AGELESS CAMPAIGN, Episode II, Part VI.

[orchid blossom]

The room is thirty-foot square with a pair of rectangular tables set out to form "T". White linen tablecloths cover both tables, but only three place settings are laid out, at the bottom section of the T along the north wall nearest a set of swinging double doors that presumably go to the kitchen. The tables settings are at the far end and then also to the chairs immediately right and left of the end. The servant holds one of the side chairs for Abby and then excuses herself, heading out the door they entered rather than the one to the kitchen area.

It was uncomfortably quiet alone in the room. It was stunning, with the bright sunlight streaming in through the windows and setting the dark wood paneling glowing. Long, cream-colored draperies kept the dark panels from making the room feel somber, instead providing a balancing contrast for the light. She could imagine the room in the evening, with the elaborate crystal chandelier hanging above the table brightly lit with candles, their flickering flames reflecting of the gleaming wood.

What she couldn't imagine was a warm family meal. The table in her parents home, whether it was just the three of them or Aunts, Uncles, and cousins helping to fill the room, there was always laughter, and usually a hand getting slapped somewhere. Neti, the family cook, was often at the table with them; more often than she wasn't.

But perhaps the problem was what she knew of Cal's family, and not the room. She sighed, then looked around to see if there happened to be a newspaper nearby, or perhaps a bell she was supposed to ring.

 

[Silver Moon]

But perhaps the problem was what she knew of Cal's family, and not the room. She sighed, then looked around to see if there happened to be a newspaper nearby, or perhaps a bell she was supposed to ring.

She does not have to wait long until somebody enters. She recognizes the older man as Charles Beauclerk VI, but he is attired quite differently than when she first met him the previous day. At that time he had on denim overalls and a plaid flannel shirt. Today he is wearing full Scottish attire, with a pressed linen cream-colored shirt, a kilt of the Royal Stuart tartan with a matching tam-style hat, a wide belt on which is an ancient single-shot solid metal pistol used in Charles Stuart's day, full knee socks with garters, high boots, and a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand.

He moves forward and bows to Abigail and presents her with the flowers saying, "Welcome to our household."

 

[orchid blossom]

He moves forward and bows to Abigail and presents her with the flowers saying, "Welcome to our household."

"Oh, they're lovely, thank you!" she said, taking the bouquet, a mixture of stunning roses and wildflowers. "But what's this all about? You do cut quite a dashing figure this morning, I must say."

 

[Fenris]

Col. Hassan says, "Zakazik is the home of the General Ahmed Orabi and most of his senior staff, which means instead of stewing in a room they will likely go elsewhere in the city until called back. With that in mind, would you prefer to meet with them first or second? And do we want to wait until both groups to be called together for the Queen's grand entrance and support of you, or should that be done with each group individually?"

"Oh no, Hassan. Orabi and his staff don't get to leave. They will stay in their assigned room until this gets done. They will not leave, and if they try I will threatened them with charges of treason to be executed immediately. I have a goddess and a dragon to back that up. It is imperative that neither side sees that the other is being favored. I do think that the British may be a longer debate, so I will see Orabi's faction first. As for the Queen, ideally, we would have an agreement in place for her entrance. If one side is proving obstinate, then I will ask the Queen to appear to add weight." replies George.

 

[Silver Moon]

"Oh, they're lovely, thank you!" she said, taking the bouquet, a mixture of stunning roses and wildflowers. "But what's this all about? You do cut quite a dashing figure this morning, I must say."

He says, "Last night I did not know that we would be having guests, or I would have dressed accordingly. Today I am well aware of that fact." He seats himself on the side opposite her. "I had only a light snack earlier, planning to join your and Callum for your morning meal. He has been notified that youa re down here and should be joining us momentarily."

 

[Silver Moon]

"Oh no, Hassan. Orabi and his staff don't get to leave. They will stay in their assigned room until this gets done. They will not leave, and if they try I will threatened them with charges of treason to be executed immediately. I have a goddess and a dragon to back that up. It is imperative that neither side sees that the other is being favored. I do think that the British may be a longer debate, so I will see Orabi's faction first. As for the Queen, ideally, we would have an agreement in place for her entrance. If one side is proving obstinate, then I will ask the Queen to appear to add weight." replies George.

He replies, "Very good. I will see that a suite of rooms in the hotel is made available for both groups to wait in, and will assign guards to ensure that takes place. Now, what arms will you allow for them to carry? Bear in mind, denying even personal weapons in this culture is usually seen as a grave insult, however extenuating circumstances clearly exist given the recent assassination of the king."

 

[Queenie]

He replies, "Very good. I will see that a suite of rooms in the hotel is made available for both groups ot wait in, and will assign guards to ensure that takes place. Now, what arms will you allow for them to carry? Bear in mind, denying even personal weapons in this culture is usually seen as a grave insult, however extenuating circumstances clearly exist given the recent assassination of the king."

As Fenris:

"We will let them carry the arms of officers and gentlemen, a sword. No firearms. I think that will satisfy honor don't you?" replies George.

 

[orchid blossom]

He says, "Last night I did not know that we would be having guests, or I would have dressed accordingly. Today I am well aware of that fact." He seats himself on the side opposite her. "I had only a light snack earlier, planning to join your and Callum for your morning meal. He has been notified that you are down here and should be joining us momentarily."

"Neither of you needed to wait on me, I know I must have slept quite late. Although I am glad to have the company, and the flowers," she added, taking a deep breath of their sweet fragrance. "What are your plans for the day, if I may be so bold? I assume Cal will be busy with business, he's been away so long and leaving again so soon."

 

[Silver Moon]

"We will let them carry the arms of officers and gentlemen, a sword. No firearms. I think that will satisfy honor don't you?" replies George.

He replies, "It will. I will see to the arrangements." He departs and the Lieutenant who brought him to the room returns and asks George if he will be needing anything further with is breakfast.

 

[Silver Moon]

"Neither of you needed to wait on me, I know I must have slept quite late. Although I am glad to have the company, and the flowers," she added, taking a deep breath of their sweet fragrance.

He replies, "Mr. Stuart was not waiting, I only now awakened him, per his request."

"What are your plans for the day, if I may be so bold? I assume Cal will be busy with business, he's been away so long and leaving again so soon."

Charles replies, "Mr. Stuart gives we wide discretion in the daily operation of this estate, so I will probably only require an hour of his time to address open matters. Following the meal either he or I can give you the full tour of this property. You will be alone for a short time this afternoon, as Miss. Chester has called for a meeting of the senior managers, although between the music room and the library I am certain you will be able to find something to keep yourself occupied during that time."