[Log] Duel: Erasmus vs. Ris
After Erasmus punched Ris for a comment about his service to the Crown, a duel was arranged. Ris took the champion option, much to many's chagrin. And so, the Mandrakes and onlookers meet in the ballroom of the Golden Goose to see honor defended.
Erasmus has already arrived, and stands far from the doors, arms crossed and
rapier hanging at his side. The room seems to have been prepared a bit prior,
as the furniture is moved away from an open space, as jumble of chairs and
tables ringing the area.
Lucretia arrives in due course, moving leisurely and looking rather - detached
- from the entire proceedings.
Elijah was already there, in the far corner of the room, lurking.
Ris wanders in, seeming distracted. His gaze is unfocused, and he might be
muttering under his breath.
Ris walks across the room, to lean lightly against a wall.
Erasmus looks to Lucretia, a bit somber himself, then to Ris, who is obviously
on a trump call. He goes back to watching the far wall thoughtfully.
Lucretia mutters something under her breath about cell phones and moves to find
herself a seat. She nods politely to those present, draping herself across a
chair.
Elijah offers a sketchy bow, but he stays where he is. He leans against the
wall, arms crossed.
Ris nods, still muttering under his breath.
Ris looks up. He mutters something.
Lucretia straightens up and crosses her legs idly. She reaches into her
reticule, taking out a book.
Cosimo enters from the west.
Cosimo has arrived.
Erasmus slides a look at Lucretia, regarding her with a puzzled expression.
Elijah is in the far corner of the room, leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
Erasmus nods to the Duke has he enters, then looks to Ris having his
conversation. And waits.
Lucretia looks up, offering Erasmus a demure smile and then the same to her
father, then returns her attention to her book.
Raphaela enters from the west.
Raphaela has arrived.
Privately, to Lucretia, Erasmus seems to be somewhat keyed up, though it's
expected. He meets eyes and that's about it.
Ris holds his hand out to the air.
Gerard appears suddenly, grasping Ris's hand.
Gerard has arrived.
Lucretia turns a page in the book open on her lap.
Ris looks to the air again.
Erasmus blinks as Prince Gerard appears in a shower of sparks.
Elijah watches, his gaze general. He does not focus on anyone specifically.
Ris says, "Good..."
Gerard claps Ris on the arm and then takes a moment to get his bearings.
Emma enters from the west.
Emma has arrived.
Lucretia looks up from her book, and runs her fingers back through her hair,
offering a faint smile to Gerard. "Your highness."
Erasmus stands at the opposite end of things, dressed simply and wearing a
rapier. He's starting to look very amused, and is watching Ris with this
interested expression. "Highness," he greets.
Cosimo purses his lips.
Ris laughs into the air, "He... come now?"
Caine appears suddenly, grasping Ris's hand.
Caine has arrived.
Ris holds his hand to the air again.
Erasmus's amusement turns into a twitching smile.
Cosimo walks unhurriedly toward Ris and now Caine and Gerard.
Raphaela slithers in the ball room soundlessly, and while everybody is too busy
takes a seat beside Lucretia.
Caine appears grasping hands with Ris, a card in his other hand. "What a lovely
way to spend a few hours. Of course I will come."
Erasmus unfolds his arms from his chest and gives Prince Caine a little bow,
looking back to Ris questioningly.
Emma pokes her head into the ballroom, with something less than subtlety. Her
brows lift just slightly, and she steps all the way in, with unabashed
curiosity.
Elijah curiosity is piqued. He slinks around the side of the wall towards
Lucretia and finds a seat somewhere near her after flashing her a smile.
Lucretia closes her book, sliding it back into her reticule as people
increasingly turn up. Elijah receives a small smile, then Raphaela. "Lady
Raphaela," she murmurs. "Hello."
"Anymore, Said Lord?" Erasmus calls to Ris, voice echoing in the cleared space.
He seems in no great hurry, though glances to Emma as she walks in.
Gerard sheds his coat and swordbelt, handing them to Caine.
Cosimo looks at Ris and then to Gerard and Caine. And then back to Ris. He
raises his left brow at Ris.
Raphaela nods to both Lucretia and Elijah who she doesn't know. She remains
silent, folding her legs idly as she leans back in her seat, pale eyes
focusing on the event before them.
Cosimo's hands are clasped behind his back.
Caine takes the coat and slides it over his shoulder before putting setting the
blade to lean against his leg. His hand moves to stow away one care and
replace it with another. "We have another brother wishing to see the sport. I
will see to his arrival."
Lucretia performs brief introductions, glancing up at the arrivals.
Privately, to Erasmus, Lucretia's gaze is particularly intent; but she seems
slightly displeased about something which is not apparent.
Ris glances at Cosimo.
Erasmus looks nonplussed at the guests, and stays where he is, watching for the
third.
Caine stands in the ballroom of the golden goose with Gerard's coat thrown of
his shoulder and Gerard's sword leaning against his hip.
Cosimo looks over to Caine and says, "If your highnesses wish to observe, I
present no objection."
Gerard rumbles, "So. Are we here to look pretty, or are we going to get to it?"
Gerard says, "Because if it's pretty, I've already won."
Cosimo looks over to Gerard, purses his lips, and then looks to Ris, "Or do you
posit more, Cousin?"
Erasmus laughs aloud, drawing his rapier and testing the balance absently.
Lucretia laughs at that, blowing a kiss to Gerard. "Your highness, if you wish
to argue /that/ point, I shall be happy to challenge you. You may win the
talent competition, but I think I shall carry away the swimsuit section."
Caine extends a hand to the air. "Yes, brother, would you care to join us to
watch the evening's events unfold?"
Emma glances to Erasmus briefly, before she makes her way toward a seat that's
none too far from Raphaela et al. Gerard's words give her cause to smirk, but
she refrains from any comment.
Raphaela chuckles at Lucretia's words, refocusing her eyes on the main event.
Ris glances to Cosimo, "Prince Julian wished also to join us."
Raphaela also waves to Emma and gestures her over.
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma's regard of the Commander is brief, but steady,
encouragement flickering through bright irises.
Gerard says, "Swimsuit, you say. I might have to challenge you to that just for
the joy of losing."
Elijah sits back down after greeting Raphaela.
Erasmus smiles easily to Emma, his earlier somber mood having apparently
evaporated.
Caine says, "Why thank you. I am rather proud of him."
Lucretia retorts to Gerard demurely, "Only if we place a wager first, Prince
Gerard. I do so enjoy an easy win."
Gerard says, "And I enjoy an easy victor."
Julian appears suddenly, grasping Caine's hand.
Julian has arrived.
Lucretia laughs. "I have been described as many things, but easy?" She clicks
her tongue, looking mischievous. "You are welcome to try and discover."
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma also might just seem a little smug at the mention
of a prettiness contest. She continues to refrain from comment.
Caine greets Julian with a ready grin. "It is just these moments that make
wonderful family memories."
Emma settles into a chair, her expression largely amused.
Raphaela's fingers press down the chuckle on her lips again. She seems amused
too.
Gerard grins. "So, gang's all here then? We can get started?"
Julian smiles to Caine, "Indeed. Almost a perfect family moment."
Erasmus inspects his rapier with the casual air of someone giving it the usual
cleaning and care.
Cosimo turns from Ris to regard Caine, Julian, and Gerard. He says, "Your
highnesses." He smiles. He nods a last to Julian. He then looks to Ris and
asks, as a straight man should, "And who is your champion, Lord Chiarrisimo?"
Gerard grunts, as he stretches, "That'd be me."
Ris now turns to Cosimo, "May I present the champion of my blood, my uncle
Gerard?"
Lucretia's eyebrows lift sharply, and she is suddenly not paying so much
attention to introductions.
Cosimo raises his left eyebrow, starkly at Ris. He eyes Gerard. Then eyes Ris
again. Then Gerard. Then Ris again, to whom he asks, "Dare I question who
your father is, my lord?"
Raphaela smiles at Elijah, nods, then looks towards Ris and Gerard, her face
usually non readable.
Julian inclines his head to Cosimo in greeting as he was greeted but given Ris'
answer and then Gerard's, he merely smiles a little.
Erasmus finishes his inspection of the blade and pivots to face Gerard,
assembling a serious expression. He seems unconcerned about the lineage of
Ris.
Caine's grin is as sharp as the dagger at his belt. "His father is his royal
highness Prince Caine of Amber, of course."
Raphaela tilts her head, her jaw managing not to clink on the floor.
Lucretia murmurs something to those with whom she's seated, then settles back
in her seat, posture perfect and a faint smile twitching, ill-suppressed, at
the corners of her mouth.
Ris slants a gaze at Caine, half a smile appearing, then returns to regard
Cosimo. "It would seem that question has been answered for me, your Grace. My
family was most alarmed at the recent behaviour of the commander and his
guards, and had interest in witnessing these procedings."
Erasmus lifts a hand to Gerard, telling him, "I have something to say before we
begin, Highness," in case Gerard were of the opinion that a quick attack
helped odds.
Emma looks on silently, though her lips do purse briefly.
Gerard, for his part, is unarmed and does not seem set up to attack. He tucks
thumbs into his belt and waits.
Cosimo's left eyebrow settles as he regards Ris, his lips thinning in to a
smile. He says, "I see." He then turns to regard Caine and asks, "Would I be
presuming to inquire as to whether you are making a formal acknowledgement of
Lord Chiarissimo de'Mandrake as your son?"
Erasmus studies Gerard, and re-sheathes his rapier, before unbuckling the
swordbelt and stepping to set it on a nearby chair. He returns to his spot,
shaking his wrists out.
Caine addresses Cosimo even as the card he used to contact Julian is placed
away within his garments. "You may of course inquire. Though it strikes me
that such discussions are best pursued after the duel is resolved. It should
serve enough that I attest formally that /Ris/ is my son a statement to which
his mother will readily bear witness."
Gerard grins. "Always were a quick study, Erasmus." He approaches the man, hand
extended. By the tilt of his head, it's clear he wants to exchange a few
words.
Caine's smile sparks brightly as he adds. "I am sure she remembers the events
involved quite clearly."
Raphaela grins a bit.
Erasmus looks curious, taking Gerard's extended hand.
Privately, Gerard shakes the hand firmly. "Blood and friendship, what can you
do, eh?"
Muttering to Erasmus, Gerard shakes the hand firmly. "... friendship, what...
do,..."
To Gerard, Erasmus shakes his head. "Oaths and honor, this. We'll see."
Muttering to Gerard, Erasmus shakes his head. "Oaths... honor, this. We'll see."
Emma's expression remains grave, her hands folding in her lap as she looks on.
Gerard nods and claps Erasmus on the shoulder, companionably before moving back
several paces.
Ris remains still, watching now.
Cosimo says in a mannered fashion, "Yes, she is one to remember such things."
He pauses, "Thank you, your highness." He then turns to regard Gerard and
Erasmus. And when there is a pause to their introductions, he says loud
enough to cross the distance, "I am the judge of this duel." He looks between
Ris, Gerard, and Erasmus, now. And he seems set to continue.
Raphaela leans forwards arms folded on her folded knees.
Ris inclines his head, slanting his gaze to Cosimo.
Erasmus takes a breath, before addressing Gerard. "I'll be brief, Highness,
guests. This match was prompted by the challenger's degrading of my four
hundred years of service to your father, King Oberon. As such, to me this
contest carries grave significance. And as such, due to my oath of service
and protection, I simply cannot raise arms or fist against one of his sons."
He resettles on his feet. "To incapacitation then, Highness. I won't fight
back."
Lucretia is silent, watching the groupings with intent interest.
Julian nods to Ris.
Caine says flatly. "I see. Your courage lasts only so long as you are insulting
and striking my son when you are not aware he is related. When it comes to
facing a warrior you lack the equipment for the task."
Emma's features draw into a deep frown, and she quite visibly bites her tongue.
Cosimo he says, "Hold, then." He turns to Ris. "This is a matter of honor. As
the challenged, do you see grounds to provide satisfaction to the honor of
Lord Erasmus short of the floor of the duel?"
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma is just barely restraining interjecting her opinion.
Erasmus remains focused on Prince Gerard, his brother's words falling on deaf
ears.
Gerard scratches his chin, quizically, considering Erasmus before shooting
Caine a warning look. He waits for Cosimo and Ris to have their talk.
Julian remains silent, merely watching the proceedings, a small sardonic smile
upon his lips.
Nearby, Erasmus seems eerily serene, after having just submitted himself to a
beatdown.
Raphaela remains in her folded up pose, watching.
Ris quirks a brow at Erasmus's speech. He turns to Cosimo at the query, "My
cousin has an interesting way of twisting the words of his recollection. In
responce to his copious insults across multiple occasions, I questioned his
service to the House of Mandrake, and indeed, stated explicitly that his
service to the Crown was never in doubt."
Lucretia is at least feeling no urge to take her book back out of her reticule.
She does not speak nor otherwise act to interrupt the drama unfolding,
expression interested but ruminative.
Gerard waves a hand. "Look, the duel's on, we don't need to question why it's
here." He chews on his lip. "Ris, fair to say you owe me one for this, right?
Do me a favor in payment?"
Julian says, "In fact, brother Gerard, these *are* the proper forms despite
your eagerness to commence."
Erasmus speaks up, "The terms were agreed to, I see no reason to change because
of what I have said."
Elijah is quiet and curious. He is mainly studying Cosimo.
Gerard says, "It's not the beginning I'm rushing towards."
Nearby, Gerard looks pretty clearly unhappy with the entire affair.
Cosimo says to Ris and says, "Your... uncle... has the meat of the matter,
nonetheless. In the matter of honor, see you means or cause to achieve
satisfaction short of the floor of the duel?"
Ris turns to Cosimo, and inclines his head. "Certainly. You were the advocate
of this duel, your Grace, I merely complied. I will accept an apology in
front of all assembled for his insults, and will trade his sucker punch to my
jaw for a prepared punch to his from my champion."
Nearby, Gerard snorts, amused. "Like that's going to happen."
Erasmus says simply, "No apology."
Nearby, Erasmus looks, briefly, bemused, but quickly goes sober again.
Gerard says, "So. We're on, then. Before we get going, Ris, I need that favor."
Cosimo turns his regard to Erasmus and says across the space between them, "So,
Lord Erasmus, I take it then that your challenge stands unretracted. Is their
aught that you see as a resolution of honor short of the floor of the duel?"
Erasmus shakes his head in the negative to Duke Mandrake. "I accepted the terms
of the duel as agreed, and it will proceed." He watches Gerard curiously.
Nearby, Gerard says, "Should have made this duel a poetry reading for all the
chatting going on."
Ris looks to Gerard, "Of course, uncle."
Nearby, Erasmus's mouth twitches.
Muttering to Ris, Gerard nods and steps closer to Ris, to murmur something
quietly. "Once... done,... heal... loser.... take... wounds onto... That
way... be... here."
Cosimo declares, "So be it." He looks between Gerard and Erasmus and says, "The
duel is to incapacity or acquiescence. Death inflicts loss and dishonor upon
the person wielding the blow." A pause. "Do these terms remain acceptable.
Your highness? My lord?"
Gerard says, simply, "Yup."
Erasmus sounds a little impatient. "Aye, they're still fine."
Cosimo says, "Then, to the ready..."
Nearby, Erasmus gets that look of acceptance that says he knows this is gunna
sting a little.
Muttering to Gerard, Caine clears his throat and then comments to his brother.
"... words... your... brother. He... my son... returned he... a... His...
of... to... because his victim... more..."
Erasmus readies by, apparently, standing still with his arms by his sides. He
regards Gerard somberly.
Gerard flashes a grin at Caine. "If you think welcoming my fist with his chin
is the act of a coward, then maybe you've forgotten what sort of guest my
fist can be."
Cosimo remarks to Gerard, "To the ready, your highness."
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma gives a look in the Commander's direction that is
replete with sympathy.
Caine says, "I'm well aware of it. But he handles his pain and his wounds
/HIMSELF/. It may remind him that striking diplomats and others because he
/assumes/ them to be weaker than he is unacceptable in a guardsman."
Gerard shakes his head. "I know what you want from this Caine, and it'll
happen, believe me. I understand it, I'm behind it. But I'm the one in the
ring here, and Ris is the challenged. This one you got've got to leave to us."
Erasmus looks disinclined to banter, especially since he's not being talked to.
Privately, to Emma, Erasmus looks... resigned. He knows this is going to hurt
quite a bit.
Muttering to Gerard, Ris pauses to regard Gerard, surprise flickering across
his features. He pauses as Caine speaks, then glances back to Gerard, "...
agrees,... your... and... I... great... I... display... his..."
Gerard nods to Ris. "Good enough for me." He steps back into the space that
might serve as a ring. "Here we go, then."
Erasmus nods, standing ready to help a one-sided fight.
Nearby, Gerard says, "You have a good side you want to keep pretty?"
Cosimo says, "Very well... commence."
Nearby, Erasmus deadpans, "My ass, Highness." He fights down a grin.
Caine seems thoughtful, his attention only half upon the fight as the other
half is cast into the nether realm behind his gaze.
Gerard laughs out loud at something said between the two fighters. He nods and
steps forward, his mass torqued to align behind his fist. He lets loose a
brutal right cross aimed to catch Erasmus on the chin and snap his head hard
to one side.
Emma winces, though she doesn't look away.
Julian watches impassively.
Lucretia does not react, watching with a thoughtful expression.
Erasmus, not being inclined to do anything to counter the power, absorb it or
duck, fights down the impulse to do all three and takes the massive blow
where it's intended. The force of it snaps his head back, spinning him off
his feet to land like a deadweight on the floor, several feet away.
Raphaela is still having her usual look on the face.
Raphaela mutters simply "Ouch."
Cosimo barks, "Hold!" Though his face is stoic. He then begins to take steps
toward Erasmus. Not running, but quick.
Gerard tucks his thumbs into his belt and doesn't seem inclined to land any
further blows.
Lucretia rises to her feet unhurriedly, seeming to be waiting for something.
Privately, to Cosimo, Erasmus is, when you get there, out cold. His jaw also
could be broken.
Cosimo kneels down next to Erasmus and does a perfunctory examination, it
seems. Without looking up, he says, "Lord Chiarissimo is the victor." A
pause. "Lucretia," he calls.
Caine says something softly and then raises his voice to the rest of the room.
"Hold."
Gerard holds up a hand to Lucretia. "Hold on there, sassy britches. I think Ris
has got this one in his magnanimous hands."
"Hold," Ris says to Cosimo, echoing Caine. "My uncle's terms for this duel have
not been fulfilled." He walks unhurredly toward the fallen Erasmus.
Lucretia moves to join Cosimo, expression impassive and unsurprised. She then
stops again as Caine speaks, her eyebrows going up and mouth twisting
humourously at Gerard. She places a hand on her waist, but doesn't step
forward or back.
Raphaela grins, stretching as she leans back, remaining silent.
Emma gathers herself to her feet, though she doesn't move from her spot right
in front of her chair.
Gerard wanders back to collect his coat and belt from Caine.
Cosimo takes a moment to look over his shoulder and says, "With respect, the
duel is over. Lord Chiarissimo is won. The terms of honor are met." A pause.
"Also, with respect. This is my house, and if you do not mind, I will set
about taking care of our cousin." He says to Lucretia, "Here, please."
Gerard coughs. "Please, your Grace. If you let Ris do what he's trying to do,
your House only gains. Roll with us on this one."
Caine's distraction ends. "Ris will be the attending physician. The others will
not be needed."
Ris regards Cosimo calmly as he arrives near Erasmus. He drops into a kneel
beside the commander, resting his hand upon the fallen form if not prevented.
"I have already shown the Lord Erasmus mercy, with my choice of champion. But
for the sake of my uncle, I will go a step further."
Cosimo places his attention upon Ris as he, too, remains kneeling next to
Erasmus.
Lucretia moves forward unhurriedly, but makes no move to act. "I am sure that
Lord Ris will not object to my being present as an observer. However, I cede
action to him as the princes wish."
Emma seems to fret where she stands for a moment, then makes her way over
toward Erasmus as well. She says nothing, but simply approaches as if she has
every right to be there. She does not seem inclined to interrupt, either.
Muttering to Gerard, Caine hands the items back over to his brother. "... trust
you... aware... happens... the... to... his..."
Erasmus lays as fallen, his face looking a bit odd after the blow. Fortunately,
it's not his good side.
Gerard mutters to Caine, "We'll talk about... later. And... talk..."
Ris regards Erasmus now, murmuring to Cosimo, "I am a healer, your Grace, not a
soldier. And so I will heal." And then he quiets. THe dark, deep bruise
already spreading across Erasmus's jaw then begins to fade. Several moments
later, it reappears in a sudden rush in an identical place upon Ris. He jerks
back, then it is Ris sprawled unconscious across the floor.
RPG: Ris declares that he has the Absorb Injury (LIF-AI) gift:
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This character can voluntarily take another person's mundane injury (a wound,
broken bone, etc.) upon himself, or enable another volunteer to do so;
everyone must be close enough to touch. The injury is essentially transferred
from the injured person to the volunteer. The transfer is not instantaneous,
but it only takes a few seconds, no longer than a minute at most, with more
extensive injuries taking longer to transfer. Once started, the transfer
cannot be stopped through interruption. This in no way mitigates the amount
of agony involved, or the potential lethality of the injury.
The transfer must be consequential, from a story perspective. Likely, this
means one PC taking an injury consequence on behalf of the victim. However,
an NPC can also absorb an injury on behalf of a PC or NPC victim, as long as
this results in a consequence to a PC; in other words, this needs to be a
meaningful sacrifice. This ability can also be used for background color with
"generic" NPCs, but when absorbing the injury is of dramatic significance, a
consequence is the appropriate way to think of the nature of the sacrifice
made.
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Lucretia turns her gaze to Caine tranquilly. "By your leave, your highness, I
will now assist in tending for your son."
Erasmus stirs, eyes moving wildly under his eyelids before they open.
Gerard looks to Ris and nods. "Now that was bravely done." He glances at
Cosimo. "I'll leave you to arrange for your kinsman's tending, your Grace."
Saul comes here from the direction of the Hallway - Golden Goose Inn - Amber
City.
Saul has arrived.
Caine steps past Gerard to cross the room to where Ris now lays. "Actually,
brother, I believe I will attend to my son personally. A bit of drink will do
him well."
Gerard nods. "Sure, sure."
Emma's expression turns a bit sad, as she watches Ris take on Erasmus's
injuries. Still, she takes a step forward, peeking at Erasmus as best she can
without crouching.
Cosimo ignores Gerard as his attention is focused upon Ris. He says, "Guards,
come here. I will need your arms." He checks Ris' vitals, opens his eyes and
looks in to them, et cetera.
Saul nods to his brother as he enters and stands to the side of the door as if
he were willing to wait.
Erasmus moves to push himself up, looking briefly considers until he sees Ris's
sprawled form. He sits up, a hand going to his intact jaw, before he seeks
out Gerard through the people clustered around.
Elijah heads to Cosimo to assist.
Gerard buckles his belt and adjusts the set of his cutlass. "Drinks sound like
a great idea." He notices Erasmus approaching and waits.
Raphaela rises and starts to move towards the door.
Erasmus nods respectfully to the Prince, and that seems to be that.
Caine bides a time to allow Cosimo to examine the fallen Ris. In the interim he
says aloud. "You should head back to the Palace, Commander. I am sure the
Hounds and the staff will be eager to thank you personally for having brought
them all to my most /detailed/ attention. It is possible that even the Prince
Regent will wish to express gratitude."
Cosimo looks up and over his shoulder toward Caine, "Your highness, your son's
jaw is broken. And he is likely concussed. He will not be drinking anything
tonight until we tend to him."
Gerard returns the nod, then clasps Caine, and then Julian on the arm, each in
turn. "I'll be in the Palace if you need me. Good to see you, Julian."
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma waits. Poor Erasmus.
Erasmus nods, looking to Emma with a smile before moving to stand. "I welcome
your efforts to improve the execution of my oath, Prince Caine. Thank you."
Saul's attention shifts to Raphaela, who may nor may not notice. He inches a
little down the wall (away from the door) and keeps track of her movements as
if he has never seen a woman in pants before this-well, at least not those
pants.
Lucretia moves to kneel opposite Cosimo, looking down at Ris with a judicious
gaze.
Caine nods to Cosimo. "When it is necessary I will carry him, the guards will
not be needed."
Julian nods to Gerard. "You still owe me a conversation with your son, Gerard,
in case you have forgotten."
Raphaela blinks at Saul, she stares back at him as if he wears a dress.
Gerard says, "Oh, actually I did speak with him about that. It wasn't him."
Gerard says, "He said that he's tried it before, but it knocked him clean out.
He doesn't have the strength for it."
Elijah glances from Raphaela to Saul and rolls his eyes.
Julian nods to Gerard. "I see. Thank you. It would have been more useful sooner
but it's something. Thank you."
To Emma, Erasmus says, "Sorry you had to witness that, it wasn't the
fascinating swordplay I was expecting to experience."
Erasmus mutters to Emma, "... it... was expecting... experience."
Raphaela offers her hand to Saul fluidly, "Raphaela de Sorgo."
Saul grins slightly, and tries to duck his attention away from her. His face is
red and looks very much like someone who either didn't want or didn't think
he would get caught looking at Raphaela's pants.
Gerard nods. "Why did you think it was him, anyhow? And hey, I'd like to know
who can bridge the damn thing, myself. Seems a useful trick."
Cosimo looks up to Elijah as he approaches, "Captain, are you the only Guard
present? We'll need another."
Emma says, simply, "Commander, if you are on your way to the palace, would you
be so kind as to escort me out?"
Julian says, "I'm merely going to known suspects, lacking other information,
Gerard. The more I learn the more curious it is. We'll talk another time
about it."
Saul mutters something to Raphaela.
Lucretia gently places a hand on Ris' forehead, looking to Cosimo. "Father,
might I propose something?"
Gerard nods. "I look forward to it."
Elijah snaps in Saul's direction. "Saul, front and center."
Erasmus smiles to Emma, nodding. "Let me grab my rapier." He steps over to the
chair, belting the weapon back on as he returns to the Lady. He offers his
elbow, smiling politely.
Cosimo looks over to Lucretia, "Yes?"
Emma tucks her arm into Erasmus's, pausing to drop a graceful little curtsey to
the royalty gathered, then allows herself to be escorted out.
Saul jerks up sharply, his head turning toward his brother, "Who gave you the
Chain-" then sees more of what is going on in the room, including Cosimo.
Still he does not move immediately toward his brother.
Raphaela offers a nod and a smile to the pair leaving.
Erasmus also inclines his torso to the royals, even Prince Caine, and escorts
Emma out.
Lucretia leaves her hand resting on Ris' forehead as she looks up to Cosimo.
"If I may suggest, father, I realize it is a rather novel idea," she tells
him tranquilly, "but perhaps we could attempt to use an apportionment
procedure as per the simplex rule of injurious command, interim processing as
per standard output for thirds?"
Exit
Erasmus has already arrived, and stands far from the doors, arms crossed and
rapier hanging at his side. The room seems to have been prepared a bit prior,
as the furniture is moved away from an open space, as jumble of chairs and
tables ringing the area.
Lucretia arrives in due course, moving leisurely and looking rather - detached
- from the entire proceedings.
Elijah was already there, in the far corner of the room, lurking.
Ris wanders in, seeming distracted. His gaze is unfocused, and he might be
muttering under his breath.
Ris walks across the room, to lean lightly against a wall.
Erasmus looks to Lucretia, a bit somber himself, then to Ris, who is obviously
on a trump call. He goes back to watching the far wall thoughtfully.
Lucretia mutters something under her breath about cell phones and moves to find
herself a seat. She nods politely to those present, draping herself across a
chair.
Elijah offers a sketchy bow, but he stays where he is. He leans against the
wall, arms crossed.
Ris nods, still muttering under his breath.
Ris looks up. He mutters something.
Lucretia straightens up and crosses her legs idly. She reaches into her
reticule, taking out a book.
Cosimo enters from the west.
Cosimo has arrived.
Erasmus slides a look at Lucretia, regarding her with a puzzled expression.
Elijah is in the far corner of the room, leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
Erasmus nods to the Duke has he enters, then looks to Ris having his
conversation. And waits.
Lucretia looks up, offering Erasmus a demure smile and then the same to her
father, then returns her attention to her book.
Raphaela enters from the west.
Raphaela has arrived.
Privately, to Lucretia, Erasmus seems to be somewhat keyed up, though it's
expected. He meets eyes and that's about it.
Ris holds his hand out to the air.
Gerard appears suddenly, grasping Ris's hand.
Gerard has arrived.
Lucretia turns a page in the book open on her lap.
Ris looks to the air again.
Erasmus blinks as Prince Gerard appears in a shower of sparks.
Elijah watches, his gaze general. He does not focus on anyone specifically.
Ris says, "Good..."
Gerard claps Ris on the arm and then takes a moment to get his bearings.
Emma enters from the west.
Emma has arrived.
Lucretia looks up from her book, and runs her fingers back through her hair,
offering a faint smile to Gerard. "Your highness."
Erasmus stands at the opposite end of things, dressed simply and wearing a
rapier. He's starting to look very amused, and is watching Ris with this
interested expression. "Highness," he greets.
Cosimo purses his lips.
Ris laughs into the air, "He... come now?"
Caine appears suddenly, grasping Ris's hand.
Caine has arrived.
Ris holds his hand to the air again.
Erasmus's amusement turns into a twitching smile.
Cosimo walks unhurriedly toward Ris and now Caine and Gerard.
Raphaela slithers in the ball room soundlessly, and while everybody is too busy
takes a seat beside Lucretia.
Caine appears grasping hands with Ris, a card in his other hand. "What a lovely
way to spend a few hours. Of course I will come."
Erasmus unfolds his arms from his chest and gives Prince Caine a little bow,
looking back to Ris questioningly.
Emma pokes her head into the ballroom, with something less than subtlety. Her
brows lift just slightly, and she steps all the way in, with unabashed
curiosity.
Elijah curiosity is piqued. He slinks around the side of the wall towards
Lucretia and finds a seat somewhere near her after flashing her a smile.
Lucretia closes her book, sliding it back into her reticule as people
increasingly turn up. Elijah receives a small smile, then Raphaela. "Lady
Raphaela," she murmurs. "Hello."
"Anymore, Said Lord?" Erasmus calls to Ris, voice echoing in the cleared space.
He seems in no great hurry, though glances to Emma as she walks in.
Gerard sheds his coat and swordbelt, handing them to Caine.
Cosimo looks at Ris and then to Gerard and Caine. And then back to Ris. He
raises his left brow at Ris.
Raphaela nods to both Lucretia and Elijah who she doesn't know. She remains
silent, folding her legs idly as she leans back in her seat, pale eyes
focusing on the event before them.
Cosimo's hands are clasped behind his back.
Caine takes the coat and slides it over his shoulder before putting setting the
blade to lean against his leg. His hand moves to stow away one care and
replace it with another. "We have another brother wishing to see the sport. I
will see to his arrival."
Lucretia performs brief introductions, glancing up at the arrivals.
Privately, to Erasmus, Lucretia's gaze is particularly intent; but she seems
slightly displeased about something which is not apparent.
Ris glances at Cosimo.
Erasmus looks nonplussed at the guests, and stays where he is, watching for the
third.
Caine stands in the ballroom of the golden goose with Gerard's coat thrown of
his shoulder and Gerard's sword leaning against his hip.
Cosimo looks over to Caine and says, "If your highnesses wish to observe, I
present no objection."
Gerard rumbles, "So. Are we here to look pretty, or are we going to get to it?"
Gerard says, "Because if it's pretty, I've already won."
Cosimo looks over to Gerard, purses his lips, and then looks to Ris, "Or do you
posit more, Cousin?"
Erasmus laughs aloud, drawing his rapier and testing the balance absently.
Lucretia laughs at that, blowing a kiss to Gerard. "Your highness, if you wish
to argue /that/ point, I shall be happy to challenge you. You may win the
talent competition, but I think I shall carry away the swimsuit section."
Caine extends a hand to the air. "Yes, brother, would you care to join us to
watch the evening's events unfold?"
Emma glances to Erasmus briefly, before she makes her way toward a seat that's
none too far from Raphaela et al. Gerard's words give her cause to smirk, but
she refrains from any comment.
Raphaela chuckles at Lucretia's words, refocusing her eyes on the main event.
Ris glances to Cosimo, "Prince Julian wished also to join us."
Raphaela also waves to Emma and gestures her over.
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma's regard of the Commander is brief, but steady,
encouragement flickering through bright irises.
Gerard says, "Swimsuit, you say. I might have to challenge you to that just for
the joy of losing."
Elijah sits back down after greeting Raphaela.
Erasmus smiles easily to Emma, his earlier somber mood having apparently
evaporated.
Caine says, "Why thank you. I am rather proud of him."
Lucretia retorts to Gerard demurely, "Only if we place a wager first, Prince
Gerard. I do so enjoy an easy win."
Gerard says, "And I enjoy an easy victor."
Julian appears suddenly, grasping Caine's hand.
Julian has arrived.
Lucretia laughs. "I have been described as many things, but easy?" She clicks
her tongue, looking mischievous. "You are welcome to try and discover."
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma also might just seem a little smug at the mention
of a prettiness contest. She continues to refrain from comment.
Caine greets Julian with a ready grin. "It is just these moments that make
wonderful family memories."
Emma settles into a chair, her expression largely amused.
Raphaela's fingers press down the chuckle on her lips again. She seems amused
too.
Gerard grins. "So, gang's all here then? We can get started?"
Julian smiles to Caine, "Indeed. Almost a perfect family moment."
Erasmus inspects his rapier with the casual air of someone giving it the usual
cleaning and care.
Cosimo turns from Ris to regard Caine, Julian, and Gerard. He says, "Your
highnesses." He smiles. He nods a last to Julian. He then looks to Ris and
asks, as a straight man should, "And who is your champion, Lord Chiarrisimo?"
Gerard grunts, as he stretches, "That'd be me."
Ris now turns to Cosimo, "May I present the champion of my blood, my uncle
Gerard?"
Lucretia's eyebrows lift sharply, and she is suddenly not paying so much
attention to introductions.
Cosimo raises his left eyebrow, starkly at Ris. He eyes Gerard. Then eyes Ris
again. Then Gerard. Then Ris again, to whom he asks, "Dare I question who
your father is, my lord?"
Raphaela smiles at Elijah, nods, then looks towards Ris and Gerard, her face
usually non readable.
Julian inclines his head to Cosimo in greeting as he was greeted but given Ris'
answer and then Gerard's, he merely smiles a little.
Erasmus finishes his inspection of the blade and pivots to face Gerard,
assembling a serious expression. He seems unconcerned about the lineage of
Ris.
Caine's grin is as sharp as the dagger at his belt. "His father is his royal
highness Prince Caine of Amber, of course."
Raphaela tilts her head, her jaw managing not to clink on the floor.
Lucretia murmurs something to those with whom she's seated, then settles back
in her seat, posture perfect and a faint smile twitching, ill-suppressed, at
the corners of her mouth.
Ris slants a gaze at Caine, half a smile appearing, then returns to regard
Cosimo. "It would seem that question has been answered for me, your Grace. My
family was most alarmed at the recent behaviour of the commander and his
guards, and had interest in witnessing these procedings."
Erasmus lifts a hand to Gerard, telling him, "I have something to say before we
begin, Highness," in case Gerard were of the opinion that a quick attack
helped odds.
Emma looks on silently, though her lips do purse briefly.
Gerard, for his part, is unarmed and does not seem set up to attack. He tucks
thumbs into his belt and waits.
Cosimo's left eyebrow settles as he regards Ris, his lips thinning in to a
smile. He says, "I see." He then turns to regard Caine and asks, "Would I be
presuming to inquire as to whether you are making a formal acknowledgement of
Lord Chiarissimo de'Mandrake as your son?"
Erasmus studies Gerard, and re-sheathes his rapier, before unbuckling the
swordbelt and stepping to set it on a nearby chair. He returns to his spot,
shaking his wrists out.
Caine addresses Cosimo even as the card he used to contact Julian is placed
away within his garments. "You may of course inquire. Though it strikes me
that such discussions are best pursued after the duel is resolved. It should
serve enough that I attest formally that /Ris/ is my son a statement to which
his mother will readily bear witness."
Gerard grins. "Always were a quick study, Erasmus." He approaches the man, hand
extended. By the tilt of his head, it's clear he wants to exchange a few
words.
Caine's smile sparks brightly as he adds. "I am sure she remembers the events
involved quite clearly."
Raphaela grins a bit.
Erasmus looks curious, taking Gerard's extended hand.
Privately, Gerard shakes the hand firmly. "Blood and friendship, what can you
do, eh?"
Muttering to Erasmus, Gerard shakes the hand firmly. "... friendship, what...
do,..."
To Gerard, Erasmus shakes his head. "Oaths and honor, this. We'll see."
Muttering to Gerard, Erasmus shakes his head. "Oaths... honor, this. We'll see."
Emma's expression remains grave, her hands folding in her lap as she looks on.
Gerard nods and claps Erasmus on the shoulder, companionably before moving back
several paces.
Ris remains still, watching now.
Cosimo says in a mannered fashion, "Yes, she is one to remember such things."
He pauses, "Thank you, your highness." He then turns to regard Gerard and
Erasmus. And when there is a pause to their introductions, he says loud
enough to cross the distance, "I am the judge of this duel." He looks between
Ris, Gerard, and Erasmus, now. And he seems set to continue.
Raphaela leans forwards arms folded on her folded knees.
Ris inclines his head, slanting his gaze to Cosimo.
Erasmus takes a breath, before addressing Gerard. "I'll be brief, Highness,
guests. This match was prompted by the challenger's degrading of my four
hundred years of service to your father, King Oberon. As such, to me this
contest carries grave significance. And as such, due to my oath of service
and protection, I simply cannot raise arms or fist against one of his sons."
He resettles on his feet. "To incapacitation then, Highness. I won't fight
back."
Lucretia is silent, watching the groupings with intent interest.
Julian nods to Ris.
Caine says flatly. "I see. Your courage lasts only so long as you are insulting
and striking my son when you are not aware he is related. When it comes to
facing a warrior you lack the equipment for the task."
Emma's features draw into a deep frown, and she quite visibly bites her tongue.
Cosimo he says, "Hold, then." He turns to Ris. "This is a matter of honor. As
the challenged, do you see grounds to provide satisfaction to the honor of
Lord Erasmus short of the floor of the duel?"
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma is just barely restraining interjecting her opinion.
Erasmus remains focused on Prince Gerard, his brother's words falling on deaf
ears.
Gerard scratches his chin, quizically, considering Erasmus before shooting
Caine a warning look. He waits for Cosimo and Ris to have their talk.
Julian remains silent, merely watching the proceedings, a small sardonic smile
upon his lips.
Nearby, Erasmus seems eerily serene, after having just submitted himself to a
beatdown.
Raphaela remains in her folded up pose, watching.
Ris quirks a brow at Erasmus's speech. He turns to Cosimo at the query, "My
cousin has an interesting way of twisting the words of his recollection. In
responce to his copious insults across multiple occasions, I questioned his
service to the House of Mandrake, and indeed, stated explicitly that his
service to the Crown was never in doubt."
Lucretia is at least feeling no urge to take her book back out of her reticule.
She does not speak nor otherwise act to interrupt the drama unfolding,
expression interested but ruminative.
Gerard waves a hand. "Look, the duel's on, we don't need to question why it's
here." He chews on his lip. "Ris, fair to say you owe me one for this, right?
Do me a favor in payment?"
Julian says, "In fact, brother Gerard, these *are* the proper forms despite
your eagerness to commence."
Erasmus speaks up, "The terms were agreed to, I see no reason to change because
of what I have said."
Elijah is quiet and curious. He is mainly studying Cosimo.
Gerard says, "It's not the beginning I'm rushing towards."
Nearby, Gerard looks pretty clearly unhappy with the entire affair.
Cosimo says to Ris and says, "Your... uncle... has the meat of the matter,
nonetheless. In the matter of honor, see you means or cause to achieve
satisfaction short of the floor of the duel?"
Ris turns to Cosimo, and inclines his head. "Certainly. You were the advocate
of this duel, your Grace, I merely complied. I will accept an apology in
front of all assembled for his insults, and will trade his sucker punch to my
jaw for a prepared punch to his from my champion."
Nearby, Gerard snorts, amused. "Like that's going to happen."
Erasmus says simply, "No apology."
Nearby, Erasmus looks, briefly, bemused, but quickly goes sober again.
Gerard says, "So. We're on, then. Before we get going, Ris, I need that favor."
Cosimo turns his regard to Erasmus and says across the space between them, "So,
Lord Erasmus, I take it then that your challenge stands unretracted. Is their
aught that you see as a resolution of honor short of the floor of the duel?"
Erasmus shakes his head in the negative to Duke Mandrake. "I accepted the terms
of the duel as agreed, and it will proceed." He watches Gerard curiously.
Nearby, Gerard says, "Should have made this duel a poetry reading for all the
chatting going on."
Ris looks to Gerard, "Of course, uncle."
Nearby, Erasmus's mouth twitches.
Muttering to Ris, Gerard nods and steps closer to Ris, to murmur something
quietly. "Once... done,... heal... loser.... take... wounds onto... That
way... be... here."
Cosimo declares, "So be it." He looks between Gerard and Erasmus and says, "The
duel is to incapacity or acquiescence. Death inflicts loss and dishonor upon
the person wielding the blow." A pause. "Do these terms remain acceptable.
Your highness? My lord?"
Gerard says, simply, "Yup."
Erasmus sounds a little impatient. "Aye, they're still fine."
Cosimo says, "Then, to the ready..."
Nearby, Erasmus gets that look of acceptance that says he knows this is gunna
sting a little.
Muttering to Gerard, Caine clears his throat and then comments to his brother.
"... words... your... brother. He... my son... returned he... a... His...
of... to... because his victim... more..."
Erasmus readies by, apparently, standing still with his arms by his sides. He
regards Gerard somberly.
Gerard flashes a grin at Caine. "If you think welcoming my fist with his chin
is the act of a coward, then maybe you've forgotten what sort of guest my
fist can be."
Cosimo remarks to Gerard, "To the ready, your highness."
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma gives a look in the Commander's direction that is
replete with sympathy.
Caine says, "I'm well aware of it. But he handles his pain and his wounds
/HIMSELF/. It may remind him that striking diplomats and others because he
/assumes/ them to be weaker than he is unacceptable in a guardsman."
Gerard shakes his head. "I know what you want from this Caine, and it'll
happen, believe me. I understand it, I'm behind it. But I'm the one in the
ring here, and Ris is the challenged. This one you got've got to leave to us."
Erasmus looks disinclined to banter, especially since he's not being talked to.
Privately, to Emma, Erasmus looks... resigned. He knows this is going to hurt
quite a bit.
Muttering to Gerard, Ris pauses to regard Gerard, surprise flickering across
his features. He pauses as Caine speaks, then glances back to Gerard, "...
agrees,... your... and... I... great... I... display... his..."
Gerard nods to Ris. "Good enough for me." He steps back into the space that
might serve as a ring. "Here we go, then."
Erasmus nods, standing ready to help a one-sided fight.
Nearby, Gerard says, "You have a good side you want to keep pretty?"
Cosimo says, "Very well... commence."
Nearby, Erasmus deadpans, "My ass, Highness." He fights down a grin.
Caine seems thoughtful, his attention only half upon the fight as the other
half is cast into the nether realm behind his gaze.
Gerard laughs out loud at something said between the two fighters. He nods and
steps forward, his mass torqued to align behind his fist. He lets loose a
brutal right cross aimed to catch Erasmus on the chin and snap his head hard
to one side.
Emma winces, though she doesn't look away.
Julian watches impassively.
Lucretia does not react, watching with a thoughtful expression.
Erasmus, not being inclined to do anything to counter the power, absorb it or
duck, fights down the impulse to do all three and takes the massive blow
where it's intended. The force of it snaps his head back, spinning him off
his feet to land like a deadweight on the floor, several feet away.
Raphaela is still having her usual look on the face.
Raphaela mutters simply "Ouch."
Cosimo barks, "Hold!" Though his face is stoic. He then begins to take steps
toward Erasmus. Not running, but quick.
Gerard tucks his thumbs into his belt and doesn't seem inclined to land any
further blows.
Lucretia rises to her feet unhurriedly, seeming to be waiting for something.
Privately, to Cosimo, Erasmus is, when you get there, out cold. His jaw also
could be broken.
Cosimo kneels down next to Erasmus and does a perfunctory examination, it
seems. Without looking up, he says, "Lord Chiarissimo is the victor." A
pause. "Lucretia," he calls.
Caine says something softly and then raises his voice to the rest of the room.
"Hold."
Gerard holds up a hand to Lucretia. "Hold on there, sassy britches. I think Ris
has got this one in his magnanimous hands."
"Hold," Ris says to Cosimo, echoing Caine. "My uncle's terms for this duel have
not been fulfilled." He walks unhurredly toward the fallen Erasmus.
Lucretia moves to join Cosimo, expression impassive and unsurprised. She then
stops again as Caine speaks, her eyebrows going up and mouth twisting
humourously at Gerard. She places a hand on her waist, but doesn't step
forward or back.
Raphaela grins, stretching as she leans back, remaining silent.
Emma gathers herself to her feet, though she doesn't move from her spot right
in front of her chair.
Gerard wanders back to collect his coat and belt from Caine.
Cosimo takes a moment to look over his shoulder and says, "With respect, the
duel is over. Lord Chiarissimo is won. The terms of honor are met." A pause.
"Also, with respect. This is my house, and if you do not mind, I will set
about taking care of our cousin." He says to Lucretia, "Here, please."
Gerard coughs. "Please, your Grace. If you let Ris do what he's trying to do,
your House only gains. Roll with us on this one."
Caine's distraction ends. "Ris will be the attending physician. The others will
not be needed."
Ris regards Cosimo calmly as he arrives near Erasmus. He drops into a kneel
beside the commander, resting his hand upon the fallen form if not prevented.
"I have already shown the Lord Erasmus mercy, with my choice of champion. But
for the sake of my uncle, I will go a step further."
Cosimo places his attention upon Ris as he, too, remains kneeling next to
Erasmus.
Lucretia moves forward unhurriedly, but makes no move to act. "I am sure that
Lord Ris will not object to my being present as an observer. However, I cede
action to him as the princes wish."
Emma seems to fret where she stands for a moment, then makes her way over
toward Erasmus as well. She says nothing, but simply approaches as if she has
every right to be there. She does not seem inclined to interrupt, either.
Muttering to Gerard, Caine hands the items back over to his brother. "... trust
you... aware... happens... the... to... his..."
Erasmus lays as fallen, his face looking a bit odd after the blow. Fortunately,
it's not his good side.
Gerard mutters to Caine, "We'll talk about... later. And... talk..."
Ris regards Erasmus now, murmuring to Cosimo, "I am a healer, your Grace, not a
soldier. And so I will heal." And then he quiets. THe dark, deep bruise
already spreading across Erasmus's jaw then begins to fade. Several moments
later, it reappears in a sudden rush in an identical place upon Ris. He jerks
back, then it is Ris sprawled unconscious across the floor.
RPG: Ris declares that he has the Absorb Injury (LIF-AI) gift:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This character can voluntarily take another person's mundane injury (a wound,
broken bone, etc.) upon himself, or enable another volunteer to do so;
everyone must be close enough to touch. The injury is essentially transferred
from the injured person to the volunteer. The transfer is not instantaneous,
but it only takes a few seconds, no longer than a minute at most, with more
extensive injuries taking longer to transfer. Once started, the transfer
cannot be stopped through interruption. This in no way mitigates the amount
of agony involved, or the potential lethality of the injury.
The transfer must be consequential, from a story perspective. Likely, this
means one PC taking an injury consequence on behalf of the victim. However,
an NPC can also absorb an injury on behalf of a PC or NPC victim, as long as
this results in a consequence to a PC; in other words, this needs to be a
meaningful sacrifice. This ability can also be used for background color with
"generic" NPCs, but when absorbing the injury is of dramatic significance, a
consequence is the appropriate way to think of the nature of the sacrifice
made.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucretia turns her gaze to Caine tranquilly. "By your leave, your highness, I
will now assist in tending for your son."
Erasmus stirs, eyes moving wildly under his eyelids before they open.
Gerard looks to Ris and nods. "Now that was bravely done." He glances at
Cosimo. "I'll leave you to arrange for your kinsman's tending, your Grace."
Saul comes here from the direction of the Hallway - Golden Goose Inn - Amber
City.
Saul has arrived.
Caine steps past Gerard to cross the room to where Ris now lays. "Actually,
brother, I believe I will attend to my son personally. A bit of drink will do
him well."
Gerard nods. "Sure, sure."
Emma's expression turns a bit sad, as she watches Ris take on Erasmus's
injuries. Still, she takes a step forward, peeking at Erasmus as best she can
without crouching.
Cosimo ignores Gerard as his attention is focused upon Ris. He says, "Guards,
come here. I will need your arms." He checks Ris' vitals, opens his eyes and
looks in to them, et cetera.
Saul nods to his brother as he enters and stands to the side of the door as if
he were willing to wait.
Erasmus moves to push himself up, looking briefly considers until he sees Ris's
sprawled form. He sits up, a hand going to his intact jaw, before he seeks
out Gerard through the people clustered around.
Elijah heads to Cosimo to assist.
Gerard buckles his belt and adjusts the set of his cutlass. "Drinks sound like
a great idea." He notices Erasmus approaching and waits.
Raphaela rises and starts to move towards the door.
Erasmus nods respectfully to the Prince, and that seems to be that.
Caine bides a time to allow Cosimo to examine the fallen Ris. In the interim he
says aloud. "You should head back to the Palace, Commander. I am sure the
Hounds and the staff will be eager to thank you personally for having brought
them all to my most /detailed/ attention. It is possible that even the Prince
Regent will wish to express gratitude."
Cosimo looks up and over his shoulder toward Caine, "Your highness, your son's
jaw is broken. And he is likely concussed. He will not be drinking anything
tonight until we tend to him."
Gerard returns the nod, then clasps Caine, and then Julian on the arm, each in
turn. "I'll be in the Palace if you need me. Good to see you, Julian."
Privately, to Erasmus, Emma waits. Poor Erasmus.
Erasmus nods, looking to Emma with a smile before moving to stand. "I welcome
your efforts to improve the execution of my oath, Prince Caine. Thank you."
Saul's attention shifts to Raphaela, who may nor may not notice. He inches a
little down the wall (away from the door) and keeps track of her movements as
if he has never seen a woman in pants before this-well, at least not those
pants.
Lucretia moves to kneel opposite Cosimo, looking down at Ris with a judicious
gaze.
Caine nods to Cosimo. "When it is necessary I will carry him, the guards will
not be needed."
Julian nods to Gerard. "You still owe me a conversation with your son, Gerard,
in case you have forgotten."
Raphaela blinks at Saul, she stares back at him as if he wears a dress.
Gerard says, "Oh, actually I did speak with him about that. It wasn't him."
Gerard says, "He said that he's tried it before, but it knocked him clean out.
He doesn't have the strength for it."
Elijah glances from Raphaela to Saul and rolls his eyes.
Julian nods to Gerard. "I see. Thank you. It would have been more useful sooner
but it's something. Thank you."
To Emma, Erasmus says, "Sorry you had to witness that, it wasn't the
fascinating swordplay I was expecting to experience."
Erasmus mutters to Emma, "... it... was expecting... experience."
Raphaela offers her hand to Saul fluidly, "Raphaela de Sorgo."
Saul grins slightly, and tries to duck his attention away from her. His face is
red and looks very much like someone who either didn't want or didn't think
he would get caught looking at Raphaela's pants.
Gerard nods. "Why did you think it was him, anyhow? And hey, I'd like to know
who can bridge the damn thing, myself. Seems a useful trick."
Cosimo looks up to Elijah as he approaches, "Captain, are you the only Guard
present? We'll need another."
Emma says, simply, "Commander, if you are on your way to the palace, would you
be so kind as to escort me out?"
Julian says, "I'm merely going to known suspects, lacking other information,
Gerard. The more I learn the more curious it is. We'll talk another time
about it."
Saul mutters something to Raphaela.
Lucretia gently places a hand on Ris' forehead, looking to Cosimo. "Father,
might I propose something?"
Gerard nods. "I look forward to it."
Elijah snaps in Saul's direction. "Saul, front and center."
Erasmus smiles to Emma, nodding. "Let me grab my rapier." He steps over to the
chair, belting the weapon back on as he returns to the Lady. He offers his
elbow, smiling politely.
Cosimo looks over to Lucretia, "Yes?"
Emma tucks her arm into Erasmus's, pausing to drop a graceful little curtsey to
the royalty gathered, then allows herself to be escorted out.
Saul jerks up sharply, his head turning toward his brother, "Who gave you the
Chain-" then sees more of what is going on in the room, including Cosimo.
Still he does not move immediately toward his brother.
Raphaela offers a nod and a smile to the pair leaving.
Erasmus also inclines his torso to the royals, even Prince Caine, and escorts
Emma out.
Lucretia leaves her hand resting on Ris' forehead as she looks up to Cosimo.
"If I may suggest, father, I realize it is a rather novel idea," she tells
him tranquilly, "but perhaps we could attempt to use an apportionment
procedure as per the simplex rule of injurious command, interim processing as
per standard output for thirds?"
Exit