Danger Visits

[rassafraggin]

With the serpentine neck and sea horse head at the prow, the first assumption one might make from a passing vessel is that it is a fancy longship from Kitezh that is caught wandering through Rebman water space. The water churns laterally on either side although oars are not in evidence, as it cruises sedately and unescorted by any patrols. The summer sun makes its glossy obsidian deck gleam, no one on deck. Ghost ship? Abruptly, the horse head turns independently in the direction of the sailed ship cruising over, glass orb eyes bulging in a parody of shock. WHONK~! it bugles in either greeting or warning, and the water begins to kick up and froth to the rear as the vessel prepares to dive if necessary.

Sol is up on the deck soaking in the sun and her rosegold curls dance merrily like flames in the seabreeze, and her sweet honeyed song is lost in the sound of waves and sounds of the contraption, but she doesn't seem to care. She seems to be enjoying herself at the moment.

The Storm Witch is well known in these waters, it's massive scarred frame speaking of old salt and a thousand battles. The sails have been trimmed, and as the two vessels near, the flagship of the Northern Fleet circles around the position of the strange sight of an empty ship upon the seas, and though the Storm Witch gives no sign of alarm at the ear-piercing whonk the activity upon its deck suggests alarm. The flags of Amber unfurl, making clear the allegiance of the ship aboard as Gerard stomps to starboard and peers out toward the curious sight of a Rebman submarine through the magnifying lenses of a spyglass.

Like Sol, Miriam is up on the deck. While she shields her eyes from the sun, she also seems very content to let the wind move around her. It might be there is more in her immediate vicinity than is naturally occurring, given how it moves her hair and gown. The 'Whink' gets her attention though, and she peeks through the sunlight to see whether she should be getting back inside.

Below, a red tint seeps into the gaseous lighting strips that run the length of the main corridors. An interior siren reminiscent of whalesong kicks in through brass ammonite shells mounted in every chamber, but is shut down abruptly. The lights also resume their pale white glow, and Merrisol strides from the helm, calling back, "Admiral's flagship. Just bring it alongside." He bounds up the spiral staircase to the antechamber and climbs up through the circular hatchway, as yet unsealed. Checking on Sol and Miriam with a nod, he turns to face the flagship's broadside while craning his posture back to accommodate the difference in elevation between ships.

Sol peers at Merrisol with a smile then turns and her smiles blossoms widely as she too recognizes the Flagship, "The lord Admiral!" the same tone someone might use if they saw Santa.

Glad of the drills that Merrisol put his crew through, Maggie is aware of what the 'Wonk', the lighting changes and the whalesong alarms mean. She rises from a spot in the commons and moves quickly through to check on where their passengers are. Initial concern rises on not finding Sol or Miriam below, she begins to move forward when the alarm is canceled. Spotting Merrisol striding toward the stairs, she hears the call to the crew and falls in behind the Solar Flare's Captain. When she reaches the deck, she is relieved to see Sol and Miriam, giving them a nod. Then her attention turns to the approaching ship. A smile tugs at the corners of her lips, though she stands a bit to one side and behind Merrisol.

The wind around Miriam dies down as overall activity increases, and she smiles as others come up on deck. She doesn't seem all that interested in the ship past a simple curiosity.

In short order, the massive Storm Witch comes alongside the smaller submersible. Gerard appears above, peering down at them. "Well met, and fair tidings! Permission to come aboard? You have my word as a man, and a Prince of Amber, that I mean no harm. 'Tis, one must admit, a curious ship and I am ever cursed with my curious nature." Even over the distance, the Admiral's voice is audible. He might as well be standing next to them rather then screaming across the gap and over choppy waves.

Sol looks to Merrisol with a rare but obvious plea in those big gold flecked eyes.

Amy was settled on the deck sunbathing, and since the alarm got cancelled, she still is. Relaxing and enjoying some rest and relaxation. Half asleep.

"Adding to your credentials the good opinions of Sol and Captain Hell herself, I couldn't possibly refuse. Captain Merrisol of the Solar Flare, Admiral." They've crossed paths a couple of times before, but he doesn't expect to be remembered in particular. His own voice projects well across the gap as he reiterates, "Permission is granted! I only hope the hatch was cut wide enough that you don't get all wedged. It would make diving problematic," he frowns pensively towards the only entrance to the enclosed space. No really, they might need all of Amy's suntan oil to get the Prince through.

Sol gives a girlish squeal and practically dances in place. She grins, "I'll get him through!" she chirps cheerily in a burst of sun-lit rosegold curls.

Well, at least Amy does have suntan oil, so it's a possibility. She peeks open an eye, and just leans back again, not joining in the crowd or the noise.

"Hah!" Gerard calls back down at the jest, "I make a fine masthead, more terrifying then the bull or the horse, but slightly less easy on the eyes than the Undines that have come into favor in the last few years. One could do worse!" He disappears for a moment, before letting a rope bridge down and descending to the Solar Flare's deck. "So, Sunshine counts herself amongst your crew?"

Maggie waits patiently for Merrisol's decision and when it is given, her smile warms in quiet welcome. Stepping forward, she takes hold of one side of the rope ladder to steady it until Gerard has decended. When he is down, she tugs on it twice to alert the Witch's crew that it is safe to pull up again. Then she takes a half step back so that she is not between Sol and the Prince. Just in case.
Miriam watches and listens to them all, her head slightly tilted.

Merrisol offers Maggie a bemused smile at this development, as he notes her position to his right. He looks the other way then at the squee~.. Sol's elation both charming and contagious to witness. Merri nods agreeably over her declaration, but no worries, the hatch really is wide enough that they won't need to hack off any shoulders or limbs to accommodate their sturdy visitor. "The necessary crew complement is Begman. We are honoured to have several distinguished guests aboard, contributing their aid to Rebma's concerns in a time of crisis. Sol, Captain Flame, Lady Amethyst, you already know, Prince Gerard," he inclines his head, then extends one arm to indicate the other lady on deck. "And this is Princess Miriam of Tir."

Sol issues another girlish squeal of delight and she just can't help it any more, she knows the Captain ought to greet the Prince properly but she bounds forward with an energic bounce and swing of loooong curls and practically catapalts herself at Gerard. She gives the massive prince as fierce a hug as her tiny body can muster-and really compared to him she looks like a toy more than a person. She kisses his cheek, "It is GOOD to see you!" her hug claimed and the Prince properly greeting she releases the prince, "You will love the Solar Flaire, Captain Merrisol and those who built it have spared no detail." She alight with delight, she steps aside to let the Prince explore. The other members of her crew are flashed an abashed but pleased smile, as if with one Epic hug Sol is now right as rain.

Amy does peek an eye open again, raising a hand to wave. "Uncle," she calls over. She does now move to get to her feet, so as to be polite.

Maggie offers Merrisol a shadowed wink and a smile, though she remains where she is. Sol's squeals and that dash for Gerard made by the small woman, all bounce and rose-gold and curls proove that Maggie was right to stay out of the way. Sol is offered a smile, though when she is named by Merrisol, Maggie steps forward to offer a hand, "Good day to you, Your Highness. It is good to see you again." Her greeting is pleasent, honest, and far more subdued than Sol's.

Gerard claps Maggie's shoulder, "Neices." He might well have been prepared to say more, perhaps acknowledge Merrisol as he does him the favor of introducing everyone else but Sol's spontaneous launch and hug forces a laugh out of him instead, and before she can retreat he places hands under her arms and tosses her up into the air as if a child only to catch her on the way down. "Ah, my greatest advocate!" He places a kiss upon her brow before setting her back down and taking Maggie's extended hand, "Gratitude for the opportunity to examine your submersible, it's been years since I have seen one and my memory may be failing me but never this close to Amber itself." He nods to Merrisol, and then turns toward Miriam, only to take her hand and kiss it in the gentlemen's fashion. "Princess, I knew your brother. He was a good man, and I am sorry for your loss. This land is not the better for it. If you ever have need of me, have but to ask." He releases her hand with a respectful bow before finally turning to Merrisol, "You command this vessel then? I'm jealous lad, she seems a beaut. May I inspect her then?"

RPG: Gerard declares that he has the Mighty (PHY-MI) gift.

Gerard throws Sol. Really high.

Miriam offers Gerard a smile, when he kisses her hand. She curtseys to him, then says "Thank you so much, your Highness. It's very kind of you to say."

Martin had wandered off to deal with a call from Rebma. He'd taken a bottle with him and hasn't been back for a while so he probably found a nice place to watch the water wiz by while catching some alone time. It's well known by now that when he takes a bottle with him, best to let him be. Hearing all sorts of voices he checks things out. "Hey." He waves. "Prince Gerard, thought I heard your voice." He beams at the large man just in time to see him Sol-toss. Woah... He had of course washed his face since then and looks presentable. After all, Miriam is aboard. He gives Merrisol an amused grin, just cause.

Sol SQUUeeaaa.......aaaaaaAAALLLLS all the way up and back down-but not in terror. There's a soft 'ooff' followed by breathless laughs and he gets another adoring kiss on his cheek as he sets her down and tends to introductions and explorations. Her hair is a MESS but she has that big, flustered grin so many wear after an encounter with the Prince Admiral. She flops down beside Amy to sunbath while others explore. She spies Martin and gives a happy wave, "Good day prince Regent!"

Merrisol kind of stands straighter in the face of Gerard's remarks, but manages to refrain from puffing up. Still.. Admiral inspection. Please let Martin have cleared away the poker game. Then the Regent himself is up the hatch, making the SF now technically more of a raft than a submersible vessel that seals people inside. Merri sidelong-regards Martin's grin, brow line hitching upwards sharply, before he turns to look at that smooth-talkin' Prince. "Of course, Highness. Currently we are housing a few quarantined patients in a few of the cabins, but otherwise you will have full access to the sub," he agrees. Well, the places he can comfortably fit, anyway.

"The planking upon which you are standing is made from unblemished and carefully-cut sheets of volcanic glass. They are the means by which the vessel's systems function, drawing and storing the sun's rays." He doesn't look much downwards at the obsidian beneath most of their feet, perhaps he is afraid of all the scuff marks that will need to be polished off with Amber-Armor-All? Turning, he points towards the Seahorse prow. "The periscope, amongst other things. There is a sound amplification system that runs through to the sonar room. I'm still working out the other features, to be honest."

Maggie nods to Gerard's greeting but any comment she might have made is cut off by the game of Toss-A-Sol/Catch-A-Sol, then by greetings, introductions and the beginning of the tour. Tucking her hands into her pockets, she takes the time to watch Merrisol in his element. Martin's arrival is met with a half smile and a nod.

"Regent," Gerard says, nodding to Martin. "I was just being shown this marvel, but we'll have to take a moment soon to catch up." So, with that, he follows Merrisol.

Miriam looks towards Martin, and he too gets a smile.

Sol has occupied with carefully and gently tending the deck-since she may work on it and rest on her shadow to prevent further smudges. She looks brighter than she has in weeks even as she carefully tends the deck as the Crew shown her.

OOC> Merrisol lied to Gerard. The sub actually runs on Adorable.

The tour ranges in all directions within, with various stops to point out the impressive (read: bogus) scientific advances in Begman aquanautics. It's not too long before Gerard bids all a mighty farewell and climbs back aboard his own boat. It continues on its way while the sub bobs gently in the ripples off its wake.

Miriam follows along with most of the tour, though at some point she quietly excuses herself to rest.

Maggie stays toward the rear of the tour in case something comes up that needs to be attended to while the Master of the Sub shows his distinguished guest around. Thus is is that when aquanautics is mentioned, she mishears it as equinautics and it sparks a likely inappropriate chuckle. With Gerard's effusive and booming commentary, it is likely missed. Once he has left, Maggie seeks out the bar. Claiming several bottles of liquid courage, she brings them up onto the deck to offer them around.

Martin is pleased that his contribution to the Sub is being utilized. One should never underestimate the power of good liquor. He's got smiles for everyone. Apparently whatever conversation he had with the mirrors he was using went well. Yes, he talks to people via mirrors as well as trumps and it's creepy when he does. Liquor is good for the soul! He takes off his shirt and sunbathes with the ladies.

Sol smiles to Martin, "Best spot to sun in this ocean and the next." She smiles and stops cleaning to approach Maggie to claim a bottle of hooch, "Very kind of you, thank you. Join us?" She gestures to Martin, Amy, and now she moves to join them as well.

Lingering above for a little while after the Storm Witch pushes off, Merrisol loosens his collar and rolls his sleeves up the forearms in response to the day's heat, but that's about it. He sits in the curvature of the huge seahorse shoulder, away from the edge of the mirrored decking, and relaxes a few moments. If you can call that relaxing.

Martin grins at Sol, "Indeed it is." He waves over at Merrisol, "Told you everyone would want to see the submersible." Ah the few moments in time when they can just let everything go and relax a little. There's still a lot to do but nothing anything can do about it right now. "By the way, I need to go back to Rebma for a couple of days and deal with a few court issues. Ygrayne has a few interests they want to put to my attention and I have to check on the defenses. You'll be ok with the Patients"

Maggie squints a little against the sun's light as reflected sparkles from above glint on the water below turning the obsidian deck of the submersible into the pupil of an enormous, glittering eye. Wavelettes break against the ship, shattering that slightly macabre image. Maggie laughs lightly as she hands Sol, then Martin their bottles. One is sent with Martin for his sister but Maggie declines, "Thanks, Sol. In a minute?" Turning as the petite toss-rejuvinated woman moves off, Maggie approaches Merrisol where he sits. As she still holds two bottles of imbibables, she offers him his choice between the two.

Sol settles down beside Martin and smiles, "You are a braver man than I. Soak and drink while ye may!" She toasts him with her bottle.

Martin smirks, and thanks Maggie then returns the toast to Sol and has a swig. "Ah, it's not so bad once you figure some people out and what it is they really want. Most of it is posturing, though. The Rebman Noble houses have always been trying to get ahead of each other much like the Amber Houses do."

Merri shakes his head. "We're still running some efficiency tests below. Save me one for later?" he suggests to Maggie, smiling. His attention slips beyond to Martin, nodding slowly over the apparent need to keep the afflicted Rebmans on the sub for a while longer. "Very well, I'll keep you posted on their progress day by...." he trails off and straightens up, standing so abruptly he reaches unconsciously over to steady Maggie by the arm, lest he knock her over with the movement. His gaze stays beyond her, pinned to the dark reflective surface of the glass deck. "Is that..." he starts forward.

Martin follows Merri's movement "Huh...?"

Sol mms, "To me they are all like demanding children. Amber and Rebma's nobles are, however, often better behaved than Kitezh thanes." She might say more but then she sees Merrisol's sudden motion and in a blink of eye and bounce of curls she's on her tiny bare feet.

Maggie smiles at Merrisol and nods, "Sure." Like the others, her expression speaks of words left unspoken. When Merrisol rises and reaches over to steady her, Maggie's attention is diverted to the reflective surface behind her. Where some might look interested or curious, Maggie's eyes widen and she turns, ending in a 'ready' stance, alarm clear to read in her expression. The arm not held by Merrisol's hand shifts the unopened bottle she intended for the sub's Captain to the crook of the other arm. Confusing? She is holding both bottles in the arm Merri is holding, thus leaving her other hand free. That one; the free one, moves to rest on the hilt of her ruby-crowned cutlass.

Each oblong obsidian plank is its own separate module, they are packed and fitted so closely together in brickwork pattern that it's hard to look at just one individual plank at any given moment. Merrisol's gaze had slipped downward, what with Martin laying directly upon the glass. The image of a face appears, repeated in a staggered order over a dozen tiles around Martin; then as though unable to settle on just one, the image takes over a wider portion of the deck, Martin laying across the bridge of her nose like a stylish stripe of zinc oxide. The face belongs to a striking beauty of a Rebman woman, minty green skin, dark purple hair, and cute tinted spectacles. "Lady Enid," Merrisol utters in a species of flat astonishment.

Enid says, probably to Merrisol, but at this angle she might be addressing that pelican flapping overhead: "My dear kinsman. Please accept my invitation to join me for tea at the Embassy at your convenience. I am spending a good deal of my time there of late, and will make arrangements to receive you. I look forward to our visit." She just fades away after that, leaving the volcanic glass to darkly reflect the summer sky.

Sol's sunshininess blots out suddenly like a cloud covering the sune and shadows become tantible and opage and martin might hear an eerie whisper or...slithering? of shadow on Shadow. She looks down and frowns, "Mirrors." She wrinkles her nose and looks to Martin, "Do we know Enid?"

Martin glances down at the deck when Enid's name is mentioned. "What...w..." He blinks a few times and climbs to his feet. His lips quirk into a smile as he regards the form of the lady.... listens to her message and his eyes brighten. "Yes, She was the Rebman Ambassador after Morganna. She's been gone a while. Lady Enid Morfilod. Man, I need to learn how to do that sometime. That is was cool. You've got her attention, Merrisol and you'll like meeting with her, I'm sure."

The movement in the mirror is not whatever it was that Maggie was expecting. Relief floods her so completely that she almost misses the importance of the message delivered. Slowly, she returns to the here and now, darting Merrisol a sheepish smile. Maybe no one noticed her alarm. "Congratulations, Kerf. I hope that she is wonderful. You deserve it." Touching her lower lip with the tip of her tongue, she nods toward the hatch, "Excuse me all. I have a few things to see to below." Like... getting something stronger to drink, perhaps. Releasing the hilt of her cutlass she flexes her fingers as she strides across the deck and slips below.

Sol's eyebrows knit and she looks confused, "IS this an arrangement...?" She looks so confused and watches Maggie flee. She exhales and then just sinks back to the drink with her bottle.

Merrisol looks about as disturbed as Sol by the apparition, but without the super shadow hackles rising. "All right, well.. I have to let her know who to contact among the Feldanes, so. That's convenient." He turns to reply to Maggie, brows gone off-kilter at her peculiar well-wishing over the message, but she's already gone down. "Uhh.. excuse me too," he says to the others, heading for the hatch.