RPG The Almagest Legacy

[Malkav]

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[SIZE="1"][FONT="Verdana"][COLOR="Olive"]The Cygnus hovered over the Almagest estate, bending the grass beneath it in all directions and making the trees shake violently. Below, Jack could see people running out of the front door to see why all the commotion. He stood up out of the pilot's chair and walked to the hatch bay. There waiting for him were Morphia and the two children. Morphia had changed out of her peasant clothes and back into her tunic, Harrison was looking rather relieved to be back, and Victoria Ann had a look on her face that said I don't wanna go.

[B]"Alright, I take it none of you have ever did a jump before."[/B] brief Jack, who began handing them each a rope pulled from the wall. They were all conneced and retractable. [B]"This can be very dangerous, so I need for each of you to hold on tightly."[/B]

[B]"Wow, we're gonna make such an entrance. Like pirates!"[/B] squealed Victoria Ann, her eyes lighting up. [B]"Ths is going to be so much fun!"[/B]

[B]"Fun, but dangerous."[/B] repeated Jack smiling. He opened the bay door and suddenly there was nothing but air between them and the ground. Jack went first, jumping and gliding smoothly to the ground on the rope. Next came Harrison, who held on tightly to the rope, afraid to let go of it until both feet were firmly on the ground. Then came Victoria who smiled the whole way down, Jack grabbed her before she hit the groun. Lastly came Morphia, whom Jack helped as well.

[B]"Harrison! Victoria Ann! Where are you coming from?"[/B] came a booming female voice, it was Dame Anna, "Where's Fauntleroy? Why are you two with him!"

[B]"Well..."[/B] before Jack could get a word out, Dame Anna was rushing the children back into the estate. Jack heard the two stammering to explain to her, but she was nervous about something. Jack took a fleeting glance at Morphia who gave him the slightest of nods and the two of them walked to the house.

Inside the scene was rather strange. Most of the family were gathered together speaking frantically, and at the same time the servents were scrambling in every direction. Upon seeing him enter the house, Victoria Ann broke free of Dame Anna and ran back to Jack to hug him. She looked up at him in a way only a child could, with glowing eyes and exclaimed. [B]"Thankyou for letting me ride in your ship!"[/B]

Jack put his hands on her shoulders as he saw Dame Anna walking up to him again, [B]"Victoria, please go back to your room."[/B] she said, not taking her eyes off of Jack. Victoria let him go and began to walk away.

[B]"Don't hurt him ma'am, he saved us."[/B] she said before dashing off.

Jack and Morphia looked at Lady Grimalkin, ready for the worst. They've always heard stories about her and how she controlled the house. [B]"Well then,"[/B] she began,[B] "Harrison's told me everything. Might you have any clue as to where Fauntleroy or his sister Eva are?"[/B]

[B]"They were lost in the commotion. It was a blessing Jack found the children." [/B]said Morphia. Jack was relieved she was by his side. He wasn't too popular in this househould.

[B]"That Fauntleroy's going to get a talking to. To think he's run off and left the children like that. And Poor Eva, I hope she's alright."[/B] went Anna. Jack listened only half way until she said something that caught him by surprise, [B]"...And then Leonhart's gone missing, oh this house is falling apart."[/B]

[B]"Leonhart's gone missing?"[/B] repeated Jack and Morphia at the same time. This was quite the surprise. Suddenly the whole situation became surreal. The two of them went and sat in the hall, speaking to family and friends, offering their condolences and the like. Jack knew the house would fill up pretty soon. He walked over to Morphia and put his hands on her shoulders. [B]"I'm going to take my ship back to the aerodrome, you stay here with the family."[/B] Morphia nodded and continued to speak to the family members.

Jack began walking toward the door. As he walked though, something caught his eye. Lurking in a corridor was a pale figure, one he recognized with ease. Jack took a fleeting glance back to see if anyone were watching him. He immediately ducked into the corridor where he saw the figure. She was no where to be found. As he turned to leave he felt a hard slap against his face.

[B]"That's for the other night, bufoon."[/B] said a chilly voice. Jack took some time to focus before realizing who just hit him, it was Macey Ellen. She looked tired, as if she'd just woken up. Sh reared up to hit him again, and as she swung Jack caught her hand

[B]"You didn't think you were going to hit me twice did you?"[/B] he said with a grin.

[B]"Unhand me!"[/B] she said in an exaggerated whisper, Jack pushed her back into the wall and pushed himself on her until her bosom was squeezed firmly into his chest. The quite unexpected he kissed her. He could feel hear the muffled screams coming from her throat in short bursts, more of surprise than fear. Macey closed her eyes for a moment, it had been a long time since she was kissed like this. Not since her ex-husband.

Then she felt the release of pressure off her bosom and upon opening her eyes could see Jack's back moving away. [B]"I'll be back later. If you want, we can discuss all the different ways I have, and have not yet, violated you."[/B]

With that comment Jack walked out of the house, quite satisfied with his work.[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SunfallE]

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It had been no surprise to Alecia that Macey had collapsed earlier that evening. Considering all that had happened it was a wonder she was unharmed. As the day wore on, it became increasingly obvious that no one was interested in talking or rather Alecia was finding herself too tired to pay attention to what little was being said. Between missing lunch and the stress of work on top of worrying over whether or not her grandfather was alright, even though she knew she needed to have something, she simply had no appetite.

All of them were still in the dinning hall and Alexander leaned over to whisper to Alecia. "[B]Perhaps it would be best if we went home, you're looking rather worn out.[/B]"

"[B]I can't do that.[/B]" Alecia objected.

"[B]Why not? Sitting here fretting over what happened won't make things any better. You've had a stressful day as well.[/B]" He took her hand in his squeezing it gently. "[B]You won't be able to help anyone if you don't take care of yourself.[/B]"

Alecia started to object and then changed her mind. He was right after all, she was tired. Nothing like the others of course but still, as a Potionist she knew just how important it was to see to one's own health. With a nod she got up and said her goodbyes to the others before her and Alexander made for the main gate to Rosengard.

"[B]Alecia! Alexander![/B]" A voice called out just as they were about to leave the Estate. They stopped and Alecia turned just in time for Victoria Ann to catch her in a hug before letting go and looking up at her with a disappointed expression on her small face.

"[B]You're not staying for dinner?[/B]" She pouted a bit when Alecia shook her head. "[B]You never stay for dinner anymore.[/B]"

"[B]No one wants to listen to you talk nonstop pest.[/B]" Harrison said from where he was leaning against the open door leading into the wing where his and Victoria Ann's room was located, his expression unreadable.

Victoria turned to face him, placing her hands on her hips, "[B]I am not a pest.[/B]" She narrowed her eyes, "[B]Besides you called me by my name earlier today, have you forgotten it already bird brain?[/B]"

Alecia looked up to see Harrison turn slightly red before he made a flustered comment about stupid pests and turned and stalked off into the Estate. She looked back down at Victoria who sighed much in the same way that Dame Anna often did. Alecia carefully hid a smile when Victoria turned back to face her.

"[B]You heard about what happened right?[/B]" She waited for Alecia to nod before turning to Alexander with a look of expectation. "[B]You're going to find grandfather, right?[/B]"

Alexander hunched down until he was speaking to her at the same level, "[B]We'll certainly do our best to find everyone who has gone missing.[/B]"

"[B]Thank you.[/B]" Victoria gave him a hug as well and then let go and took off, back into the same door Harrison had just used, pausing at the door to turn and wave before shutting it behind her.

"[B]I certainly do hope they find him.[/B]" Alecia started walking down the street towards their home, leaning into Alexander when he put his arm around her shoulders. "[B]I can understand why people want things to change, but violence doesn't solve anything.[/B]"

Alexander sighed a bit. "[B]In all honesty, I'm not sure about finding the missing Alchemists. I haven't been assigned to any of the cases so I don't know if they've made any real progress or not.[/B]"

Alecia could sense his frustration at not being able to reassure her. "[B]It's alright Alex. I know that you aren't privy to what's going on.[/B]" She smiled at him or rather she tried to. "[B]I'm sure the guard assigned to the task will keep us updated as to their progress.[/B]" He answered her by squeezing her shoulders as they continued towards their home.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Sandy]

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[FONT="Georgia"]Gadget was pacing his new room nervously. Meeting the Almagest family had been stressful, and Macey's seizure on top of that...

There was a quick knock on the door, and Dame Grimalkin entered the room. She closed the door behind her. Now it was just the two of them.

[B]"The dinner is served in ten minutes, Mr. Gadget"[/B], the housekeeper announced, staring him straight in the eyes. Gadget couldn't do anything else but nod.

Then Dame Grimalkin advanced a few steps towards him. It reminded Gadget about the dreadful night with the dark-clad figures.

[B]"I must inquire your full name, Mr. Gadget. I don't think I've ever heard of such family."[/B]

Those eyes... Gadget knew that he couldn't lie to them.

[B]"It's Knotting, missus. Gerrault Knotting. I just go by Gadget, really"[/B], he explained in haste.

[B]"I see..."[/B] Dame Grimalkin nodded approvingly and turned her back to him. [B]"I knew a Knotting once, down at the Wailing Quarters in New Czenoble. She grew up in the Charcoal Orphanage. Old Mrs Charcoal had a habit of naming all the children with unknown origins as 'Knotting'. I believe her daughter runs the place nowadays."[/B]

Gadget gulped. He had been exposed! Dame Grimalkin looked at him over her shoulder. Her eyes were flaring now.

[B]"I don't know your story, [I]Gadget[/I]. But I swear, if you do anything to hurt this family - or Miss Macey - I will throw you down Mount Grail myself. Make no mistake about that."[/B]

Then she walked out of the room. Just before the door closed behind her, she quipped: [B]"Dinner in five minutes."[/B]

Gadget sat down on his bed. How could he tell this to Macey?![/FONT]

[Raiha]

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[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Dame Grimalkin, while intelligent and as wily as any old hen, hadn't counted on Macey Ellen's own cleverness, nor her maternal instincts. Wide awake after her ill-fated interaction with Mr. Deacon, she had been walking the halls quietly, calming her mind. And as such, she was just making her way back to her room to dress for dinner, when she saw Dame Grimalkin exiting Gadget's room with a self satisfied smirk on her face. Macey frowned and stalked, stiff legged, towards the matron of the house. The worthy woman saw Macey's expression and went still. [/i]

"Dame Grimalkin, are you quite finished interrogating my assistant?"

"I wasn't aware he was under any special protections that prevented me from simply telling him when dinner would be served."

"Now you're aware. Get it through that skull of yours. Gadget. Is. My. Assistant. He is off limits to your threats and your meddling alike. If I hear one whispered word, one hint of gossip from anyone because of this, you'll be finding yourself unemployed very soon."

[i]Macey's eyes flashed with a fire that hadn't been there for years. Her voice trembled with controlled rage and fury, and Dame Grimalkin knew that once Macey Ellen had been roused, she was a formidable force. That and her rank far outstripped nearly everyone in the house. The favorite daughter of the missing lord of the manor, and Daedalus's favorite niece, well loved by every sibling she had. Lowering her head in submission, the would-be usurper stepped out of Macey's path, and went downstairs to the servants.

Lifting her skirts slightly, Macey opened Gadget's door, to find him pale and shaking on the bed. Seeing her, he quickly rose to his feet and began sobbing out his story. She smiled at him gently and let him cry into her skirts, stroking his hair. Her voice was soothing, gentle, motherly.[/i]

"Now now, it's alright. Nothing will happen from this, and even if something did, I'd protect you."

"But- she'll tell everyone!"

"She won't." [i]Macey's voice was firm, her tone final.[/i] "That old bird doesn't want to loose her position here. It's too comfortable for her to give up just to satisfy her mean streak."

[i]Reassured by both Macey's words and her expression, Gadget calmed himself by degrees, and let her wipe his face clean. She showed him the proper way to take her arm, and let him lead her down the hall and back. Etiquette of the table, she taught in fine form, for she was both an expert herself, and a willing teacher.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[Horendithas]

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Harrison wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation and yet he couldn't. Here he was, in his room lying down on his bed and staring at the ceiling after having taken a bath and getting cleaned up. Facing the same situation he had yesterday, wishing he would not be expected to join the others for dinner or anything else. It didn't seem to matter that he had ended up in New Czenoble after having fallen asleep in the back of Fonty's car like some child. It didn't matter that apparently his uncle Leonhart was missing and that everyone would be talking about it during dinner, giving him the chance to listen in.

If there was one thing he had learned, it was that for some things, even with those they considered kids present, most adults could not keep their mouths shut. So even if it presented the chance to listen in on what was going on, just like yesterday, Harrison had no interest in being there with the others. And considering all that had happened earlier, slipping out like he often did to take a walk through the city was out of the question. Dame Anna would have made sure that all of the servants were keeping a close eye on things, including making sure he stayed put.

With a sigh he rolled off the bed, and walked over to look out the window facing the city, considering what to do before Dame Anna or someone else came along to remind him that it was dinner time. Something that he had no interest in attending, for one thing, mother would most likely lecture him about being more responsible. Father, if he was even there, would ignore him like always. Hardly his idea of a good time. Harrison sighed as he slipped out of his room and took off towards the kitchen to grab something to eat. It wouldn't be the first time he took something and carried it up to the top level of the estate.

Victoria Ann knew about the older attic room that looked down over High Czenoble but he doubted that she'd show up tonight. Following him around like she always did, making a pest of herself. No, this time Victoria would be either too tired or too curious about Macey's assistant. If not for the fact that he'd rather go hungry than sit at the dinner table with the others, he would have been curious as well. Assistant or not, the newcomer's behavior was odd to say the least, he didn't behave like someone who was from High Czenoble, though since Harrison had never seen him before, he figured that it was likely that he was from New Czenoble. Not that he cared one way or the other.

Harrison kept to himself as he traversed the hallways and then slipped into the kitchen, snatching some fruit, bread and cheese along with some water before he took off, running up the stairs leading to the library on the second floor and then to the next set of stairs in the library that lead to the attic. A few minutes later, he was at the window overlooking the city. He took a moment to open it before sitting down on the chair that was next to it.

The sun had yet to set and the barest hint of a sunset was just starting to show its colors. And though he could not see New Czenoble there was still hints of smoke rising in the air that was visible from where he was sitting. As he watched the sun set, he wondered if Fonty and Eva were okay, just as he considered going back down a little later to see if anything new had been found out.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Gavin]

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[INDENT][SIZE="1"]Daedalus felt old...terribly old.

Time seemed to be moving slower and slower. Dozens of people were moving around him, giant mechanical constructing digging out large pieces of concrete and iron from the ruins. And yet everything was perfectly silent... it was as though Daedalus has suddenly been deafened to the world around him. Every few seconds there would be a billow of dust as the machinery dug away, looking for survivors, it was like clockwork, predictable, his most intimate territory... he hated it.

For the first time in a long time, Daedalus wanted to be surprised. He wanted, more than anything else to see his brother show up, unharmed with a quiet quip about his how his older brother shouldn't have worried about him. Hell, he'd settle for him to show up, battered and bruised, so long as Leonhart was alive. It was the waiting that was killing him.

A young royal guard officer was hovering around him, perhaps he was unsure of what to say, perhaps he had nothing to say. He was little more than a child, eighteen or nineteen, far too young to have to witness something like this, the stream of stretchers and body-bags, Daedalus actually pitied him. Maybe it was the very fact he was young that he was saying nothing, unsure of what to say to this old man.

"[b]What's your name boy ?[/b]"

He locked eyes with the youth, who visibly flinched.

"[b]Uh...um...Gast sir, Felix Gast.[/b]"

"[b]Felix... how old are you ?[/b]"

"[b]Eight...eighteen sir.[/b]"

"[b]Is this the first time you've seen something like this ?[/b]"

Daedalus swept his hand towards the disaster scene. Felix nodded slowly.

"[b]I'm sorry you had to see it.[/b]"

"[b]...thank you sir.[/b]"

He was rambling, but it helped. Just talking to this boy was helping him. It was keeping his mind from thoughts that he didn't need to be thinking of. In the distance, a new airship was touching down, he recognised the RPG insignia on the side, he had been expecting this man for the last half-hour, it was unlike him to be so late. After a few minutes he was standing only a yard or so away, dressed in the same uniform as always, the same cold grey eyes behind his spectacles, leaning slightly on his trademark silver cane.

"[b]Gaul.[/b]"

"[b]Daedalus. I'm sorry to be so late, unfortunately we've had another explosion.[/b]"

There was genuine sorrow in his voice. Daedalus appreciated it. He had known Gaul Rosier for years, if something had kept him, then that was all there was to it.

"[b]Any sign of Leonhart or Macey ?[/b]

"[b]Nothing yet I'm afraid.[/b]"

"[b]COMMANDER !!! COMMANDER !!![/B]"

A middle-aged officer was racing across cobblestone yard, frantically crying out for Gaul's attention. By the time he arrived, his cheeks were red and his breathing laboured.

"[b]Sir... we believe... we've... uncovered.... all the... remains...[/b]"

Daedalus braced himself, closing his eyes.

"[b]Unfortunately... we... cannot... locate... the bodies... of... Lord Leonhart... or Lady Macey...[/b]"

Daedalus' eyes snapped open, perhaps they had survived the explosion... or perhaps they have been vaporised in it.

"[b]Thank you for the report. You may return to your previous duties.[/b]"

As the man strode off, Daedalus' shoulders finally sagged under the weight of everything that had happened.

"[b]Daedalus I...[/b]"

"[b]Thank you Gaul... I'm going to return to Rosengard... if... if you learn anything else, please dispatch someone there.[/b]"

Without another word he started to walk away, he didn't want anyone to see the tears streaming down his face. He was Daedalus Almagest, the head of the Almagest family, he could not afford to look weak. He forced himself into a dignified pace and did not look back. The return trip to Rosengard was utterly silent.

As his airship touched down, Daedalus suppressed the urge to vomit. He could see Catherine waiting silently for him, her skin the same pallid colour it had been when she'd left him earlier in the day. He didn't know what he could say to her, or anyone. The same feeling of nausea returned, he forced it back down, he would not, and could not break down in front of her.

"[b]Daedalus, oh Daedalus. Macey Ellen is here, she's safe !![/b]"

"[b]What ?![/b]"

"[B]Yes, Anna told me when I arrived.[/b]"

"[b]Oh thank God.[/b]"

"[b]Daedalus... since you're back... what happened to Leonhart ?[/b]"

He looked away, just because Macey had survived, he couldn't get her hopes up. The very fact that Macey was alive but on her own suggested the worst possible outcome.

"[b]They don't know. No body was found.[/b]"

"[b]But the fact that Macey Ellen...[/b]"

"[b]I know... and I hope you're right. But it's also possible that...[/b]" His voice trailed off, he coughed, then coughed again, willing himself to stay stoic. To her credit, Catherine's head merely dipped as she broke with his gaze.

"[b]I need to go talk with Macey.[/b]"

"[b]Alright.[/b]"

Daedalus needed answers, and he was going to get them.

"[b]DAEDALUS ![/b]"

Turning, he found himself staring into the worried face of Dame Grimalkin.

"[b]Anna, where is Macey Ellen ? I need to speak to here immediately.[/b]"

"[b]She's in her room... Daedalus... what happened to Leonhart ?[/b]"

"[b]I don't know... they don't know. Please, call everyone at Rosengard to the main dining room. I will be there shortly to explain all I know.[/b]"

"[b]Yes, of course.[/b]"

Pushing himself into an unusually quick pace, Daedalus cleared the five long hallways and two stairways standing between himself and Macey Ellen. He arrived opening the door without knocking. He found Macey clutching at what looked like a child in her arms. Her eyes widened seeing him, for the first time in her entire life, her uncle looked at her angrily. For the first time in her life, she understood exactly why people could be so afraid of him.

"[b]Macey. Outside. NOW !![/b]"

He'd roared the final word unintentionally. The boy in her arms flinched at the sight of this... monstrously large man. Dutifully Macey turned and walked outside, he cast one last look at the boy before closing the door.

"[b]Explain.[/b]"[/SIZE][/INDENT]

[Raiha]

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[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Moderately offended by her Uncle's sharp tone, but striving for a vague understanding, Macey leapt up and followed him into the hall. Once there, with his bark of an order ringing in her ears, she summoned up her courage and snapped right back.[/i]

"I'll do no such thing. Not here. Not where anyone could hear."

"You will tell me. And you'll do it now!"

[i]Reaching for her elbow to jerk her across the hall towards him, she nearly tripped and fell. Jerking her arm free, she leapt out of his reach and regained her dignity with a furious glare. He slammed his fist down into one of the many decorative tables lining the hallway. It shattered underneath the force of his blow, the fine china plates it had held crashing to the floor. Thousands of shards glittered in the glow of the gas lamps, and Macey looked up at her Uncle Daedalus with a hiss of true rage cracking her normally steady voice.[/i]

"I will [b]not[/b] compromise the integrity of my experiments and my work to satisfy your pride. If you will not listen to reason, then clearly my explanations would fall on deaf ears anyway."

[i]She hitched up her skirts in her hands and charged down the hallway, and up two flights of stairs. Unwilling to lay an angry hand on her again, he followed, soon realizing that she was leading him to her private balcony. Once there, she let him shut the recently repaired doors and took a seat on her bench as haughtily as any Queen.

Smoothing her skirts with one pale hand, she leaned back slightly and let her Uncle pace up and down the round space of her balcony. Folding her hands calmly in her lap she assumed a much calmer tone.[/i]

"That boy you frightened half to death is my experiment in the fusion of Magitechnology and humans. He's a perfect example of what I've been striving for in all the years of my research."

"So he was more worth saving than Leonhart..."

[i]Feeling a flash of anger at her Uncle's distrustfulness, Macey willed herself to calm down, and clasped her hands tighter until she could feel her fingers bruising themselves. Daedalus's expression, him glaring down at her was horrifying. How could he possibly doubt her?[/i]

"I don't know the last time you were involved in a catastrophic bombing, but I could not find my Father afterwards. I could barely see, so I went to secure what I could and escape with my life and the life of what was precious to me."

[i]She paused for breath, her emotions raging out of control, and groped in her sleeves for her kerchief. Just in time, she found it and pressed it to her cheek to stem the flow of tears.[/i]

"If you think, for one minute, that I abandoned my father simply to preserve my pride as a scientist, than you've never had a thought that became you less."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Gavin]

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[INDENT][SIZE="1"]"[B]If you think, for one minute, that I abandoned my father simply to preserve my pride as a scientist, than you've never had a thought that became you less.[/B]"

The comment stung. Of all his nieces and nephews, he was closest to Macey. In ways, he may even have been closer to her than some of his own children. She was a scientist like him, perhaps it was that he just understood her better than he did his other children who had not followed his footsteps. He looked away from the furious stare she was giving him towards the setting sun of the evening. Daedalus breathed out slowly, rubbing his forehead, trying to regain his lost composure... and his pride.

"[b]I'm sorry.[/b]"

"[b]For which part ?[/b]"

There was still an edge to her voice, but it had softened considerably with his apology.

"[b]All of it, I shouldn't have shouted at you like that.[/b]"

He looked back at her, she could be some damn infuriating sometimes, but he was proud of her and her achievements. She should not have seen such an unrefined side to his personality, he hoped he had not lost too much of her respect. The frown on her face was still present, but from the look in her eyes, the source for the frown was no longer his outburst.

"[b]You think my father is really dead ?[/b]"

Was it unfair of her to ask him a question like that ? Could he compare the loss of a sibling to the loss of a parent ? He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Was it just that he didn't want to admit it out loud ? That the same overly curious child who'd bugged him for all those years who'd gone on to become one of the greatest alchemists in history was nothing more than a few dust particles ? He could still see him, standing there in his uniform, before they'd both gone to the frontlines during the Mine Wars, that stupid cocky smile...

"[b]...yes.[/b]"

Daedalus' voice was hoarse, the affirmation only a hair above a whisper. Macey looked at him, one of the strongest men she had ever known and suddenly saw him in a different light. He wasn't Uncle Daedalus, the mountain who resisted time with an iron will, he could work comfortable to a point that would kill lesser scientists, he was, at that moment, just a tired old man suddenly burdened with a responsibility he had never wanted. She drew slowly closer to him, wrapping her arms as far as she could around him. At first he made no response, then his left hand rose and held her close to him.

That was all it took, suddenly her shoulders sagged and Daedalus could feel a wet patch developing near his heart. She sobbed quietly and hot tears trickled down Daedalus' own face.

It didn't last long, it just wasn't their way. After a minute or so, all the tears had stopped, no words needed to be exchanged, it had simply been a moment of mutual grief that they could show to very few people around them. Silently they walked away from the balcony and the sunset, by now, everyone would have gathered in the dining room.[/SIZE][/INDENT]

[Muse]

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Henry's grin had been forced, but that was a fact that none but the most keen of eye and perception would be able to detect. He walked slowly through the long halls of Rosengard, careful to avoid any family or servants alike. His mouth was set in a straight line, emotionless, starkly different to his characteristic smile.

After his glorious wins at the Circuit he had returned home - news had not reached him, and he had returned to Rosengard expecting the usual congratulations from his relatives and the wide-eyed children, eager for details.

He had walked in to a somber home and somber faces who barely noticed the last son of Leonhart arriving. After working out the details from his mother and Catherine, Dame Anna stared at him searchingly, trying to find some sort of emotion other than that embarassing calmness in his impossibly blue eyes. But Henry was a good actor, and a goor liar. He had excused himself to his quarters.

He never quite made it there, however, taking the wrong turn purposefully to get himself good and lost. Though lost wasn't the best word - he probably knew his way around Rosengard better than anyone, due to a childhood dedicated to exploration. When he was the youngest child in a large family, and a different child at that, he didn't get much attention from the older members of the Almagests.

Except Leonhart. When his surrogate father was around, it seemed Leonhart loved to do nothing but follow the precocious young Henry around. When Henry's prodigious skill in transport alchemy became apparent, Leonhart was the one who showed him how to use it properly, better than any professor Henry ever had.

While Fauntleroy called him the servant boy, Beatriste kept her distance, and Macey and Eva left Henry on his own, Leonhart treated Henry as the son he wasn't supposed to be.

[i][b]"A bastard child. That's all I am. God knows why such a man would even bother with trash like me."[/i][/b] Henry thought to himself, his emotionless musing revealing his long repressed longing - to be a true Almagest heir.

He stopped suddenly. The corridor he was in was completely deserted. There were no sounds but his echoing footsteps. But he had just realized; this was the corridor, coincidentally, where the portraits of the Almagest children were hung. Unblinkingly he examined each until he reached his own, the very last one, even after the grandchildren. The striking blonde hair, bright blue eyes and the white-toothed grin making a mockery of him. But still. At least his portrait was up.

[b]"An Almagest by after-thought only."[/b] He chuckled softly, feeling the tears well up and his legs go a bit numb. He sat down with his back against the wall, directly underneath his portrait, and rested his head against his knees just as the bell for dinner began to ring.[/size]

[Horendithas]

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Harrison was not going to do it, he was determined to not go and join the others for dinner, but when his father’s private airship touched down at Rosengard his curiosity got the better of him. Within a few moments the window was fastened and he cleaned up every trace of the food he had brought up with him. The last thing he wanted to do was to have the attic closed off because of his carelessness. He had forgotten to clean up properly once and had gotten quite the lecture from Dame Anna about not creating more work for the staff than was necessary. And if there was one thing Harrison hated more than anything, it was to be lectured by an adult.

As he hastily disposed of what was left of the food Harrison couldn’t help but feel as if something insidious had settled over Rosengard. It was quiet, too quiet and for some reason it made him feel edgy as he walked though the hallways towards the dinning room. [I]What in the world is going on? [/I]He wondered as the third servant he saw looked away and hurried about their business. [I]They’re acting as if someone has… [/I]

“[B]You must be sick![/B]” A familiar voice rang out, causing Harrison to start violently. “[B]You never go to dinner.[/B]”

“[B]And you’re still as annoying as ever.[/B]” He growled at Victoria Ann who had managed to sneak up on him while he was thinking.

As always she merely ignored his abrupt manner of speaking to her. Sometimes he wondered why she even bothered since he always referred to her as if she was irritating him, even if she was not. And though he would never say a word to her otherwise, he was secretly pleased to see that other than perhaps a few scrapes and bruises, now that she was cleaned up, she seemed to be unharmed from the fiasco earlier that day.

“[B]Something is wrong Harrison.[/B]” She said seriously. “[B]Dame Anna shooed me off to get cleaned up for dinner, but everyone is acting as if someone is dead![/B]”

Harrison froze for a moment, halting in place, had something happened to Eva or Fonty after they had been separated? He returned Victoria Ann’s serious look with one of his own and then grabbed her hand and hurried her down the hallway, letting go just as he reached the doors leading into the dinning room. He ignored Victoria’s startled look as he opened the doors and hurried into the room.

He was brought up short by his father Daedalus who was standing just inside the door, partially turned to see just who had come in. Instinctively Harrison simply moved to go around where his father was standing and take a seat as Victoria Ann was already doing, but he was brought up short by his father’s hand on his shoulder as he started walking past him. He looked up just as Daedalus did the unthinkable, pulling him into a fierce hug, leaving Harrison dumbfounded as to what was going on. [I]What the…?[/I]

“[B]There you are Harrison,[/B]” He said, his voice sounding slightly strained before he finally let go, both hands still on Harrison’s shoulders. “[B]Go and take a seat, there's something important you need to know.[/B]” He gently turned him about and gave him a nudge towards where the others were sitting. Something that Harrison did in a daze like state, confused and afraid to hear just what had happened. Father did not hug people, [I]ever[/I]. Harrison couldn’t even remember the last time that he had.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Shy]

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Eva looked down at her tattered silk gown, torn to shreds by the rabid crowd. She remembered when her father had given it to her, celebrating her first day as a scientist at Prometheo Labs. Now her dress, like all of downtown New Czenoble, was being ripped apart as chaos spread throughout the crowded streets. She heard the profanities of angry young workers as they picked up stones and hurled them through the factory windows. It was pointless; in time many of the same workers would be paid by the Almagests to repair the damage. [I]They act like children,[/I] she thought to herself, [I]How could anyone receive equal treatment if the factories were destroyed?[/I]

“[b]A pretty young thing as yerself shouldn’t be ‘ere,[/b]” a gruff, older man warned Eva as she stepped over the factories’ collapsed iron gates. He had a thick, gray beard, covered with dirt and dust from the explosion. “[b]Get out of ‘ere before you get hurt.[/b]”

Eva narrowed her eyes, “[b]I’m not going anywhere, you… anarchist! This property belongs to the Almagests![/b]”

The old man laughed as he picked up a large stone and tossed it carelessly, “[b]Leonhart ain’t in no position to stop us anymore.[/b]”

"[b]...What does that mean?[/b]"

“[b]Marie! Marie Evangeline![/b]“

A familiar hand grabbed Eva’s shoulder from behind, and she turned to discover her brother Fauntleroy standing behind her.

“[b]Oh thank goodnes,[/b]” the young man said as he clutched onto his sister tightly, “[b]I feared the worst. Are you alright?[/b]”

“[b]I-- I’m fine. I just found myself incensed with this scene. What are we going to do?[/b]”

Fauntleroy stared out at the factory with a troubled look on his face. He took a deep breath and sighed, “[b]We’ll simply rebuild. It’s the only thing we can do.[/b]”

Eva nodded in agreement, “[b]Where are the children?[/b]”

“[b]I… I was hoping you knew the answer. They disappeared shortly after you did, in this mess.[/b]”

“[b]Oh my,[/b]” she replied as she held her hands together, “[b]They must be terrified, and it‘s getting dark.[/b]”

“[b]Harrison is bright, like his father. He’ll get himself and Victoria Ann back to Rosengard. He has to.[/b]”

“[b]We‘ll have to keep looking for him…[/b]”

“[b]I hope you never find 'em,[/b]” the gruff stranger said coldly as he listened in on their conversation from afar, “[b]You’re Almagests, aren’t you? You monsters have brought this upon yourself after all of these years…[/b]”

Noticably shaken, Eva took a step to hide behind her brother. Fauntleroy bravely approached the old man, furious from what he had said.

“[b]Excuse me?[/b]” he asked bitterly, “[b]Some poor factory worker? My family has done great things for all of Czenovia, who are you to call us such names?![/b]”

“[b]Unlike you, I have worked my whole life for my family, Almagest, and it’s brought me nothing but pain. This factory poisons the air, pollutes the water and ruins everything it touches! Your lot are the real criminals.[/b]”

Fauntleroy clenched his fist in anger, “[b] I'm sick of being threatened and pushed around by thugs all day. You have no idea what you’re talking about, you old fool, and I‘ll see to it that each and every one of you are punished.[/b]”

"[b]Faunteroy, please...[/b]"

The crowd’s attention suddenly turned towards Fauntleroy’s heated exchange. Rioters both young and old began to form a circle around the two siblings. Eva tugged on her sibling’s sleeve, trying to silence him. The old man grinned madly as he moved closer and closer towards Fauntleroy, followed closely behind by a dozen men twice his size.

“[b]We’re not afraid of you anymore, wee Almagest. Get out of our city,[/b]” he commanded, “[b]And be grateful that we don’t turn our bricks towards you as well.[/b]”[/size][/indent]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

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Catherine didn't need to hear Daedalus's explanation of everything that he knew, she didn't need to look up to know that he believed that their brother, Leonhart, was dead. His expression and the way he carried himself as well as his reception of Harrison when he entered the dinning room; all if it told Catherine in a manner that was unshakable, he believed that Leonhart was gone. It didn't matter that no body had been recovered, though she knew not the nature of the work being done at Prometheo Labs or rather any of the current experiments. Catherine knew all to well that it was possible for an explosion to occur that was capable of destroying a body.

And yet at the same time a part of her refused to accept it, not death of course, but to accept her brother's death without further proof. There were too many unanswered questions in her mind, such as where Macey had been in relation to Leonhart when the blast occurred, or who had gone missing besides Leonhart. She had been a scholar too long to abandon all hope. It would make dealing with things harder later on but as she looked up briefly and caught Daedalus's gaze and the pain he so carefully hid, her resolve only hardened. For now, she would believe that he was missing like the other alchemists who had vanished. Though the idea of him being kidnapped wasn't much better.

But as she looked around at the frightened faces around her, especially those of the children who were obviously confused by what Daedalus was saying... She realized that she would do like she had when her finance Joseph had died, she would put those feelings behind her as best she could and move on. If Leonhart really was dead, the last thing Daedalus would need to deal with was a sister who fell apart. She would save the falling apart for when she was alone and even then, that would come later.

So Catherine, as she had before, shoved those feelings of grief as far from herself as possible. Doing her best to sit up straight and look forward without dissolving into tears. Though no amount of pretending or trying to be brave could change the fact that she felt sick to her stomach and had no appetite whatsoever. Tomorrow she would do like she had when Joseph had died. Catherine would make sure to eat, to get up and do as she always did, go to work and teach the children.

In spite of her resolve, some tears escaped just the same. Tears that she carefully wiped away with her handkerchief before anyone would notice. Other than Daedalus of course who missed nothing, but everyone else was to busy watching him as he went over all that he had learned since he first found out about the incident at the labs.

[James]

[center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/gadgetavatar.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/damegrimalkinavatar.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/vincentavatar.jpg[/img][/center] Rosengard loomed on the horizon. Night had fallen and the great Almagest residence cast a deep silhouette in the distance. Vincent thought it rather looked like a big cat, crouched slightly on its haunches. It somehow appeared to be in distress; it was wounded. Vincent opened his briefcase and poured through the papers he had been given by Rosier. They were many and they were worrying. There had been a significant increase in crime throughout New Czenoble in recent days, but the explosion at Prometheo Labs had been devastating. Worst of all, Leonhart Almagest himself was apparently missing; the Royal Police Guard had been unable to locate his body. The briefcase snapped shut and Vincent stared out the window again. The sky seemed to darken further as deep grey clouds rolled over the mountains. A storm was coming. The steam car stopped in front of the Grand Entrance and Vincent stepped out. Audrey was not with him tonight. He had given her the night off. No doubt she would be working more than her usual hours in the coming days, at any rate. Before Vincent could tap the gold knocker on the front door, it swung open abruptly. Dame Grimalkin appeared in the Foyer. Her usual calm demeanor seemed to have been replaced by a tangible urgency. She seemed relieved to see Vincent, at least. 'Oh, Mr. Achard...thank God you are here! Please, come in!' Vincent walked into the Foyer, brief case in hand. This time, his visit was official. 'My Lady, is Daedalus home? I believe he is the most senior member of the family at present.' The words were difficult to say, even for Vincent. And clearly, Dame Grimalkin didn't like hearing them. She grimaced as he spoke. 'Er, yes, of course, I will tell him you are here. Please make yourself at home. When he is ready, I will call you to his study.' And with that, Dame Grimalkin swept out of the Foyer, towards the Grand Staircase. Vincent was left alone. He could hear echoes in the distance; several family members had obviously arrived. He could only imagine how they felt with the head of their family missing. Vincent himself knew little, so he would not be able to completely satisfy Daedalus' curiosity. Several minutes passed without any sign of Dame Grimalkin. Vincent decided to take the opportunity to pay a short visit to Macey. He had no doubt she was there. The fact that they had managed to part ways on good terms at the party meant that things were starting to improve. Vincent wanted to reassure her personally. Vincent made his way down the long hall that led to Macey's quarters. As he neared her ensuite, though, he heard splashing. What he saw surprised him; a young man was standing at the basin, splashing his face with water. His hair had been slicked down and he was wearing a slightly ill-fitting suit. He did not look at all comfortable in either the suit, or in the walls of Rosengard itself for that matter. The man suddenly noticed Vincent's presence and looked up at him. Vincent's entire body froze. He almost fell backwards. The man looked oddly familiar. 'Who are you?' Vincent mentally corrected himself; he did not know what else to say. The young man at first appeared intimidated by Vincent, who was much taller and older. His hand shook slightly, but he did not back down. He cautiously approached Vincent and held his hand out. 'I'm Gadget, Sir,' said the young man. 'Pleased to meet you.' Gadget smiled broadly. Vincent shook his hand absently. 'Do you know who I am?' asked Vincent. Something about Gadget's demeanor suggested this. Gadget paused for a moment and then finally nodded. 'Yes, sir. There are posters of you on some of the walls where I come from. Sometimes people write horrible things on those posters. But you shouldn't worry; it's Mr. Rosier who they really despise.' This could only mean one thing: Gadget was from New Czenoble. Some brave citizens in out-of-the-way places within the city dared to deface Government posters, many of which displayed Gaul Rosier, with the slogan [i]"Creating a safer city for everyone."[/i] Vincent found it difficult to place Gadget's face initially. He felt that he knew him from somewhere. And then, a thought occurred to him - but it was far too ridiculous to entertain. How could a dream be real, after all? For a moment, Gadget simply stood before Vincent and looked up at him. Although he was not smiling, his entire face somehow smiled; Gadget almost seemed relieved to see Vincent. Perhaps, he thought, it was always relieving to see an authority figure during a time of great turbulence and fear. 'I am a guest at Rosengard, Sir,' said Gadget, 'and we are about to have dinner. Perhaps you could join us?' Vincent did not want to be drawn into a long dinner with the entire Almagest family; he worried that everyone would have questions about the explosion. He really only wanted to speak to Daedalus. However, as Dame Grimalkin had not yet returned, dinner might be the only option. In any case, Vincent thought, it would give him the chance to learn more about Gadget and his story.

[Rachmaninoff]

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Alexander and Alecia hadn't gotten far from the gates to Rosengard when a steamcar pulled up and stopped next to where they were walking instead of heading into the Estate. A moment later a door opened to admit Nellie before the car pulled away and headed back into the city.

"[B]Good evening,[/B]" Nellie nodded once she was facing the couple. "[B]Not staying for dinner are you? I assume that both of you already know about what happened?[/B]"

"[B]Yes, we were notified earlier today.[/B]" Alecia explained. "[B]How did the meeting with the princess and the families go?[/B]"

Nellie shrugged, "[B]It didn't. The car we were assigned to broke down and once news of what happened reached High Czenoble, she was taken back to the palace for her own safety.[/B]"

"[B]From High Czenoble? But I thought the explosions happened in New Czenoble.[/B]" Alecia hadn't heard of anything happening in High Czenoble.

"[B]They did, but there are other...[/B]" Nellie paused. "[B]I'm sorry, I thought you already knew. If you don't, I have no business saying anything further.[/B]" She turned to head into the Estate.

"[B]Wait![/B]" Alexander called, causing Nellie to pause and turn. "[B]What are you talking about? What else has happened?[/B]"

"[B]You'll find out soon enough. Again, I'm sorry, I really thought you knew and since you do not, I can't say anything.[/B]" She looked down and then back up again at the two of them. "[B]Please don't press me on it, you of all people Alexander know that there are things one can't disclose.[/B]" And with that she turned and left.

Alecia took a step in the direction of the Estate but stopped when Alexander put his hand on her shoulder. Puzzled she turned to look at him.

"[B]There's no point in following her. If it's related to work, she can't say anything. Besides, since she thought we knew about it, I would imagine that we'll find out soon enough just like she said.[/B]"

"[B]But...[/B]"

Alexander just steered her back towards heading to their home. "[B]No buts love, you need your rest. If there's anything new to be known in regards to Leonhart, someone will let us know.[/B]"

Alecia quit resisting and followed Alexander's lead. More than anything she wanted to stick around Rosengard and wait for better news but deep down, she realized that it was best if she did not. She couldn't hang around forever, work and obligations did not stand still and wait for a better moment and those at the Eshe Rehema medical center who depended on her as well as others for their care could not be ignored. Especially since they were already short handed as it was, what with some of the staff being on leave and all.

It didn't take them long to get home but if Alexander had been hoping Alecia could settle down and get some rest, it was clear once they arrived that such rest would not be possible when their housekeeper handed them the messages that had been delivered to their home earlier that day, including one from the Eshe Rehema medical center addressed to Alecia.

For the briefest of moments he worried that Alecia was going to be in trouble after all, but instead it was nothing more than a cryptic note requesting that she come in well over an hour earlier than usual tomorrow.

"[B]I don't like it.[/B]" Alexander finally said. "[B]Why would they want you to come in early?[/B]"

Alecia took off her cloak and set it down on the small bench just inside the main door of their home. Ignoring the kitchen and heading to their bedroom instead of answering immediately, waiting until they were alone to speak.

"[B]There are lots of reasons why they could be asking me to come in sooner, including the possibility that they really will dismiss me for my actions earlier today.[/B]" She looked directly at Alexander. "[B]The only way to find out will be to go in.[/B]"

"[B]In that case, I'll go with you.[/B]"

"[B]There's no need for you to lose sleep as well.[/B]" Alecia started to protest a bit, even though she would prefer that he did come along.

Alexander answered by pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her until she was looking directly up at him from but a few inches away. "[B]There's no way I'd let you go alone, especially if they actually did dismiss you. I'd never let you face that on your own.[/B]"

He leaned forward to kiss her before finally letting go, "[B]Now I know you're not hungry, but you need to try and at least eat something.[/B]" He took her hand and moved to pull her in the direction of the kitchen.

"[B]I know, I'll try.[/B]" Alecia said as she followed him out of their bedroom.

[Shy]

[center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/img][/center][size=1][indent]Hours later Fauntleroy still found himself bothered by the confrontation at the Celcius Complex. In all of his life the working class had never been anything but obedient and good-natured. Something had changed the citizens of New Czenoble on a fundamental level. [i]Could their accusations about his family really be true?[/i] He looked at his sister, asleep in her chair and sighed. Fauntleroy never would have forgiven himself if something had happened to Eva; he only hoped that Victoria Ann and Harrison were so fortunate.

From the comfort of an airship the chaos in New Czenoble seemed insignificant. The massive fires, threatening the lives of countless citizens, lit up the city in a haunting glow. Had he not been there himself to witness it Fauntleroy would have called the scene ‘beautiful.’ Instead he turned his attention away from the window, and rested his head on his seat. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Soon they would arrive in High Czenoble shortly, and then, to Rosengard…

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“[b]…I suppose father will take charge of Magitech. He is getting on in years, but there is simply no other suitable replacement.[/b]” Dawlish thought to himself for a moment before he finished his thought, “[b]Although Aunt Catherine could just as easily fill the role.[/b]”

Several Almagests stood in the gardens of Rosengard, quietly drinking and discussing the day’s affairs. Beatrise, Nellie, Henry and Morphia nodded in agreement as Dawlish spoke, each uncertain of what to say. Even though dinner had yet to begin it seemed that everyone was ready to have their cocktails early.

“[b]I didn’t think Catherine Sara had any interest in the company..?[/b]” Henry asked, stirring his cocktail softly.

“[b]She doesn’t,[/b]” Morphia replied bluntly, “[b]But such an old man can’t be expected to take on all of those responsibilities by himself.[/b]”

Nellie locked eyes with Morphia. It was obvious to the rest of the group that they shared some sort of history, although none were exactly sure what that was.

“[b]My father is as well as Uncle Leonhart ever was -- better even. My only concern is for his safety. If the accident is somehow connected to those kidnappings…[/b]” Nellie’s voice trailed off as her thoughts wandered.

“[b]Then putting him in such a prominent position would make him an even greater--![/b]”

Fauntleroy and Eva approached the group silencing the conversation immediately. All eyes turned to Eva, who seemed perfectly fine standing in front of them with her ragged gown.

“[b]Hello everyone,[/b]” Eva said softly, “[b]I’m sure you all have questions to ask, but let us please save them for the morning…[/b]”

She turned towards her sister, “[b]Bea, are the children alright?[/b]”

Beatriste’s eyes narrowed as she took a step towards Fauntleroy and slapped him across the face.

“[b]They’re fine, Eva,[/b]” she muttered, her open palm still raised in anger, “[b]And how are you?[/b]”

Fauntleroy clutched his face in pain, “[b]What was that for!?[/b]”

Beatriste leaned in closer, “[b]If you so much as touch Victoria Ann again I’ll make sure you never step foot in Rosengard again. I don’t care what happened today; how could you?[/b]”

Her eyes began to water as the crowd quietly dispersed, save for Morphia, who seemed to revel in watching the Almagests suffer. She took a sip of her glass of wine and grinned.

"[b]Let's go,[/b]" Dawlish commanded, "[b]I'm sure Dame Anna is waiting for us to begin dinner, anyway...[/b]"

“[b]Please. It wasn’t that simple, Bea,[/b]” Eva pleaded, “[b]Neither of us had any idea that the children were in the steam car until we were well on our way to New Czenoble.[/b]”

“[b]You know Aunt Harriet’s condition… we had thought that both of the children were in school until neither of them arrived home. When we heard the story she nearly exploded![/b]”

“[b]I’m sorry, but it was the children who--[/b]”

Beatriste pointed at her brother bitterly, “[b]Who are [i]your[/i] responsibility! Of all the days to lose track of them, Fauntleroy! Do you have any idea how many terrible things could have happened t them? If someone had found out they were an Almagest they could have been kidnapped, or worse![/b]”

“[b]You’re very lucky Jack and I found them when we did,[/b]” Morphia added as she headed towards the Great Hall, “[b]Perhaps Leonhart was right about you, after all.[/b]”

Fauntleroy rubbed his forehead, “[b]I have no patience for any of this. Please, as long as they’re safe and sound and no harm was done. I love those brats far too much to let anything happen to them.[/b]”

Eva wrapped her arms around Beatriste, “[b]I understand, Bea. But please, this is as much my fault as it is Fauntleroy’s…[/b]”

“[b]Don’t you understand? I can’t lose another child... Especially not today. Definitely not today![/b]”

Fauntleroy reached for his sister’s hands, “[b]What are you talking about? Did something else happen today…?[/b]”

Beatriste closed her eyes and began to weep, “[b]It’s father, Fauntleroy. Father is dead…[/b]”[/indent][/size]

[Malkav]

[center][IMG]http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c135/Minneymin/jackavatar.jpg[/IMG]
[/center]

[COLOR=DarkOliveGreen][B] "You know...I really... I don't think you're invited."[/B] Jack addressed Meredyne as they walked down the rather lonely cobblestone streets of High Czenoble.

After hearing the news Jack became eager to dock his ship away from Rosengard, for he was sure that others would be coming in on ship to give their condolences. Upon his departure on foot from the dock, he saw Meredyne, hard at work as always and after a quick chat, she insisted on going with him back to Rosengard.

[B] "Jonathan, don't be silly." [/B]she replied, her hands deep in the pockets of her rather beautiful long jacket.

Jack looked kept looking straight forward. Its not that he did not enjoy her company, but rather he was used to making trips like this alone. He couldn't help but think about how odd a couple they made right now. She with her knee length cream overcoat which ended where brown high heeled boots began, and Jack with his patched bomber jacket, olive toned pants workers boots. They stood out among the bustles, hobble skirts, and top hats that defined High Czenoble. One passing by could easily mistake them for lower or middle class, or even lower class. These thoughts fueled his next question for her, "Why do you dress like that? You look ready to take off in a ship."

Meredyne looked at him and smiled, [B]"You're not the only one who flies around here, Jonathan."[/B]

[B] "Yeah,"[/B] he replied, [B]"but I thought you would have given it up after taking over the family business."[/B]

[B] "I almost did...but... God Jonathan how could I give it up?"[/B] she looked up at the sky watching through spectacled eyes as ships went to and fro across it. [B]"The wind in my hair, the mist of the clouds spraying my face, the..."[/B]

[B] "Freedom."[/B] Jack interrupted, remembering his own reasons for loving to fly. [B]"You gave up a fiance I guess I can say you gave up love."[/B]

[B] "No Jonathan, I never gave up love. At least not my first one."[/B]

[B] "I guess you can say neither of us did."[/B] Jack chuckled a small bit as Rosengard came into sight in the distance. [I]How did we not end up together?[/I] Jack asked himself before remembering. [I]Charlie... little bastard.[/I][/COLOR]

[Aaryanna]

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"[B]Mom,[/B]" Victoria tugged on Beatriste?s arm once Daedalus paused for a moment. "[B]I want to ask you something![/B]" She said urgently.

"[B]Yes dear?[/B]" She turned to Victoria Ann who was sitting next to her at the dinner table a serious expression on her tiny face.

Victoria Ann leaned forward a bit, "[B]Why aren't we looking for Grandfather?[/B]" She was oblivious to the startled looks and sudden intakes of breath from the others around her, only thinking that it made no sense that they were at home instead of looking for him.

"[B]Well you see Victoria, that's what the Royal Police Guard are doing.[/B]" She started to explain but to her utter surprise Victoria interrupted her.

"[B]But it's late! And it gets cold at night! You don't know for sure if he's kidnapped or not! He could have wandered off and collapsed somewhere in New Czenoble in all the confusion![/B]" She frowned. "[B]We should be searching the city near the place where he vanished![/B]"

Beatriste looked to the others for a moment and then back to Victoria, "[B]Sweetheart, please let the adults worry about this okay? I promise, everything is being done.[/B]" But her uneasy look only betrayed what she really thought and Victoria burst into tears.

"[B]Stop treating me like I'm a kid! I know what's going on! I read the newspapers too![/B]"

At that moment the doors to the dinning room opened to admit a few late comers to dinner, Victoria turned to look and then screeched with excitement, her tears forgotten when she saw who was coming into the room. She was oblivious to the disapproving look from Dame Anna for making such a racket.

"[B]Fonty! Eva![/B]" Victoria squealed as she practically leapt out of her chair and flew over to hug Fonty who held his arms out to catch her. "[B]I'm so glad you're okay! I was worried when those rude people shoved us apart and dragged you away.[/B]"

"[B]No need to worry Victoria, what's more important is that you and Harrison are fine.[/B]"

Victoria pulled free and turned to hug Eva before responding. "[B]Well Harrison kept them from dragging me away as well. There was no reason for them to be so rude![/B]" She pouted just a bit, earning a small chuckle from both Eva and Fonty.

"[B]That was very brave of Harrison to do that.[/B]" Fonty looked up to see that Beatriste was glaring at him still, with an inward sigh he gently nudged Victoria towards her seat at the dinner table.

"[B]How about we quit interrupting dinner?[/B]" He suggested to her.

Victoria sighed, "[B]Fine, but I want to talk to you later about finding Grandfather.[/B]" She went over and sat back down next to Beatriste again, wondering when dinner would be over so she could talk to Fonty about what they could do about looking for Grandfather.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Darren]

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[INDENT][SIZE="1"]The sun had set almost two hours previous when Charles and his children finally touched down in High Czenoble aboard a second-class Airship. Pearl had fallen asleep in the short time between take-off and landing while Bertram was on the verge of doing the same.

The groggy trio lazily made their way through the quiet city streets, no longer afraid of mobs or explosions. What Charles was most afraid of was the news that awaited him concerning Leonhart and Macey. After waiting in a line half the day, (with tireless adolescent children, nonetheless) it was obvious that he hadn't received any news at all.

Pearl, too tired to continue walking, prompted her father to carry her. He knew how she must feel and Charles cursed himself for allowing the three of them to get into such a terrifying and dangerous situation. If he had been as unfortunate as Fauntleroy to have lost either one of the kids, no doubt he would lose his mind with worry.

As they turned the next corner, the front gates to Rosengard finally appeared, and Bertram began walking much quicker than he had been. A nice warm bed for the kids; A terrible conversation with his mother in-law for Charles.

Just as they opened the front gates, Dame Anna appeared in the front doorway for a brief second, then disappeared quickly into the darkness of a sleeping Rosengard.

[I]"Just how late are we?"[/I] Charles thought.

Then, Anna reappeared with Beatriste at her side. The two quickened their pace to meet Charles halfway. Dame Anna took Bertram's hand, and Beatriste embraced Pearl in a maternal hug, without waking her, before handing her over to Anna to put them in bed.

[B]"Fauntleroy informed me that you would arrive late."[/B] She said in an exhausted tone. Charles could tell she had been crying.

[B]"Damn airships. I would have been here earlier had it not been for the overwhelming number of people. I kept getting bumped back in line because no one seemed to be flying to High Czenoble. As if we weren't getting enough glares at it was..."[/B]

[B]"I can only imagine, darling."[/B] She said. There was a slight pause and Charles knew that his fear of bad news was about to become a reality. [B]"I'm afraid I have some bad news."[/B]

[B]"It's not Macey or Leonhart, is it?"[/B] Charles asked desperately, but of course he already knew the answer.

[B]"Macey's fine dear. She arrived shortly after the explosion. However, Leonhart..."[/B]

Her silence was enough. Charles pulled her close to comfort her and she broke into tears. There was no telling how many times she'd already cried over her father.

[B]"He's gone. They... Can't... Find 'im. Daedalus-- He thinks father's dead!"[/B] She said through loud sobs.

[B]"You mean they haven't found a body?"[/B]

Beatriste sniffled a little and wiped away the tears at her eyes. [B]"No. They're still working to clear the rubble, but there hasn't been a body uncovered."[/B]

[B]"Well then there's still hope!"[/B] Charles replied, highly enthused at this new twist in the story. However it seemed that Beatriste had already made up her mind. She simply stared at him with red, irritated eyes.

Just before she spoke, two figures emerged at the front gates.

[B]"Beatriste!"[/B] Jack shouted, receiving equally harsh looks from the both of them at his volume. Charles noted the lack of acknowledgement from him.

Then Meredyne, Charles' former Fiancé, walked into the moonlight. She didn't even bother to look at him. Needless to say, the break-up didn't go so well.

[B]"Leave it to you, Jonathon, to wake up the entire neighborhood in the middle of the night,"[/B] Dame Anna scolded as she exited Rosengard once again to address the constant disturbances.

[B]"Please forgive him, Dame Anna,"[/B] Meredyne spoke in her seductive, silky voice. It was feminine, yet forceful. Meredyne alwasy had her way. At least until Charles came along. [B]"I tried to warn him of waking everyone, but he wouldn't have a part in it. I hope we didn't disturb Rosengard too much."[/B] When Charles turned back to the estate, he saw that only a few lights were on so most of them had slept through the annoying noise.

[B]"Dame Anna, Beatriste, [I]Charles[/I], I'm sure you all remember Meredyne Artemis."[/B] Jack siezed control of the covnersation again. [B]"It's been some time since she's visited Rosengard. How long was it?"[/B]

[B]"Ten years,"[/B] Charles and Meredyne both answered simultaneously and their eyes met. She broke away first, but Charles knew that it was only because her eyes would not allow him to look away. He stood frozen and embarrassed for several seconds before bowing his head to hide his painfully red face.

[B]"Yes, ten years,"[/B] Jonathan continued, obviously delighted at the confrontation, [B]"And we were both hoping to have a look around the castle before bed."[/B]

[B]"Delighted to have you here again Miss Artemis,"[/B] Dame Anna spoke as politely as her voice would allow it. [B]"However, I'm afraid that everyone's gone to bed for the night and I can't you to wander at the risk of waking them. Not with everything that's happened tonight."[/B]

[B]"What do you mean? Has something gone wrong?"[/B] Meredyne's expression changed only slightly to indicate her worry. Of course, Charles knew that was hardly what was on her mind.

[B]"Oh, that's right. I've forgotten to inform Meredyne."[/B] Jack said again, laughing loudly before bing hushed by Lady Grimalkin and Beatriste.

[B]"Better not do it out here. It's getting late and cold,"[/B] Beastrist said just before Jack rudely blurted out the bad news, [B]"Let's all go in and have a cup of tea. Anna?"[/B]

[B]"Right away Beatriste. I'll have the tea ready in a few minutes. Make youselves comfortable by the fireplace."[/B] She said, ushering the group through the front doors.

[I]"Great,"[/I] Charles thought, [I]"24 hours in Czenovia and I'm already having tea with Jack and Meredyne. I really do have rotten luck."[/I][/SIZE][/INDENT]

[Malkav]

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[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOliveGreen]

It was like CHAOS all over again, Jack thought. There they were, he and Charles, and Meredyne right there in the middle. They were all in one of the dens of the estate, Charles was sitting by the fire, having just put his children to bed, and Morphia was sitting there too, making light chat with him. Jack was at the bar helping himself to a shot of whiskey and Meredyne was right beside him.

[B] "Jonathan, would it be too much to ask that you don't start a confrontation?"[/B] Meredyne asked him, she herself taking a shot of whiskey. [B]"I don't want this situation to be any worse than it has to be."[/B]

[B] "Mary, I wouldn't dream of it. So what if you chose him over me in high school only for him to leave you later down the line. As you said, he was the safer choice."[/B] Jack teased. Meredyne took another hit of whiskey before returning to sit down with the others. Jack, feeling satisfied poured himself some more in a small crystal glass and went to sit down with them.

[B] "I believe they've contacted Bavaria."[/B] Morphia said as Jack settled in. [B]"I'm sure we'll be seeing her within the next couple of days."[/B]
[B]
"That's good, the house needs its mistress. Someone to bring order to things."[/B] Jack replied.

[B] "I believe Daedalus has already taken up that responsibility."[/B] Charles said, expecting a retort from Jack. To his surprise, non came.

Jack sipped his whiskey, [B]"Either way, it will be good to have my sister home. I haven't seen her in..."[/B]

[B] "Ten years."[/B] Morphia finished. Jack looked at her.

[B] "From the sounds of things ten years is the sweet spot for everything to come full circle."[/B] Jack said. An uneasy silence fell over the room.

The night carried on as awkwardly as it had started. It was dominated mostly by conversation between Meredyne and Morphia while Jack and Charlie took turns walking back and forth to the bar to get drinks. The two of them tried not to look each other in the eye, less they dig up a skeleton or two. Jack felt as if Charles could see through him. He felt that Charles could see that jealousy that had been building up over the years. He took the moment to look at Charles, who was staring at the fire. He saw the uneasiness in Charles's posture and could tell that Charles knew he was staring. Rather than look at Jack, he stared intently at the fire. This didn't go unnoticed by the ladies, and as Meredyne motioned to ignore it, Morphia couldn't help but ask. [B]"Why are you two acting so childish?"[/B]

Both Jack and Charlie said nothing and it was Meredyne who answered. [B]"Come off of it Morphia."[/B]

Morphia looked at Meredyne and the to Jack, who still said nothing. Almost pleadingly she looked at Charles who immediately stood to go pour some more whiskey, one could see the drink was getting to him. [B]"Jack?"[/B] she asked, looking dead at Jack as if she expected him to answer her if she pressed it more.

"[B]Like Mary said, Morphia, come off it. It's getting late, so I'll have someone send for your things. We're staying here tonight."[/B] Jack said, reclining back in his chair.

[B] "Why?"[/B] asked Morphia bluntly.

[B] "I have a feeling our sister will be here in the next day or so. Someone has to give her a warm welcome. With her husband gone she'll be a pariah around these halls. Especially with his hag and brats running around."[/B]

[B] "Jonathan, that is no way to speak of Dame Anna or Leonhart's children!"[/B] shrieked Meredyne in an audible whisper. She knew all too well that Dame Grimalkin heard everything that went on in this house.

Charles had since come back and sat down. [B]"Really Jonathan, to be a guest that was an awful rude statement of you."[/B] He said.

[B] "She's a big girl Charlie, she doesn't need your help."[/B]

[B] "I'm going to bed!"[/B] piped Morphia, who stood up and left the room. The three of them: Jack, Mary, and Charlie watched her go, and felt relief that she somehow whisked the tensions of the room away with her.

[B] "I think I should go too."[/B] said Charles, who finished his glass. He tipped it to Jack and Meredyne and exited rather hurriedly, not wanting to be alone with the other two. It was more out of respect than anything else, not wanting to dig up old skeletons.

Meredyne waited until the footsteps were no longer in earshot to speak. [B]"You just had to start something didn't you, Jonathan? You would think that after all these years you would have found time to grow up."[/B]

Jack finished his glass, and as if he had not heard her speak he immediately got up to pour himself another.

[B] "Make me one too."[/B] she said behind him. Jack smiled as he kept walking.

Immediately after pouring his fifth or sixth glass of whiskey and Meredyne's, he came back to sit down beside her. She had taken her boots off and through her leggings Jack could see her perfectly manicured feet. She pulled them up on the couch and sat with her head on her knees. Jack handed her the whiskey and watched as she took a sip, wincing as it went down through her. "So how long are you going to be here?" she asked him after the two of them had become comfortable.

[B] "I don't know."[/B] replied Jack. [B]"I've recently come into some money. I was thinking of using it to open a firm, maybe in design and consulting. Teach the gits around here how to build a good ship for once."[/B]

[B] "So you're going to give up the life of a swashbuckling pirate?"[/B]

Jack chuckled a bit. [B]"It wasn't as swashbuckling as one might imagine. I was honestly scared out of my wits most of the time. We should keep that between us though."
[/B]
[B] "What do you mean? When we were younger I remember how eager you were to leave here and go adventuring. Admittedly, I envied you for having the courage to actually leave."[/B]

[B] "Don't. The truth is, two weeks into my grand adventure I was robbed and contacted Father for money to come home. He sent it to me, but I used it to keep trudging on."
[/B]
Meredyne looked at Jack. [B]"That's awful Jonathan."[/B]

[B] "Yeah, well I wasn't going to come home with my tail between my legs. So I stayed gone. A month became a year, a year became two, and so on. I didn't know how to sustain myself, so I looked towards easy money. You know, smuggling, dealing, pirating. I eventually built up a crew, even though I never trusted any of them and started to make a name for myself. Word got out and suddenly I became some thrill seeking rich kid with nothing better to do with his money. After that rumor was let out, my pride was thrown in the mix. Suddenly I was doing bigger things, stealing more, and essentially sending my family name into the dirt, just so I could prove that I was as . I just wanted to build and fly airships."[/B]

[B] "Jonathan...I"[/B]

[B] "You used to call me Jack."[/B] Meredyne blushed at his statement. She said nothing for a moment as if trying to figure out how to respond to that. He spoke again, this time softer, [B]"I wanted to call you mine."[/B]

[B] "You've had too much to drink. You're getting too bold."[/B] she said. She looked at Jack, and he back at her...

Two hours later, they were embraced, pushing each other into walls and doors, kissing, as they made way to Meredyne's bedroom for the night. She knew where it was because Dame Anna had informed her about it when she was explaining the situation with Leonhart. Speaking of him, he could not have been further from their minds. The few workers who were there who saw them ignored them. Eventually they were at her door, and Jack let up, looking at her. She tried to pull away, but he only pulled her closer.

[B] "I have to go to bed."[/B] she said seductively. [B]"I can't do this."[/B]

Ignoring her, Jack continued kissing her until she pulled away again. [B]"Not tonight, Jonathan, goodnight."[/B]

With that she slipped behind the door and closed it. Jack was left wondering what just happened. As he was about to go he heard the door creak and noticed it was cracked. Was she inviting him in? He looked down either side of the hall, no one would know. He grasped the door handle and thought long and hard, he really wanted to go in. She was right though, not tonight. Jack closed the door and walked away from the door. He had a lot to think about tonight.[/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOliveGreen] Jack retorted, not about to be double-teamed.
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Shy]

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Deep within the halls of Rosengard Dame Grimalkin quietly escorted Vincent to her quarters. She held a candelabra in one hand, and escorted the young man with the other, quietly muttering to herself. So many were in attendance for the somber dinner that speaking to him in private seemed impossible. Now, long after the meal ended she finally had that chance.

In the time they had known one another he had never seen Dame Anna so upset. Many of the children were in disbelief, but it seemed as if the old woman had always known this day would come. Vincent too was coming to terms with the day’s events, but he had little time to mourn while an investigation was underway.

“[b]Leonhart would never listen to me, Vincent,[/b]” she said tearfully as she opened her bedroom door. “[b]Just last night he had received a threatening note…[/b]”

Dame Anna’s room was a simple one, and a far cry from the rest of the Rosengard estate. While she had worked with the Almagests for decades, she insisted on a simple servant’s room with few luxuries. The only artwork on the walls was a portrait of Henry, while pictures of Leonhart’s children sat neatly along her nightstand. She opened the top drawer and withdrew a small piece of paper. Her hand began to tremble as she handed the note to Vincent. He grabbed a hold of her wrist reassuringly.

“[b]It’s going to be alright, Anna.[/b]”

Dame Grimalkin shook her head, “[b]Please, please. Just take a look at it…[/b]”

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[size=4][font=garamond][b]Landmark 04[/b][/size][/font][/center]
“[b]You say he received the note last night, during the party?[/b]”

“[b]One of the servants brought it to our attention. He ordered me to dispose of it, but I knew better…[/b]”

“[b]And this symbol in the corner. Do you recognize it?[/b]”

“[b]I’m afraid not,[/b]” she said as she reached for a teapot in the corner of the room, “[b]Can I serve you some tea while you examine this?[/b]”

“[b]Lady Grimalkin, please.[/b]” Vincent pleaded, “[b]You’ve done nothing but work since you heard the news of the accident. You have as much a right to rest as anyone here. Moreso, even.[/b]”

“[b]It’s not my place, Vincent. I am here to care for this household,[/b]” she said as she began to break down, “[b]With the master of the house deceased they will be expecting me to keep the estate in order.[/b]”

Vincent nodded, “[b]Your first responsibility is to take care of yourself.[/b]”

“[b]If only that were true,[/b]” she replied, “[b]Tonight was difficult enough for the family. What will happen tomorrow when all of Czenovia discovers that Leonhart Almagest is dead?[/b]”[/size][/indent]

[Gavin]

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[INDENT][SIZE="1"]It was the silence he hated... that horrible, all encompassing silence as the truth of what had occurred earlier in the day sunk into the minds of his family. Yes, it was his family now, all of them. As the head of the Almagest family he had to think in the best interests of everyone, he... he had to try and be a worthy successor to his brother, and to his father...

Rueben... you never prepared me for this... We agreed, Leonhart would be the one to take up your mantle... I would be allowed to selfishly pursue my own work... I was never supposed to have to be responsible for everyone like this... I can't do it... I never could...

Daedalus' heart ached even more, but his face retained the grim sense of duty, this would be his cross, and he would bear it with all of his strength. This was his family... he would not allow anyone else to be hurt, he swore it, to his father, to his mother... to Leonhart.

The first to break was Beatrist, her face sank into her hands with pained whimpering. It was unkind perhaps, but Daedalus had expected it, after the loss of her eldest child, and the shock of Victoria Ann’s escapades earlier in the day, the shock simply overwhelmed her. After a moment there was another set of quiet sobs, then another. He watched with a muted sense of sorrow, one hand entwined with his beloved Harriet’s for strength, the other resting on his youngest son’s shoulder. He forced out a hoarse whisper, inaudible to all except himself.

“[b]See how much you meant to everyone little brother...[/b]“

As if sensing his failing stoicism, Harriet’s gentle voice rose over the quiet lamentations.

“[b]I think it best if we all retire for the evening to deal with our grief. It has been a very sad day for all of us.[/b]”

Nobody doubted her intentions. Her maternal instincts had never been limited to her immediate family, Harriet had always made time in Rosengard for anyone who had needed her. She carried an inner resolve that was of similar strength, but an entirely different composition to her husband’s, her role of matriarch to the family had not changed, it had simply been formalised.

“[b]Thank you...[/b]”

“[b]Always...[/b]”

Daedalus felt Harrison’s hand reach up and grip onto his father’s. He had hugged his son for the first time in years when he had walked in, it had been an awkward moment for both of them, full of uncertainty. There was less uncertainty in this gesture, Daedalus was utterly grateful for it.

“[b]Dad ?[/b]”

“[b]Yes son ?[/b]”

“[b]I’m sorry about today.[/b]”

“[b]Don’t worry about it.[/b]”[/size][/indent]

[Raiha]

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[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Macey left dinner while it was still continuing, seeing Vincent in the hall from a distance, but ducking out of sight before he noticed. It wasn't that she was afraid of him. It was simply that tonight wasn't a night she wanted to spend talking to him. Instead she made tracks for her bedroom. Eva had already bathed and gone to bed in her own chambers. Tonight wasn't a night she needed to spend speaking with someone who would ask her the painful questions. Her sister's servant was hovering near the door, and Macey gave her a slow smile.[/i]

"Go about your business, I'll take care of myself tonight."

[i]With a sigh and a turn, Macey leaned against her mirror, while pulling off her dinner clothes. Her charge was already being taken care of, having sent her personal servant to deal with him instead. Tonight would be hers. She bathed with care, pinning up her hair in several thick braids, and drying herself of. No servants to wait on her tonight, they were all taking care of Gadget anyway. Macey pulled on a simple linen sleeping gown, fastening the silk collar carefully against the curve of her neck. She opened her door, looked into the hallway, and saw Jack himself walking down the hall in her direction. Odd that. He didn't belong here.

Macey contemplating shrieking and throwing him on top of her, then she contemplated just throwing him on top of her. Either option worked, both with favorable results for her. She let a false smile play about her lips, then she toyed with one of her pale lace handkerchiefs. Jack was within snatching distance, but instead of bodily grabbing him, she reached out a slender hand instead, to touch his arm.[/i]

"Visit with me awhile Jack."

"Visit? You say that, but I can't help but think you don't mean it."

"Make your own meaning out of what I say if it works for you."

[i]He gave her a look, as if he couldn't believe what she was saying. Macey smiled up at him, and it was in fact a long way up. Then she rose up on her tiptoes, and with one final thought of:

"Damn the consequences,"

She kissed him on the lips, shoving her body against his, so hard that they nearly fell into the corridor, until he caught her around the waist and slammed the door shut behind them. Macey felt awkwardly with one hand behind her back for the lock and threw the deadbolt with some difficulty, before throwing her arms around his neck.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[Shy]

[size=1][indent][right][size=4][font=garamond][b]The Changing Guard[/b][/size][/font][/right]

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Much like the rest of Rosengard, Fauntleroy had great difficulty in getting to sleep. Between the various explosions in New Czenoble and Leonhart’s disappearance it was as if the entire family was waiting up to see what would happen next. It was late in the morning when he finally awoke, dressed himself, and headed downstairs for a bite to eat. It seemed improper to ask anything of Dame Anna after everything that had happened, so he decided to bother Henry instead.

As Fauntleroy walked down the staircase he noticed that the servants stood lined up against the walls as if under inspection. Dame Anna, trading in her familiar gray apron for black, eyed each and every one of them carefully as she passed by. Henry dutifully followed her from behind, taking notes as she made comments on each of the servants. If he hadn’t known better, Fauntleroy would have thought he was watching a great general commanding her troops.

“[b]This won’t do,[/b]” Dame Anna said, “[b]This won’t do at all.[/b]”

She pointed at one of the younger servant’s attire, “[b]These hemlines are so high. Everything must be corrected at once, Henry.[/b]”

“[b]Yes, mother.[/b]”

“[b]So much needs to be done![/b]" she exclaimed as she ran her fingers through her hair, "[b]I only hope we have enough time.[/b]”

"[b]We will, Mom. Please don't try to upset yourself.[/b]"

Fauntleroy approached the two, “[b]What is going on here?[/b]”

Dame Grimalkin curtsied, “[b]Good morning, Master Almagest.[/b]”

“[b]Master Almagest? What are you talking about?[/b]”

“[b]Lady Bavaria has made it known that she wishes to return to Rosengard,[/b]” Anna said with a heavy sigh, “[b]We are expecting her to arrive in a few hours, and she demands nothing less than perfection.[/b]”

“[b]Lady Bavaria?[/b]” Fauntleroy asked nervously, “[b]This is the last thing we need…[/b]”

“[b]You will show your stepmother the same courtesy that she has to you, Master Almagest. Your breakfast is waiting for you on the veranda,[/b]" she motioned for the servants to continue standing at attention, "[b]But it is important that we see to Lady Bavaria‘s… numerous requests before she arrives.[/b]”

“[b]Of course… I’m sorry to bother you.[/b]”

"[b]It's not a bother at all, sir.[/b]"

There was a moment of silence. It was obvious that the formality of the exchange was making everyone uncomfortable.

"[b]And where is everyone?[/b]"

“[b]Some have left Rosengard bravely, hoping to carry on as if nothing has happened. Many others are still here throughout the estate...[/b]” Anna replied as she placed her hand on Fauntleroy’s shoulder, “[b]Please do everything you can to care for your family. They need you now more than ever.[/b]”[/indent][/size]

[Gavin]

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Daedalus did not sleep that night, nor did he expect to sleep any night in the near future. He did not feel rested, nor was his grief any duller. Harriet had lay beside him, her head on his chest, listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart. He lay there, watching the sun climb slowly through the sky.

?[b]A new day...[/b]?

?[b]You?ll do fine. You don?t give yourself enough credit.[/b]?

Harriet?s eyes were still closed, he ran his hand down her cheek. What would he do without her... He rose without word from the bed, wrapping himself in the silken dressing gown hanging closest to his reach. Daedalus felt his breathing unintentionally quicken, he willed it back to it?s normal rate, exciting the room with a final loving gaze at his wife.

?[b]Lord Almagest.[/b]?

Gravius stood, ramrod straight, awaiting his friend and master.

?[b]Gravius ?[/b]?

?[b]News my lord. Lady Bavaria is returning soon. Lady Grimalkin is already seeing to the preparations.[/b]?

He sighed. This would complicate matters even further.

?[b]Thank you Gravius, I shall be ready within the hour.[/b]?

?[b]Yes sir. Vincent also wishes to speak with you sir. He said it was urgent.[/b]?

This piqued his interest. Vincent did not idly describe things as being urgent.

?[b]Thank you Gravius, tell Vincent to await me in my study, I will see him as soon as I can.[/b]?

?[b]Sir.[/b]?

The white-haired man strode away purposefully, Daedalus was thankful for such an utterly reliable aide.

Normally Daedalus would have forgone the use of expensive deodorants and colognes, but he would not give the impression to Lady Bavaria that he would be any less capable than Leonhart. Although he did not bear any grudge against his late-brother?s second wife, he knew she could be a force to be reckoned with, should she choose to be. He smiled wistfully as he removed the tailored black suit he intended to wear... Leonhart had given it to him as a gift once, claiming his brother?s sense of expense was so reserved, he could potentially turn up in rags to a funeral...

The walk to his study was short, and he found Vincent standing pensively waiting for him.

?[b]Yes Vincent ? You said it was urgent.[/b]?

Vincent?s face remained impassive as he removed the piece of paper from inside his jacket and handed it to the elder man. Daedalus? emotions betrayed him, his eyes widening in shock.

?[b]Where did you get this Vincent ?[/b]?

?[b]Lady Grimalkin told me Lord Leonhart received it two nights ago.[/b]?

Daedalus felt physically sick. but showed no outward sign of it. He respected Vincent, even liked the man personally. It had been a shame his marriage to Macey had not endured, but he had never held it against him.

?[b]Thank you for bringing this to my attention Vincent. I would ask you to handle this, I will assure Gaul you have my full support in the matter.[/b]?

Yet again Vincent?s face remained impassive. But Daedalus could tell instinctively that he had made the man uncomfortable.

?[b]Lord Almagest, I...[/b]?

Daedalus cut him off.

?[b]You are the best person to handle this. You were once a member of this family Vincent, and I know that you held your father-in-law in a great esteem, do him this service as a last tribute.[/b]?

Leaving the room, he gave Vincent no opportunity for further objection. Perhaps he was being unfair to Vincent in not respecting his uneasiness in dealing once again with his former family, but he was, without doubt in Daedalus? mind, the best person to investigate that note. Right now, however he needed to speak to Anna.[/SIZE][/INDENT]

[Sandy]

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[FONT="Georgia"]Gadget woke up at the break of dawn to a smashing headache. He had gotten used to early mornings in his job as a factory mechanic, and apparently even the weeks he had spent in captivity couldn't affect that.

He found a morning gown hanging on the door of the private bathroom of his living quarters, and pulled it on. The headache was getting worse, so he decided to find Macey. Maybe she could help him.

He left the room and crossed the corridor to the door of Macey's quarters. He knocked it gently, but there was no reply. He dared to try the handle, only to find the door locked.

Then he was hit by a powerful seizure that swept his legs from under him. He fell flat on the long mat covering the corridor. He was sweating and cold all over.

[B]"M-Macey... Help..."[/B] he whispered in agony.

Suddenly there was a dark figure over him. The figure's foot hit him on the side, and it tripped on top of him. Gadget saw that it was the comely man from yesterday, Vincent Achard. Macey's former husband...

But how was it that he couldn't see Gadget?

Vincent looked around in confusion, and stared right at the spot where Gadget was lying, shivering. Then the man stood up, shrugged his shoulders, straightened his uniform and rushed forward.

When Vincent was gone, the door to Macey's room suddenly opened, and Macey peaked out, dressed in a long black velvet gown. Her dark hair were flowing open.

She looked left and right, and then down, and for some reason she knew that Gadget was there.

[B]"My treasure? By the Dynasty, what have I done?!"[/B] Macey shrieked and glutched Gadget to an embrace. [B]"We have to get you injected, and fast. You're still too weak to resist the effects by yourself."[/B]

[B]"M-Macey... Can... you see me?"[/B] Gadget asked weakly.

She blinked for a while, hesitantly. [B]"I can, now. I'll explain everything once we get you treated, alright treasure? Wait here, I need help to carry you to the basement."[/B]

Macey went back into her room, and came out with a man who was still pulling up his pants, his shirt unbuttoned. Just as Gadget lost consciousness, he felt the man scooping him into his arms.[/FONT]