Spanish meddling, and I do concur, Sir Marius -- security is the question. How it is to be addressed is a matter of some delicacy, but given these refugees -- it is one that needs be addressed with some immediacy. I tremble at what rumors this shall inspire, should one of the translators have a moment of indiscretion. I also believe their leader is somewhat of a ... " Rosalind very rarely struggled for words in English. She had been speaking it now for far more years than she had spent in her home country, but the word she thoughtof did not sound quite right. "He has a very passionate personality," she concluded diplomatically. "As does my daughter, and I promised the nanny that I would not be out late." Polly usually had a very good temper, and was very well behaved, but she was as determined as her mother in many respects, and spoiled rotten by all the adults in her world. She was a terror, and Rosalind had promised not to inflict that upon the nanny, though she supposed Aldric's mild, unquestionably diplomatic personality almost made up for his sister's wildness. "Please do excuse me, but if you have need of consultation, do send word to the chateau. I shall mind my own commitments and send word if I should have any." *

Marius: Marius immediately nodded sagely to Lady Avalle, who had spoken so wisely. I believe at this time, we have said all that we can say. Obviously, I will be back at my post with the heavy cavalry. But yes, and I will reiterate it, security is the key. As for Lady Janice's story, form another I would consider it merely a pretty tale. I know her scholarship. She has traced down another thread of the danger. We have had good counsel from Lady St. Laurence and from Lady Avalle, especially on the subject of France. Master Jean-Claude had also given us useful knowledge, and Master Peregrine has given us a bit from the Underdark. Much needs to be undertaken and speed will be essential. Now, I suggest we go to our repsective places and either get some rest or begin to do what needs to be done. I thank you all for your forebearance this eve. Marius makes a small bow to all as he takes Janice's hand and leaves the room. (d)

Peregrine: "Have a good night Rosalind, Marius. John-Boy." He was brooding over something, slouched in the chair, and tossed eyes back at the Frenchman who sat across from him studying. They would have words before the night was over. This was not finished. There was more. (d)


The Retrospect: A Spanish funded plot against the Berbers of Morroco is at the heart of what threatens life and limb. Further still, the contingent of two Spanish templars found by Viscreed, the lesser servant found by Marius, five remaining lead assasins, and those seeking sanctuary in the under-dark are at the heart of moving a Templar-funded war machine. Two of the original 23 treasureships that set sell from France during the Templar expulsion went one to Spain, one to North Africa. These two funded fortunes belong one to each spanish Templar who both seek to give the Templars a continental seat of power again. The Mo'r Triath's open trade agreement is in direct threat with the Spanish Reconquista as well as the seperation of traditional enemies.

The Master Supposition: Utilizing old fortunes, the two Templar Knights have funded two polarized versions of their objective, which shall either be to emere as heroes in a united Spain or North Africa against the Moors, or to encourage a war machine between any rival factions for their benefit. The other players shall soon come to light, and the deeds surely not yet done.

The Tally
- Marius spent a day in investigation (Reply 18) discovering a man by the name of James of Lincoln, his failed castle infiltration, but what he extracts from lesser servants from collaborations at a tavern called the Blue Boar. Worrying over matters of security, he addresses this, but shall resume his position as a mounted warrior while still keeping an eye upon the matters of this world
-Janice spent a day in investigation among the Templar works, uncovering two destinations of the mysterious 23 treasure ships. Discovering her translation will have a deeper bedrock than merely trade, she explains the money funding of a war machine that will inflict damage not only on that end of the world, but to the Lord's repute if tied to him. She was marked given her knowledge of Berber dialect, but stands to be marked more than once. The lady is to language what her father was to his mercinary class.
-Claramae and Adam have spoken on the domestic and foreign implications of all things, large and small including Isobel, England, Spain, England's position as a country as well as his own stance. (England, London Games 1333)
- The others, lending their knowledge, abilities, and resources, help to make a complete image of what shall be done. The Lady Inveryne has contacts with the Bishop of Skye and Portugal, Master Jean-Claude wishes to accompany Master Laurence to England to quell riots there which will have some future correlation to things ongoing. Master Peregrine hosts ship dwellers in the under-dark, and a shipwreck was mentioned by the Lady Inveryne with immigrants who may have come under attack.

To Seek: The High Lord, to inform him of these things, and of the 5 remaining assasins, the work of James of Lincon, of the two Spanish Templars, and of all that is so far known.

[Master Claramae St. Laurence]

A Threat to the GrandMaster and Other Masters
The Affair of Others

Beginning to Exorcise the Spanish Demon
The Purging

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Cat Fight

Even women must fight for what they love in shows of dominance, even if they do not expect to do so in order to keep their lives

-.-.-

Boisterous and hearty people crowned Janice and Dora with respect coated in thick ale laced brogues. They lifted hands to clap, slap at knees when the plot was foiled. A spectacle was never a terrible thing: the women had come to declare the honor of self and the ties of one unto a man, but instead proved to be a hidden weapon in the Tavern's collection. She became the zenith of expression while forsaking the repressed nature of wall-flower. Mouse, Alessandra had called Janice. She didn't know of the maid Lucia had any 'fond' words for the Lynch woman, but whatever they might be fierce angel suited Dora better than any underhanded slight. Just as Janice was no mouse, or wall-flower. For a little while she allowed herself the chance to be what faith or circumstance rarely allowed: young.


But a few weeks ago she only took a set of eyes with a passing glance. A wan look of wanting with a small smile before she vanished into a world of letters, her first love. Her last, so she thought. Married to the alphabet, the bride of antiquity, Janice thought that the convent's stance on celibacy was worthy to adopt. Often, she laughed with Dora on this, while the elder woman suggested such youth would wizen and a good marriage would keep lonliness away. Could a book hold you? Could ink soothe your doubts or make you laugh? Antiques and curios were things with thick dust. When she blew it away, would they love her with the same furvor she had in hunting them down? No. There was something more she could love than the Letters that stuck together in fashioning her little herald.

Lady of Letters. She was now a Woman of Valor. A woman, whom rose to defend her betrothed's esteem in conjecture with her own reputation. To have conquered Alessandra was to have conquered the form of every nay-sayer who jabbed and prodded at her with expectation for her to turn the other cheek. Not anymore. The court lay to be conquered next, for to be the wife of knight was to be a Lady. To have done what she had done, was to be a woman. By the time she was joined, wed and bed by God she would be a Lady for when Viscreed became deBrabant, she would see it all be for victory.


Only now, she was so tired. By the time the galavanting ended, Janice was on the arm of Marius. His face was cut through with lines of weariness. His intense, bright eyes were beginning to hollow for want of sleep. The realm was not in a war, any that it knew of. Below the peace was fire that scorched, but still he continued to go through it pulling her with him if only for the chance to love her. One disagreeance came in how the Hall could do what it did, but there was one thing for certain: There was a greater demon rising from the depths. Each time a head was cut another twisted into place. She remembered the time that she sought to sell herself in the interest of a resolution.


A body could be given, but it was going to be broken across a rock where a Spaniard might take one portion, and if offended a Berber might another. He was so tired, and so was she.

So she took him to the place that was what it had been built to be: home. The town house poured pitch through the slits of the shutters. Inside, it was cold for the absence of fire. Ghosts of her happiness permeated the walls and she hoped it might soak into his skin. Here, two women and two small boys often sat together. A wild elder brother could be made to sit with his yonger if only for a little by one of the stories, or talk of the day. Dora was her mother. The boys, her brothers. God had been kind enough to give twice a restoration for all that was buried in the ground. By now, they were both used to being in the center of the guardian conclave. Eyes watched from across at the fountain, at the steps of the door, and upon the roof. There was even one within the walls but it did not erase the fact that where they would be, they would there alone. While the guards were discrete, rumor might not be so. But she didn't care anymore. There were so many other things so much more important than the way people thought, or to be pleasing for them.

His arms were a sanctuary, her own his heaven, and they lay together in repose to forget the world outside the door.

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Just the chance to have you with me..


Janice: Blended in disciples of the masters walked with silence surrounding a pair who wished to be joined by more than what tried to tear them apart. They blended in with the citizens, distinct only to those who might seek them out. A tight conclave, that had kept her alive upon the streets well since the last attack but saw her undo her own attacker this day. Marius? To them he was a man whom sought simple things thrown headlong into a lack of what he desired. Was this the noterieity he wished? A banner flew he sought to hold, the Griffin, over their heads as they crossed into the district. Horsehooves of a carriage where his own had yet to meet a war he could understand, that any of them could. For now it was time to place thoughts in stillness. No ripples to the bond, only to lay at the shores of Elysium, to look upon it. That is what Janice would say as she did something she had never done before: escort the Knight into a home she herself missed. "I will start the fire, Dora. I think your sons need you more than me this night. It will be your choice, to bring them from the hall..to hear again. But they have been too long without their mother." The Lynch woman seemed in conflict, as if she had three children, not two. Still, cheeks were kissed, a shawl taken, and Dora was off into the night to chart her own course once more. Through the dim murk , lines of moonlight cut across pristine floor. Beyond the little foyer was a sitting room with a generous fireplace, a kitchen beyond it. "Come sit down.." That was no offer, but a soft command. Once a candle was lit she studied his face by that before going to stoke the fire. "You are worn thin..you need respite.." (d)

Marius: "You are most right there Janice. I am much wearied by all this running and hiding." A sight of relief echoes throughout the room "I would like to simply remain here with you beloved. I am so very very tired of all this. I can navigate my way thorugh it, far better then you Order knows. It is that I choose not to, but to defend you; I will dare any deed, venture out against any evil. You are the one I will always love and I cannot turn aside from any danger that threatens you." He deliberately did not speak of his years with the Duke where he had been commissioned on my deeds both on and off the field of battle; some very black indeed. He had wished that these days were long behind him, and he had been wrong. They had returned with a vengeance. He would never abandon Janice, no matter what! (d)

Obscure Innocent: "So am I. So here we will stay." The simple truth was that no where else had any appeal now. Zeal of victory faded to the quiet revelations between them. Weeks of it, when would it end? As if fate drew them together only to teasethem with what ifs? What purpose could a Berber familiar translation carry on with life, and through history? So much weight on shoulders trying to find their own way was a burden small hands rubbed at. "You are tense, Marius, so knotted. As if your military life wasn't enough now you must be another defender. You will never turn from me, no matter how I pressed before. I do not want you to. So here we are." Delicate hands took up the skin to try and make headway into the muscles before she could only rub at them, bestowing a gentle kiss on the back of his neck. (d)

Marius: Her kiss made him smile and of course the very touch of her set his emotions off on an uncontrollable urge. Instead of just letting her continue he turned about and then led her to come around in front. Then he simply pulled her down to him on the couch encirling her with his arms, as he brings her mouth to his. Nothing could rouse him like she could, and she did rouse him indeed! (d)

Janice: She watched as the flesh responded to her touch. A slight stiffening before his fluid actions announced the result she thought correct. The kiss he set upon her! She did not need to yield tonight, she returned it with equal fevor as her hands cupped at his face. "Love." She breathed. Not in inquiry or admonishiment, nor caution. Complete, pure ownership of the word was applied to him as she pressed her mouth back to his, finding from their practice she recalled how to kiss him. Still, he reduced her to shivers when he touched her. Flashes of cold warmth. Oxymorons that made no sense only were sensible in his arms (d)




Marius:: Marius could not and did not want to help himself. His love for Janice kept mushrooming. Just when he thought he could love her not further, she committed some act like the confrontation with Alessandra, and he found that his love for her had impossibly grown even stronger. He held her fast against his chest, her breasts pressing against him and he was enthralled, captitivated, captured by her. His mouth played such wonderful games with hers, even their tongues moving round and round to then tease and finally mate. Each time another plateau was surmounted as his emotions became stronger, wilder; he had never felt like this before. Whatever she had done to him, he wanted it. Marius knew this was love; something he had never experienced. And he gloried in it and Janice. (d)

Janice: A confrontation of that magnitute had to happen. She couldn't, wouldn't let the whore go without knowing that to scathe the name of deBrabant was to anger the small woman that wore Viscreed on her sleeve. She collapsed into his body, nearly climbing it for the vantage point of where her mouth could take his inside. Oh, what it was like! Tasting the wine and water on his mouth. Breathing in his air. Janice was not going to cease what was beautiful between them. God no. Hadn't they come to the pinacle of death and degradation just for one chance to be as they were now? The mind was a thing run wild of how it thought; what was thought but a constraint of which she wanted none? Sighing, she slid her hands up through his hair, letting one move along his chest. (d)

Marius: Marius felt the pressure of her, her wanting him as much as he wanted her, but he also knew that this was only a physical joining to an emotional one that had already taken place. He loved her with all his heart and soul, and now she was coming for him. Marius did not hesitate; his body was feeling white hot from her touch, his hands began to move faster and faster over her body; now they just did not touch but caressed and held as well. His mouth moved to the sweet hollow of her neck where he kissed her repeatedly, then his teeth playing with the soft skin there. His hands were reach out now to those magnificent full breasts pushing against him and he took hold of both, gently squeezing them. (d)

Janice:"Please.."

Not to cease. Not to stop. The plead was not one for chastity's preservation but for the progress of what would separate her from the old, of what would bind the body to what the mind already knew. Her heart was his. Her mind thought of him where no one else could take sway of it. Janice understood what it was that was happening, even if the order of what was deemed was not how it began. No more did she care for supposistion, or appeasing others before herself. Hands reached out to hold his shoulders, move down his arms in order to have reign over his back. She pressed him in as he tormented the flesh of her throat. Like a bridge, her head drew back in order to receive his mouth there. Her breasts? The change in them came as the flush spread over them with the heat of his hand. "Please.." She whispered. (d)

Marius: Marius had made many difficult decisions in his military career, but none such as this. He pulled her away. "Janice I want you more then life itself. But I did promise you that I would take you in honor. Tonight would not not be in honor." All the while he spoke his body was fighting his words. But Marius put on a will of iron. "I will have you as my wife; this present you can give only once. It shall be to me, as your husband. I want you now, I will always want you. but this would not be right and both of us would regret it." His eyes bored into hers; the love between them was sacred, and never ending, but tonight this had to stop for both of them. (d)

Janice: "You did promise. We both did, but what is honor and who are we trying to prove it to?" She questioned, all the while finding a cool point to where her words could do war with her body. She looked at him, so determined to know her as was intended by all that was sacred in this world. She loved him more,more than she had ever loved. "You may love me as I love you, and should you wish to wait until we are sealed under God's law, then so will I. It is blasphemy for me to say this." Confessed the convent girl to the knight Austria, "But by Scottish writ it is said that those whom join their bodies are wed so as to satisify what faith dictates. So say all those who live amongst us but have not seek union as to be recorded in annual." She leaned back into the couch as for space to be with them. The distance between them ached, but she could manage. "This is not my body speaking ahead of my mind. It is my mind simply..not..caring. All I care for..is you. You are all I want. I want to be your wife more than anything. By grand cathedral or modest country cell I care not. Joined we now or joined we by priest." (d)

Marius: Marius took and just laid her against him lightly the two of them now more relaxed, but the yearing still there. "Let us set up our wedding, not two months hence, but for this very week. We have friends to invite and a ceremony to set up in the Cathedral. I want us wed. I want you to be my Lady Wife." (d)

Janice: "A week? Hmm what can be planned within a week Sir deBrabant? Dora will never forgive me for cramping her fingers, for she will seek to turn out a spectacle to put me in." She pulled up his fingers to kiss them, sighing softly. "It is the proper thing to do, isn't it? God knows these ventures may very well kill us. Tis not as if we've no place to live, should you not mind keeping company with a lady's maid and her two sons, myself and my persistant want of knowledge. "You shall be a man of calvary, I shall be a Lady of Letters and your Lady...one in title as well as affecionate herald." She squinted her eyes to see the aura around their joined hands. (d)


Marius:"Janice, you have always been a lady in my eyes, and that will never change. I can certainly accept you, and Dora, and the two boys. Even if one day we should get a different place, I was be much aggrieved if Dora did not come with us and her family as well. Best tell her as soon as possible." He leaned over and kissed her again. And again he felt like he always did, every kiss like the first. (d)

Janice: It felt as if they were created to be together, thus fufilling a prophecy. "Yes, she would come with us. None should but her. I can not imagine my life without them. So are you sure we wish it to be a week? It may be as long as it takes till the dress is made proper." She teased him, offering up yet another kiss. She drew a blanket over them so they might be one beneath it only in locked arm. What rumor might live out behind those doors she cared little of, too (d)

Marius: He had never been this happy before; t be in love and to be married. Marius knew for certain that this was the one for him. He knew she did not possess lands or wealth, but they loved each other and that was enough. Somehow he would garner advancement here, even thoght it seemed all were against him. He would not stop, not himself or simply for his honor, but for them; to build a future for them and the family they would someday create. (d)

Janice: Janice had never thought that this life would be hers to reckon with, but for the chance to have him return to her arms everyday it was worth it. To know that they would pray to bless the same food, to laugh at the same jokes and to marvel at the same things while never having to be apart brought a peace to her heart that couldn't be undone. She was well monied but it was not the same as being an heiress. She was not landed, nor had a title to give him. He had his knighthood but had to earn his rewards of it in the land but didn't care to what simplicity he was now. The only thing that furrowed her brow was one simple thought. "A week is good to wed in, so that we might stand against anything that comes. Whatever it is, whatever we are asked, we will do so together?" For she wondered, she felt, that the world would grow more vast than Janice ever imagined for that one little page she translated (d)

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

The Translation - A Meeting
(Written by Adam and Janice)


She would summon up a messenger to approach only his Lordship with the following message: it is done.

Adam was approached by a messenger, who bowed deep... “MiLord... from, the Lady Janice... It is done...” Adam snapped a look at the young man... “Aye, inform the Lady Janice Ah shall coom strai’taway...”

As the messenger left, Adam finished the daily log of Parliamentary procedures that he kept as Mo’r Triath. Setting the book aside, he rose from the desk and strapped on his sword. Into the hallway, he passed Brom... “Oh Brom, inform the Mo’r Okesula Ah shall be at Ebony Hall, the Lady Janice has a translation f’r mae...” the man nodded “Aye MiLord...” and Adam continued down the corridor...

Into the streets of Turas Lan Adam was no stranger. The short ride to Ebony Hall was filled with excitement... little did he know what had occurred over the last few days in his very own city.

The messenger would have been tasked to deliver the translation on behalf of Janice but in light of all that had happened, Janice Viscreed would not hide behind the body of another, with words that could fall to the wayside. Repeating the same things over and over would do none any good. Leaving it to chance was folly. No, if he could entrust her with his ventures than she would do him the honor of being in earnest. It seemed something the Lady Laurence, Sir Sorschal, or even the Signore di Favino should embrace. Yet here she was.

The ride to Ebon Hall was calmer than anything she had and if it were known, she might allow herself the slight sin of envy. Having been told of his approach, she waited for him at the main door to receive him outright. Over the years, how many times had Janice stood to take in a message, direct an inquiry, or even host on behalf of others? Now, to do it on behalf of herself. To have service, with things to offer up? Her blood ran cold at the nature of what could be beneath a few words said in friendship. How ignorant did they think the man, how supposing? How clueless did they fathom these states to be?

Adam now wore the brown leather trousers and matching jerkin covering the white shirt he was so famous for... his ornate sword swung freely at his hip. His stride was notable as he walked the corridors of Ebony Hall. Just as he entered, he saw Lady Janice. As he approached her, her curtsy was met with a deep bow. “M’Lady... Ah answer yaer summons...” He rose from his bow and looked down at her as his stature was much taller than she. “Ah ‘ope yaer doin’ well these cold days. Soon Spring shall greet us w’t rain... and the chill shall pass as the wind...”

Adam was noted for his charm as well as his politics; though many thought him ignorant to such things that would evolve from rooms of this very building. “Did yae ‘ave difficulty translating mae words...? Ah dae pray yae was able to translate at least some of my feelings as well...” he winked at her teasingly. “Yae and Ah must sit down and discuss the situation at a later date... Ah shall require yae tae translate other documents...”

His hand found his chin and he rubbed it slowly as they walked together... “Dae yae speak the Berber tongue as well?”

For her part, the Lady was arrayed as one ought expected a Lady to look. Chilled white wine was the shade of the gown's fabric, a brocade pattern that bespoke soft whisper with every rustle of the skirts beneath. It was a comely thing, more than she ever sought to spend for herself on attire. Like all things who had a signature, when in these walls there was naught but the best to be presented. "Thank you for coming hence My Lord. The household is honored by your presence." Janice watched as he unfolded his bent body to stand up to his full height. He was taller than her by well over a head! tilting her head up to view him, she listened as he spoke of the weather.

"The weather is not too cold, my lord. Thank you for asking. Please, come." She turned to lead him to where he might sit, though the words on her mouth would bid him rise up again. In fact, she did not even allow him the chance to speak before she answered his questions. "It was not difficult but it was a challenge to convey m'lords words and expressions in a way that was at once accurate and cultural to the region. I do speak Berber, and given it is an indigenous tongue, it is a dialect that also translates to other regional languages. Given the Islamic nature of the kingdom, I elected to utilize a tone closer to Arabic. Should your lord ship wish any further translations I am at his service." Once at the door to the room she paused, turning to him, she said.

"But before we continue, allow me to say sir that the venture has proven troublesome. I am marked by Spanish whom detest the Berber, Castilian they seem. My shop is being repaired from being pilfered for your documents and murder occurred there. If you do not know sir, now you do."

Lady Janice was direct and straightforward, not the willy-nilly, got-ta-kiss-yer-ass, types at Court that he found most unlikeable. Looking around the halls... “I am unsure if I am liked here, but I am tolerated...” he teased as he looked back down at her. “This place is awe-inspiring to say the least.”

“Tis good to hear of yer abilities... and I apologize for actions taken against yu... apparently, things are more sensitive than I realized... and fear not, yer shop’s repairs shall be funded by me... yu shall be out none financially... emotionally and mindly, tis something I can only apologize for...” He too was straight forward, but he did not tell her that disturbing things happen with anyone associated with him.

Standing at the door, he would look at her... “So a trip to Fez would be presumptuous?”



The Lady Janice was not yet a lady. By marriage she would be, in stature she was becoming, but perhaps in service she'd earned the accolade of her own merit. She led him to a place with a chair that was plushed, a rarity in the world that did not rely on one's own rigid back to find support in it. She took up residence beside the other, waiting for the High Lord to find his seat first.


"Of course his Lordship is held in high regard," she knew all held their opinions, but would not serve him if he were that terrible. The truth was they would have killed him. That was a good thing then, that he not only walked in, but lived, with many years between himself and allies to tell of it. If disturbing things happened in his company, he could rest in good health knowing she was the source of disturbing enterprise without him. "I thank you sir, you may consider your payment dually utilized." What as being utilized of others would be repaid, and what remained would help to finance an expansion. Ebony Hall. The cloister just beyond Avignon. It all surmounted to being in walls no matter grand or plain that were not of her chosing. To coin the phrase the small one was determined to have it all:


Or a trip to Fez.



"Fez, my lord?" The face of Janice was one now mixed with curiosity and fear. Great fear. What was he going to ask?

[Master Claramae St. Laurence]

The show for dominance is a laughable farce. Seperate we are without, and in anger for what we lack. Together we are in union with complete things to work with. We shall not go down into the core of the other but we shall see on surface plain a comman thing shared.

You and I are strangers in a strange land.

Marius: Marius returns to Ebony Hall quite unlike his leaving it. The last time he was here they had tried to "read him the riot act" accusing him of being brash, and no really knowing what was happening. In fact they had not listened truly to a word that he had said, excpet for Lady Avalle. He felt she was shrewder then most. She actualy listened. The rest of them were plain stupid. They were so complacent about their power that they could not even manage what was right under heir noses. Skye was not a sieve; there was no single breach of it's security. There simply was no security whatever. He was going to be taking care of that on his own. They just had no clue, but pretended they knew all. Well that was going to change; radically for them. At the entrance he gave his name. Instead of requesting an audience he said he would expect the Lady St. Laurence to wait upon him and he gave the small ante room as the location. Marius simply went in and sat down and waited. He knew he had literally challenged her in her own chamber, but it was necessary. Skye had to be protected. Even more important, Janice had to be protected, and these people were doing neither whether Janice wished guards or not; they were falling down on the job. (d)

Claramae: Confrontation was the essence of integrity; a show for the sake of the country, the sake of one woman was going to ensue in one of the rooms of Ebony Hall. He was not heeded? It did not take a messenger to convey the message. Quiet halls whispered with servant voice but the walls absorbed no transferred nothing around Sir deBrabant. "You have words?" Bathsheba couldn't have sounded more crisp, more clear on the eve before war in an assembly of advisors. Elegance slid through the room on soles that made no sound, but then again what did? Seeming indifference was doubtless read in stern face, or was it mocking? Did she have a care to craddle his conclusions in her small, manicured hands? Placid features could rile the devil in many a man, but he would not be the first nor last man that saw her as the ego in the Devil's Advocate (d)

Marius: Marius was sitting in a high backed chair facing the entrance, almost like a monarch holding court. He was relaxed and his legs were crossed as he sat nonshalantly facing her. The smile on his face was most deceiving, and he was playing it for all he was worth. "Lady St. Laurence, how good of you to come so swiftly at my summons." He was really laying it on, as if this was hall and not hers. Well, she had spoken down to him last time and tried to make him feel insignificant. She was not going to be able to forget that, at least not from him. "We have much to discuss." a short pause with that smile even wider. "Or should I say you have much to hear from me. As to learning, that would be a considerable miracle, but I have hopes..............even for you." (d)

Claramae: "Are you not droll this evening? Were this a play the audience might applaud you, but this is no theater. Come to the quick of it."She waved her hand at him as if the monarch displeased the courtier so she was bond enough to be done of him. She looked at his mock imperialism without so much as raising a brow before continuing. "Are you disparaged by something, enraged? Perhaps it is both. We have meshed not well." Smile suited playwright's pretensions better, but it was a good showing of effort. On contrary to his childish thought, there was much to respect in half honed, half raw ability he presented. Yet he was a man. Men were prone to great waves of arrogance that befouled the world, and women were merely to learn to stomach the pungent aroma. (d)

Marius: "To come simply to the point you and your Order are a failure. You cannot even keep secure your own homeland. Ah yes one or two spies will always slip through. But you have allowed an entire organization. Have you kept watch on the man I instructed you to? By now he has fled and should be followed, perhaps even apprehended. He was the chief of the enemy organization; yes, the one who called himself James of Lincoln and tried to penetrate the castle and then did so indirectly. I know because I went out and investigated. I did not simply patrol the coast, I stopped at the fishing villages and even spent some of my own gold, which I had appropriated from some of the assassins." He takes a long breath. "I shall begin at the beginning. Your Order has failed totally to forstall one attack on Lady Viscreed's bookstore, and now two assasination attempts against her. This last also included an attempt on my life but only because I serve as her protector. You simply cannot deny these failues" (d)

LadyStLaurence: "Ah, my High Lord one thousand apologies, or...shall we have a moment to consider that you are not the Mo'r Triath thus not master of the Realm? You may not address for confirmation or denial a litany of things, nor are you my husband nor brother." A sense of tradition flowed in veins honed by ancient blood, and to that would it hold. A touch of sarcasm played amidst the tone for she found it utterly amusing that he would come in astride, hide his anger behind him as if he were the Sultan. She, but a failed excuse in his harem to be cast aside for a new favorite. "Nor has my righteous, indignant sir considered that when he came within to call a meeting that was not his own to call, to order about what was not his own to order that he was heeded, agreed with and perhaps even sought after to be protected along with his comely bride, one of our own? He did not think that as he brought a Castallion to be interrogated it would be done nor did he come to find the make of that meeting's conclusion? Ah. No. Nor did he consider when he sent personal deliver hence nor mentioned such name within the public sphere the cost such could entail? Or that upon his capture of one spaniard or his attack the Under-dark was sough for a great purging, and was so? Nor hath he considered that even on his way here he was followed, or that the Lady's life has been threatened no less than four times, to his knowledged two? Ah. Nor has he returned to hear what others have been pulled down to die before they may shoot at him nor has he returned to tell of what he learned in said fishing village, or that the little Italian harlot could yield interesting information but no. He deems he is not spoken to, nor heeded, belittled. Ah sir. Youare heeded, you have been followed and your word respected despite the brash manner in which it is delivered. Your presence in the world of shadows comes by marriage and so then you become as any here. From noviate to grandmaster, to be guarded." She walked about his chair in languid circles "So as you recall the list of Order sin let us compound thy own for we must have equal review upon the table." (d)

Marius: In the most bored voice he could manage "Finally Madame. But will you give me the details of all your interrogations. I have deliveredd four subjects to you. And as practice makes perfect, they should all be talking. You have not not yielded to me even the results of the first assassin's interrogation, yet I can well determine most of it. He knows little, but enough which I have already discovered. In the fishing villages along the coast and with the smugglers; enemy spies come and go. literally on schedule. Details are most interesting. When the pair of original assassins came ashore they were met by a man answering to the description of the so called James of Lincoln. He was waiting for them with a pair of horses. And I was told that somewhere behind him and almost out of sight was someone else possibly a woman, but they were not sure. The pair of assassins did not meet the woman; she revealed herself only after they had departed. The procedure was for these people to go out from fishing boots coming from the continent and to transfer at sea to the boats of Skye. Once ashore, they were usually met by another man, whose description fits that of the one who fled after the ransacing of the bookstore. He has been replaced for the moment by the so called James of Lincoln who has attempted to penetrate the castle and has succeeded indirectly." A short pause. "Now where was the Order on this?" Do you see my point Madame. The agents take ship in the fishing boats from the continent. At sea they simply transfer to Skye boats and come ashore to reception committees. As I said, on schedule. Further the smugglers have a few isolated coves they frequent. They and the fishermen leave each other alone. Still reception committee's meet them as well. All is pre arranged and on a regular schedule. Also, we know from my earlier investigation that these people come in sometimes right over the docks on normal vessels like so many who come to Skye." This time the pause is much longer. "There is nothing that can be done once they come into the city; for they avoid your underdark like the plague. Criminals are most unreliable; so they simply pose as ordinary folk and go about their lives, but also their missions, using secret means of communications I should guess, dead drops and such. I am also bound to disparage the work of Master Peregrine. Yes, he provide some addresses, but not in a timely manner. Had he provided this information earlier, it might have forstalled these attacks. He was not prepared and only found it, after his nose had been pointed in the right direction. I am brash, and tonight arrogant, but I do this from love of Skye and a certain small scholar, who has true fire beneath her usuall meek visage. But I think she will no longer be seen that way again." His tone changes. "Take heed lady of what I have said. I have already begun to make arrangements to ensure the coast is adequately protected." (d)

Claramae:"That depends Monsieur on if you have the practical sense to ask. Thus far you seem a font, with thy information. It is a literal miracle by Christ's concieving how such information as you provide matches such as was said by you in a meeting, where in Master Peregrine too mentioned he had received a call for sanctuary from a group of smugglers come along the coast come to the secretive hidden areas.
Furthermore the killd were spaniards of Castillian and Aragonese nature, some Portuguese, and what remains of Spanish Valencia though you would have known that such as we would have known of fishing villages were you neither absent nor mum. Master Peregrine needs you not to point his nose toward a single thing, for he is within the element himself but your hand could have guided his, you could have gone together, but twas your election. Each has a duty to perform. You seek to be heeded? Sir, you know nothing of the land you seek to protect accept what you piece together in horrendous aspect nor of its people, nor principals, nor governance, enemies nor allies. You know perfectly little accept that which any man should which he has found himself a woman who is within the throws of that which my lord knows little of, and it frustrates him. He finds his opinions mean little, which are not true but he is so rife with his own desire to succeed that he puts forth an air of arrogance which in truth blinds him to the greater principle. We are at once keys and doors my lord. Should you wish to open mine you do so with propriety you have been given nothing less than respect, and warning, but you have enough refined talent to survive while much of it is so raw it will not aid you. How think you to advance, as your lady does? She is simple as she deems to be so, but her legacy alone makes her a woman of substantial means. She has only chosen not to be told of it nor to accept it, or has she told you? No I wager not that Janice has told you her father had provided for her with her Uncle's continuance a tidy fortune. Nor that his service my masters and her fathers to the Earl of Canterbury was so that he promised to provide for the family in the invevitable liklihood of his death?" A secret. Another unmentioned thing but indeed even Janice had not all the keys to her extensive heritage but knew that those within did, and should she seek to know it, she had but to ask. "Your betrothed stood upon an auction block and was prepared to sell her soul at a cherade she organized in order that we might view our great enemies some time ago and she was but eighteen. What make you think we view her weak? But you would know that we do not, if you but seek to ask. Such defensiveness. Such worry for your own shortcomings but with a wife to provide for you must find them to come to nill. It is said in the streets you openly insulted the Lord's personal informant whom you thought a harlot by word of street for what she elects to do. Tis her affair, but here she outranks you. Many do. But they were born potentially your lesser." She pulled back the chair in which he sat with a strength that should not come from a woman her size, but then if the Italian were so well trained she would not be in Ebony Irons, would she? "Lesser baronial sons and women share a place in worlds such as this. We are always the lesser, and we must achieve our stature by force. How much or how little we apply is our doing. This nation is an infant, mewling at the craddleboard and we are her midwives and nurses. Think you not he Lord shall lay you postrate as he does all else? Tis a throne with a man little lower than king upon it who will not where a crown. That alone will put you in more peril and you make your choices. But you claim arrogance here when you have been heeded, and warned to be careful yet you see it only as you deem fit." She began to walk from him "I trust if you wish to continue this converstation so that we might share further information between one another you will follow? Your Lady Wife depends on our civilty, and prays for it often." (d)

Marius "I congratulate you Madame; that was most skillful in deflting our conversation away from the failures of the Order. If I had no confidence in it at all, I would not have delivered to you most of the enemy's organization. And you have still not informed me of the results of the questioning of the first assassin. I would hear that now please. As for my betrothed, I do know of her intended sacrifice for Skye. I am proud of her; I will always be proud of her and her love. Know that. Also know that I marry Lady Janice because she is Janice, not for any inheritance. Now M'lady, I believe it is for yo to put your cards on the table." (d)

Marius: "My lord there are no shortcomings of knowledge, only shortcomings in what may be done. As it is your wife has already presented her translation to his lordship and he has asked something of her, though she remains mum as to what it is. Time is of the essence. While we might conjure miracles from resource, we can not conjure from thin air. What you have made suggestion of has been reviewed. I, personally, do not think you as inferior as you seem to imagine. You are intelligent, brash and uncouth, but intelligent. Your first man has professed to a larger plot to which his Lordship will need informing. Once they have attempted to seize the Berber trade agreement to a point they deem fit, they are going to try to assasinate the important figures of Espania. What ceases them from this are two things: The unpreparedness of either of the Templar spaniards to take on in the absence of a monarch, and the fact that now he has taken a very important wife. Isobel will change the face of a great many things. Already she is equally loved and loathed, but she brings with her a vast dowry to teh marriage bed. Your Italian is funded by them, Italy naturally makes the foremost of this sort of thing ahead of the Spanish, on par with Germany, and then comes France by tradition. Your fisherman smugglers are also joined by servants, dignatries' assistants, and men of the church. The ring is large but the under-dark crushing and your four kills have put quite a dent in the larger scheme. Are you walking? I'd trust you'd wish to be shown the Spaniards documents as they are not in the chair you so grandly sat in." Infuriating by design, impossible to either like or disregard, but she was not turning him away. We have hobbled, your captured spaniard and the other, making them useless. As you saw in Alessandra the final death is used most often by those who are branded for death in their houses It is archaic and frightfully over-dramatic, but that is how it is often done. We must then continue to find the remaining two knights for it is quite a large dealing, to bring them back to the Only Templar stronghold. Your future bride figured that. Now, take you the lack of a place in the under-dark. They will now seek to flood your found fishing villages for a way out. Peregrine has put quite a crimp in the waterways so they too there, are hobbled. Cornered. " She turned the edge of a hall. "If you'd like to see the results of my handiwork you may, though the Spaniard is without the ability to further speak. He had gone mute. Then he was made mute. He wrote down all. Did I also mention we may soon see inquisitors? Adam plays with fire. I told him this, and you know it well as I do. As any of us do." She tilted her head slightly " I do not think you meager, sir knight. So you must learn to erase such thoughts. This is no easy land to live in. You speak with one whom has been forced of hand for many years directly, and is in forced governance." She pulled out the map "Parliment and advising in discretion is in for a woman if she uses care, putting a woman as a govenor is the same as placing uncrowned kings on thrones. It is a folly. But we work within folly. Look. Your spies, your fish village, our kills, outlined. They can not penetrate the city utterly as it confuses them to no ends. but ..in England..my bastian, they are causing a merry little fire. The keys to stores of money within the city, the money itself within lock box of the walls now of course. Over one little translation these people are willing to wage a tiny, yet well funded little campagin. The vehicle is immense. It seeks to on the surface discredit lord Adam for his dealings with the Berber countries whilst making it seem as if a moorish invasion comes to his head. They are amazed any could translate in Scotland, who would not be. It is barbaric by comparison to the other civilization yet this city went on, for years, before it was elevated within the rediscovered reign of the man who should have been here all his life. Your Italian is a tricky piece, as the Spanish are seeking to conquer portions of Italy for a jolly little empire. Trade is barely the crux of this. If the trade is not negotiated, we are at risk. If it is not negotiated with our influence, we are on a topple. Furthermore even if it is negotiated and the king is not killed, there stands the little manner of the continent even if this stands. And personally? Once they the Berber discover your translators name, if they grow angered, God be kind. But your translsator is doing something for Adam. Something unstated. She has told neither you nor I. Yet you are going to marry her, within a seven-day, as I am told." She stacked other papers "After that time I must hence to England to main the gate to the Lord's nation. Unless we would see a Spaniard as named king of England." Were those enough cards for him? "You are involved up to your neck, yet you must hold a civic place for none are without it, and all must aspire to something. So now, may we be done with this show of dominance twixt us. In earnest besides of rank, you are akin to a brother-by-law. My documentation she is the ward of us all. By more than that, she is our family. It is not everyday that such occurs nor shall again. You will find it very hard if you do not learn to accept friends where you might find them. As it stands you have more here than you do out there." (d)


Marius: "I do take friends where I find them. But in truth I am anxious. I have no true civic place here. I am a knight, but not truly a knight for Skye only. Yet I have already committed to Skye in spite of a most excellent offer. I have received no encouragment, instead I was grossly insulted by the Lord General. Do you know what it is like to have to start at the bottom; for the third time? Here there are no lands or revenues to award, just salaries. I am only a mounted warrior. Can you conceive of what this is like for any man? I started at the bottom with my own father, and again when he placed me in Austrian service. And now it is again, and my knighthood is not even fully accepted. I am sure Lady Janice has informed you of the offer I turned down. I now await such from the Spanish and possibly even the French. The Empire may even attempt again, knowing now I am sure of my forthcoming marriage to Lady Janice. One can only wait for so long Lady. I have done services for Skye and not even a nod of appreciation." he takes a breath. Now let us see to those Spanish documents. (d)

Claramae: "Your upset has blinded you from the fact that there are lands to be awarded to those that serve in good faith, and the recompense is fair better than anything we might see upon the continent.Not that my station is suitable by comparison but I find the Mo'r Triath more generous that the Emperor of the old Empire. Listen to the stories of your fellows, you will stand as I do, in complete amazement. Men who begin with less than you rise to statures parallel with heritiged nobles. A man whom peddles a stonemight later pander gold. Listen to this, and listen well. There will be reward for you, in the eyes of your Lord, upon your horse. You are called Sir deBrabant. It is hard to hear the explaination of being referred to as a knight yet fathom how their odd..costoms, are arranged. But in proximity to them and odder, these last several years, allow me to elborate. It is recognition of being a honored knigt to the realm, not teh base of your knighthood. They will confer upon you golden spur, and laud you in hall. You will bestowed such generosity as it would baffle the mind. I have seen men so moved by this one they humble their old worth to accept mantles made of mana. Here, you will receive our recognition, the halls. He will know, yes. He may even commend you should we both have the chance to see him anytime soon but your pretty bride holds the keys to that it seems. In rarity I share my leige's friendship, and allow his..informality. Here in the world of shadows recognition goes among those in it. We were fortunate, after the city was invaded, to be awarded for our party of heroism, a surfaced show mind you, and our direct involvement. Albeit it was still under guise of modifcation. Still, in the world where you may rise, sir. Have you patience. You will see men who had more than you, and more with less, who become great. We are no different than them here. You are also of greatness to a woman. I should think that matters. It is insulting to a man to not garner greater after he has had less, let alone in the presence of a woman. But is it better to begin again and have far more, while being given chance to show yourself if you have but a little humility, or the way it is done on the continent?" A good summary, and it was odd to find some fathoming of his posistion, a shred of understanding from the likes of her. Still, she hoped he might wait but a little to see. Besides, if all was laid out before him rang true, he would have his chance in spades (d)


Marius: "Lady you have no idea of me or my life. I have lived in near poverty for all 25 of my years. A virtual slave for this entire time. You know nothing of a marcher baron of the Empire. There is little in fine clothes, great feasts, or anything that is considered with the nobility. And for the third son, even less. Sweeping the stables at age four. A year later his is beginning his training and also repairing leather accoutrements and burnishing armor. I killed my first man when I was but 12 in mounted combat. By fifteen I commanded a full squadron or at least it was supposed to be a full squadron. It was after that I was placed in Austrian service. Then I became one of the Duke's poor knights. My knighthood gained me nothing, not even a purse let alone a fief. Perhaps one court level surcoat every few years and that was the extent of our finery. And I commanded there as well, and much more then a squadron on certain occasions. That's why I was offered the rank of Count, an heiress, and command of an entire battle of the Imperial Army. My patience is finite. I would like to give Lady Janice something more. (d)

Claramae:"Now I know of yours more than was prior, but it is still too soon to share privy of mine. All I might tell you is that in the world of shadow we too have beginnings and save for what might be worn depending on where you begin, there is little good of it. Your true anger should be for Austria, not for here. The marcher barons are little more than enobled barbarians, discluding you. I know enough, and have seen far more than a woman's eyes should ever see. Your patience should not be finite. It need be infinite or you may not see infinite. Austria seeks to buy back your body with wealth but what is it that holds your soul, sir? One bookseller, one bewildering little bookseller and a country that infuriates you, yet inspired you enough to come calling. Within months a man will have more than years. Cages come in many varities. You avoid an Austrian gilded one. This alone will show what riches they sequester from you. Your rage stems from them not recognizing you sooner, but should not be given to those whom know little of you. You have done deeds, but in shadow. There is only our appreciation, and the Lords'. Even his wife's, but nothing public in that. Your horse and your sword are your way to your path, but coupled with this shadow sir you may aspire...to amazing things. The dark makes you despise it. I do not blame you, yet it holds you to it enough to see it through for in that same shadow your lady wife is an astonishing wonder. To the world as it is she is but one over-educated, unwed thing. But here, she is a diamond. Here, you are of use but it is not what you wish. In the world of the light, if you wish greatness you must look with new eyes." She showed him spain, "It merges, it changes." Then england "It has changed." Then between them "And so must we. Hold you patience in your hand and that shall be all as to how I mentor you. Patience, no brashness. The extent of thy skill make excellent. The extent of thy horsemanship make excellent. Thy tongue make mute, thy ears open. Thy eyes open. Silence and observation. It has served you thus so far in our interludes. It will serve you well now. As for your bride she will love you no matter what you offer, as you love her bereft of what a countess might hold. As so do many here, whom have that..love one another without such things. We ar ehuman to." Her face never changed, nor the tone of her voice but it was a powerful showing of essence all the same. "Now. Come again to me. We will look upon your captures further. When you go to your command, you will as I am to the sovereign but by your head and say I..until your services accounts so high, you may say otherwise." It was, perhaps, the most concise thing any had ever told him of the oddity of this strange land. Of its angering yet gratifying tradition. It had even moved her to leave the Empire, for she would have stayed in Germanic states all her days otherwise (d)


Marius: "M'lady, I do believe you have spoken truth. But you must understand I have done this for my entire life. I will not bore you but my deeds are not as small as my fame. If given the opportunity I will accomplish. But I have no blinders on my eyes, and here there is no hope of any command. I have no intention of fighting in the shadows. I was thrust into it, thought I am a man born and raised to fight on the battlefield. Too long have I served with honor but no reward." He pauses. "Now let us see to those documents" He gets up with alacrity and prepares to follow her. (d)

Claramae:"There are those here whom have died and we are all that remember their names Your weariness will come to its end. Yes, there is hope. Therein you are blind. There is hope for command, for land, for all those things and yet when it is told you, you do not believe it. It will be hard to accept anything without belief, do you not agree? Now come, let us to something you more readily believe in." They would maneuver through the halls toward further contents that had been pulled up as she moved all she had shown thus far with him. From one antichamber, to a large room, to another larger still. From one passage to the next. "Do not these things for any but yourself." (d)

[mariusdebrabant]

Marius returned to his rooms at Ebony Hall after a long day of wandering around the capital city. It was cold; he remained wrapped in his great cloak for some minutes after he entered the Hall. No questions were asked of him; nor was he challenged. By now he was a familiar figure in these quarters. His exploits on behalf of his adopted land were well known here, and well received. Still he had not received the recognition he so desperately craved, even though he had helped to make Skye secure from her enemies. And this even after he had refused a most handsome offer from the Empire to return and accept a major command in their armies, the rank of count, and the hand of a great heiress. Yet Marius had spurned the offer as too late. He had given his allegiance to Skye, and his heart to Lady Janice Viscreed, who in turn has given him hers as well.

Once inside the Knight from Austria headed straight for his room; at least it was warm. He found himself intercepted by one of the servants who informed him that he had a visitor. Inside Marius almost burst out laughing. There standing before him, dressed as a servant himself, was the familiar face and form of his cousin Nicholas. "You do make a most untidy servant." In a voice that is barely a whisper. "Do you have any idea whee you are."

Nicholas de Brabant, known as the Spyder, and former head of The Empire's Intelligence Service, smiled knowingly. "Dear Marius, I know all about the Order, and this is their headquarters. On my way here I was actually followed." He made a face. "You know how I detest that." Before Marius could reply, he added "The usual fatal mistake. I never knew just who he served." A small smile appeared on that usually serene countenance, and it vanished almost as soon as it appeared. I have news my cousin and none of it is good, but it might be to your benefit."

Marius was puzzled by that last comment and it show in his face. He was about to ask when Nicholas produced not one, but three sets of documents and put them down on a small table. Marius noted that the seals were unbroken, but he also knew his cousin all too well. "I take it you are familiar with the contents."

Nicholas made an innocent, almost angelic face. Really Cousin Marius, I am shocked you would think such thoughts of me." Then he winked. "But you are entirely correct. I would also like to say how proud I am of you. Detecting spies, investigating the coastline, and determining how and where they are getting ashore, not to mention twice defeating assassination attempts against your betrothed." He stops for a moment. "One day soon, I shall have to meet this most incredible lady.

Marius puts on an act of impatience. "You did not come here just to want to meet Lady Janice, I'm sure." But he picks ups the three sets of documents in turn and reads each set carefully. It takes some minutes. "Three fine offers, but I do prefer the French one. It offers me much, including the Aquitaine and even more for Janice. Yet, that bears a Papal seal. And those references to her are most unsettling."

The Spyder nodded sagely, but lost his usual serene composure just a bit. "They know Marius. The Holy See knows exactly what is happening, and they are preparing to call down their heaviest weapons and soon. It will take but one misstep on his part. And then Crusade."

These few statements took the breath from Marius's mouth, as the color drained out of his cheeks. "All will be banded against us." Marius thought for a few moments. "Cousin, are these offers honest? Is thee even a chance they will be kept?"

Nicholas's eyes rolled. "You do always come to heart of the matter Marius." His serene composure now restored, he continued. "You can of course discount the Spanish offer; they want the both of you in their clutches. You have simply done them too much damage. From my sources, the Empire's offer is an honest one. But as I do know something of your betrothed's reputation as a scholar, I warn you she will wither there. You know those women. It's all a great pity for in Spain, there is a group of most educated and intelligent woman, who study and classics and even discuss philosophy. However, as you see, the French offer is the best, and what is not written even better. Your father has taken service with them. He wants you at his side and to exercise a most responsible command. The women there are interesting, for there is a circle there as well of most intellectual females, many married. Their correspondence is brilliant. I do believe Lady Janice would shine there. But it is up to you my Cousin. Marius, don't wait too long till you make a decision, and I pray you make the right one."

"Nicholas, I want desperately to make my way here in Skye; more then anything. And I have received nothing. Still I would remain, but if as you say, all this is coming to pass; we cannot fight all of Europe and survive. In truth, I am more worried about my Lady then myself. I know the Spanish, and should they lay hands on her, she would be assured of a death that would be slow and painful. In France, she would at least be safe. True?"

His cousin the former Imperial spy master nodded his head. "She would be safe."

Marius lowered his eyes. "Yet she would be dead inside. I have no choice. We stay here and hope to show the Duke that his plans are known to the wrong people. Perhaps, it will have some effect, and perhaps not. I pray for this happy result."

Nicholas de Brabant claps his cousin on the shoulder softly in understanding. "One last bit of advice do I give to you my Cousin. You have not received the recognition you have sought. I know what lies behind your impatience. Yet I caution you to patience. And a little humility would not hurt either." He added "I leave on the evening tide. Till we meet again Cousin, in this world or the next." Silently, he resumed the role of servant and glided out the door into the corridor to almost immediately disappear as if he had never even been there.

[Master Claramae St. Laurence]

Adam sat in the plush chair, leaned back as far as he could go, then crossed his leg. His hand rubbing his chin in contemplation, his sea-green eyes glancing to her. “Yes Fez, M’Lady... but yu seem hesitant... reluctant to say the least.” His hands now lay in his lap... “My biggest concern is...” he shook his head... “I fear that should I align with Fez, that would upset the major powers; and should I foster goodwill with them, Fez would retaliate... I know Abu Said Uthman is leery of any European powers... and he has all the Berber nations and their alliances at his disposal... A Third Crusade I do not need... but I do require the Strait...” he looked at her and canted his head. “I have considered going to see Uthman myself... then to see Alfonso and Philip myself... but I am afraid that I would truly not understand Uthman’s words...” Sitting forward, he looked directly at her. “Short of yu accompanying me to Fez, I would entertain recommendations...”

- From: The Translation- Adam and Janice

Marius: Marius waited over an hour before having himself escorted to Lady St. Laurence. He held up his hand politely. "M'lady Claramae, please. It is most necessary that I speak with you; in fact it is urgent. You may want to speak to the High Lord. I have this day day received more offers of employment." He put all of the documents on a small table before her. "The Austrian offer is the same as before except that there is no heiress. Same title, same possible command. I dare say the Spanish offer was a bit of a surprise, Rank, lands, command and access for Janice to every library in the land. They would just like to get their hands on us both. It is the French offer that is most interesting. Rank is hinted at, as is the Acquitaine, and of course is the command in their forces. But Janice is offered any library in the realm, and a separate document giving her access to any Church records in any monastery, convent, nunnery, or library in Christendom. A great offer to us both, but notice that third document for Lady Janice. Note the seal; it is Papal. She is also described as Lady of Languages, and Esteemed Transltor." Lady St. Laurence, the evidence is here that the Holy See knows exactly what the High Lord is attempting. It is a most dangerous path to tred for a Christian ruler." (d)


Claramae: It would be an hour, a tedious hour spent wondering if he would ever be escorted to the woman of fame whom gave to him advice while receiving his admonishment with grace. Th emeeting was strange, but none as strange as this. "Your cousin is a fascinating man. Really, he should merely walk through the door and send a letter. " For the document manifested not out of thin air. Lady would sit erect spine in a high backed chair, where in the back was not needed. "Let me see.." She inspected the documents with a magnification device, four to five glasses stacked on a pole shaped device, switched in and out. Paired or solo. "Not forgeries, valid, including the seal. This is dangerous, had it come with Papal bullion I should tell you to move yourself into such hiding as to appear invisible. The Pope has been to the Isle himself, to sanction the handing of Robert Bruce's rite over to Adam. The same what gave exocommunication then lauded Scotland. Now this..indeed the hand that soothes may be the same that holds all of Europe in its hand. They seek to barter and lure away what they see as his tool to alliance with the ruler. Worse still, they know of you both enough to write directly. Very dangerous venture. We must inform his majesty, instruments of the church are the true wickedness of our world you see. A sanction gives any the right to sin, immeasurably. They curdle even my blood when I was within Italy and in Germany. The Byzantine rendition are far more palatable, but what is born of Rome? Let us notbegin, with the fight to where Christendom should live, what comes out of Avignon." (d)

Marius: "And once in France, perhaps in Avignon itself,she could be made to confess what was in that document she translated. But I fear they know of this already. I fear for the Duke. I see the Holy Three being leveled against Skye." Marius holds up one finger for each point he makes. "First Excommunication, followed by Interdict." Marius takes a very long breath before he continues. "Finally Crusade." He turns to look at her. "It has a nice ring, doesn't it; The Skye Crusade. That would pit most of Europe against us, and at the same time remove any of our possible allies. We would be left with only the Sultinate of Morocco. It would work well for the Church to preach a new Crusade as well." His face reinforced his concern, as he stared straight into her eyes. (d)


Claramae: "It is the Straite he wants, but you are right. What allies we have would turn at the mention of one finger from Rome. The Archbishop shall need to know, as well. I will send communique to him, for advice and should we need him ratification. Fear for more than the Mo'r Triath. You must now fear for you, and your bride. If the Church knows to the intimate proximity of this, they will come to find out all things of her, and a great sin of heritage. Her parents were Jews, sir. You know as well as I what that will mean. She was never baptized." That secret had hurt Janice so deeply to know of it, yet time may render one forgetful as time marched on to find old familial fact of little semblance. "She is by her father's blood and mother's conversion a Jew, Her mother's conversion to Judaism is a sin in and of itself, let alone no one to account for it, they will hold her accountable. You will be in fraternization with heathens by sheer proximity. This wreaks of Spain. This wreaks of influence by those closer to most than moors." With great haste she stood yet nothing was out of place. Not hair, nor garment, nor step as she bid him follow her. "We need to know what your bride has not yet told us. This is most imperative." (d)

Marius: Marius listened most quietly, without a word said in dispute for there was none to be said. He knew that the danger was all around him. Silently, he got up and followed Claramae. (d)

Claramae: "We are fortunate. She is in the archives even as we speak. It is unlike her to remain silent, but it is the nature of those whom keep monarchial company." Instead of straight down the hall, they turned down a winding stair that seemed to emerge from a turn in the hall where one ought not have been. It was confusing, maddening this house. Much like the whole of present life. "This means we are at a high impass, the girl may have conscripted herself into the service of his Lordship, too deeply.." The Archives were an impress thing that would have rivaled two of the Templars local libraries. What they had emassed in their few short years was exceptional in breadth and height. Whom oversaw it all, but the small one? (d)

Marius: Marius remained quiet, totally lost in thought. He followed Claramae through the twisting passagways. But in one way he did disagree with her; Skye was even in more danger then he and Janice. They would have to capture Janice and spirit her out of Skye. Fortunately, his coming agreement with the Rangers would close off one of the ways anyone could leave Skye without notice. He did see the fall of Skye and the Gaelic Alliance as a real possibility. There appeared to be no where out, as long as the Duke
continued on with his plan to have an agreement with the Sultan of Morocco. Straits or no straits; something had to give and quickly. (d)

Claramae:And even if it was not the end, there would still be a war. Spain was sinking its teeth unbeknowest to all else into the Papacy, and succumbing to venom they heeded. Within she had worry for the rest of what could be touched. With Great haste she would have to return to England, to London. With great haste she would have to begin to fortify the gateway to the realm against what could be the foreseable known world. "Where is the Lady?" One crisp sent of tones commanded instant action, and they were led to where Janice sat with spectacles against her nose. Such an endearing image; one synonmous with how the world could crush butterflies in the spokes of its wheel. "Mistress Viscreed, a word, forthwith. Be gone the rest of you."

Janice:"Master, what is wrong?" Janice had never used the informal affection when they were about the others, or hardly ever . The tone in the voice was so crisp that it brought the little book keep up from her chair at once.



Claramae:"The nature of your affairs with the Mo'r Triath, to the fullest extent. Your secrecy if vowed is eradicated in light of command and danger." (d)


MariusdeBrabant [7:55 P.M.]: "Janice, the danger is most real. I have received documents from my cousin. It appears the Papacy has become involved in Adam's little flirtation with Morocco. The danger surrounding Skye is massive, and around yourself even more so. We need this information; now Love." (d)
Set In Her Way [8:00 P.M.]: "It does not due to give you answer before it is given his Lordship. Confidence with the monarch is absolute, shared only upon last resort."

"This is the last resort. And you are ordered." There was no argument to that. To stay was to acknowledge the Grandmaster's will, to deny it was a treachery she would never do.Nor was it in her to deny them when they only wished to see her safe.



Janice: "Abu Said Uthman. The Mo'r Triath wishes to speak with him in person, at Fez. The sultan holds all the Berber nations in his alliance, and recognizes his agreement could upset the majority of power, yet he wishes the straite to free trade, for his lands and Europe, as a whole. He feels it would better be explained, yet he would not know Uthman's words. So it would require a translator. I also believe he thinks I might detect truth from lie, should any be found. I have given him no answer on if I shall go with him or no. It isn't prudent to answer it given my betrothal but...I hope to sway him to somewhere in Europe.."

Claramae:Claramae felt her anger crash against the heels of her unabashed belief in a mutual madness that had infected the girl, from Adam. Her face showed no sign of it either way. Her words, however, were quite clipping. "And in either instance you put your betrothed and yourself in mortal peril nor did you caution immediately his Lordship which gives you poor ability to council if such is what youseek to do. For all the languages you decipher, child, this smacks of simpleton. Deathly stupid simpleton. Your betrothed holds the keys that would be a god given advancement for you both, were it not wreaking dancing right into the arms of Papal litigated death.The Papacy has its eye upon Adam,thus upon you. In your posistion here and in that which you were born it would behove you to think, Janice!"

Janice: "I do, Master Laurence. But it is his will that commands all of us." That was the great truth of the entire thing. All of this hinged on a few words that one man might say and woman woman might translate. Her face, was pale. Her words, spoke of what the mind knew. "I am sorry not to have told you both sooner, especially you, beloved..but it seems we are all aware of something now. So what is it we will do?" (d)


Marius: Marius shook his head in disbelief. He could not believe that the woman he had given his heart, who was so brilliant with languages, coud be so incredibly stupid with regard to what the High Lord was doing. "Janice how could you have done this?" The anguish in his voice was most audible. "The danger for all of us is now in the extreme; all of Europe is poised to attack Skye, and the Papacy can command it. Do you know what it means when a ruler is Excommunicated, or when his realm is placed under Interdict? And then as the final straw a Crusade is proclaimed against Skye. It has been done before; remember the Cathars. And William of Normandy conquered England with a Papal banner and a consecrated ring." He is exasperated.. "You are an unbaptized Jewess. I think you know what will happen if the Church ever gets its hands on you. Janice, think of all these consequences." Marius came very close to shaking some sense into her, but fortunately he kept himself under control. "Is there anything else you have not told us? Now is the time to speak! (d)

Janice: "I am convent reared, of course I know what these things mean. Nor am I a fool, so much as you'd like to believe." Naieve did not equate to simple, and it would be a rare day on which Janice glared at the pair of the, but that day was today. "You are both highly hypocritical. My sin is in being remiss of informing you sooner, yet you both have done me the error of telling me things as if I were too simple to understand. Look around you! Do you, pray, speak a shred of any language other than doubt or insult that would be beneficial to the situation? For what you speak of has also found the seeds in my conversations with the Mo'r Triath. " She came around the table toe to toe with the pair of them, "We all take our risks. My own were laid out before me at birth, so there is no taking that back, if I do this work for the Order, it is done at the sovereigns ruling and that can not be taken back. Why? Why should it be. You poise yourself on the edge of insanity nearly hourly, Master, and you, Marius seek to educate me on the principles beyond shore when you hardly have a care for the ones of this one! You both remain aloft of the other while holding me accountable? I have never liked hypocrites. At least my admission is in utter earnest. So you both either emply or will marry a simpleton, or you shan't. In either case if nothing is done what then? Would you stand to see our Lord's head on upon some foreign pike for his inability to communicate?"


Claramae:Master Laurence looked to Sir deBrabant, and then to Janice. The child's imperical sense of reason was compromised by her emotion, but the logic on the whole was sound. "I can not hold you to protect you, that in is the essence. But how deny you your husband, thy lord and husband at that? You are an intelligent young woman, this will be given you, but have you enough in your letters and books to pit you against Spain, the Papacy, and a nation wherein women are literally hidden? In this he is setting himself too, to be shot at. I must away. There is but one other who might find the full logic of the Lord's mind and to my knowledge she may diminish her awareness for his benefit." She was going to circumvent the entire lot by moving toward the man's better half. Did not all men have them?


Janice:Once Claramae was gone, it would leave Janice with Marius, with candles softly flickering as she pulled the spectacles from her face (d)

Marius: "Love" His voice was quiet. "The survival of Skye now rests on the point of a pin. I have not joked. Nor have I had time to even inform you. Today I received several new offers of employment and rank. Austria again of course, with no heiress. There was a Spanish offer which was most handsome and did include access for you to all royal libraries. There was a French offer, which seemed to include lands in the Acquitaine from his Holiness and a Papal offer to you of access to all Church records in Christendom. My cousin sent me this information. I know you were being totally loyal to the High Lord. I do not quibble with such loyalty, but sometimes it is most dangerous to simply do what we are told. I love you. I want to marry you. I do not want to lose you." His tone changes as he pulls her into his arms. "What would I ever do without you?" (d)

[mariusdebrabant]

The man, known sometimes as James of Lincoln was troubled of late. He could not believe how such a promising situation had so quickly turned into a disaster. For himself, he was having an attack of nerves. Deftly, he forced himself to take a series of long, slow, deep breaths. This calmed him. Mentally, he understood that nerves were dangerous to a man in his profession. They caused a man to make mistakes, and it only took one to be fatal. Concerned he most certainly was and he took more then the usual precautions. Yet, even so he was troubled. The turnaround had been so swift as to be beyond belief.

He himself had penetrated the castle, at least indirectly, when he could not gain a position there himself. Now he was friends with most of the castle staff and heard all of the gossip of the goings on there. It was here that he had learned of the lethal Trade Document. And to the Sultan of Morocco. Was this Duke mad? Corresponding with an Infidel. The news had been carried back to their employer. He was quite sure that soon the news would be on the way to the Papacy, now in Avignon. And when the Holy Father heard about it, Papal thunderbolts would be reigning down upon Skye and its Duke in the form of Excommunication and Interdict. And since that would not be enough, knowing the Duke's reputation for stubbornness, there would be Crusade. The Skye Crusade; it did have a good ring. He smiled at that thought. He might even still be here, and able to render service to the Crusaders. With Papal dispensations for Crusaders There should be no difficulty in recruiting. And his employer, Spain, would most certainly provide the bulk of the ships and me, and gain control of all that territory, in the name of the Pope of course. But it would in truth be ruled by Spain. He was a professional spy and he knew how happy that would make the new queen of a united Arragon and Castille.

Still, he was most uncomfortable here. Basic craft of the profession had been ignored or compromised. His companion, who he had been told was most experienced, had actually hired two local thugs to search the book shop for the document. Even in it's untranslated format it was lethal to the Duke of Skye. Of course they bungled it, and he had to kill them to protect his identity. And then the fool fled that same night, leaving a trail. Then in violation of all the rules, he had been instructed to receive two more agents, and have horses waiting for them on the shore. He did this must against his better judgment. Had he been asked about such a blatant assassination attempt, he would have argued against it. Then he had to receive a party of three; again no information. Another assassination attempt ; time against not only that little translator but her protector; the Austrian knight as well. And both failed, due totally to that damned knight. Sooner or later one or all of them would talk. But none knew his name, nor where he lodged and that was a great asset to him. Still he could feel the net drawing closer about him. His orders were to remain there and so he would. He knew he was taking a great risk by remaining, but that was one of the hazards of his chosen profession.

As long as he had his "friends" at the Blue Boar he felt the danger minimal. Besides, he constantly moved his lodgings, and always appeared on the street with a look of prosperity and cleanliness. By now, he knew many of the Watch on a first name basis. Few in this profession had survived for as many years as he. He was quite sure that with no further mistakes, he would continue to survive. And he would not be making any mistakes.

[mariusdebrabant]

MariusdeBrabant: Marius returned to their home, Janice's town house on Bryante Row after a long day of accomplishing nothing. It was tearing out his insides. He knew so much about what was happening to Skye, and, although, he had ideas, he was unable to accomplish anything. He was desperate to get in contact with the Elite Ranger to protect the coast from enemy spies, who were coming and going on a regular schedule with no interruptions. He also needed desperately to get both of them to the Bishop of Skye, to protect them and himself from the full fury of the aroused Papacy. Still for all the dangers he had surmounted, the things he had already done to protect Skye, he had received no reward or recognition of any kind. Until that, he was still merely a
dishonored knight from another land. When would he receive something? There
was a way, yet it seemed that here he was destined to toil away as he had for many years, as always for some reason, not receive what some many had received for doing so much less. Marius was tired of it. If this High Lord or Duke, or King wanted to retain his services, he was going to have to prove he wanted them and appreciated them. Of course, he could just declare himself a king, and that was that. Marius wondered just how long it would last until the Crusaders from all of Europe put an end to the Gaelic Alliance. And where did all this leave him and his Lady wife? There was much to consider.

Obscure Innocent: The other half of an angry knight rode to the home atop
her gelding that was given as a wedding gift. How many new brides were at
home enjoying the thrill of maintaining it, waiting with giddy anticipation
for their lords and husbands to return to them? With but a few precious days
to what seemed as hours to enjoy the cocoon of marital bliss the world cut it
open again. While things were not as they were, they were only changed by the
union of them to confront a rising wave of conflict. For her part, she had
spent the better part of the day in court, assisting the High Lady's personal
scribe, a Welshman by the name of Brecon ap Gwyilliam, with a long list of
writs so that his hand would not fall apart. As they were written, she could
not help but see one thing that would turn all tiny facets to glare on one
surface: "Master Brecon, is it true? Do they truly...but it is knowledge
they both abhor such.... so then, for the benefit of all left unstated..they are
willing to face everything..yes, yes thank you! I am sorry, let us back to
it then." " Yet the little scholar was not sure how to take
news,even more when she sat at the Lady's side with the scribe to pen her
day's work for the nation. "There is more tae it than wot ye see, but ye are
one piece of a larger thing tha' made me see wot needs tae be cherished and saved."
One piece? The ride home was plagued with self asked and self answered
questions until she came upon the place that mattered the most: Home. It
seemed he was not long arrived at it, too, the person whom mattered most. "Good evening husband." She said as she dismounted from her horse.

MariusdeBrabant: No mattered how serious, no matter how worried; seeing the
face of beautiful Janice always brought a broad smile to his face. With her
near him, nothing was ever quite so horrible or so dangerous. He knew they
would face most of it together, but he did dread the possibility of being on a
battlefield outnumbered greatly and with little chance of victory. "Good eve
my beloved wife. I do hope you have had a more productive day than I had."
He let his smile rest on her face. How could he lay all this upon her?
Then it came to him; they were truly partners, and they would face it
together.

Obscure Innocent: "It was productive, it leaves me with things to tell you.
Why was yours not so?" Be it in the presence of a true battlefield or those
things that were hidden from the world they would stand in solidarity. He
was riddled with worry for his place for he was no longer a man alone. Did
he ever worry they succumbed to quixotic whimsy instead of allowing life to
be forthright? She approached him so she could take his hand into her gloved
one, smothing her fingers in. Those that were of higher rank never meant to
ignore those beneath them, it only came in what importance or to how fast
they could respond. The hard part was that the hands of the secret venturists
were becoming tied; Claramae had no choice but to embark for England to
supress the threats that were there, leaving the likes of Voltaire and
Bromheilde behind. While she, herself, stood a recognized Lady of the House
in the absence of the Master, had they even paid full heed to her? While she soothed his ire and bid his patience, she wondered how long her own could hold. But that
was the hard part of doing such works in secret; it was not meant for all to
care. "It will be better tomorrow," she kissed his cheek, " A warm fire
waits for us."

MariusdeBrabant: "There is no true warmth here except from you Janice. No
matter what I have done for Skye, I am unrecognized. Lady Claramae could
well have said something to him. I'll wager that for any information I
gathered she and the Order took credit for it. And now the High Lord is going to
declare himself king. I am neither trusted nor rewarded, and it is within
their power to do it easily. But no matter love, if I am not wanted here,
there are other places. I have kept the originals of all the employment offers; they
make excellent references." He took her and held her close against him. "I
need you more than I have needed anyone or anything in my life. I am totally
in limbo here and whenever I do anything it is declared it doesn't count,
obviously because the Order didn't do it. And we both know that they did
fail miserably in the duty of protecting Skye, no matter how it is put. "
His face fell. "I cannot go through this once again. It happened in Austria, I was
kept a pauper and a slave. And here I am simply nothing. Soon choices must
be made" His jaw was set in grim determination.

Obscure Innocent: She listened to him speak as they went within the house
and she did not caution him to still his anger, nor pay heed to those in
higher places. Ears were primed to the sound of voice. Her mind registered
the nuances of his tone to ascertain his feelings. As predicted, the fire was well
on the way to roaring by the time they arrived inside, where at once she went
to wash her hands. Putting the impliments of fast academia to work, she
poured him a mug of wam ale to pull the sting from the bite the country left
him with. Only when he was done did she reach into her dress folds to pull
out copies of documents she was allowed to make. "I don't blame you, Marius."
It was one of the first times since the subject was breeched that she didn't
scold him for impertinence. Sitting beside the fire she breathed, "It oft
looks that way, and things move so slow that it is a wonder we are all not
buried. We are not of the highest voices, nor of the most esteemed. Perhaps even
the most trusted in either of our ways." Golden hair fell strand by strand
to form the group caressing her left cheek. She lowered her body into a
sitting room chair. "No one will heed you, at least as they fully should. You
aren't a fool husband, and I know that as well as you. I will only say
though, that while they are slow, and not as quick as they ought..they do not
doubt you. The High Lady tells me that..we are but some of the people..but
important ones, that made her see the power in a title abhored. There is more
might in being a Queen, some power in that tradition even if it is reinvented
by her. It was she, and Master Laurence who each told our Lord that he should
consider using what was given him by the Bruce himself. It is a mighty
thing." She passed him the writ she copied, declaring intention, with a
coronation still unset. "The Pope whom saw their land, their cause validated may well
validate them now but give them scorn. He makes money from what was done
here. They wish to be not Christendom's slaves. As for the High Lord, he
abhors the name King to this day but it will bring about some unity that was left apart
after the old King died. This is what Brecon has explained to me. the High
Lady's scribe." The voice she used was calm, neither passionate or
dispassionate, but open logic to recieve and give in a tumultous sea. "The Order's work is claimed as the Order's work. Even if our names are given to causes and
discoveries..that is the truth. She did mention your name, she left me word.
I have not seen her off. I wish I did. She mentioned your
name unto the Lord and..in missives with me, the High Lord has wished for
audience with us both. It will not give you what I know you need, seek, or
deserve but...I should have told you that sooner. There never seemed a time, and
then we wed. I do not keep secrets from he whom is my husband. I do not tell
you these things, to change your mind. For in some of it, I do believe. But I
also belive, in my mind..they mean more than well. Master Laurence could die
in England." The thought made her sick. Terribly sick. "She too has a
husband and a life they would both like to come to here, but not before
England is settled. There are those whom would harm us there, whom would see England ruled by Isabelle and Alfonso, and it can not be so. The High Lord hears, and
wishes to hear more..but to tell him we must trust to God we are governed
well. His wife is his conscience. Many women are of their husbands, I have see
at court. Politics are terrible. They are at the heart of this and make it
slower." She passed him a blanket from a chest near her, to be warm.
"Decisions do need to be made but what will be done if we faulter or change course now? I will live with you always..and follow you anywhere. But I could not live if
our absence was in someway responsible for their loss.

MariusdeBrabant: Marius's voice is most gentle. "You are most persuasive my
little scholar. But I have heard no request for an audience. I tell you,
words will no longer suffice. I am tired. Too many times have I been used
and forgotten. My father trained me to command. And I have. Here I am not
even allowed to serve." His voice becomes more strident. "Our next war may
have all of Europe against us, and our army is woefully unprepared. There is
no heavy cavalry at all, not enough pikemen, and no Welsh archers. We have no
advantages. And of course our coast beckons to any and all enemy agents. No
matter what I have done, I am not trusted. Why both to give cousel if it is
consistently ignored." he takes a long breath and continues. "I have
been at the castle, and there have been numerous opportunites for me to be
summoned for some audience; yet no summons has been given. I have tired of
the games. Very soon I write to France for specifics on their offer. And of
course the Kingdom of Jerruselm may have openings as well. I can no longer
simply trust in the High Lord. I have been waiting far too long."

Obscure Innocent: "It was told to me, and not you. I know it holds little
validation to come on behalf of a wife's work instead of a man's as is proper
in a household." She lowered her head slightly as her cheeks flared in
shame at the indignation at the 'brillance' in her head, to what it could cost her
husband. Nervous habit lifted the top of hand to touch the enflamed cheek,
as if an unseen being had slapped her for disobdience. "Yet he does wish to
meet with you. Is it not possible we are all fools, husband? That we seeking
things or hoping to be deserving of more do not commit the same as those who
have more but give it sparingly? We must trust as they must trust. He
wishes to meet with you, and knows of our plight. He would know better of the
politics atop of what we have found, for even we do not know all. We rely
upon them as much as they will us to complete a picture." She looked from
her feet up to his eyes, no longer wishing to take hold of her shame, but of something
more. "The games are not of them. It is of a world you found me on the verge
of, for this my apologies." She pressed her head against his hands before
kissing them, only to look at them again. "There will be no recognition for you
right off in the world of shadow, not for many more months than it will be
that you must prove yourself, while it seems even in day you can not. I do
not disbelieve you. For what you have said and the sloth is...life threatning.
The reality we face each day, is not what others know. That we could quite
literally die, from a will not of our own nor a way not even of God's
choosing." She smoothed the hand as she sat upon the bench he resided on. "Yet as
you love me, and to the God we both adhere to and adore, believe me when I
say that the Duke of Austria hath not the valor, compassion, fortitude, or
honor that has our Lord and soon to be King. His wife, our Queen..is too a woman
of valor. We, like them, are young in our works. Younger still. All will seek
for them to prove the weight of their words. None of us are any different in
what we must prove. Hold not what Austria has done to you anymore Marius. It
haunts you so. You know not fully what resource is had. Just as I do not
know the entire breadth of all the knoweldge, for all of it I've read or
heard. Answer the herald to Europe, and you die in a guilded cage. that is all it
is." She touched his face, "They tempt you for they believe that none will
heed you hear for they are stupid and without course. I tell you as Christ
died on the cross for sins there is none in power who was merely given it, and
for that those who have always had it, fight at it everyday. Even if this is
theirs by birthrights..they've bled for it. All of them Marius. During the
seige of the city, I have heard of men of all classes with the same convictions
throwing themselves agains tthe castle gates to keep out the enemy. I have
seen this for myself..love, nor honor, nor trust comes without a price they
have paid. So let us pay it then. Many times over. Everyone else will." She
sighed softly. "None have gone forth seeking the Templar Knights either, who
have been at the source of so much calamity in this..just as none do your
fishing villages..but they shall, if only for the fact we will go forth. I am going
to the Templar Hall, after the Sabbath day. God forgive me, I am with my
leave given..going to take many resources and those men will be most
aggrived. Let us have courage. They listen not, then fine. But when we do have the
chance, as we shall with the High Lord, let us show them. If there is merit
after we shall, God willing, live to see it after quite a war I
should not doubt. He is a generous man. We will earn nothing much in shadow
but if we bring it to where it can be in the light, that is but one earmark
toward higher"

MariusdeBrabant: Marius listened most carefully to Janice's words. He did
trust his wife implicitly, and he weighed her words most carefully for many
long moments before he spoke again. He spoke quietly. "I have seen no proof
the wisdom, intelligence, or honor of the High Lord. Sending such a
summons through you is poof of it. It could be construed as an insult to me,
to be included simply as your husband. Yet I shall listen to his words. But
even with nobility or royality, deeds speak more elequently then mere words.
Do you not know that they can reward at will? No reasons need be given. As
long as I remain a dishonored knight from Austria, I can attain nothing here.
You have a so called master spy who is a knight, and I will wager a
Griffin Knight. The excuses given by Lady St. Laurence simply do not stand
up to any scrutiny. If they want my serevices they must show it. Do you
think the only thing I can obtain is an opportunity to learn horsebreeding; a subject
which I have already been taught by my father. It is time. As for the
devotion of your people during the siege; I regreet I have seen the same by
many others; it is not unique to Skye. As I said. I shall go to this audience
and I shall listen. That is all I can promise. It is for the High Lord to
do or not to do. Then I will make a decision.........with you beside me and
understanding what I do.

Obscure Innocent: "You would leave here, knowing on the continent we would
die in a matter of days if on a whim, where here at least we are protected to
whatever extent it may be. We may be proud or furious, argumentative or
peaceful but at least it is not on the whim of someone dishonoring you, or throwing
your wife upon the stake for being an unbaptized Jewess." She tried so hard
to abate the anger, so hard to merely listen to support him for so much of
what he said she agreed with but even now a woman must hold to her point as
men do theirs, "Even you along with Claramae saw me both as a doting fool for
keeping the King's secrets and you would say things of her that are terrible,
and she tries to hold fast to you! They dishonored you in austria,
threw you unto the wolves and yet that place is better than a place that
would teach you of what they have hear. hear! We were betrothed still when
the summons came unto me and married within a pair of days! You are no better at
times than those whom would trod upon you, you do it to them! This isn't
Austria and for what contempt is real you may bare them this they do not
deserve. You even told me once my will was blind. No, it isn't." She sighed softly,
rising for it was unseemly to be so angry, yet she couldn't...help it
anymore. "That man you admonish makes it possible for Mistress Lynch's son to
have any and everything beneath the son and it was his wife who gave dora a place
among the gentry, her husband too, and land, for all she'd been but while her
husband hunts Dora chooses to stay with us. For all you have learned, or all
any of us have learned we must begin again. Why can not you? Why!"
Her eyes began to tear. "I am seeing what was laid out for
supper. I am going to get it." She did not understand that while he was so
skilled why he could not be humble enough to have paitence, nothing happened
here overnight. It was a blessing and curse all at once! Yet the people here
were good, honest people. The kitchen door slammed hard behind her as
mixtures of shame in herself for being so outspoken collided with standing up
in the spirit of sense that bade her achieve anything. Tears filled her eyes as
she went about fetching items

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Plots and Honor Under Siege

'we are all in this together..'
'..arise..Sir Marius de Brabant, Knight of Skye..'
'..I call you the Lady of Books and Archives...for the Court..'

'...you defy me...'
'...we are long at odds...'