Classic-Castle Roleplay: July 2005

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

“You know what Radu, why don’t you occupy her why I have a chat with Lord Void….

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

Abandoning Radu to Elsa Byrd, Belzzar quickly walked away. Taking a few steps, he caught up with Lord Void.

"What a mundane gathering of witless regals this ball is, eh, Lord Void?"

Lord Void turned hautily around.

"It is indeed, Batlord." he said, "A rather droll event."

They both turned to scrutinized the crowds.

"Oafs, all of them." commented Belzzar, eyeing what appeared to be a duel between a Black Falcon and a Classic that was taking place across the room, "Stuffy, stupid stuck-up shifty-bricks, Classics."

"Tell me..." said Lord Void slowly, seeming bored by Belzzar's comments, "Why come then?"

Belzzar downed his drink.

"Gotta shake 'em up, once in a while. Show them Fright Knights mean business."

Lord Void nodded slowly, his eyes on Emperor Constantius.

"A valid reason. The same reason I am here in fact."

Belzzar grunted. Lord Void said nothing. Fright Knight and Dragon Master stood side by side. Then Belzzar, growing unfortable that Elsa Byrd was coming this way, said, "Well, Lord Void, farewell..."

"Farewell, Batlord." said Lord Void idly, his gaze not shifting.

Belzzar left and Lord Void was alone for only a second before Elsa Byrd floated up.

"These Fright Knights are so crude, dahling!" complained the eccentric architect, "Can't hold a conversation for two minutes! So ab-sol-LUTE-ly droll!"

"Indeed." murmured Lord Void, "Indeed..."

[Dragoman]

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

Charles had spent a good deal of his time in the ballroom keeping to himself with only having a few brief chats here and there. And though it was obvious to others that he was a very kind and gentile man, Charles had no inclination to be sociable and preferred solitude when he had the chance.

This made it a mystery as to why he chose to come, for normally he wouldn’t have even considered attending such an event, as such things to him were distraction from what he was now intended. And yet somehow, he couldn’t help but feel as though this ball would play some importance in things to come and if not during, then after the ball he would be needed.

Thus he watched the many couples enjoying themselves on the dance floor, while memories of his late wife came flooding in to his mind as he wished her there this once for a dance.

Sadly however he knew that that part of his life had ended and though it would always be apart of him, he now had a new vocation, one that he partially did to honor his dear departed loved ones, so that when the day came when he would be reunited with them, he would come without regret.

And so finding himself depressed from the time he knew he must spend away from his dearest ones. He chose instead to set aside such thoughts and to go from his privacy so that he may mingle and not make his trip wasted.

[Robin Hood]

The shapeshifer then walked into an alley and out of sight. Cloak decided to lay low for the rest of the Ball. When it was over he would kill the count, collect his money, hide it, then head for parts as far away from Orion as possible.

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

But laying low did not suit Cloak at all well. While not the most adventures of people, waiting inside for a day was not very appealing to Cloak. He soon became bored enough to leave his shelter and go for a walk. After all, what were the chances, in such a huge city, of him running into those two people.

Apparently the chances were fairly high. For as Cloak rounded a corner, at the other end of the block, so did Kae-Os and Aiden.

The two men stared down the road at the shapeshifter, who stared back for a moment, then turned and fled. The man and the elf charged right after.

With the fair calmed down for the moment, and most people indoors, it was much harder for Cloak to loose himself. In fact, as he ran, he saw that his two chasers were gaining on him.

Panting, Cloak wondered whether he should risk shifting into a faster animal. He discarded the idea at once, for the elf, he was sure, would put a spear in him the moment he stopped. As it was, the shapeshifter was only just far enough ahead to keep that from happening.

It seemed that the unlucky Cloak's life was about to be cut short, when, without realizing it, he ran into the Yellow Castle's grounds, and almost into the ball room. He would have in fact gone strait through the wall open to the air, except three cavaliers stopped him.

"Sorry, but only people with invitations can enter." Said one of the guards.

Thinking quickly, Cloak plunged his hand into a pocket. "Well, good guards. I would say that it is a good thing for me then, that I have an invitation." And drawing his hand out of his pocket, Cloak showed the guard an invitation.

The cavalier glanced at the piece of paper, and then stepped aside. "My mistake sir."

Smirking to himself, the shapeshifter entered the ballroom. Making sure he wasn't being watched, he shifted his hand back into its shape. The hand and the invitation shimmered, then dissolved, leaving a hand, but no paper.

Looking behind him, Cloak saw his two pursuers try and convince the guards to let them in. But the cavaliers refused. Cloak nearly laughed when he saw them walk away, defeated.

----------------------

Theodore yawned; the most recent talk with some Classic noble was more boring than usual. Excusing himself, he wandered toward the bar.

Being both politician and soldier, Theodore, by principle, never drank enough to get himself drunk. However, with the death of Kjeld, and the near pointlessness of his being at the ball, the knight/general was feeling rather rebellious. He decided to do a terrible, a horrible, a ghastly, an untold of thing. He would get drunk.

Being a novice to such things, despite ample lessons from Sir Valric, Theodore didn't realize that deciding to get drunk was not the way to it.

Still, he had enough sense to let the barman decide what kind of drink he would get. It turned out to be some strange cross between bacon grease and stone mortar. It tasted, on the first drink anyway, the absolute worse thing he had ever tasted. But about halfway through the mug, Theodore realized that it got better going down.

Deciding that he wanted to talk with someone, he spotted Valric talking amongst a group of people. None of whom, apart from Valric, seemed to be Classics. Though Theodore was not sure, his eyes had seemed to think that as punishment for drinking the stuff, he deserved to have everything go in and out of focus.

Making his way over, the knight was nearly there, when the floor turned into a ramp and dumped him onto the table in front of Valric.

"Theodore man. Whash gotten into ye?" asked a slightly drunk Valric.

"Shtupid floor dumped ee here." muttered Theodore. He found that his mouth was treating him the same way as his eyes.

"Hahaha," roared Valric. "Youvesh had a bit too much to drink Theodore. Itsh about time ye cut loosh."

Theodore plopped into a chair and joined the group in some interesting stories, though he listened more than talked.

[Formendacil]

Grid: J-10
Location: The Yellow Castle, Orion

However, before either Jayko or Arthur could speak, the crowd parted as another high-ranking Cavalier passed through. Unlike Quorandis, however, Captain-Colonel E'terriole was on-duty, as the commander of the security and escorts at the banquet. His golden ceremonial armour glistened in the light of the chandeliers.

"Cadets!" he said, and they stood sharply at attention, "what on earth is going on here?"

As Quorandis and Vanderdious ended their little duel, and the bystanders started to disperse, E'terriole turned to Jayko and Arthur, a wry smile on his face. He gave them no reproach, but shook his head.

"You're offduty now, boys," he told them, "until half an hour before the fireworks. Go visit the punchbowl, have a dance, do whatever it is you youngsters do. Just be in proper form when the time comes."

"Yes sir," saluted Jayko and Arthur.

As E'terriole resumed his inspection of the Cavaliers on duty, Jayko and Arthur headed, as he had suggested, towards the punchbowl. They weren't the only ones, and as Jayko was bending over to spoon some of the raspberry-pear-mango punch into his glass, he was bumped a bit from behind.

"Oh, sorry," came a somewhat familiar voice from behind him. "Didn't mean to..." As Jayko turned around, the voice stopped. It was Sir Jayson deTalon.

"Jayko Falconensis!" he breathed. "What on earth!"

"Jayson!" said Jayko with loathing. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question," said Jayson coldly. "But the answer is that, as one of the chief lords of the Eastern Kingdom, I am here as one of the guests."

"Chief lords?" said Jayko, knowing what Jayson meant. "Your only title is knight. Since when is a knight a chief lord?"

"Since he became Baron and Governor," replied Sir Jayson.

"Jayko," injected Arthur, "do you know this man? Who is he?"

"Sir Jayson deTalon," replied Jayko, keeping his eyes on him, "a traitor and usurper."

"Traitor?" snapped Jayson. "When have I ever betrayed the king? Unlike you, I have done my duty to the people, and have served Matthias loyally. Barleyburg, and all Talonjay, has prospered under my rule- which is more than you could ever say."

"Let's take this outside!" said Jayko.

"What?" said Jayson, pretending to be shocked. "YOU would fight ME? Do you wish for a drubbing that badly?"

"I may not be a genius, but I can fight!" said Jayko. "I'd take you on, any day."

"I seem to remember you trying that in sparring practice several times, over a year ago," replied Jayson. "I gave you a severe drubbing each time, and I was on your side then."

"I've learnt a lot since then," said Jayko stubbornly. "Can't you see what I'm wearing? This is the armour of a Cavalier! The Cavaliers are the finest fighting unit in Dametreos."

"Unit, maybe," said Jayson, "but that doesn't mean that each individual is all that good, CADET!"

"Are you afraid to fight me?" said Jayko. "Is that why you keep talking, instead of heading outside?"

"Hardly," said Jayson, coldly.

It was at about this time that King Matthias and Ambassador Jaythus came to check on Sir Jayson.

"Jayson," came Matthias' voice. "What is going on? Are you getting into a fight?"

"Just settling some unfinished business," said Jayson.

"With a Cavalier?" said Matthias, raising an eyebrow. "What sort of nonsense is this? Do you want to cause trouble with the Emperor?" Matthias looked at Jayko. "You look familiar, boy. Do I know you?"

"You should," said Jayko. "For I am Sir Jayko Falconensis, Baron of Talonjay!" Matthias and Jaythus were both a bit surprised.

"Really?" said Jaythus. "Where on earth have you been?"

"Deserting his post," said Jayson. "And then having the audacity to call me a traitor."

"Really?" said Matthias, chidingly. "Young Jayko, that is most impolitic. You, of all people, ought to know how devoted Sir Jayson is to the realm."

"He usurped and attacked his rightful lord," said Jayko, "that makes him a traitor."

"Jayson has never harmed the king," said Jaythus. "What are you talking about?"

"Me," said Jayko. "I am the Baron of Talonjay and Governor of Barleyburg."

"Baron of Talonjay you may have been," said Matthias, "but the Governorship of Barleyburg is mine to distribute, and I have given it to Sir Jayson. And your departure from Talonjay in its time of trouble is tantamount to abdication."

"When I returned, I was never even given a chance to reclaim it!" said Jayko, hotly. Matthias shook his head sadly.

"I'm sorry, my boy," he said. "I knew your father, and he would have been aggrieved at this state of affairs. But the goings on of the provinces are their own affairs. If Jayson has been accepted by Talonjay, I will not interfere. I suggest you put it behind yourself, and try to make a name for yourself in the Emperor's service."

And with a nod, King Matthias headed away, to talk with a Royal delegate. Jayson gave Jayko an evil grin, and headed away himself. Jaythus paused before heading off to follow his king.

"Sorry," he said with a half-smile.

"Um, mate," said Arthur to Jayko. "Would you mind explaining all that to me?"

[TheOrk]

J-12 The Grand Ball

After finishing his chat with Lord Void, Belzzar and Radu got up and disapeared into the crowd. Belzzar’s reasoning was the bar was starting to overflow with oafs. The Fright Knight duo narrowly avioded a man with a huge hat and found themselves at the eastern wall.

The two exited through the high arches into the terraced gardens. Much to Belzzar’s annoyance there were happy little couples everywhere giggling. The two walked down a path near the wall and stopped at an imposing statue of an Emperor from bygone days.

Ever since Belzzar had felt the pressence of other wizards including the one stronger then Pythos he had a sense of dread that grew as the moments went by.

“Do you think that madman will go through with it?” Muttered Belzzar uneasily.

Radu shrugged “Your father tried it and he was sane as Batlords get…” Belzzar gave him a dirty look.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kale stumbled throught the grounds of the Golden Castle. The pain in his body and min increased. He knew he got it from drinking megablox potions but he hadn’t had one for monthes. Someone must be stirring the megablox flow.

Kale passed several guardsmen who swooped down on him like a Western Knights Kingdom Inquistion Squad. After a brief but furious battle Kale got them to see the paper saying he was Count Belzzar’s bodyguard.

“Tyco classics!” He hissed as he saw them walk away. He soon found himself in the vast Imperial Gardens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“She here noe? Thish be a good friend of mine. Ol’ Sheodore Coshlger a knight/sheneral of the Royal Knightsh” Blubblered Valric to the rest of the group

“Ah General Colger! A pleashure to meet ye!” Laughed Viktor giving him a slap on the back.

Theodore gave a slurred greeting to Santis, Rodney and Jother. There might have been someone else there but Theodore had an horrible headache.

“Ye she ol’ Sheodore there’s never hadsh him shelf a good drink…” Laughed Valric.......

[Sir Kohran]

So he focused his will through his staff and moved himself to the main dinner hall of Orion. Immediately, he knew he was on time.

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion Ball Room

Solesstorn instantly noticed several Eastern Knights' Kingdomers in the room. His master had told him to look out for one from Talonjay, clad in blue. But there were two in the room: One following the king, and one with a young Cavalier. "I'll have to work out which one I want myself," Solesstorn muttered to himself. He stayed in the shadows, watching them both.

“The Lone Falcon would believe me…” Muttered Valric inaudably. “So how's life getting along down in the Eastern Knight’s Kingdom?”

Santis paused for a few seconds, going over everything in his head, before speaking:

"Well, BloodVaine didn't do us any favours when he sent that blizzard over at us, to put it mildly. The Kingdom Isle was bogged down in sleet and ice for months, and probably at least half of the people there died..."

He trailed off, noting the understanding sadness on both Viktor and Vlaric's faces, before continuing:

"After the blizzard, and then the slaughter at the Battle for Orion's Gates, our forces just aren't what they were. And with the King purging all the older Knights every year, our "Army of Morcia" is now made up of a few thousand pretty young men, inexperienced with weapons and oblivious to the real horror of war, with only a few proper veterans left. I tell you, mates, it's a sad state Morcia's in right now. An army half our size could probably take over the country in only a few days."

"Yes," Valric added, "King Mathias needs to sort out the system a bit more. Morcia's a relatively small kingdom, compared to the likes of the Dragon Masters and Forestmen, and trimming the soldiers won't help."

"Maybe I can get Danju to put a quick word in with the King. As much as I hate to say it, his policies are starting to erode the Kingdom at the roots."

"Good." Santis replied simply.

“She here noe? Thish be a good friend of mine. Ol’ Sheodore Coshlger a knight/sheneral of the Royal Knightsh” Blubblered Valric to the rest of the group

“Ah General Colger! A pleashure to meet ye!” Laughed Viktor giving him a slap on the back.

Theodore gave a slurred greeting to Santis, Rodney and Jother. There might have been someone else there but Theodore had an horrible headache.

“Ye she ol’ Sheodore there’s never hadsh him shelf a good drink…” Laughed Valric.......

Santis laughed slugishly. He would have to stay off drinking for a few weeks afterwards, to say the least.

Jaythus paused before heading off to follow his king.

"My King," he began slowly, "With all due respect, shouldn't we give Baron Jayko a fairer hearing?"

Mathias turned. There was a cold light in his eyes that unnerved the new ambassador. "Jaythus, I have decided what's best. Sir Jayson is to be the new governor. And it's not Baron Jayko, not even Sir Jayko, just Jayko. He has no rank in my Kingdom anymore."

Jaythus felt the frustration rising. "Jayson's a bad man! You must be able to see that! He's stolen Jayko's throne, and insulted me plenty of times. How long before he's after your throne, too?"

Mathias spun around, towering over Jaythus. The other guests quickly backed away.

"Jaythus, you have been a good young man up until now. I will not have you disrespecting your elders and betters. Now go!"

Jaythus turned sullenly. Mathias strode off, to talk with a Black Falcon. Jaythus saw Jayson smirking at him camly. With tears of anger in his eyes, he stormed back towards the grinning governor, words spilling out before he could think them over. Jayko and Arthur sprang up from their table. Several guests turned to watch.

"Jayson!" he shouted. "Give Jayko his throne back right now, or face me!"

"What does he mean?!" Arthur whispered to Jayko.

Jayson wasn't intimidated by Jaythus in the slightest. Instead, he laughed scornfully in the young man's red face.

"You!? You're a joke! You and Jayko both! He's a terrified chicken, and you're just some spoilt whiner moaning to the King." He paused to watch Jaythus's face grow angrier. "Oh yes, I saw your little telling off back there. Wonder who long you'll end up like Jayko here?"

"Jayson, be quiet!" Jayko snapped.

"Or what, Jayko? You'll tell the King on me? Or Santis? What do you say to that, Jaythus?"

But Jaythus didn't reply. Instead, he threw himself at Jayson, roaring and punching out his anger.

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

"Jayson, be quiet!" Jayko snapped.

"Or what, Jayko? You'll tell the King on me? Or Santis? What do you say to that, Jaythus?"

But Jaythus didn't reply. Instead, he threw himself at Jayson, roaring and punching out his anger.

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion Ball Room

Viktor and Santis, with surprising quickness despite to their intoxication, reached out and grabbed Jaythus bodily.

"Beg pardon!" cried Viktor quickly, "Young Jay here has dipped a little too deep into the punch bowl!"

Jayson stiffed and muttered, "Young oaf," and King Matthias turned away as well, ignoring the whole embarrassing spectacle. Most of the Eastern Knight's Kingdomers moved away as well, eager to distance themselves from the trouble-maker. Only Jayko stayed, staring at Jaythus oddly, his friend and fellow cadet Arthur by his side.

"Now shut your trap!" growled Santis, and he and Viktor man-handled the struggling Ambassador away from the bar table. They cut across the dance floor, disrupting a few couples, and ended up out on the terrace balconies. Jayko and Arthur had followed the trio, Valric and the others remained where the drinks were.

"Now, young Jaythus," snapped Santis, releasing him, "What the bloody tyco was that about?"

Jayko, Arthur, Viktor and Santis all waited for Jaythus' explanation...

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

Lord Bjarn of the Forestmen wandered through the crowds, sipping a drink and engaging in light conversation. Being slightly bored, Bjarn went searching for Willem and Graygon, whom he hadn’t see since the unexpected reunion of the Misfits.

“Excuse me,” said Bjarn, lightly tapping Aros as his passed, Luxus at his heels, “have you seen Willem or Graygon.”

Aros nodded.

“Aye, they’re over there, talking with some Dragon Master…”

Bjarn turned to where Aros was pointing. They were indeed deep in conversation with a Dragon Master, a tall one, with a black beard and moustache.

“Thank you, Aros.” said Bjarn, ruffling Luxus’ hair, “I won’t disturb them now, then…”

Bjarn left the two brothers and continued to drift through the crowd, until he came across the newlyweds Reno and Shainya. It was evident they had just finished a rigorous dance.

“Bjarn,” Reno panted, “You’ve got take Shainya out for a spin…she’s wearing me down.”

Shainya laughed. Bjarn smiled.

“I’d be delighted,” he said.

While Reno went off to sup a beer or two, Bjarn and Shainya danced to a nice, slow tune.

“I must thank you Bjarn,” said Shainya as they danced, “for inviting Reno and I. We have had a beautiful time.”

Bjarn smiled.

“I am glad.”

Shainya smiled, then said, “Bjarn, I’ve been meaning to tell you -- I’m pregnant.”

The statement was so sudden Bjarn almost tripped, but he recovered masterfully and said, almost gaping, “Shainya -- that’s -- that’s wonderful!”

Shainya practically glowed.

“I found out the day we arrived in Orion. But we’ve all been so busy I haven’t had time to tell you until now.”

Bjarn was barely listening. His suddenly felt very light, very bubbly inside. He was very happy. The song ended, and Shainya and Bjarn returned to the edge of the dance floor, where they met Reno. To Reno’s surprise, Bjarn embraced him.

“I am so happy for both of you.” he said sincerely, his eyes faintly wet.

“I told him.” explained Shainya.

Reno burst out laughing, saying, “Oh!”

Bjarn smiled and released him.

Reno said, “Bjarn, thank you. I am still a bit stunned myself.”

Shainya grasped Reno’s hand and they smiled at one another. Bjarn clapped them both on a shoulder.

“I am happy.” he said, “Very happy.”

Then he kissed them both on the forehead and left. Suddenly he felt grand. What a wonderful thing it was to be alive.

[Sir Dillon]

J-10
Location: Orien

Radu pointed out a strange young man at the bar. He wore Bat robes alright the sort the Batlords wear but Belzzar couldn’t sense any magic in him. Perhaps the imposter had knocked off the robe’s previous owner. That was one less Batlord he had to worry about.

Kor almost collapsed with relief as the Bat Lord eyed him curiously, than turned and walked away.

When he sat down and started to sip at his wine again, a man dressed in black robes walked up to him and slightly tapped him on the shoulder.

Startled, Kor spun around quickly, only to find him staring into the eyes of his former mentor; Ki-Moe.

Ki-Moe was a well built man in his fifties, who had a long pointy goatee, which besides his eye brows was the only hair on his head or face. He also had dark beady eyes, which made Kor shift uneasily as he was stared down upon.

After looking him over, Ki-Moe said to Kor in a smooth voice:

“Excuse me, but have we met before? Lord…”

“My name is Koravan” Kor lied “and no, I don’t think we’ve met before, I have almost never come out of Fright Knight Lands.”

As Ki-Moe paused, Kor noticed a small brooch that was pinned on to the folds of his cloak, one that he had never seen Ki-Moe wear before; it was a red gem of some sorts, and had the same golden dragon that was on the hilt of Kor’s sword.

“Ah, I see.” Said Ki-Moe, breaking up Kor’s thoughts “But let me know this, why does a Bat Lord such as yourself, wear a sword such as that, -as he said this he pointed to the katana at Kor’s side- It hardly fits you.”

As Kor fumbled for words, Ki-Moe let out a laugh, then said “In till we meet again, Sir Kor.” With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

[Formendacil]

Grid: J-10
Location: The Yellow Castle, Orion

Vækadær did not dance much. When he did, he did it well, but he rarely saw the need. Or, rather, he rarely saw the point.

With Vækadær, things tended to have a point. In the case of dancing, it was usually to get into some lady's good books, or something of that nature. Therefore, since Vækadær's business tended to deal with men more than women, and since a dance only came up once in a while, he rarely saw the point to dancing.

The Ball was one of those times when he saw no point. At the moment, Vækadær was not searching for any allies, at least no female ones, nor was he trying to charm any lady out of something.

That does not mean, however, that Vækadær wasn't using the Ball to cultivate a few more ties. However, there were with men, and were of a more serious, over the table, nature. Already, he had acquired some useful contacts in the form of a high-ranking Crimson Knight, and the Ship Inspector from Chevraport.

Then the Marquis turned up. Vækadær bent to see what Vincentius had brought. It was the goblet that Opal had bewitched for him.

"Excellent, excellent," said Vækadær. "Have it sent with a bottle of Guardendia Innis- the 1986 variety, to Lord Marshal Elbadar. I know it is his favourite vintage."

"And if he asks who it is from?" asked Vincentius.

"Tell him it is from the Commander-General, Bernard Quorandis," said Vækadær. "By the time he knows otherwise, he ought to be too sick to do anything about it- or dead. Probably dead."

Vincentius paled, and looked at the goblet with fearful interest. He quickly found one of the servants, and entrusted the goblet, the message, and a bottle of 1986 Guardendia Innis to him, with the message to send it to Lord Marshal Elbadar.

Vækadær smiled. The Lord Marshal would soon be removed, and his regiment in place to be taken for other things.

[Formendacil]

Grid: J-10
Location: The Grand Ballroom

"Would you dance with me, Thomas?" she asked sweetly, half-expecting him to go red like Hans and say no like Adrian. He did neither.

"I would be honoured," he said with a bow, and as the orchestra struck up the next song, out they went.

Cate was again surprised when dancing with Thomas. He was a very graceful and practised dancer, knew all the steps, and had a good rhythm. He could well have been a noble. Cate told him so. Thomas laughed.

"In Hemmerington, dancing is one of the main forms of entertainment," he said. "Everyone can dance. Not like here, where only the nobles learn to dance well. I wouldn't be surprised if most poor boys from out-of-the-way villages could dance better than most townboys."

Cate snuck a glance at Hans and Adrian, and agreed.

The dance ended, and Thomas gave her a grand bow, and was about to head off, when the orchestra struck up a fast, lively, and difficult number. Cate grinned.

"Do you know this one, Thomas?" she asked.

"Lady Cate," he replied, "this one's my favourite."

And out they went back to the floor, twirling and swinging, and thoroughly amusing Adrian, who was watching Hans, who was looking at Thomas with something that was turning his face rather green.

The dance ended, and Thomas once again bowed to Cate, and this time actually did set off into the crowd, headed for Sir Dractor.

Sir Dractor had just run into Bjarn, who was looked extremely cheerful, and rather giddy.

"What's up?" asked Sir Dractor. Bjarn smiled broadly.

"Shainya's expecting!" he said. "She just told me."

"Hmm..." said Sir Dractor, "that would explain the vacant look on Reno's face. That's excellent news! Thomas!" he called as he caught sight of his squire. "Find us some drinks to celebrate!

"You do realise," he said to Bjarn, "that they are going to have to call the baby Orion or something like that now."

"Don't be ridiculous!" laughed Bjarn. "That'd be quite as bad as naming it "Aethelred"."

~~~~~~~~

Thomas took one look at the bar, and decided that trying to get to the drinks wasn't worth the effort. Then a servant went past with a tray carrying a bottle and goblet. He quickly nicked them off, and disappeared around a group of Dragon Masters before the servant had even noticed they were gone. Grabbing another couple goblets off one of the tables, he headed back towards Sir Dractor.

"Here you go," he said, handing Sir Dractor the bottle and tray. Sir Dractor set the tray down, and opened the bottle- a 1986 Guardendia Innis, and poured three goblets of wine. He handed one to Bjarn and one to Thomas.

"Cheers!" he said, and took a deep swing of his wine. Bjarn took a somewhat smaller one, and Thomas took a mere sip.

~~~~~~~~~

The servant, occupied with other problems, hadn't even noticed that his tray was now empty, as he navigated through courtiers, soldiers, and sycophants. When he reached Lord Marshal Elbadar, he bowed and presented his tray, saying:

"From the Commander-General, with his compliments."

Elbadar arched and eyebrow, and the servant saw that his tray was empty. Elbadar broke out in laughter, and the servant slunk away. He was back quite soon with another goblet and a bottle of 1987 Guardendia Innis.

"My sincerest apologies, Milord Marshal," he said. Elbadar smiled, popped the cork, and poured himself a goblet.

[Robin Hood]

Looking behind him, Cloak saw his two pursuers try and convince the guards to let them in. But the cavaliers refused. Cloak nearly laughed when he saw them walk away, defeated.

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

But Aiden and Kae-Os were not at all defeated.

"Ok, you look good the way you are," said Aiden. "You can be a good bodyguard with those clothes. All we need is decent clothes for me, and an invitation."

"Hmm, well I don't know about the invitation, but as for clothes." Kae-Os gestured toward a slightly tipsy looking classic noble who was walking, rather unsteadily, out of the palace.

With an evil grin on his face, Aiden ducked into a nearby bush. As the noble walked by the bush, a hand reached out and yanked him into the plant. There followed a lot of rustling from the bush, and when it subsided, Aiden stepped out dressed in the noble's clothes.

"Well that’s that." Said Aiden. "How do I look?"

"As much as I hate to say it," commented Kae-Os. "You look quite dashing."

"Excellent," smiled Aiden. "And look what I found in the guy's pocket." He showed the elf a slightly crumpled invitation.

"Shall we?" Aiden tossed the light blue cape over his shoulder in a rakish way, and walked back toward the ball. Falling a step to the left and behind, like a good bodyguard, Kae-Os followed.

The guards, after taking a quick glance at the paper, let them in without fuss.

"Fancy," commented Aiden, "fancy. I can't remember when we were last at such a party. Now we had better split up, I'll-" But his comment was cut short as he followed the path of a young classic lady, who dance by. Aiden followed her until his neck threatened to snap. Turning back to the elf, he rubbed his neck.

"You know, if you keep doing that, your going to need to see a doctor."

"Ha ha," muttered Aiden. "Look, since I can't sense the guy, why don't you look for him. It'll be less suspicious if we aren't together. Until you find him, I'll just entertain myself."

And without waiting for an answer, Aiden walked in the general direction the lady had gone.

Kae-Os just shook his head, watching his friend improve his appearance as he walked. The elf then started weaving through the crowd, looking for the shapeshifter.

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

"A most excellent duel, Mr. Shiringtonburgville," said Bernard, rattling off Vanderdious' last name with ease. "I am honored to be felled by your rapier wit."

"I should have fallen long before, were I not trained in the dramatic arts," admitted Vanderdious. "Tell me, have you ever been in the theatre?"

Grid: J-10
Location: The Yellow Castle, Orion

As the crowd began to disperse, Bernard said, “Indeed, I have, good sir. But alas, not as often as I have wished. Wars have an unkind way of disruption lives. And ending them.”

Vanderdious nodded mournfully, sheathing his rapier. Then he brightened.

“But then, your Gov’ner’ship, sir, you’ll be most pleased to learn that in a few months time, my theatrical company will be making a worldly tour of this grand land Dametreos. You and your fair lady reside in grand city of Talistrand, do you not?”

“Good sir, we do.” returned Bernard, also sheathing his sword, “Or, at least, we will, after out honeymoon.”

Elwen took Bernard’s arms and squeezed.

“That is most excellent, your Gov’ner’ship.” Vanderdious exclaimed, “For Talistrand is high on my list of cities to visit.”

“Then I await your arrival most eagerly, Mr. Shiringtonburgville.” said Bernard, again smoothly pronouncing Vanderdious’ complex last name.

Vanderdious swept his behemoth hat off his head in a gallant bow.

“As I do, milord, milady. Until we meet again, farewell.”

Then he was off through the crowd, his hat bobbing. Vanderdious made his way through the crowd, and after supping a rich wine, he turned out to seek out another person to converse with. The Black Falcon’s eyes soon rested upon a Royal Knight man, who was tucked away in a corner, not speaking to anyone. Vanderdious immediately made a beeline for him.

“A most grand celebration, is this not, your Gov’ner’ship?” greeted Vanderdious.

The man started.

“Yes,” he said, a little taken aback, “Yes indeed…”

The man said nothing further, and Vanderdious tried again.

“M’name’s Vanderdious Shiringtonburgville, Chief Dramatist of Her Majesty, Queen Helen of the Black Falcons.”

“Oh…” said the man, “My name’s Charles Augustine…”

[The Green Knight]

J-10
Orion

“Crackers!” Jos swore as he rumaged through the near-empty supply chest. Those Dragon Masters sure could eat. And drink. They had drunken nearly every drop of ale in the Gold Wallow already and kept hollering for something called Dragon Milk. Out of all the Dragon Masters in the party who had traveled to Orion with Lord Void, only two had gone to the ball. Only two, leaving the rest to terrorize some unfortunate Inn of their choosing. Of course they ended up at The Gold Wallow.

Jos was overwhelmed, Walf was missing and Biirn, who had been serving drinks since they arrived, was nearly going crazy. It had been a long night already and it wasn’t even half over yet.

“Where on earth is that boy?” Jos wondered about Walf. “He should have been back half an hour ago.”

As if in answer to his question, the Baker suddenly heard the sound of a wagon clattering to a stop outside the Inn. Stepping out the back door, Jos found his quarry sitting atop Biirn’s wagon.

“Walf! Where on earth have you been?”

“Where?” Walf echoed, jumping down running to the back of the wagon. “Every tavern and brewery in all Orion, that’s where. I’ve got your Dragon Milk, though. Here, help me unload it.”

Jos ran to help, but as they set the first barrel onto the cobblestones he realized… “You only bought three? That won’t last long.”

“Hey, three was all I could find. I guess there isn’t much call for Dragon Milk here in Orion.”

“Well there is tonight!” Jos said setting the second keg down. “By the way, did you go by the trade fair?”

“Sure did, first place I went too. Got there just when it was closing.”

“So did you get the berries?”

“They didn’t have them.”

“What!” Jos nearly dropped the third Keg on his foot. “What do you mean, ‘They didn’t have them’?”

“I mean they didn’t have then. The Ninjaran I spoke to said that they weren’t being exported anymore. Come on, let’s role these two inside and come back for the third.”

“I don’t believe it.” Jos said, rolling his barrel across the alleyway. “How am I supposed to make my Dragonberry Jam without those wolfberries?”

“Say, speaking of thing we don’t have,” said Walf, moving to a different topic “do you know where Dale is?”

“I haven’t seen him.” Jos growled. The news about the berries hadn’t improved his already sour mood. “Who knows where he is. You know how he goes about, flitting around like a puff of smoke on the whiff of a wind. He could be anywhere.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Emperor’s ball: What a sight? What a spectacle? The brilliant tapestries covering the gleaming, golden walls. The magnificent music streaming from the instruments of Orion’s finest musicians. The variety of colors and patterns adorning everyone of the guests as they wove and spun across the floor. How it flooded the mind and dazzled the senses.

Yes I was quite a spectacle, but that wasn’t why he was there. From his lofty vantage point he watched the couple circling through the other dancers. They were why he was there. Reno and Shainya. Gracefully they moved through the dance, not always following the music or even the other dancers, but totally in sync with one another.

“There she is.” He remarked to himself. “I can hardly believe it’s her. She’s beautiful. And she’s so… She looks so happy.” Dale smiled, his heart almost bursting with joy. But the smile faded with his next thought. “Happy…without me… Happy with Reno.”

“Yes, it seems, with you out of the picture that slippery fellow has snaked his way into her heart. What a shame. You really ought to do something about that.” The voice was Dale’s, another personality that seemed to have developed recently. The minstrel was beginning to wonder if insanity came standard with being a ghost.

“Yes…” Dale agreed. “No! No, I couldn’t interfere now. What would she think of a transparent suitor? She couldn’t love a ghost. And why would she? What do I have to offer her now?”

“Ah well perhaps you’re right. Still, there’s no harm in going in for a closer look. No one can see or feel you.”

“Yes, yes that’s true. Why not.” Invisibly, the spirit descended to the ballroom floor, walking straight through the other dancers towards Shainya and Reno. The only thing hindering him was his sword left behind the wall, and the possibility that his attachment to it would come taught.

Now she was right in front of him, spinning and smiling around Reno.

“May I have this dance?” Dale’s thoughts echoed in his own head. Shainya smiled and Dale, taking this as a yes, slipped into Reno’s place.

It was so surreal, spinning around the golden ballroom with Shianya starring into his eyes. Her hands were cold and hardly felt by those of the ghostly Dale. As if she were only a dream… Indeed, Dale could see himself having dreamt this before, if only he still could. But dreaming was one of those things that had left with life. And now if Dale wanted a dream he had to make it happen himself. They weren’t easy to make, but Dale was sure, this was the best one he’d ever made happen.

“What are you thinking?” Shainya’s voice brought Dale out of his daze. Her voice, it was beautiful.

“I think you’re beautiful.” Dale was surprised to hear the words coming from a mouth not his own. It was Reno.

“That’s right Dale.” The minstrel’s other voice piped up. “We’re not the only ones dancing here you know. See how your adversary clouds the moment. What a pity.”

“Must you rub it in!” Dale shot back across his mind. The dream was broken and Dale’s mood darkened.

“Yes,” said Shainya “but will you still think me beautiful in the months to come when I’ve gone fat, bloated with child?”

“Child?” The word hit Dale like a punch in the gut. Now he looked at the hands he was holding. There was the wedding band on Shainya’s finger and another on the hand he was overlapping with his.

They were married.

“I’ll always think you’re beautiful.” Reno spoke as they spun away. But Dale wasn’t spinning with them

“Married? When? How? How could she?” dale couldn't believe it.

“Hmm, tis a pity really. But you mustn’t blame the girl. With you being dead and that Reno fellow swooping in like a shark… If only she knew you still cared about her.”

“Yes, you're right I must talk to her.” Quickly Dale moved toward the couple, spinning some ways away. But just at that moment he felt a piercing tug. Someone had the sword, and they were moving away. Before he knew it, Dale was on the floor, sliding back to the wall.

“No! Wait!” Dale screamed aloud, groping out for something to stop his rapid slide. Skirts, trousers, anything. Many dancers there were who suddenly found their feet swept out from underneath them and fell crashing to the polished floor. And if they weren’t too stunned from the fall, they heard the unfinished name Dale called out as his invisible form belly-slid through the yellow wall.

“Shain—

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

Hans Lentawl and Adrian Seotjon were sitting on chairs lining the far wall of the ballroom, watching Cate Slacs-Sicl dance with Thomas Valt. Hans grumbled something. Adrian chuckled.

“They make mighty fine couple.” he smirked.

“Oh, shuttup!” Hans snapped, “I wasn’t even grumbling about them.”

“What then?” asked Adrian, drinking deep from a glass.

“I’d kill right now for a book.” Hans muttered darkly.

“Indeed?” Adrian said indifferently.

“Aye.” said Hans, “I loath these mundane social gatherings. You’re too old to act like a kid, and so you can’t get away with anything, and you’re too young to have ‘intelligent conversations’ with the adults here.”

Hans coughed.

“And I’m totally sick of being told how to live my life.” he continued, “Which vocation do you desire? Do you plan to attend the Academy? And on and on and tyco on…”

“Heh. Get used to it.” said Adrian, “It gets worse as one ages.”

“Wonderful.” said Hans sarcastically.

Hans and Adrian stared out over the dance floor. The dance had ended, and another one started. Cate and Thomas continued to dance. Hans said, “Oh tyco it.”

Adrian said nothing. He smiled.