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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 64

Altair grabs Mason as he begins to walk towards Daniel and Orcini. "Mason, I need you to take lead for a short while. I am going to be in meeting with Daniel and Orcini for a time and I am going to need to not be interrupted. We are to maintain course as Gerard and The Cavalier lead that thing from us. These are small things that I know you are more than capable of, so do good work for Amber."

After sending Mason to bark orders, he greets Orcini warmly. "Well done, my boy! Please, come to my quarters where we can discuss some issues. We can also get a nice drink to warm you up." Altair shoots Orcini a wink and begins to lead him.

verrain · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

Orcini and Daniel do not get very far before Altair comes over to join them. "I do not require warming, thank you, but I am desiring of talk. I had just introduced myself to the Lord Daniel for that purpose. Shall we all talk together then?" Orcini is content to let the Lords come to terms with that and lead him where they will.

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:46 pm Post subject:

At that moment, Preston pops out, looks at the lot and asks, "Has the whale thing gone, then?"

Daniel answers, "Yes it has! Gentlemen, let's have a chat, then!"

Soon enough, they are all seated in the Captain's quarters, around a round table ladden with sea charts and maps depicting their itinerary.

Daniel asks, "Does anyone want a drink?" after pouring himself a large dose of brandy wine.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 64

Altair waves off the offer, but begins to wrap a cigarette. He does not speak until it is lit and on his lips.

"Gentlemen, Gerard has agreed to take the... thing off of our hands so that we can make it to our destination. Since we have not received any word from the other party, I can only assume that they have yet to make it. We are not far off, and at this rate, we could beat them there."

He shakes his head with a slight smile on his face.

"What a trip this is turning out to be."

After a moment, his eyes settle upon Orcini. "Tell me boy, who are you? Why are you on this journey?"

verrain · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

Orcini also declines the offer of a drink. "No thank you. I prefer to keep my senses alert when on a mission." He explains.

He then turns to Altair curiously. Previous to this, the form of Orcini's face has always indicated age and experience. So this second use of the term boy from the princeling's mouth intrigues him. Perhaps he is more than he appears. Still it could just be a peculiarity of Altair's speech patterns. Orcini makes a mental note to watch for this.

"My name is Orcini, a knight of the Grand Order of Oberon." He gestures towards the Unicorn pin on his jacket though he knows it is doubtful that it means anything to them. "His Majesty no doubt spoke of intelligence from Greymoor before sending you on this mission. It was I that collected it. By His Order, my duty now is to act as guide and scout for your mission."

Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 64

Altair's grin continues on his face. It is unclear if he is amused, bored, or just sarcastic.

He continues to take good care of the cigarette, enjoying it slowly. "If you are such a valuable scout, then why are you here with us? The scouts left on a separate journey before we even set sail. Your services have been greatly appreciated, but certainly you did not sign up for a cruise."

verrain · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

"As you have pointed out, all of the Blood with the skills and inclination to scout have gone." Orcini answers simply. "I am here to fill that gap of experience among those here. The lands around Almirior are treacherous for those not used to their paths." Orcini explains. "I was also given to understand that you were to be part of the diplomatic envoy to their King. His Majesty thought that my first hand knowledge of the people of Greymoor would be useful to you. If you think otherwise, I shall withdraw until we make landfall." Orcini offers.

Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 64

After a round of laughter, Altair speaks. "I assure you, I mean no such thing. Your skills are most welcome, and will no doubt come in handy."

Altair rises up and gestures for the others to remain sitting. His cigarette dies quietly, prompting him to discard the remains. He wanders over to the charts and begins to study them.

"Tell me boy, what do you make of it all? How is this Shadow remaining untouched?" He asks without turning.

verrain · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

"Its not," Orcini states, "but it is proving very resistant to change." He admits. "Their main advantages are a deeply grained xenophobia and a perpetual readiness for war. To them a foreigner is the next town over and every foreigner is a dangerous enemy at worst and prey at best. As such, the forces of the Black Road have had to fight town by town. There is no central army or authority to smash and gain dominion."

Orcini clears his throat. "Of course it is these same traits that makes our task all the more difficult. We have papers giving us the authority to travel but a body of armed soldiers is likely to be attacked on general principle before we could produce them. We must walk that fine line of looking too formidable to fight but not frightening enough to be assumed an enemy."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:45 am Post subject:

Preston looks worried and Daniel's jaw sets, his mind seems elsewhere.

Preston looks at Altair and asks, "Is this the King's doing? Why do we have such a small force to lead?" He turns to Orcini and asks, "Are you leading us into Greymoor and returning to the King, or are you staying with us throughout this journey?" His expression betrays his worry that this might all be a trap to put them in a very dire situation and is completely outside of Preston's realm.
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verrain · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

"My place is here with the expedition." Orcini answers simply. "Only if there is news that you do not trust sending by the Cards am I to return to Amber." Orcini idly walks over to the map table. "As for your first question, if we were to land with an army then we would have no choice but conquer each and every city state in Greymoor. Our losses would be high and we would gain no local troops to bolster our own ranks. With this small but puissant force of men, we look less like a threat to Almirior and more like an advantage to be used. Once inside, it the job of the diplomats and military advisers to show their King the wisdom of deploying their troops to our design against the forces of the Black Road. Then we have a base for further subversion or conquest as the situation dictates." Orcini concludes. "I do not deny the risk involved in this stratagem but the rewards of success are the greatest possible. No doubt this is why so many of the Blood have been sent on this mission. It will need your force of will to see things through."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:55 pm Post subject:

Preston purses his lips and nods, saying, "I see..." He turns to look at Daniel, who is stepping out of the room without a word.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 64

Orcini's last statement brings a smile to Altair's face.

"Yes... Force of will."

He looks around and the returns to studying the maps.

"The more I learn of this situation, the more I find it intriguing. What, in your opinion, is the best way to approach the negotiations with our forces? How would you make our treaty sound advantageous?"