[As in the last log "You" is Helena.  Ulrich had some connection problems, so there are a few breaks.]

Sound Stage 1(#27197RFJ)
Currently the deck of a ship, sailing the black ocean, taking us away from the sacking of constantinople by crusadors.
Contents:
Mikelle
Helena Guenos hopes she does not get sea-sick.
She's a merchant isn't she? I think it is unlikely
At least not on the black sea.
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (I wonder if I met some of you before)
Mikelle says "<IC> Well, we're out of that mess.  In the confusion we weren't really introduced properly. I'm Mikelle"
Mikelleoffers her hand
Helena Guenos drops a curtsey.
You say "My name is Helena Guenos."
(her left hand, obviously)
Helena Guenos looks a bit startled but decides to use her left hand quickly.
shake-hands.
Mikelle says "Pleased to meet you."
Mikelle doesn't have much choice in the matter of which hand :(
You say "(IC) So - are you merchants too? You've got some well-trained looking guards."
Mikelle says " <firmly> I am a scholar. I come from a rich and well connected family, and though they disapprove of my profession, in the present troubled times they have given me enough money to at least hire guards. "
You say "Oh, a scholar? Have you ever been to (name of well known school in Constaninople)? I've studied a Civil Laws there for some years."
Mikelle says "No. I am more interested in the Philosphae. aristotle, Plato and so forth."
Mikelle proceeds to dig herself a nice deep hole :)
You say "Ah... Well, I don't know to much of Philosophae. I've read a bit but didn't get the time to learn much. Maybe you'd like to introduce me to some of the major works?"
Helena Guenos hepls Mikelle digging holes.
Mikelle says "Well obviously everything is based on the differing Aristotolean and Platonic views of the essential forms of all things and how they interact. hmm.""
Mikelle stalls for time racking her brain.. if you have Folk Ken it's obvious she has some idea what she's talking about, but she's certainly not a student of the Philosphae.
Helena Guenos sticks to Mikelles lips while she talks.
Helena Guenos HAS Folk Ken... :) 
Mikelle says "But it isn't really very interesting unless it's your speciality, and I'm terrible at explaining things myself. What do you trade in, anyway?"
Mikelle blatantly attempts to change the subject
note Mikelle hasn't actually lied yet....
You say "Oh, to be exact my father trades with clothes."
Mikelle says "Really? How has business been, with the war. Doesn't it disrupt trade considerably?"
MTKnife says "you see land in the distance..."
Maria says "I appreciate, thank you."
You say "I hope this family of refugees gets ready and keeps close."
MTKnife says "teh ship comes into harbor, and you all disembrak, along with hte cfamily you've adopted"
Helena Guenos smiles.
Helena Guenos tries to remember who to ask for help here.
MTKnife says "you havea freind who's hte daughter of a glass merchant"
Mikelle says "So, what do you plan to do now?"
Presumably the magi have vague plans about finding a covenant and reporting Helios and Thofios
You say "I know a merchant here that might be of help."
Helena Guenos tries to remember name and adress.
Mikelle says "I would be most grateful if you would allow us to accompany you further - I must confess neither I nor my friends have much idea of the lay of the land in this region."
You say "Oh, you can buy really good wool here"
You say "Oh, yes of cause, you are welcome to come along. I'm not really sure how things will work out after all so I can't promise too much."
Mikelle says "Thankyou. Shall we get going then?"
Helena Guenos nods.
Helena Guenos asks a passenger for the way as soon as she remembers the name.
MTKnife says "Unforutnately Lucias has wondered off toward a nearby bonfire."
MTKnife says "wandered even"
Mikelle says "Lucius, we're going this way!"
You say "This friend of yours seems to freeze easily."
MTKnife says "he sort of vaguely acknowledges"
Mikelle says "He's always liked fires."
You say "Another _Scholar_ I guess?"
MTKnife says "Stefanos tells you that he'll look out after him, yoiu should go on ahead"
Mikelle says "Yes. He's a bit.. strange."
neat
MTKnife says "(I guess htat's better than a THUD)"
If you've got Folk Ken you will notice a strange sound to the word Scholar - but no question about it.
MTKnife says "anyway, you set out on your way"
Helena Guenos nods.
Mikelle says "Well, that makes him Stefanos' problem. I'm not going to hang around here."
Helena Guenos tries to lead the way.
MTKnife says "since you're at hte harbor, you're alreayd near hte merchants' quarter..."
MTKnife says "so it doesn't take long"
Mikelle follows. She owuld try to lead but she doesn't know where she's going...
MTKnife says "it turns out that the merchant she's looking for is a trader in glass and otehr fine crats"
say Well, if it's open, I will enter.

[Break.]

MTKnife says "the merchant looks your way as ou enter...he's chatting with a woman, apparnetly theyr'e beagiai g over some glass vessels"
say Sorry.
Maria says "So i guess i'd need a suit of these"
Maria says "Oh, hello ladies."
Merchant says "Milady, those are very expensive"
Mikelle says "Hello."
Mikelle casts an eye over the glasswork on display
Merchant says "and What woudl a lady such as yourself need with 2 dozen large flasks?  Surely no kitchen would require so many?"
You say "A nice day to you, lady. Nice to see you again, master merchant (insert name here)"
Maria says "Ah well"
Merchant smiles.
Merchant says "Well hello there.  How is your father doing?"
Maria says "A new medicine has joined our castle and he needs them to stock his medications."
You say "Oh, Constantinople is in a mess. He was fine last time I saw him but I can't be sure. How's your family donig?"
Merchant says "Ah...well perhaps some of these jars I have over here would be more suitable..."
Merchant says "Have the Crusaders gotten closer then?"
Mikelle wonders offhand what two dozen of those flasks would be useful for...:)
Mikelle says "They looked likely to take the city as we left."
You say "Sadly enough, yes. The day we left a huge fire started out of nothing in the middle of the city."
Maria says "I guess they would but you know how they are... they want such or such for obscure reasons... who am i to argue with him ?"
Maria says "Oh, that is sad for Constantinople. I hope not too many will get hurt."
Merchant says "Goodness!"
Merchant says "I hope your family's okay?"
You say "I think they are. My father send everyone of he could."
Merchant says "If milady insists...I just hate to steal from such a lovely, well-bred lady as yourself"
Mikelle wonders why the merchant doesn;t want to sell the flasks.
You say "Oh, I'm getting rather impolite... I'm sorry, I did not introduce myself. My name is Helena Guenos."
Helena Guenos looks asking an Maria.
Maria says "You shouldn't think of you as stealing anything, you are actually of a great help to us. Where else could we find such good quality items ?"
Maria says "Oh sorry am i too, i didn't either. I hope you will accept my apologies. My name is Maria."
Merchant says "Certianly nowhere else in this godforsaken part of ht world, milady"
Helena Guenos drops a curtsey.
Mikelle says "And I am Mikelle. Pleased to meet you."
You say "He's got good quality, Maria, I can assure you off. I know his family for some time."
Maria smiles warmly.
Maria says "May i ask what brings you in our good island ?"
Maria smiles at the merchant. Should we agree to the deal now ?
Mikelle says "We fled the dis_order_ in Constantinople. Are we the first to bring the _message_ of what has happend to your Island. "
Merchant says "If you insist, milady"
Mikelle put slight emphasis on the 2order" and 2message" bits. Nothing you'd really notice if you weren't looking for it...
You say "Well, Constantinople is no place to be these days. The obvious way out was east after all. And it gave me the opportunity to see (add name here) again. Havn't seen him for some time."
Mikelle thinks Tristan's played too much Amber :)
Maria says "It is most certainly the first time i hear these news."
Maria seems to have something on her mind.
Mikelle says "Well, I'm glad to be the messenger, despite the grimness of the message."
Merchant smiles blandly.
Helena Guenos asks for the merchants daughter.
Mikelle says "Anyway, I apologise, I am disrupting the good merchant's business with my talk. Please, finish your business first. And we can properly make each other's acquintance afterwards."
Claudia has arrived.
MTKnife dropped Claudia.
You say "I havn't seen Claudia for a while. Is she well?"
You say "Ah! :)"
Claudia says "Helena!  Spo nice to see you"
You say "There you are. :) Havn't seen you for some time."
Claudia says "indeed :)"
You say "How are things going out here?"
Claudia says "Well, the weather has been very nice this year."
rotfl
THUD
Claudia smiles angelically.
You say "Oh, yes, it's been a nice summer. But it got a bit too hot in Constantinople."
Claudia says "Oh dear, whatever has happened?"
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who can say hidden things really badly...
You say "The crusaders are quite likely to take the city."
Claudia places her hands to her cheeks, "Oh my!  I hope that no one will be hurt!"
You say "I hope so... Although it's not likely with half the city in flames."
Claudia says "Oh, well that's very bad."
Helena Guenos adds a personality trait: sarcastic +2
Claudia looks disturbed.
Claudia says "Is your family all right?"
You say "We left just in time when the fire started. I don't think someone from my family got hurt."
Claudia says "Well that's good to hear.  So how is your mother?"
You say "But father is still back there and does not want to leave. Well, you know him, he's so ... err... Oh, mother is fine. She left last month with the little ones."
Maria says "I am sorry to interrupt but have you come on a refugee's ship ?"
Mikelle says "Yes."
You say "Yes"
Maria says "Do you all have places to stay ?"
Mikelle says "No, not yet."
You say "No, we just arrived and did not start looking for places yet."
Claudia says "You can ceritnaly stay here if you like!  Right, father?"
Maria says "If not and although i cannot promise anything, maybe i can try to find an arrangement with my lord."
Merchant says "Well...ah...I suppose."
You say "Oh, very nice of you, Claudia. But I fear we are quite a big lot. Ten adults and a baby."
Claudia says "Oh my, that's a lot of people..that's she counts on her finger  well anywya it's a lot"
Mikelle says "That's very kind of both of you. However I am sure the good merchant is very busy and would not wish to be a burden on him if it could be avoided."
er that should have been [she counts on her fingers]
we worked it out
Merchant says "Well, er..."
Maria says "However i am affraid he would expect some kind of err... work on your part."
Merchant says "CAn you do anythign useful?  How are you going to live here?"
Mikelle says "Really? Well, of course it would only be fair, but what exactly would be involved?"
Mikelle says "Oh, I have some talents, though they are not well suited to an enterprise such as this."
You say "Oh, I think a place for the night would be very welcome. We can look for further arrangements tomorrow then?"
Merchant says "Helena, in your case at least, I trust you father has prvided for you?"
Maria says "Actually i would have to ask him first, but i guess it would involve what you all are good at. He could use all help."
Maria says "replace all by any"
Mikelle says "I will have to speak with him then."
Mikelle 's limited supply of politeness is starting to run out...
Maria hmms.
Maria says "Well we could go there... actually i would appreciate help with the transport of these glass vials myself."
Mikelle holds out her hand
You say "Well, actually I'm a bit short of money now. The passage got far more expensive than it should be. But of cause as long as I'm in the city you can count on my help."
Mikelle says "Regretably I am not terribly got at carrying things"
Mikelle meant good
Mikelle shrugs
Mikelle says "But my guards can help."
Maria says "How many did we say again ?"
Nararn has arrived.
Mikelle dropped Nararn.
Merchant says "2 dozen, milady"
Nararn rolls his eyes
Maria says "I appreciate the help, thank you."
Maria curtseys in a very elegant manner.
Helena Guenos raises one eyebrow.
Merchant says "So are you plannig to follow her to Gothia?"
Maria says "OOC How many of these one person can carry safely ?"
MTKnife says "if tehy're packed up carefully, a few--the packing is bulky"
say Me? I'm not sure.
You say "Me? I'm not sure."
Maria sighs.
Mikelle says "Well, shall we get going?"
Maria says "Merchant, i thank thee for your help and good will. I hope to see you again soon."
Mikelle and that lot. :('.
Maria says "Very well, Lady Mikelle. Would you come with us, Lady Helena ?"
Merchant bids you good-bye.
You say "Well, if you have use for a merchant."
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (A merchant without buisness really)
Maria says "Hmm we have use for all good wills, really."
Claudia says "What do you mean, Helena, surely yo'l lbe returning home as soon as things are safe?"
You say "I think so, Claudia. But I fear it will take some time."
Mikelle stands back to let Nararn and Miklos pick up glassware.
Claudia says "Oh dear."

[Break.]

MTKnife says "OOC< the nearst part of Gothia is 15 or 20 miles from here--two days' travel, likely"
You say "Constantinople is a complete mess. Well, I think I will take a look a this buisness Lady Maria mentioned. But I'm sure we will meet again in the next month."
Maria looks thoughtful.
Helena Guenos adds a 's'
Maria blinks.
Maria says "So far ?"
MTKnife nods
You say "Maria, what exactly are you doing out there?"
Maria says "You mean here ?"
Maria says "Or do you mean in my lord's services ?"
You say "Oh, well, you seem to have use for quite a lot of people. I was just wondering what kind of buisness that is."
You say "Oh, and that lord. Who is he?"
Mikelle says "I was wondering the same thing myself."
Maria says "Well that is... we'll find a use for you all when i have talked to my lord."
Helena Guenos says goodbye to Claudia and her father and leaves - trying to get information out of Maria.
Mikelle says "And who is he? You neglected to mention it."
Maria says "Oh you know, the nobility, they always need the help of others."
Mikelle says ":)"
Mikelle says "Farewell, good nameless merchant."
Mikelleleaves, following Helena
Merchant waves, namelessly.
Maria says "Lord Ulrik. He is a good man"
Rotfl
Maria says "I am his relation advisor."
Helena Guenos whispers something to Mikelle.
Mikelle says "Oh, I'm sure.  Why do you think he has an interest in hiring _travellers_?""
Maria says "Ah hmm i am just trying to help here. I thought you might appreciate having a place to stay and he might appreciate getting extra help"
Maria says "An arrangement in the best interest of both parties... kind of my specialty."
Mikelle says "Oh, we are most grateful for your help. But surely if you are his "relation advisor" you would be able to tell me what kind of things he would require."
Mikelle says "After all I would hate to have my time wasted."
Helena Guenos nods.
You say "I wonder why he'd want to hire a handful of scholars."
Mikelle says "Quite."
Maria says "Well, for one thing i am sure he will appreciate the informations about Constantinople."
Maria says "Scholars ?"
Mikelle says "Well, I am sure he will recieve that message from you."
Maria says "The ten of you ?"
You say "Oh, no. Of cause not."
Mikelle says "Yes. Only three of us are scholars. Helena decided to travel with us, and has been very kind to us. The others have less interesting skills."
Maria says "May i ask what all of you can do exactly ? I am pretty sure a merchant could have some use."
Maria says "A new commerce near the castle would attract more attention to us and most certainly this would benefit my lord"
Maria says "What do you call "less interesting skills" exactly ?"
say Oh, Kale is an experianced cook and Mauros, her husband has worked as a woodcutter so far. But he's strong an healthy. He'd be fit for any kind of job.
You say "Oh, Kale is an experianced cook and Mauros, her husband has worked as a woodcutter so far. But he's strong an healthy. He'd be fit for any kind of job."
Mikelle says "Well, there are my two guards, of course."
Maria says "And you do not see how all of these would benefit my lord ?"
Mikelle says "I was wondering more about myself."
Maria says "What kind of scholars are you ?"
Mikelle says "Though I have some healing skills it appears your Lord has already hred a physician, though he seems to have need of equipment in a quantity that only an alchemist would require."
say I was not worrying about those two, but as for me... I'm a merchant.
You say "I was not worrying about those two, but as for me... I'm a merchant."
Maria says "Yes, the scholars are more tricky, but hopefully the help provided by our good friend and the display of knowledge and culture might be a good reason"
Maria says "As of the vials i would actually appreciate if you did not mention them to Lord Ulrik. I have purchased them on my own impulse but needed a reason to convince the merchant."
Mikelle says "Really? I somehow doubt you are an alchemist."
Maria says "So i am sure a decent healer would benefit the people of our castle."
Maria says "I did not say so."
Helena Guenos exchanges some words with Kale.
Maria says "And what kind of scholars are your two friends ?"
Mikelle says "Ah, so why did you require the vials? Not that I seek to peer into your affairs of course."
Mikelle says "I think they can best speak for themselves, when they arrive. Healing is not my speciality, I merely mentioned it after your comment about a physician."
You say "You do not happen to trade in Herbs? "
Maria says "Of co"
Maria says "No i do not. As for healing, we could use any kind. We do not have any such specialist, i am affraid."
Maria says "But as i said, if nothing else can do, maybe you can help us in our relationships ? It is often useful to a lord to show his culture and the quality of the people in his entourage."
Mikelle says "Oh, of course. I would be glad to do that."
You say "Oh, relationships might be a field of interest for me. "
Mikelle says "But enough of that. May I ask why you wanted these vials then? They seem a somewhat strange piece of equipment for a diplomat."
Maria says "They are not for a diplomat. A merchant would certainly be of a great interest to us, lady Helena, i assure you."
Maria says "I hmm"
Mikelle says "Oh, obviously they are not for you. That was my point."
Maria says "I never said they were."
Maria says "So what exactly is your speciality, if i may ask ?"
You say "I somehow get the impression those vails might be part of some "arrangement in the best interest of two parties"."
Mikelle says "But of course you didn't. It's just I have some interest in the field, and would be glad to meet any others who share it."
Maria says "Oh. Really ?"
Maria looks really surprised and this lack of control doesn't seem like her at all.
Mikelle says "Yes. Really. Do go on.""
Maria seems thoughtful.

[Break.]

Maria says "Well i am sure you can understand why the need for discretion about the subject then."
Helena Guenos looks at Mikelle and at Maria - obviously waiting for something.
Mikelle says "Oh, quite. Helena, I would be most grateful if you move over there a ways. I 'm sorry if I'venot been entirely frank with you, but for the moment I want to make things easier for Maria, who is being understandably cautious."
Helena Guenos moves a bit and waits for a sighn to be allowed to come closer.
Nararn an dMiklos stay close, ensuring noone else is listening.

[Helena leaves while Mikelle and Maria talk.]

you can tell Mikelle really did enjoy that conversation.
Maria says "The pleasure would be for me."
Helena Guenos throws a somewhat strange look at Mikelle, but does not comment besides that.
MTKnife says "you can discuss it later; for now, just dislike each other"
Mikelle says "Helena, I am sorry about that. I will explain to you once I have the chance (ie on the way.)"
Maria says "And i am sure you would be delight to meet my husband. He's such a great man, if a bit unusual."
Mikelle says "I would be glad to."
Maria says "My apologies too."
You say "I know better than to pry on somebodys secrets. "
Mikelle smiles
Maria wishes she could say the same.
Maria smiles politely.
Mikelle knows that it is by the struggle of prying that you learn.
You somehow sense that -on the other hand- Helena would not mind being told.
she will be... probably right away.
Mikelle says "Presumably we set off?"
Maria says "Helena, by any chances do you have any contacts in Crimea besides nameless merchant ?"
Maria agrees with Mikelle.
Maria wouldn't mind telling Helena but fears Mikelle would.
MTKnife says "okay, you set off"
You say "Well, I know of a few people but it might take some time to find them. "
Maria says "And do you think it's a possibility for you to start a commerce in Gothia ?"
Mikellewaits patiently for this conversation to end so she can talk to Helena.
You say "I don't think I can do it on my own. You know, a lone woman in the wild... No, but I definitly could organize whatever would be needed."
Maria says "Oh and by the way, maybe it is best to avoid mentioning my husband once their... this marriage is still a sore spot for some."
Maria ends the conversation there.
You say "I'm better at making people jump at my word than doing it myself - if you know what I mean. :)"

[Maria leaves while Mikelle and Helena talk--it's during this conversation that Helena finds out the Mikelle and her fellows are magi.]

Maria has arrived.
Maria smiles gently.
Mikelle says "we carry on following Maria"
MTKnife says "after two days' journey you reach the covenant...."
THUD
You say "The WHAT? :)"
MTKnife says "sorry"
Helena Guenos smiles.
MTKnife says "I corsed a page and a say :)"
Maria says "I think i'd bring them to the castle first"
MTKnife says "er crossed up"
Mikelle says "Castle that sounds more like it,"
MTKnife says "okay"
MTKnife says "where are you taking them exactly?"
Maria says "To the castle first, to meet the lord and make sure all is okay with him."
MTKnife onds
MTKnife says "you approach hte castle, walkiing through hte fields past peasants...."
Maria is sorry but didn't catch the first sentence.
MTKnife says "you approach hte castle, walkiing through hte fields past peasants...."
Helena Guenos tries to make out what kind of trade the Lord might be interested in.
MTKnife says "you come to hte castle gate, where a guard greets you and opens the gate to let you passs"
MTKnife says "you're in the mountains--quite high up, but the land seems to be fairly productive nonetheless"
MTKnife says "a herald runs off to inform Ulrik of your arrival"
Lord Ulrik says "Maria, good to see you.  What brings you here?"
Maria says "My Lord, i have met these people wishing to find some work and help a community."
Lord Ulrik says "Work?  What sort of work?"
Maria says "Knowing of my Lord wishes to improve the status of his house, i thought he would enjoy the increase in productiveness."
You say "(OOC) Are we in there?"
MTKnife says "yes"
Helena Guenos has dropped a deep curtsey and stayed (sp?) low.
Maria says "This might be only temporary, but we have a merchant, a few guards, *lists the workers"
Lord Ulrik hmms.  Perhaps....At the moment, though, Maria, I'm more concerned about what's happening down in the valley wiht your firends there.
Maria says "They only ask for some lodging and food for some time."
Maria says "My friends ?"
Mikellesees Helena and quickly curtseys, clumsily
Maria says "Well what is the problem, my lord ?"
Lord Ulrik says "Whatever you call them...those peopel who showed up in the valley"
Lord Ulrik bows.
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (This Maria is not very polite... She should have introduced us by now...)
Maria is sorry.
Mikelle thinks - I didn;t ask Maria to make that deal for me... hmm.
Maria says "This is Mikelle and Helena Guenos."
You say "It's a peasure to meet you, mylord."
Lord Ulrik says "Likewise."
Maria says "They are some of the people i just told you about."
Lord Ulrik nods thoughtfully.
Maria says "So what is the problem with the valley my lord ?"
Lord Ulrik says "Does this have anything to do with your freinds down in the valley?"
Maria says "This might have later"
Lord Ulrik says "I don't know what he problem is, Maria"
Lord Ulrik says "I was hoping you would tell me--I'm sitll not sure what's happening down there"
Maria says "Would my lord wishes me to take my leave now and see with them what exactly they are doing ?"
Maria says "OOps"
Lord Ulrik says "I suppose--I can provide these good peopel with hospitality....But I wonder if there's not more that you could tell me about wha'ts going on there."
Maria says "I guess i can go check down there and make you a full report."
Lord Ulrik says "I suppose...."
Lord Ulrik says "Do you plan to leave now?"
Maria says "I suppose it would be the wisest choice to inform you at the soonest my lord."
Lord Ulrik says "Well, I'll show these peopel my hospitality then, in the meantime."
Maria says "I'll come back tomorrow night and answer all questions you may have"
Lord Ulrik says "Go, then."
Maria says "Maybe my new friends Mikelle and Helena wish to accompany me, as a proof of their good will ?"
Mikelle says "I would be happy to."
You say "If I can be of any help, I will."
Lord Ulrik says "If they wish, they're wleocme to...but before they do they should know of hte bandits there.."
Maria nods.
Helena Guenos raises one eyebrow.
Mikelle says "Thankyou for telling us of that My Lord - I'm sure Maria was just about to. My guards should be quite capable of protecting me."
Helena Guenos casts a questioning look at Maria.
Lucias says, "You go on if you like, but I'd rather like the investigate the fireplaces in this castle."
rotfl.
Maria smiles.
Mikelle says "Unless you wish to ask us anything else Lord Ulrik, we should start to investigate what is going on in this valley. I get the impression it is urgent/ "
Lucias wanders off, followed closely by a worried-looking Stefanos.
Maria bows and takes her leave.
Lord Ulrik bows.
Helena Guenos drops another deep curtsey, casts a shy smile at the lord and leaves.
Mikelle nods to Lord Ulrik and follows. (protocol isn;t her strong point)
Maria says "As for the bandits, they are petty thieves, nothing more."
Maria says "I am sorry to have forgotten mentioning them"
Mikelle says "Maria, maybe you wish to tell us what we are investigating, as a proof of _your_ good will?"
Maria says "We are going to meet the people you wish to."
Maria says "They mentioned a covenant to me, but i have no idea what that is actually."
Mikelle says "Good.  I think goign to the valley is a good idea. What might the "problem" in the valley be?"
You say "Obviously not the bandits."
Maria says "I have no idea. Maybe it's just their settlement that worries my lord."
You say "We will not find out standing here. Let's get going."
Maria says "Oh one other thing... the valley is said to be haunted, but i suppose it is only rumors"
Mikelle says "I see. And how likely is some kind of bandit attack? Will you go into the valley with just my guards and myself for protection?"
Maria says "These bandits would not attack anything that looks like being able to defend itself"
Mikelle says "Unfortunately my looks are somewhat deceptive."
Maria says "So i guess with two guards we'd be really too much for them to handle"
Mikelle Mikelle smiles in a predatory fashion
You say "It might be a good idea to leave Kale and her baby here as long as we don't know whats waiting for us."
Mikelle says "Absolutely. There's no point in putting them in the firing line."
Maria says "I thought only the three of us would go ?"
Maria says "The valley is only half a day's worth of travel"
You say "Mauros and his axe however will have to follow me. :)"
Mikelle says "Nararn and Miklos will accompany me. I like to have soldiers I can trust around me - conflict can come at any time.  "
Mikelle says "And I endeavout to be able to welcome it."
Maria says "Don't worry too much about the bandits. They're more of chicken thieves than anything else, really."
Mikelle says "Oh, I'm not _worried_"
Mikelle says "I just like to be prepared."
Maria says "But if we are now all set, guards and everything, maybe we can go ?"
Mikelle grins predatorially once more.
Mikelle says "Yes, lets go"
Maria goes.
Helena Guenos follows with Maurus on her heels.
Maria says "Let's take the vials too."
Mikelle follows, Miklos stays close (as always). Nararn keeps an eye out.
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (OOC: predatorially? Does that mean like T-Rex?)
Mikelle A hungry T-rex :)
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (Oh, oh...)
Maria says "May i ask a question, Mikelle ?"
Miklos and NArarn look wuite eager to meet bandits also. :)
Mikelle says "You can ask, of course."
Maria says "BTW i am affraid that meeting these bandits would be a big disappointment to you all"
Mikelle shrugs
Mikelle says "Go on."
Maria says "What exactly is a covenant, how does it work ? I had thought it was only a couple of you working together, am I right ?"
MTKnife says "you wlak on through te fields down the mounts twoards the south."
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (Hmmm... It's not the question, thats dangerous. It's the answer...)
Mikelle thinks it isn;t so much the answer as the answering...
Maria does not see any danger.
MTKnife says "toward the bottom of the mountain you see valley..or rathery ou see where hte valley much begin, since the fields end there as the horizon drops off"
Mikelle says "I'll explain after we get there - it'll be easeier that way."
Maria nods.
Maria says ""
MTKnife says "some time before noon reach the upper edge of hte valley, and the tree line."
Mikelleis confused
You say "You mean ther somehow is no bottom?"
MTKnife says "you had arrived at the castle actualy in the morning"
Mikelle says "<OOC> So the tree line is bleow the fields yes..."
Mikelle's English is worse than that of those who don;t speak it as a first language :)
MTKnife says "well aa few trees stick up above hte rim of hte valley..."
MTKnife says "thoguh there's a slope down in to the valley, it's somwaht steep and quite rocky..."
Mikelle says "Are the fertile fields above or below the tree line?"
MTKnife says "above most of them...remember you're coming down a mouantain"
Mikelle says "OK, go on..."
MTKnife says "there is a path dodwn the mountain though, and mMaria lleads you twoard it..."
Helena Guenos looks somewhat uneasy and asks Maurus to help her with the way.

[Break.]

MTKnife says "you walk down into hte valley..it's no more than a hundred yards..."
MTKnife says "as you reach the tree line, you think you can see people moving in the forest"
Mikelle says "Nararn looks around carefully..."
Nararn has arrived.
Mikelle dropped Nararn.
Miklos has arrived.
Mikelle dropped Miklos.
Maria says "Are we there yet ?"
THUD
MTKnife says "not till you've gone over hte river and through the woods..."
Nararn says "Who are the people in the woods?"
Maria says "Did i mention the place being allegiedly haunted ?"
Jan says "Who's there?!"
Mikelle says "Yes. Ghosts don't bother me."
Maurus looks out for a nice piece of wood to carve.
MTKnife says "a large man moves cautiously twoards you"
Miklos looks out for a nice piece of bandit to carve
Maria says "I am Maria, on service of Lord Ulrik."
Mikelle says "Hello there."
Maria says "And who are you ?"
Jan says "Oh, it's you, Lady Maria, how was your trip?"
Maurus asks Helena: Did they just mention GHOSTS?
Maria says "The trip was nice, what are you doing in these woods ?""
Jan laughs.
Helena Guenos answers : Yes, and they mentioned, they don't bother them, so what?
Jan says "Until Lord Ulrik decides to invite us to the castle for ht next feast day, we live here."
Mikelle says "we?"
Jan says "Me and my fellows....guys come out and wave to the nice ladies."
MTKnife says "A number of equally scruffy men and perhas a woman or two emerge from the trees and wave tentatively."
Maria hmms.
The witching hour arrives and Tristan hits the caffeine.
Mikelle says "Hello all!"
Jan says "Lady Maria, are you brining these peopel hwer to talk with Lady Viola?"
Maria says "Indeed."
Jan says "Well, go on ahead...it's a long ways back to hte castle"
Mikelle looks quizically at Jan
Mikelle says "What do you mean?"
Jan says "What, milady?"
Mikelle says "Well, it is a way back to the castle, but why do you mention it?"
Helena Guenos looks a bit confused.
Jan says "Isn't that where you ame from?"
Maria says "Because it is shorter to go on than go back ?"
Mikelle says "Yes. I am just surprised you mentioned it. We would go on if it were further to gon than go back. It matters not. My apologies."
Jan says "you cam form the direction of the castle, and if you ahd set out in the morning form the castle, you'd get her aboaut this time, so I figure that'as where yoiu msut have come from...and I fgure you'll be wanting ot get back before it's very dark"
Helena Guenos whispers to Mikelle: I think he understood we'd be leaving again after talking to this Viola.
Jan says "My apologies if I'm thining harder than milady would like me to"
Mikelle says "Ah! I see. Thankyou."
er thinking
Maria laughs.
Mikelle says "It just seemed an odd thing to say."
Helena Guenos nods.
Mikelle is clearly irritated by htis whole thing.
Jan says "Odd things happen around her a lot, milady."
here
Mikelle says "Odd things happen around me alot. But each one only happens once. A pleasure meeting you."
You say "Well then. Let's go."
Mikelle turns to the others
Mikelle says "lets go then"
Jan waves induldently.
Maria nods her head to Jan.
MTKnife says "okay, you walk further into the forest...."
Mikelle ignores the scruffy peasants...
Maria says "<once we're away enough> Don't take them too bad, they're only trying to be nice"
Wow. Trees.
MTKnife says "eventually you reach a clearing...well, sort of; there aren't as many treas, and it's not overgrown as the rest of the valley"
You say "Hm, I'd like to give them a few hints on being nice..."
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (Later...)
Maria says "Well they haven't had formal training."
MTKnife says "there are some ruined bulding here..they don't look entirely unoccpouied, but they're qutie old, and a few show evdicne of battle damage"
Maria says "That would be here, i guess."
You say "YOU should know that. :)"
MTKnife says "there are a few more of the "peasants" here and there...as Maria leads you past a beautiful, clear spring that wells up into a substantial stream"
MTKnife says "and the Maria leads you toward an ancient orchard..."
follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the...
MTKnife says "in a clearing in the orchard a young man and woman are lounging around, and there's a teen-age girl in perched in a tree...readign a book, oddly enough"
MTKnife says "dressed like an apprentice, maybe?"
Maria says "school uniform ?"
Helena Guenos looks around in wonder.
THUD
MTKnife says "the girl in the tree seems oblvious to you, but hte man gets up and walks over, smiling, and talking in broken Greek, witha strange accent"
MTKnife says "(not a stitch of plaid in sight)"
Edward has arrived.
MTKnife dropped Edward.
MTKnife says "Hiya there, miladies!"
Mikelle says "Hello. I'm Mikelle."
Edward says "Nice ot meet you, milady--what brings you here?"
Mikelle says "Maria told me I might meet some <into latin>sodales</latin> here"
Edward says "<in Latin far more fluent than you can magage> Oh, so my good lady speaks Latin, does she.  Well, that's a lot easier than Greek..."
Maria says "Hello, I am Maria and i brought what Viola asked me to."
You say "(using brocken latin) Hmmm, since noone bothers to introduce us: My name is Helena Guenos. And who might you be?"
Edward says "<back into Greek> I'm Edward, Edward of Leicester.  But you can call me Eddie"
Maria says "So i guess that means i should be leaving now."
Mikelle says "<In Latin> Salve, Eddie.""
Edward says "Salve"
Helena Guenos drops a small curtsey and replies: A pleasure to meet you, Edward.
Edward says "The pleasure is all mine, milady"
Mikelle says "And who are the others?"
Edward says "The other what, Milady?"
Mikelle says "This lady here, and the child in the tree?"
Edward says "Oh, this is my friend Astrid"
Edward says "She's nice"
Maria says "Where is Viola ?"
Mikelle says "Hello Astrid. A pleasure to meet you."
[Auriane's entrance.]
On silent foot from the far end of the courtyard enters a plain-looking woman.  Dressed, for the life of her, like a scout, she is clothed in fitting trousers and tunic in earth tones - as if to blend into the foliage.  She wears confidece like a cloak as she strides on in.  "More strangers," she notes in fluent Greek, giving them all a suspicious look.  "And not  peasants either."
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (Oh, oh... this Edward needs a bit training in manners too...)
Edward says "The um...lday in the tree is Lady Viola, milady"
Astrid waves disinterestedly.
Mikelle says "Ah, Hello to you as well, Lady Viola."
Maria says "Oh."
MTKnife dropped Viola.
Viola says "WHATaw?"
Viola turns around.
Viola says "Eddie, who are athise apaeple?"
Mikelle turns to Auriane
Helena Guenos looks at Maria waiting to be introduced.
Maria nods her head to Auriane and Viola.
Maria says "Lady Viola, this is Helan Guenos and this is Mikelle."
Mikelle says "Ah! Auriane! I thought it might be you out here. "
Mikelle says "I wasn;t expecting to see you until the next ..""
Maria says "This is Viola and Aurian."
Mikelle tails off and looks at Maria
Helena Guenos drops a medium deep curtsey and says: Lady Viola, Lady Auriane, a pleasure to meet you.
MTKnife says "yes, Mikelle has met Auriane...Viola she's never laid eyes on"
Viola says "Eddie, hwo area those apeolpe?"
Mikelle says "Anyway, I think Maria's business here can be settled most quickly, and after that I have a favour to ask of you."
Maria says "Lady Viola, i brought you what you asked of me. The vials"
Edward says "I'm not sure, milady, we haven't been formally introduced as yet."
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (Oh, oh... Another two that ought to be tought manners...)
Viola jumps down.
Viola says "Oh goody!  Lab supplies!"
Maria did just introduce everyone.
Helena Guenos nods at Maria.
Mikelle looks at Viola again. She doesn;t look terribly surprised.
Edward says "lady Maria says these are Lady Helena and Lady Mikelle, Lady Viola"
Maria says "Well then you asked me to send to you any person interested in grouping with you, so i brought lady Mikelle that would be interested"
Viola says "Well what are they adoing ahere? "
Viola says "You mean hteyr'e magi?"
Auriane's brow rises fractionally as she eyes Mikelle. "Why did you think I would be out here?  And speaking of which, why are you out here?  I thought you had chosen to settle in the Thebes Tribunal."  
Maria says "When you are done talking business, i would need talking to you."
Viola eyes Mikelle and Helena.
Mikelle shrugs
Mikelle says "Yes, I'm Mikelle Ex Tytalus."
Viola says "OH!"
Helena Guenos looks a bit confused.
Viola says "Well goodg.  Well I faound this aapot,, and I thought, wel amaybe it would make a good place to puat a convenant."
Mikelle says "<to Auriane> Well, you said you would be looking into vis sources, and then MAria was buying lab equipment for "a friend". As to what I am doing, that is a long story. For now lets just say there was a problem in Constantinople, and I had to leave. As I sadi, it's probably best for MAria to finsih her business here and leave before we discuss all this in depth."
You say "Lady Viola, I fear you misunderstood Edward. I'm not a... magi?... I'm just a travelling companion of Lady Mikelle."
Viola says "Oh...well still, one magas ias better thatn ano magi."
Mikelle says "Yes Viola, I agree. This place looks excellent."
Viola says "The auroa ias very srontang...and therea seassm to be sveraglae vis sources nearby"
Mikelle says "There's a couple of others, but Lucius is easily distracted. But before we start talking shop why don;t we let MAria finish her business."
Viola bends down the check the glassware.
Viola says "Yesa, Mariaa, this willl do a nicely.  You'vea done good woark!"
say I don't know about auras, but this place does need a lot of cleaning before it works.
You say "I don't know about auras, but this place does need a lot of cleaning before it works."
Maria says "Actually i need to have all your shop talks finished before i can finish my business"
Mikelle says "Why is that?"
Auriane's expression is unchanging, but after a long moment, nods to Mikelle's explaination.  She glances around at the others eyeing each in turn. 
Viola says "THree you say..hmm..htat maeks six of us."
Maria says "I need to know exactly what is happening here"
Edward says "Milady Maria, in my experience, when wizards want to talk, they don't want you to listen, and you'd problaby have yoru ears bored off if you did"
Maria nods.
Mikelle says "Exactly what is happening here is that they are setting up a small settlement in this forest, which I intend to join. We will not trouble Lord Ulrik, and I hope he will have the sense not to trouble us, or advertise our presence widely. "
Maria says "I should be back tomorrow then, i suppose"
Viola says "MAria, I thionk we have enough magi here to forma a covneant...if we cang aget thiese buildings fixed and put someo of tthe frest peole ot work, we can survive...."
Mikelle says "Really, and why would that be?"
Mikellewas speaking to Maria
Maria says "This place belongs to Lord Ulrik, and he'll will need a good explanation why he should *offe* them to you"
Maria says "*offer* even"
Viola says "Welel what's he usaing it for anywaway?"
Mikelle says "This lace is hardly under his protection or settled by his people. His claim to it is nominal, the land valueless to him."
place, not lace
Maria says "We will need to find an arrangement and it'll be better done when you have all come to one first."
Viola thinks.
Mikelle says "I have told you the arrangement we will make - we will leave him alone, he will leave us alone."
Viola says "Maria, leat Auroainate and I xshowa them asoarunad firs,t and then perahs they cnat go bakc with you"
Maria says "This is not the question Mikelle. Nothing has any value until someone puts some in it. If you see value in the place, he'll start finding some to it."
Mikelle says "But he had not settleted this place, not used it. Why should we respect hios claim?"
Maria says "He is of nobility, this place belongs to him."
"The lord will be dealt with in due time." Auriane notes to Maria. "If magi choose to settle this valley, they will."
Maria says "There is no claim, only facts."
Viola might notice Helena is staring at her.
Viola clears her throat, awkwardly.
Viola says "Umn..the foresast people, tkhe laord daoens't like them mch, doesn he?"
Mikelle says "This place is magical, and is owned by no mundane. For now, we are here, and possess this place. We will talk to Lord Ulrik later. Some arrangement might ... lets Viola speak."
As soon as she notices, Helena looks away for a few seconds.
Viola drops a vial, which predictably shatters.
Viola says "Oops."
Viola says "Wealle suppose you tell him w'ell put them ot woark and make sure thye don't harass the peasants, and um...well you kknowa. fix the manor here up and defeind it"
Maria says "You'll have to pay taxes and maybe swear fealty as vassals to him i suppose then"
Auriane gives Viola an irritated look at the glass shattering. "Founders' sake, Viola, let your grog put those away lest you break them all ere they can be used.  And nothing shall be decided now until all magi are present to discuss."
Helena Guenos thinks . o O (oh, oh...)
Mikelle says "Well, I think you are right that we should come to some arrangement amongst ourselves first Maria. I fear I have been overstaing my representation of this place. Viola's offer is quite acceptable to all of us, I am sure, but is close to the limit of what we will offer. Taxes and fealty are out of the question."
Viola says "Well ita was just and idea."
Viola says "Um..naaeyawy...did you want to lok arouang?"
Mikelle says "Yes please Viola. It is a shame that this meeting has been marred by these discussions."
Maria says "Well sureee."
Mikelle looks pointedly at MAria
Viola says "Wellmum...well it'shard for me to epxlain....Edward?"
Maria says "Maria is off to visiting or some such"
Ahmed says "Hi everyone."
Edward says "The locals here say that this place used to be good farmland"
Helena Guenos listens closely, but Ulrich@RL is off for a minute.
Viola says "Hlelo!"
Edward says "And the manor here was built around the spring..and village as well, though the peasant htusare long since gone"
Edward says "Ah, Miladies, this here is Lord Ahmed."
Edward says "Another magus."
Mikelle says "Hello Ahmed, I am Mikelle Ex Tytalus."
Edward says "So anyway, it was hapy little valley...."
Ahmed says "Ah err i'm Ahmed of Bjornaer."
Auriane inclines her head to the arrival of the Bjornaer - a gestures of an equal greeting another. "If we are discussing matters of magi, then I suggest we hold  council or decide now when to hold one," she says in latin. 
Edward says "Until the Cumans conqueared the C rimea.."
Helena Guenos drops another curtsey.
Mikelle says "We'll for the moment we're just saying hello, and Edward is telling us about this place."
Edward says "And they put everything and everyoen ot hte fire and the sword..you know, hte stanrd massacre routine"
Mikelle says "Yes. I know."
Mikelle looks angry about something.
Edward says "since then most of the locals won't go near the place...they think it's hunated..and the forest has grown up where there used to be fields."
Viola says "Well iat IS haunted."
Viola says "Um..abut mostof hte gosts seem firnedly"
Ahmed looks at the birds flying or a leaf of some tree.
Viola says "Well aallabout one or two...easpeically that big one...but I've been aputiaing u a Ring of Warding agaisnt Sprits, and that seems to keep thema awya for hte most part"
Auriane waves dismissively at the supersitious nonsense. "Sodales, welcome.  Since you seem to have come to our walls, I will see you anon." she tells Mikelle.  Giving the other newcomers a nod as well, "I'm off to find my custos.  I set them hunting for some game, but if we are to have enough food, they will need hunt until dark."
Viola says "WELll, expcet hte big one...you're notboehtese by ghosts, are you?"
Mikelle says "Not really.  If we put up an Aegis that should keep them all out, anyway. Except maybe this "big one""
Ahmed says "Bye Auriane"
Mikelle says "Good luck Auriane.  We will have a council when you get back.
Viola says "Welle I odn't se whay wouldn't wnat ot keep most of htem out...tkheyr'e pefeldty friendly ghosts...now the fearies, someo f them aren't nice at all, but they don't come around the spring much"
Viola says "Oh dear, I wodn'er if no one udnerstands a thing I"m sahing"
Mikelle says "<OOC> what language is she speaking""
MTKnife says "latin"
MTKnife says "more or less"
Mikelle says "I understand you perfectly. Please go on."
MTKnife says "strnage accent ,though"
Helena Guenos has problems to understand it, she was able to follow so far.
Viola says "Wel"
Viola says "ther'ea vis int hese trees herere..welle someo f htem...wthe sap anaywya"
Tristan has more problem decoding Helena's last sentence than Viola's ramblings... :)
Ahmed says "Has Helena stayed ?"
Viola says "Well Auraoine says that it's Hergbam vis, abuat I daon't real ytell"
Viola says "HEre, acome see the spring."
Mikelle says "Excellent. Herbam vis would make sense, it being from trees. Is there anything special about the spring?"
Viola walks off.
Mikellefollows
Ahmed follows too.
Viola says "Welle asee. that's parato f ht 'haunting'"
Mikelle says "well, let's have a look at it."
Viola says "The sproinga has wlays been the center of this plcase, so  I spusoe that it makes sense that any change wouel aaffect it most"
Helena Guenos does not follow the magi.
Viola says "so etimes, epaoeialcy at night..aprapitionas appear over the spring."
Viola says "coainsaly it'sj sut the ghosts, buart actualy the spring itslefi a mgical"
Mikelle says "What do they do?"
Viola says "oh...jaust things...it dpends on who's loooknig, really."
Mikelle says "Right. Well, the price of a magical aura, I suppose."
Viola says "wlel not jaust that--ther'es vis in the water"
Mikelle says "Aquam vis?"
Viola says "Well no actually...Aurianae saysa it's a combination of Mentem and Imaginem"
Viola says "ehenace hte apparitions..."
Mikelle says "Ah, right. That makes sense. This sounds like a very suitable site for a covenant."
Viola says "buat see, the'rsn the rpbolem"
Mikelle says "We just have to deal with this Ulrik and make sure the ghosts don't do anything unreasonable."
Mikelle says "Oh, what is the problem?"

[Here Helena teleported out to have a chat with Edward, but she didn't miss much, since the main session ended shortly thereafter.]