Adventure Took Place on February 27, 2000

Vulcuran tells a few of his friends that the Dynamic Duo is around. But because no one wants to ruin the wonderful evening, they have decided to just let things be…

DMaster: The room is pumping pretty good with some festive music, a hundred if not more people talking and the dancing close to the long bar.
THOR: So what are you going to do?

Vulcuran: VUL: Nothing. Britney would have my ass, five times over. Carol would be pissed.
Stop nod my head, look around, then back to him
VUL: Hell, even the King told me to lay off. So, that is what I am going to do. Anyways… they are leaving after tonight.

DMaster: The bartender makes his way to you two and drops off the drinks you ordered. Thorin nods his head and then snaps it back to you
THOR: Wait, what? They are leaving? Why?

Vulcuran: VUL: Finally got what they came for. This is their goodbye dance, so to speak.
Start walking back.

DMaster: THOR: This could be the last time we could…
He looks up to you with wider eyes. Glancing to the table, Britney is staring you guys down, despite Meadow trying to distract her.

Vulcuran: VUL: Nope. Just letting it go and let’s enjoy the night shall we?
Put my arm around Thorin and smile. Give Britney a big smile and “don’t worry” look.

DMaster: Thorin smiles real wide and walks with you to the table. He hands all the drinks off and of course Thorin gets the 3rd degree from Britney. But nothing seems to spawn from it. You and meadow have some small talk, then the table decides to dance a bit. So everyone heads out onto the dance floor. Feeling pretty good, dancing and a slight buzz is making the night even better.

Vulcuran: Keep dancing, keep close to meadow if I can

DMaster: She is dancing right there with you. You go for a good 20-25 minutes and everyone gets back to the table a bit sweaty, but smiles and laughs all around. Gulping down drinks and such.

Vulcuran: Nonchalant, scan the floor for Xavier or Cassie.

DMaster: At first glance you do not see them, then in the farther corner you spot them. They are talking with the King!

Vulcuran: Eyes bulge a little, get up and head over there.

DMaster: Meadow a little startled by your sudden movement, you make your way across the floor, avoiding some people and a drunk or two and get to them.

Vulcuran: VUL: M’Lord. You having a good time?
Bow a bit to him, give Cassie and Xavier eyes that could rip through concrete,

DMaster: JER: Yes, yes I am Vulcuran. Enjoying the drinks and the company.
He nods to the two people next to him.

Vulcuran: Give him a raised eyebrow look, nod my head
VUL: Oh?

DMaster: JER: This is Xavier and this is… I am sorry I did not catch your name?
She was staring at you, with a smirk, then she takes a deep breath and sighs.
CASS: The name is Cassandra, M’Lord.
JER: There you have it, Cassandra.
He smiles at her, raises his glass a bit and takes a drink.

Vulcuran: Give the King a wide eyed look, chuckle a bit.
VUL: It is nice to meet you both.
Give them a nod, smirk and then look away, trying not to giggle.
VUL: I think it is time for the reading, is it not?

DMaster: He gulps, and looks at you and smiles.
JER: Ahhh yes, pardon me.
He starts for the stage.

Vulcuran: Give them a look.
VUL: Really? You are lucky he does not remember your name in the reports… otherwise who knows what would of happened.
Glance back to the stage, then back to the two of them

DMaster: XAV: Protecting us, dear Duke. I am humbled.
He bows a bit sarcastically.

Vulcuran: Stare at him deadpan, shaking my head.

DMaster: Cassie is looking just past you and has a smirk on her face. She quietly says.
CASS: Incoming…
A hand goes around your arm.

Vulcuran: Look down.

DMaster: Meadow is there, snuggled right up next to you looking at the two in front of you.
MEA: I know Xavier, but who is this hun?
Her speech is just getting a tinge of slur to it, she is not feeling much pain.

Vulcuran: Think to myself, “hun? we are at the hun stage?”
VUL: Meadow, this is Cassandra.

DMaster: Cassie smiles wide, shakes her hand.
CASS: Meadow. Such a pretty name. Like a field of flowers?
The blonde operative’s face trying not to bust, keeping a decent smile and a tilt of her head. Meadow looks, scrunches her eyebrows a bit.
MEA: Why, yes… you… could say that.
She looks up to you.

Vulcuran: Glance down to her and smile. Curious how Cassie knew that is what I said.

DMaster: MEA: So you two know each other then?
She is pointing at Xavier and Cassie. They nod their heads.
XAV: She is my sister.
Meadow nods her head and smiles.
MEA: So what do you two do, for a living?

Vulcuran: Sigh
VUL: We don’t want to bother them too much, they were just about to leave… right?

DMaster: Cassie is shaking her head, smile on her face.
CASS: Nope. Bar is still wet, music is festive and good times are still to be had.
Meadow chuckles a bit.
MEA: I agree with her.
XAV: Me and my sister are, operatives. Hired to get things done, when other means can’t.
Cassie cringes a bit, knowing that might of been a bit too much information.

Vulcuran: VUL: Operatives. Yeah. Operatives.
Glaring at them both.

DMaster: CASS: And you fair Meadow, what is it that you do?
She looks a bit put back, realizing her answer was not going to be, impressive.
MEA: I am a waitress, at Fycon Brothers.
Both their eyes bulge a little.
XAV: Fycons? I love that place
He gives Cassie a look.
CASS: Their desserts, are to die for.
Meadow nods her head. Just then the King stops the music and gets every ones attention.
JER: Every year we like to have a reading. It is tradition. Our lead Scribe, writes it, then our crier speaks it. Last year it was…
He leans back to the cryer. He says something to the King.
JER: Ah yes, it was of the tragic fire in Arrow Run, and the people who rebuilt it and gave so much.
Everyone claps a little.

Vulcuran: Glance at Cassie

DMaster: She gives you a sidewards glance.
JER: This year, it is called “The Odds of a Pirate Hunt.”

Vulcuran: Sink my shoulders, frown, shake my head. Look down, not wanting to hear this.

DMaster: Meadow grabs your arm tighter, she notices your demeanor and gives you a look.

Vulcuran: Glance over to her, and smile. Then shrug my shoulders.

DMaster: The Crier stands up.

A day so tragic, so filled with blood,
It was pirates a-sea, causing a cry
Our lords and our ladys they got together
and sent our Duke out, to give it a try

A day or two, they sail, onto a week
They find nothing but a few little coves
Their in that cave, they sat and they wait
Until the time the Pirates then arose.

The battle was short, the victor was known
Duke bowed his head, at the death at his feet
But Victory was short, as the sea became angered
All of the men to the boat and took a seat

Vulcuran: Listening to the words, reliving the horror in my head… I just can’t deal with this right now. Shake my head, release from meadow, and walk for the door. I don’t want to hear this.

DMaster: Meadow wide eyes, looks your way, then looks around. A few people noticed you walking away.

The Cryer continued. (While Vulcuran left,and the events below transpired, here is the rest)

They called him the monster, he did erupt
With fire and smoke, but also with a wave
Vulcuran did everything, but to no alas
Their boat did crash, they could not save.

Many were lost, but the brave remained
Lost in the wilds of evil and the witch
Battle they did, fight they could
A long road ahead, and to avoid a ditch

The hugged the coast, met up with good
It did not last, as a storm took sight
Though the monsters were no more
It was their lives that they had to fight.

A king, a castle and a really big boat
Was at the end of the journey for the band
So let’s raise a glass to them
and give them a warm welcoming hand…

Vulcuran: Find a spot past the entrance. Then lean back against the wall in the Atrium, out of earshot of the Cryer. Wait for the applause. Just shaking my head.

DMaster: It was quiet, when suddenly someone appears closer to you than you thought someone could get without you knowing it.

Vulcuran: Glance over.

DMaster: Cassie is walking to you, has a curious look on her face.
CASS: You don’t like this poem, Duke?

Vulcuran: Scoff a little, shake head.
VUL: Not particularly.

DMaster: Walks to you, runs her hand along your arm and it makes you shiver a bit.

Vulcuran: Not moving, give her a look.
VUL: Because what happened, was not heroic. It ranged from disgusting to desperate. Very little about it was worth a sentence or two, let alone a poem.

DMaster: After a short minute, she looks up to you.
CASS: Are you ok?
Your eyes meet and you get butterflies, you get nervous… you take a deep breath without even knowing it.

Vulcuran: VUL: Yeah, I’m fine I guess. I don’t need to burden you with my issues. So I appreciate you coming out here, but…
look down.

DMaster: CASS: But, what? See, I can rhyme too.

Vulcuran: Scoff laugh.
VUL: I am sure that is one of many talents you have.
Look at her and marvel in her beauty.

DMaster: CASS: The past can haunt you, relive itself when you least expect it. But… Could it be you might be a little sad that we are leaving?

Vulcuran: Give her a perplexed look, shake head.
VUL: What gave you that impression?

DMaster: She shrugs her shoulders and smiles. Just then you heard the applause.

Vulcuran: VUL: Dammit. That’s my cue, I have to head back in.
Stop leaning on the wall.

DMaster: Cassie grabs your hand, and your eyes meet. It was powerful in the dimmed light, just enough light reflecting off her baby blues, the smell of her perfume, the touch of her hand.

Vulcuran: fuck it, lean in and kiss her.

DMaster: She reciprocates and you two kiss for a moment. It was a damn good kiss. You forgot where you were for a moment.
CASS: Well, you kiss a hell of a lot better than running rooftops, let me tell you.
You can tell she liked it too, her face more flushed and a soft smile on her face.

Vulcuran: Chuckle and shake my head. Get a smile on my face, start to walk off. Then look back at her.

DMaster: She nods as though to say goodbye and walks off.

Vulcuran: Just stand there for a minute and then start to head back in.

DMaster: Plugr makes his way out, glancing around.
PLUG: Vulc? where did you get off to? Everyone is looking for you.

Vulcuran: Give him a look, get closer and say somewhat quietly.
VUL: Why? So we can glorify our slaughter? So we can puff out our chests knowing we destroyed a community of families? That it was so much more desperation than heroic… keep getting reminded of the things I will never forgive myself for.
Stop, shake my head and grit my teeth.

DMaster: Plugr is rigid, has wide eyes and a smirk. Then Victoria walks around him and looks at you.

Vulcuran: Jump back a bit.
VUL: I am sorry Victoria, I did not know you were there.
Look down shaking my head.
VUL: I am so sorry for what I have done…
Choke back the tears.
VUL: I…

DMaster: She comes over and lifts your chin. Your eyes meet and both of you are welling up a bit. The beautiful brown haired woman nods her head, leans up and kisses your cheek. Then oddly, she looks at you again, gets her sleeve of her dress and wipes your mouth.
VIC: Nice. Real nice. Out here macking on other women, just when I thought you might…
She scoffs, shakes her head and turns. She takes Plugrs hand, who was wide eyed and smiling. They head back in.

Vulcuran: Oops, think to myself. Then head back in.

DMaster: A few people notice you, as the room was at a dull roar. It appears they were waiting for you to return.
MAN: There he is!
He points to you and everyone looks.

Vulcuran: Stop, give a small smile and wave a little.
VUL: One too many glasses of Brandy I surmise, had to water the porcelain flowers, if you know what I mean…

DMaster: Everyone’s eyes bulge and the room just explodes with laughter and claps.

Vulcuran: Did that on purpose to avoid being a no-show, for the reading. Wave again, blushing and make it to my table. See if I can see Cassie and Xavier anywhere.

DMaster: You do not see them at a glance. You make it to your table and everyone is giving you some weird looks. Some that have known you for a while, know why you left, others are perplexed. A few other announcements were made, then Damon takes the stage, he clears out a spot in front and goes down. Everyone looking on, his girlfriend is as red as you have seen anyone, finally realizing what he must be doing. He proposes and she accepts and the place just erupts with cheers and claps.

Vulcuran: Walk over to him, give Addysin a small hug and shake Damons hand.

DMaster: They are both shell shocked, and surrounded by people.Then the music starts back up again. It is roughly about 9:00PM and the table gets up and starts dancing again.

Vulcuran: Get back to the table, just play the part for the time being.

DMaster: You dance for a while, then sit and you and Meadow have some conversation. You both head over to the bar and get another drink. by now she is wobbly and slurring her words a bit. She is half your weight and has drank more than you. You are feeling pretty good, a good buzz, but nothing out of control. It is around 10:00PM and the place is starting to empty out.

Vulcuran: Get back to the table finish off any brandy I had left.

DMaster: The group congregates around you and they are talking.
CAR: Lets go to the Hydra, last year it was a damn good time.
Thames looks over to his wife and smirks. She notices.
CAR: Wat? Wat is that look for?
THA: You don’t remember a damn thing from last year so how would you know how good a time it was?
She nods her head.
CAR: I don’t remember you…
Smiling and giving him a goofy look.

Vulcuran: Scoff-laugh.
VUL: Oh, damn. Ouch. That had to hurt.

DMaster: They all decide to head back to the Hydra again, you gather your things up and walk out.

Vulcuran: Take a moment, scan the room. Are they still here?

DMaster: The place is more than half empty now, and no they seem to have left. That kiss was goodbye.

Vulcuran: Feel a little disappointed, but not too much. They are gone and now I can concentrate on other things, like the castle security. Head out with the rest of them.

DMaster: The group leaves. With you is Meadow, Thames, Carol, Marcus, Capri, Britney and Thorin. Damon and Addyson went home, or to a romantic location to celebrate on their own. It was a bit of a walk, some stumbling going on, lots of laughs. You have a two guard chaperone, for your protection. You reach the Hydra and it seems like everyone else had the same idea. There was a line at the door. Marcus makes his way to the door-man. Within a minute you in the door and onto the main, lower floor of the pub.The pub itself is a 4 story building, taking up a half block, just on the outskirts of the slums. It is technically still in the common area, but it is a far from being inner-gate type establishment. The bottom floor is easily 120×120. You entered in the corner and when you walk in, both to your right and left is long bars with what seems like 10 bartenders behind both. The middle is the dance floor and it is pretty crazy out there right now. They have witches lanterns, and they do it very well, so there are lights swirling about, the band is playing some crazy festive music and there has to be 100 people on the floor now just dancing away. When you entered, the place is extremely loud. To the far wall is a large cutout entrance way and huge stairs leading up to the second floor, which you remember as the gaming floor. Darts, pool, knucklebones, etc. Never been to the third floor but it is a more private area, almost a “study” or “brandy” room. For today you assume it is reverted to dancing and drinking.

Vulcuran: Get everyone’s drink orders and head to the bar.

DMaster: They give it to you and they are looking for a place to set up for a “home base.” You get to the bar and the bartender sees you, then double takes and smiles real big.
BAR: Everyone, Everyone!
He jumps on the bar and half the room is looking over.

Vulcuran: Look down and shake my head, come on really?

DMaster: BAR: I want our Hydra crowd to give a warm and LOUD welcome to our very own Duke of Camerondale, Vulcuran!!
He is yelling at the top of his lungs. Everyone erupts, to claps, whistles, hoots and hollers. It was deafening.

Vulcuran: Give him a very grumpy, disapproving look. Turn my eyes a little to slits.

DMaster: He jumps down, is smiling, looks your way and jumps back a bit in surprise.
BAR: Sire, I am sorry, you did not want us to know you are here?

Vulcuran: Lean over the bar.
VUL: Let’s just say you do that again and you will be wearing half this bar shelf of liquor, understand?

DMaster: The poor bartender, swallows hard and nods his head.
BAR: Uh, ok. Your order perhaps then?

Vulcuran: Give him my order. Quickly think of how much and grab 2 gold.

DMaster: He lines up the drinks, looks down the bar at someone who nods there head. It appears you got this guy in trouble, the management saw you were not happy.
BAR: This round is on us, I apologize for my actions.

Vulcuran: Stare at him for a second. Throw two gold on the bar.
VUL: Honest mistake, thank you.
Make sure to smile big to the bartender then glance to the management and smile and nod. Hoping I didn’t just get him in to much trouble.

DMaster: They give a friendly gesture and wave. You take the drinks, slowly and carefully avoiding crack heads and drunkards. Its a makeshift high top table, half the party is dancing already.

Vulcuran: Put the drinks on the table.

DMaster: THOR: Whoa, it’s you! The, the… Duke? That Vulcuran guy.
Thames gives you a playful smirk.

Vulcuran: Just shake my head and look at Thorin.
VUL: Yes Yes, Thorin. That means you are buying the rest of the night, since you are below my status.
Give him a snooty look, take a sip of brandy.

DMaster: He bows a few times sarcastically.
THOR: Yes master, yes master.
He grabs his mug of ale and takes a drink, then sours his face.
THOR: Dammit, miss the Castle ale, this stuff tastes like the underbelly of a black ox.

Vulcuran: Slowly look over to him, wider eyes. Shaking my head.

DMaster: THA: Uh, how in the world do you know what “underbelly of a black ox” even tastes like.
Thorin chuckles and gags down another gulp.
THOR: Aye, lots you don’t know about me.
He says straight faced. Thames giving him big eyes and a growing smile.

Vulcuran: Ignoring that disturbing revelation, and look out over the dance floor.

DMaster: Its any wonder you don’t have a damn seizure, the lights flailing around, people dancing and twirling around and the music is louder than you would expect it to be.

Vulcuran: Take another sip of Brandy.

DMaster: The night moves on and you dance a few times with the group and once with Meadow. Then a nice slow dance and meadow is pressed up real tight to you. She is definitely drunk at this point. You are buzzing real good, but the lower floor is getting to you.

Vulcuran: Dance with her, then head back to the table. Finish off my brandy.

DMaster: It’s getting close to high moon and this place is still hopping. Meadow takes your hand and you two traverse the dance floor, head up the stairs, bypassing the second level which seems somewhat subdued. The top level is darker with couches and chairs all over. Low level candle light and what appears to be a bunch of couples making out and doing who knows what else.

Vulcuran: Eyes get big looking around.
VUL: Always wondered what was up here.

DMaster: She finds an open love seat and pushes you down in it.

Vulcuran: Laugh a little look up to her.

DMaster: Meadow smiles real big and then straddles you.
MEA: You can fight off Pirates and Orcs, but can you fight off a drunk waitress from Fycons?

Vulcuran: Let her put my hands back, pin me to the couch.
VUL: With eyes that beautiful and lips that perfect, I’m going to say, no.

DMaster: She practically melts, and leans in and starts kissing you. She seems like a good kisser, but a bit sloppy considering how much she drank. You two are making out, and you even get in a cop-a-feel here and there. She is starting to grind on you, leaning herself farther in and practically biting your ear off.

Vulcuran: Keep my flopper under control, or try too.

DMaster: After a good hour of it, you two slow down and she leans back. Lipstick smeared on her face, hair a mess from you grabbing it, her eyes droopy from the booze and rosy cheeks from being drunk.

Vulcuran: VUL: We should continue this when we are more, I don’t know, sober?
Caress her cheek.

DMaster: Meadow smiles and nods her head, goes to get off and almost falls backwards.

Vulcuran: Grab her hand, stand up quick.

DMaster: Her eyes light up and she looks up to you.
MEA: Damn your fast!

Vulcuran: Give her a look and a smirk.

DMaster: MEA: I hope you don’t hear that too often…
she trails off, giggling a bit.

Vulcuran: Guide her back downstairs.

DMaster: It looks like your party has all but left.

Vulcuran: Head on out, and for Meadows.

DMaster: A guard trails you for protection. She is stumbling a bit, laughing and you two barb back and forth a few times. It was fun. You get to her door, and you think its about 1:30AM.

Vulcuran: VUL: Shhh, You are home, now can you be quiet?

DMaster: Meadow nods her head, turns and fumbles with a key. “click” she unlocks the door. Without knowing it, she turns the handle and she falls forward, before you could grab her she lands practically on her face in her entryway. She yelps a bit, then explodes into laughter.

Vulcuran: VUL: So much for quiet
Giggle and help her up.

DMaster: By now her mother is there, house coat around her. Looking at her daughter with wide eyes, shaking her head and has a smirk.

Vulcuran: VUL: My apologies, she had a wonderful time and was an amazing date.
Smile at the mother.

DMaster: The mother nods, smiles back and guides her daughter into the living room. Then like she forgot something, Meadow quickly turns around and races for you, slams into you with a huge slobbery kiss.

Vulcuran: Eyes big, kiss her back.
VUL: Night Meadow, sleep well.

DMaster: Her mother is wide eyes just looking at her daughter, then to you. You backup, close the door and head back to the Castle.

Vulcuran: Keep steady. Watch out for anything.

DMaster: You are buzzed real good, and there is a guard behind you watching out.

Vulcuran: Head to my room, head to bed…