Ghosts of Gauntcliff IC: Chapter 1

[Rock of the Fraternity]

(OOC: Please note: Everline's carefree speech ends the very moment Juergin shows up, as does her smiling. See IC text.)

"This is Madame Everline of...well...I'm guessing Paridon by the accent, but I don't believe I was every properly told your homeland."

Everline lightly cuffs the back of Benn's head. In truth, it is not all that painful, and her merry grin makes it clear that there is no ill feeling behind the gesture. "That's mademoiselle, thanks ever so ever. I ain't married, an' I'm not some maiden aunt doin' embroidery whilst watchin' the grass grow, neither. An' I'm from blessed, cursed ole Dementlieu, not Paridon."

"Benn's not the only one who's been busy, it seems," he told Everline. "I hardly recognize you these days; you look too much like a proper lady! What horrors you must have experienced in your travels to affect that change."

When Everline arrives, he has to spend quite a while to make sure she is the same girl he had know a year earlier.

"Miss Everline? Why... you look so different, so... grown-up?"

Everline puts a gloved finger to her lips and winks exaggeratedly. "Shhh! I'm in character, ain't I?"
Her voice slips into the crisp, haughty tones of High Mordentish: "Mselle Vaughn, agent for the esteemed Mordentshire Travelers and Entrepeneurs Society, here to view and tour the Gauntcliff Spa as part of her duties in compiling notes for the MTES' most recent travelogue masterpiece."
Everline returns to speaking Low Mordentish: "Don' give me away to our hosts or the staff, arright? Posh people go to spas, so I haveta see what kind'a treatment someone posh gets. Wanted to let you all know wot's wot, though, so's you don' think I'm possessed, crazy or snooty all'a sudden."

Charlotte shakes Everline's hand, and allows the woman to shake Jonas' wee hand.

''Well, it's good we are all together in such a lovely place. I look forward to enjoying this holiday without, you know, madmen or criminals trying to kill my husband...Or me. Benn's line of work gets him tangled up in all sorts of messes. I guess you know that. "

"Good grip, lad!" Everline compliments little Jonas -- then tickles him under his chin. "Well, missus, if'n you're feelin' a bit leery of anythin' an' yer ole ball an' chain ain't around, you feel free ta come see me. I'll do me best fer ya."

At this point Juergin arrives, and all of a sudden, Everline's face is devoid of expression, her chin rises a sharp inch and her eyes grow cold.

[Adam]

"Deiner lifetimes of ten men? Vutt do you mean by dat? Ah......... you are tellink me dat basically vimmin can drive a man
crazy?" He purses his lips and continues what he thinks is his own personal revelation to the mysteries of women, due to just the short sentence Petrie has told him. He would learn, oh yes, he would learn. "Ja, dis bears more studying unt practice, Petrie. Is dere some way I can practice with a woman?," he asks innocently.

His eyes have now left Everline and he scans the other passengers. His eyes rove those on the deck. His eyes narrow as he spots Benn, his interest in Everline forgotten for now. Looking hard, just to make sure, a smile appears on his lips. "Petrie. A Lamordian man. Over dere!" He points at Benn, oblivious to the rudeness of the gesture. He walks across the deck to where Benn is with his family and friends. He clears his throat and speaks to Benn in rapid Lamordian.

"Verzeihen Sie mir, Sir. Ich bin Juergin Zwygart von Leudendorf. Welche Stadt bist du?
Wie ist Ihr Name? Ich bin so froh, ein Kerl Lamordian gerecht zu werden. Oh, wow, haben Sie
einen Sohn! Was ist sein Name? Ist das deine Frau? Sind diese Menschen Ihrer Familie? ich bin
Leider forbeing so nach vorne, aber ich weiß nicht erfüllen viele Lamordians in meinen Reisen. "

Benn's eyes narrow and, in somewhat halting Lamordian, he returns "Indeed, it has been a long time for me as well. Perhaps longer for you, however, as it would appear the good manners of our homeland are lost to you," He then reverts back to common. "I am Bennedict Gehrman. Is there something I can do for you, young man?"

As a separate response, he answers to Eustace, "My feelings on matters of spirituality are not a secret, Brother Eustace, but I assure you that when he is old enough, Jonas will be free to make up his own mind."

[Ken of Ghastria]

Primeiro watches Everline move over to the small group of passengers, and then he continues observing quietly for the next minute. Although he can't hear the conversation -- well, aside from the excited burst of Lamordian from the boy who just ran up to one of the men -- it's obvious that several of them are acquainted. That's interesting. A coincidence? The lovely Everline didn't seem to expect their presence.

Visually backtracking the boy's path across the deck, he spies a very large man in a kilt -- a kilt! -- wearing leather armor, with an appropriately large sword strapped to his back. He doesn't look like someone who would typically seek out a spa, but appearances are often deceiving. Moving across to the man, Primeiro says, "Good day to you, monsieur. Here to sample Gauntcliff's supposedly relaxing services, I take it? Ah. Excuse my manners. I am Primeiro d'Pirozzi." He extends his hand as he looks at a spot above Petrie's eyes. "And that, sir, is a magnificent hat."

[steveflam]

Benn's eyes narrow and, in somewhat halting Lamordian, he returns "Indeed, it has been a long time for me as well. Perhaps longer for you, however, as it would appear the good manners of our homeland are lost to you," He then reverts back to common. "I am Bennedict Gehrman. Is there something I can do for you, young man?"

As a separate response, he answers to Eustace, "My feelings on matters of spirituality are not a secret, Brother Eustace, but I assure you that when he is old enough, Jonas will be free to make up his own mind."

Juergin blushes a fierce red, realizing he has in fact been rude. The blushing is not all due to the fact he was rude, but also to being so close to Everline. He gasps...... his mouth opens ........ muttering something unintelligible, somewhat tongue tied. He quickly gathers his wits and replies to Benn. "I am sorry, Mr Gehrman. I am indeed rude and apologize to you and your family and friends. I just am excited to be arriving here at Gauntcliff. I usually see only Lamordian sailors, unt you are deiner first who is not a sailor. I just wanted to say hello to a fellow countryman. Please, enjoy your stay on the island. I hope to meet you under less embarassing circumstances, mein Herr." He looks at everyone else and nods, uttering "Sorry," before turning and heading back to Petrie.

He sees the man next to Petrie and not wanting to intrude too much, moves next to Petrie and looks out to the island. He exhales a breath of relief, happy under the circumstances how his first encounter has gone with strangers. He felt a bit like a fool for acting so rash. All in all, a learning experience.

[PathOfDreams]

Petrie extends a massive hand, which despite his youth is mottled with the scares and calluses of a long time swordsman. "Aye laddy, tis a pleasure. I am called Petrie MacLugash." He releases Primeiro's' hand and briefly turns his head toward the island. "I do intend to relax a bit, can't remember last when I was afforded the time to really let go. Truly that is but one note of the song for which I will sing upon that mass of rock. These are new waters to me and I shall make time to explore them."

Petrie stoops to grab a long spear which was laid along the rail. As it is extended upward to rest with its end on the deck, Petrie admires the business end now a head above his own. Its spearhead is made of a long bone with barbs protruding from every bit of its foot long length. "See 'ere then, I be a fisherman of sorts. I can only imagine what monsters prowl beneath these waves. You see I am 'ere for adventure as well. Seems I can't escape it since I was but a wee lad."

Petrie relents his introduction to inquire of the man before him. "Where is it then that you hail from my friend? I see your poker there," as he nods to Primeiro's rapier "I imagine you yourself are no stranger to adventure."

[ewancummins]

As Juergin walks away, Charlotte calls to him-

''Oh, it's alright, boy! Don't be scared off by my husband. "
She smiles sweetly at Benn and says to him-

''The boy is obviously just excited to see one of his countrymen. He's young, and has been traveling with a bunch of rough sailors; I'm not surprised his good manners have slipped a bit."

[Ken of Ghastria]

Petrie relents his introduction to inquire of the man before him. "Where is it then that you hail from my friend? I see your poker there," as he nods to Primeiro's rapier "I imagine you yourself are no stranger to adventure."

"Nayyy, I mean, no, I am not a stranger," replies Primeiro, smiling as he gently taps the hilt of his rapier. "Adventure and I have had a tempestuous love affair for some time. As for where I'm from, I am of Borcan descent, Monsieur MacLugash... or, if I may, Petrie. I sense that you're not one to stand on formality for very long. If so, that's another thing which you and I have in common. Yet you say that you expect to find adventure on this voyage? I hope you're correct, but please tell me what you mean. From what little I've heard of Gauntcliff, the only adventure would seem to be wondering if there's anything good to drink."

He sees the excited boy's return and hesitancy to intrude on the conversation. Primeiro gives him an encouraging nod. "Hello, lad," he says simply.

[steveflam]

"Nayyy, I mean, no, I am not a stranger," replies Primeiro, smiling as he gently taps the hilt of his rapier. "Adventure and I have had a tempestuous love affair for some time. As for where I'm from, I am of Borcan descent, Monsieur MacLugash... or, if I may, Petrie. I sense that you're not one to stand on formality for very long. If so, that's another thing which you and I have in common. Yet you say that you expect to find adventure on this voyage? I hope you're correct, but please tell me what you mean. From what little I've heard of Gauntcliff, the only adventure would seem to be wondering if there's anything good to drink."

He sees the excited boy's return and hesitancy to intrude on the conversation. Primeiro gives him an encouraging nod. "Hello, lad," he says simply.

"Hallo, mein Herr. Though I am young I too seek adventure." His eyes fall to the rapier and he smiles. "I see you favorink deiner same weapon as myself. I am Juergin. It is a pleasure to meet you. I have been on boats and ships since I was seven years old and know of adventure ans especially pirates." He grits his teeth, hands clenched. This time he controls his rage.

"So, what have you heard of dis island? Any rumors that might ineterest a fellow adventurer?" Though Juergin is only twelve his attitude leads to believe he is very confident in himself and has probably been through a few scrapes.

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Ezra's bones, you're full of energy, Juergin!" says Primeiro with amusement, but his mirth is genuine, not mocking. "You remind me of myself not that long ago.... I am Primeiro d'Pirozzi, but feel free to dispense with formality, lad. Primeiro will do. So you've faced pirates, have you? Wretched vermin. I can see it's a hurtful memory for you, so let's skip ahead to more pleasant topics....

"Rumors about Gauntcliff? Not really." He addresses both Juergin and Petrie as he continues. "The proprietor of the spa does have a dubious reputation in Pont-a-Museau, but I won't prejudge the fellow. I've found that a dubious reputation in Pont-a-Museau can be more valuable than gold at times."

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

Dorgio's eyebrow raised quizically and he nodded a hasty goodbye to his companions, "Pardon me."

The proprietor of the spa does have a dubious reputation in Pont-a-Museau,

"Dubious, you say?"

Dorgio, having overheard the conversation between the big kilted man and the one with the rapier, walked to where the group of men stood. He'd not spoken to these men much during their voyage, but not seemed as good a time as any.

"Forgive me, Gentlemen, I don't think we've met. Dorgio Varga, of the Morninglord." The priest was tall and lanky, his dark complexion hinting at Vistani blood. He wore rough, undyed woolen robes which showed the stains of armor, and even on the ship he carried a wicked looking shortspear on his shoulder.

"I had worked for the island's owner in the past, but one learns so little of someone by being his hired man." Looking at Primeiro, he continued. "What have you heard that was...dubious?

[Ail]

Eustace nods as Dorgio moves away from the group, and he focuses on the new conversation. He hadn't yet met Petrie nor Primeiro, and he opted to stay behind watching and trying to devine these two's character. He approached, nonetheless, as this was a good time to learn more about Denys Sancerre.

[Adam]

Benn nods to Charlotte. "Perhaps, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded from time to time." He walks to the periphery of the newly formed conversation, one ear cocked but speaking to Juergin. "Pardon my bluntness, young man. It has been a long voyage. I am Herr Bennedict Gehrman. What brings you to this locale?"

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Forgive me, Gentlemen, I don't think we've met. Dorgio Varga, of the Morninglord." The priest was tall and lanky, his dark complexion hinting at Vistani blood. He wore rough, undyed woolen robes which showed the stains of armor, and even on the ship he carried a wicked looking shortspear on his shoulder.

"I had worked for the island's owner in the past, but one learns so little of someone by being his hired man." Looking at Primeiro, he continued. "What have you heard that was...dubious?

"A priest... of the Morninglord, no less?" says Primeiro, sounding surprised yet pleased by Dorgio's comments. "I confess that you are the first such priest that I have met. A pleasure, Monsieur Varga.... or would it be Brother Varga? Warden Varga? Excuse my ignorance -- religious hierarchy has never been my strong suit." He inclines his head slightly. "Primeiro d'Pirozzi, at your service.

"As for your former employer... we are talking about Denys Sancerre, correct? I like to be confident of a fellow's identity before I besmirch it. By 'dubious reputation'... well, there are those in parts of Richemuloise society who question the source of Monsieur Sancerre's funds, claiming that his wealth comes not merely from wise business decisions but from darker, illicit activities." He smirks. "Of course, Pont-a-Museau being what it is, such rumors could merely be the jealous rantings of Sancerre's failed rivals. And as I was just saying to Petrie here, a dubious reputation in Pont-a-Museau is as often coveted as it is avoided.

"What work did you do for him, by the way? I assume your business ended amicably?"

[steveflam]

JUergin turns to Benn, actually happy his demeanor has changed. "Vell, to be honest, I am ein adventurer, just starting. I von't get into the details about my father, but he is deiner reason why. That unt pirates, Mein Herr Gehrman. I chose this route in mein life for simple reason to learn and gain experience to better myself mostly. I know I am young, but dot ist deiner best time to start, ja?"

He pauses and scratches his arm, before adding. "This spa is as good a place as any to start. It is new and a new place like dis is a perfect place for me to begin my life experiences."

[steveflam]

Juergin has just noticed Dorgio and the youth gasps as he spies the fabulous moustache on the man's face. He looks at the priest and approaches him. "Mein Herr, you haff a wunderbar moustache! I never saw one like dot before. Please, I am Juergin, happy to make deiner acquaintance. Can I....?" His hand reaches out to touch the moustache. He is clearly fascinated by the hair on Dorgio's lip.