===========================================
===========================================

The Ajax lands at the Cape Westb'ryport Airport, which is an
incredibly busy place.

Kanna looks around the place thoughtfully as they land and the
passengers debark.  First time she's been here, and she's already
sizing it up.

Okay, where are you going?

Kanna glances at Bey.  "You want to try and track down whoever had
that ring, or just wander a bit and see what they've got here?"

Beowulf says, "Kanna, could you come with me just long enough for me
to stuff the Ajax back in at an inconspicuous spot? Then we can track down
the ring."

Kanna nods.  "No problemo, Bey."

Beowulf says, "I do have a small bit of shopping to do, but
undoubtedly we can pick a few things up along the way."

Kanna . o O (Well, this is one way to take care of your travel
costs...)

Kanna nods, and follows along.. she hadn't really bothered with any
real luggage to speak of, save what she carries and wears personally.

Beowulf says, "Oh, it saves a bit, now and again... but it's so
inconvenient when you're trying to meet someone. It helps if your
flight is on the schedules. :)"

You page, "Bey was responding to Kanna's thought bubble? *wg* Great,
she gets that from Cousin Hiko, too. :)" to The_Prof.

Beowulf flies the Ajax to an inconspicuous spot away from the city,
stuffs it back into the bag, and then asks Kanna if she'd prefer
trumping somewhere other than the Cape's docks, as that's the only
Cape trump he has.

Kanna says, "Got no pref's here, bey.  This is the first sis and I've been
here too, so she doesn't have a map for it." She smiles, sheepishly.

Beowulf shrugs and smiles slightly. "The docks it is, then." He trumps
them to the Cape West'bury docks.

Kanna goes with her cousin to... the docks!

Beowulf OOCly notes that John's come up with a tricky name to remember and
type, especially the apostrophe. :)

Beowulf asks, "Now, then... you mentioned being able to trace the
teleport?"

Okay, you're at the docks again :)

Kanna nods.  "Sis said she was able to track it somewhere in here..." She
gestures to the city as a whole, "But I don't think she was able to get
specifics.  Given it was two days ago..."  She taps her crossed-hammer
pin.  "Sis?  Think you can try getting another reading, or would you need
the ring we grabeed offa the guy to track?"

Gabrielle pings. "I could try using the ring, but the energies are
pretty borken up by now."

"Magic doesn't last very long, even this far from Amber."

Beowulf asks, "Ah. Hmmm... so the chances aren't very good, even with the
ring?"

Gabrielle says, "Prob'ly not, Wolfy. I can give it a try, but this
subtlty thing isn't precisely what I do."

Beowulf says, "In that case, let's just do the bit of shopping I had
in mind, and anything you wish to take care of, Kanna, and head back
to Amber; we'd probably be more productive there."

Kanna nods.  "Works for me.  We can shake up the town later."

Beowulf looks cautiously at Kanna, then patpats the pin. "Thanks
anyway, Gabrielle."

Kanna accepts the patting of the pin with wry good humor.

Beowulf starts looking around the dock district for a spice shop, and
perhaps anywhere with some nice artwork.

Gabrielle pings. "No big deal. Call if you need me; I'll be
lava-surfing in the Caldera 'till then."

You find a very nice place 'Madam Ele's Spice Shop'

Beowulf smiles at Kanna. "Ah, siblings... ne?"

Run by a cheerful little old lady.

You page, "Anybody I know contact-wise in the Cape?  The impression
I'm getting is that I -haven't-, so this is me following along being
nice and observant, etc." to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "You know nobody." to you.
You page, "Figured." to Akemi.

Beowulf looks for something that might interest Nanami... and
carefully avoids any curry powder.

"Oh, hello, young man," she says.  "What can I do for you and your
lady friend?"

Kanna chuckles.  "Thanks, sis.  And yeah... sis's always been good to me."

Kanna hrms, and looks for some nice teas.

Kanna asks, "Whatcha got in the way of mint teas, ma'm?"

Beowulf says, "Well, I'm looking for something interesting for an aunt of
mine... she rather likes exotic spices."

The little old lady points Kanna in the direction of the tea
cannisters, then turns back to Beowulf and looks thoughtful.  "How old is
your aunt?"

Beowulf says, "She's in her mid-30's, or therabout."

Kanna nods, and goes and checks out the cannisters of tea, keeping an ear
open to the conversation.

Beowulf says, "I try never to inquire too closely about a lady's age," he
adds, and smiles.

You page, "Decent teas?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "The selectino of teas is decent, but not great." to you. You
page, "Eh, select a decent mint tea for myself, not as a present for mom."
to Akemi. In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods

The old lady smiles and goes back to the counter, and pulls out a
cannister.  It is labelled, 'For Women only'.  She says, "I'll throw
in a bit of this with your purchase.  I'm sure she'll appreciate it."

She then takes you around to show you many different spices.

Beowulf nods. "I see... I'll be sure to pass it along to her."

Kanna picks one of the mint tea cannisters for herself, and heads back to
Beowulf.

Beowulf OOCly asks, "Any idea what Nanami likes for herself?"
Beowulf OOCly continues, "Have I seen her season anything at meals?"
Lucien OOC only the meals of people she doesn't like ;)
Anthy says, "OOC Yeah, you have a pretty good idea of what she likes."

Beowulf picks out some spices in line with the things he's seen her
enjoy using.

Kanna takes in the decor of the place as she waits by the register,
idly humming to herself.

Beowulf points at the tea canister. "Could I pay for that for you,
Kanna? As a thank-you for the help earlier?"

Kanna raises her eyesbrows, and then smiles, handing the cannister
over.  "Sure, Beowulf.  Wasn't a problem for me, but thanks."

Beowulf bows. "You're very welcome."

The old woman scoops some of the vibrantly red, sweet smelling spice
from the 'For Women Only' container into a small cannister and wraps
it in tissue, tying it shut with red ribbon, adding it to the bag with
your purpose.  She hums a cheery tune as she then puts the special
container away.

Kanna arches an eyebrow at the 'For Women Only' container of spice,
but otherwise doesn't comment.

Beowulf walks to the counter and pays for the purchase.

Beowulf looks at Kanna and raises an eyebrow, nodding at the container and
making a "we'll talk about this outside" gesture.

Kanna nods at Beowulf, and waits for him to make the purchase before
following.

You finish your purchases and head outside.

Outside, Beowulf gestures down the street. "I have a certain suspicion
concerning this... but I would welcome your opinion." He blushes slightly.

Kanna follows.  "Eh?  Sure, Bey... what'cha need an opinion on?"  She
smiles a bit, looking curious.

Beowulf says, "Perhaps I did not make it clear enough that I was
talking about my aunt... and, well, not enough that she was already
the next best thing to being married." He blushes harder.

Beowulf asks, "Did you happen to recognize the spice?"

Kanna blinks at that, and ohhhhhhs, chuckling softly.  "So you think
she gave you an aphrodesiatic spice?"

Beowulf looks uncomfortable. "I suspect so."

You page, "Take it I didn't?  I didn't really look, I think." to
Akemi.
Akemi pages, "It looked like just some spice to you, but you're no
expert :)" to you.

Beowulf says, "Perhaps it would be best to simply give it to Aunt
Nanami with the other, and, um, explain the circumstances."

Kanna then shakes her head.  "Didn't really get a good look at it.
And it's not like I know spices, anyway." She grins.  "Well, what -I-
think you should do with it is get it analyzed later, find out what it'd
do, if anything, and then decide what to do with it."

Kanna nods.  "Your call, Bey.  Hell, for all I know, she might want it
anyway."

Beowulf says, "I am... certain she will be able to find some use for
it. Yes. Right. Um. I'm not certain who might be able to analyze it,
anyway... except for Mother, and, well, I'm not certain how good an
idea that would be."

Kanna says, "If you want, I could toss it Mia's way, with the warning, and
see what she thinks."

Kanna says, "She's good about that."

Beowulf says, "That will do... my grateful thanks."

Kanna asks, "No probs.  So, where next?"

Beowulf says, "In any event, was there anything in particular you were
looking for? I was hoping to find something nice for Mutsumi, and then
head home."

Kanna shakes her head.  "Nothing in particular, and the Fox prolly
bailed when the Arden sank... magic or trump most likely.  I'd need to
back up a bit to track 'm."

Beowulf says, "A nice bit of artwork... preferably a small figurine or
sculpture, as I would hate to bring her something her own work will
overshadow. :)"

In the way of Beowulf's life, there happens to be a figurine shop two
doors down.

Kanna chuckles.  "Know how -that- goes... mom likes my stuff,
tho... and hmmm...  Art store... yeah, that could be useful."

Beowulf blinks and ahs. "My, we are in luck today." He enters, keeping a
close eye on the surroundings.

It's titled 'Figurines by Fred'

Kanna nods to Bey, and keeps her own senses peeled.

The_Prof pages, "Indeed, it could be useful for you. :)" to you.
You page, "time to make conversation and to drop comments about the
Fox." to The_Prof.
The_Prof pages, "Indeed. :) Let me know and I'll back you up." to you.

The shop is full of thousands of figurines.  Some of them are arranged
into several large dioramas showing entire armies clashing on carefully
molded tables.  The rest are arranged by theme on shelves around the sides
of the shop.

You page, "Do I know of anything the Fox has stolen, artwork wise,
from Ember or elsewhere?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "Yuo've probably got a list of various stolen goods." to you.
You page, "Level of quality higher than what's in the shop, I take... :)"
to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Yep.  This stuff is decently well made, but not
exactly masterpieces." to you.

Beowulf says, "My, what a wonderful selection."

Fred himself is a short, fat balding man wearing a suit that's a
little out of date.

Kanna whistles quietly, looking impressed.

Beowulf bows to Fred. "A pleasure to meet you, sir."

One of the dioramas shows eighteenth century style armies clashing.
Another shows a world war II setting.  The third shows two fantasy
armies, dwarves and orcs, clashing.

Beowulf looks for something non-martial in nature, as Mutsumi is not
especially noted for her warrior interest.

Kanna waves to the man, smiling.  "Hey there."

Kanna meanwhile, -does- look for things that could be of a martial
bent, on the higher end of the quality scale, for Aunt Kozue.
Preferabbly naval-themed.

You find a palm sized turtle with four elephants on its back, holding a
bowl in which floats a continent.

Kanna OOCly manages not to sparf water on the screen of his computer.

Beowulf says, "Oh... my. I rather like this one."

Kanna finds about a dozen naval vessels on little stands, about 3 foot
long.

Beowulf asks, "How much is this one, sir?"

Kanna glances over.  "It's got a turtle.  You can never go wrong with
turtles.  Specially for Mutsumi."  She goes back to studying the ships,
trying to find one that closely matches the kinds of ships Kozue favors.

"That's a hundred and fifty dollars, sir."  He comes over.  "The man I
bought it from claimed he'd really seen that thing out in Shadow."  He
laughs.  "Hard to believe anything like that could be real.

Beowulf murmurs, "Oh, you might be surprised."

You find a ship fairly similar to Kozue's flagship, the Fireshark.

Kanna hehs.  "There's weirder things out there.  Though I can't
beleive anbody who'd say they've been living inside a -sun-." She
grins.  "Oh, how much is this ship?" She points to the one looking
like the Fireshark.

Fred comes over.  "Ahh, now that's a fine piece of craftsmanship.  Two
hundred and thirty dollars."

Beowulf says, "I'll take it. By the way, d'you have anything else
interesting that might be coming in? I heard a zeppelin just arrived
from Amber today."

He says, "Oh, all my work's made by local artists, generally.  Except for
the ones from Cathay."

Kanna whistles softly.  "Man.  Well, still, it's a good piece of work, and
I've got a relative who'd like it.  I'm trying to get ahead in my holiday
shopping."  She quirks a smile.  "Local folks are good, I'd take?  How
good's the import trade?"

Beowulf says, "Ah, I see. They certainly produce excellent work."

Beowulf walks over to Kanna and examines the
ship. "My. That's... wonderful. I've been looking for something for
her as well; perhaps we could go in together on it?"

He says, "Cape Westb'ryport has many excellent artists.  We've been a bit
of haven for artistic types, those wishing to create fairly free from
censorship."

Kanna chuckles.  "As long as I go the lion's share on this one, Bey.
You took care of my tea needs.  2/3rd's me, 1/3rd you?"  She looks
back at the man.  "Always need those, 'specially these days.  Hope
nobody tries stealing from 'em, though.  Art-types -need- all the help
they can get."

Kanna says, "Oh, and we'll take this ship," she points to the one
selected, "But we'll be splitting the bill for it."

Beowulf says, "Sounds amenable to me, cousin." He looks at the ship
again. "My, how nice."

Beowulf looks up at Kanna. "It *would* be terrible if anyone stole it,
wouldn't it?" He looks at the proprietor. "That doesn't happen often
around here, does it?"

Kanna nods. "Well, I'll be keeping an eye on it, anyway.  Nothing to
worry about."

Fred nods and goes to ring up your bill.  "Oh, we do have a lot of
theft problems, unfortunately, so be careful about your wallets."

Beowulf blinks and nods. "Do you? Dear me. What kind of people would
do a thing like that?"

Kanna says, "The cops have any problems trying to keep it down?"

Kanna gets her wallet out, and pulls out the requisite amount for her
purchase.

He says, "Oh the usual riffraff.  Pickpockets, thieves, and so on."
He frowns a bit.  "I'm afraid we don't have the best police force in
the world."

Kanna says, "Eh.  Well, the times, they are a-changing.  They'll get
their act in gear eventually, I'm sure."

Beowulf asks, "Ah." He puts down his share of the payment. "Yes, I
suppose those could be a problem anywhere. It's a good thing Renard le Fox
isn't around, isn't it?"

The man says, "Who?"

Kanna waves a hand.  "Don't worry 'bout it.  Just a name we heard.
Guy who goes around stealing art stuff."

Beowulf nods in agreement.

You page, "You know, it's kinda scary how well Bey and Kanna work
together. :)" to The_Prof.
The_Prof pages, "Indeed. It's starting to look like we're going to
have one of the standard partnerships for the campaign. :)" to you.
You page, ":)" to The_Prof.
You page, "Hey, -I- got no probs..." to The_Prof.

Fred's eyes widen a bit when you say that.  "Well, I hope he doesn't
have any interest in figurines."

Kanna shakes her head.  "I don't -think- so... then again, it was just
something I heard in passing.  I think you'll be fine, sir." She smiles,
reassuringly.

Beowulf asks, "In any event... anything else you'd be interested in,
cousin?"

Kanna gives a quick glance around the room, and then shakes her head, the
streamers of her hair ribbon swinging behind her back.  "Nah, I'm fine."
She smiles.  "I think that'll be it."

Beowulf bows to Kanna, then bows to Fred. "Good enough... shall we be
off?"

Fred says, "Thank you for your patronage, and please come back soon!"

Kanna bows to Fred as well, then to Beowulf.  "Works for me."  She
gathers up the slightly more bulky figurine packages, which hace
presumably been put in a good bag.  "We will!"

Beowulf smiles and waves at Fred. "Indeed; truly a place I can
recommend to my friends."

Beowulf examines the figurines after they've walked outside and down a
bit. "My, how lovely." He shoots a glance at Kanna. "Anything else <taps
eye> interesting about them?"

Kanna considers, and peers at the times with Pattern-sight.

Kanna OOCly says, "Er, items, not times."

Akemi pages, "They're just a ship and a figurine. Pretty nice,
though." to you.

Kanna hehs a bit.  "Nothing to worry 'bout on this end, though if
you're desperate, you can have Aunt Nanami magically check 'm out when we
get back home." She glances back at the shop.  "Really, the level of stuff
Renard tries to grab would be on the level of the Mona Lisa, or the
Defender of the Realm... more masterpieces and exotics than local stuff."

Beowulf says, "Oh, indeed. I was merely curious as to whether rumors
of the gentleman had made it to this section of the art community."

You page, ""The Defender of the Realm" is a piece of art bey's prolly seen
in castle ember... it's Corrine's painting of Juri in full marshal of
Amber regalia." to The_Prof. The_Prof pages, "Ahhh." to you.

Beowulf asks, "Shall we return home, then, cousin?"

Kanna nods.  "Apparently not.  Though given they've got a large artist
population here, and problems with crime... it'd make a good place for him
to try and fence things, perhaps.  And yeah."

Kanna pulls out her trump of the Castle Amber courtyard.

Beowulf says, "Something to keep in mind for the future."

Kanna nods, holds her free hand out for Beyowulf, and concentrates on the
trump.

Beowulf gets ready to go along with Kanna.

The_Prof pages, "Wow, that took some time for what was supposed to be a
simple shopping trip. o.o Perhaps I should cut down on the questioning a
bit?" to you. You page, "Nah, 's fine. ^_^ We're just naturally curious."
to The_Prof. The_Prof pages, "Indeed. Perhaps that will help us in the
future. :)" to you. You page, "Curisoity is a good thing, as long as it
doesn't getcha killed. :)" to The_Prof.

Beowulf waits for the trump to take hold...

The world goes rainbow colored, and you're in the courtyard of the
castle.

As fate would have it, Mutsumi is walking by as you appear.

She spins on one foot and glomps onto Beowulf.  "Hello, cousin!  How
are you?"

Kanna smiles.  "Ah, home sweet surrogate home."  She looks at Bey,
letting go of his hand.  "You want me to go and toss that spice
up... hey, Mutsumi!"  She grins.

Beowulf 's expression looks suspiciously like a grin as he
responds. "Mutsumi-chan! How are you today?"

Mutsumi now notices Kanna.  "Hi, Kanna!"  She looks at the two of you.
"You two just got back from a romantic weekend together?" she asks
sweetly.

Kanna rolls her eyes and grins.  "Only if Bey's idea of romance
includes KO'ing Egyptian Cultists from the Nile."

Beowulf says, "Well, I suppose, if you call having a zeppelin blow up
above you to be romantic." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Some people do,
I suppose."

Kanna says, "I think that's more cousin Shaft's idea of a perfect
weekend.  I could be wrong, tho."

Beowulf says, "Well, yes, I suppose that would make sense for him."

Beowulf says, "Do you have a moment for us to go back to your rooms? I
picked up something you might enjoy."

Mutsumi claps her hands delightfully.  "Sure thing."  She links an arm
aruond Beowulf's.  "See you later, Kanna-chan!"

Beowulf blinks. "Um... perhaps she could come with us? We need to go
see Aunt Nanami and Aunt Kozue in a few moments, something to do with that
little fracas on the zeppelin."

Kanna says, "Besides, I'm carrying the thing that was picked up." She
grins, hefting the bag.

She says, "Oh, okay.  Just follow me, then!"  And she heads off,
dragging Beowulf along, off towards her quarters.

Kanna grins, following the dragged Beowulf.

You can see various servants hard at work cleaning up from the Spring
Festival of two days ago.

Beowulf looks around with interest. "Ah? Everyone have a good time
here?"

Kanna . o O (And they worry 'bout her health sometimes?  Not the way
she drags Bey around...)

The Greening lasts a day, but the cleanup lasts a week, or so the
servants say.

Mutsumi says, "Oh, we all missed you and Thoric and Jacqui and..."
She sighs.  "I guess a lot of us were gone.  But the rest of us had
fun.  I even got Naru to stop studying for a few minutes and have some
fun."

Beowulf says, "Hm. Perhaps we can find some time to help when we're
done."

Kanna whistles a bit.  "Wish I hadn't missed it.. but hey, such is
life.  There'll be other Greenings."

Kanna asks, "Where'd the rest end up?"

=========================
=========================

Mutsumi takes you to her quarters, which, oddly enough, are in the
wing usually reserved for the Elders.  Her room is right next to
Miki's; you have heard it once was reserved for Derith.

You page, "I take it this is 'cause Mutsumi's Miki's kid?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "Yep." to you.
You page, "Corrine would fight tooth and nail to keep hers and Juri's
rooms untouched... since Kanna prolly uses 'em when she's in town,a nd
whenever mom comes down to do stuff, she likes to keep in the same place
she usually is, not ambassadorial." to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Juri's room is
sealed up for the moment." to you. You page, "*nod* Prolly under Corrine's
order, though she can trump herself into it if need be." to Akemi.

Beowulf OOCly says, "Hmmm. Interesting."

The odor of paint hits you as you come in; Mutsumi has a half-finished
painting of a temple atop a lonely mountain on an easel, and paints all
over her living room table.

Beowulf examines the painting.

A door now connects the room over to Miki's 'living room' area.  Doors
internally lead off to the bedroom and the bathroom.  Various knicknacks
line the mantelpiece over the fireplace.

Kanna takes a deep breath of the paint scents.  "Ahhhh.  smells like
home. :)"

Some fresh daisies sit in a vase on a small table near the door.

Kanna asks, "Hey, bey?  I'm gonna place that call I mentioned earlier, if
that's all right?"

The painting shows a mountain whose top has been sheared off, witha
large temple of basalt and marble half-fallen to ruins.

Beowulf says, "Sure 'nuff. I'll be here when you get back."

Kanna nods, grabs the little wrapped tin of "For Women Only" spice,
and goes off a little bit, still in view but a tad more private, to
trump Mia.

Beowulf asks, "Interesting subject... and looks very nicely done so
far. What's it about?"

Paintings of Miki, Kozue, Madoka, Shinobu, and Naru hang on the
hallway wall.

Kanna pulls out her trump of the Court mage of Ember, and concentrates on
it.

============
============

Akemi pages, "Mia answers.  "Hello?"" to you.

You page, "[Kanna] Hey, Mia?  Beowulf and I picked up something as a
gift over in Westb'ryport earlier today, and only afetr we bought it, we
wondered if there was possibly any gotcha's in it.  *she holds up the tin*
I'm thinking it might be an aphrodesiac... coudl you take a look at it,
chemically and magically and stuff?  No rush, but just lemme know what you
find." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "She takes it.  "Certainly.  I should hve a report for
you in a few hours."" to you.

You page, "[Kanna passes the cannister over.  "Thanks, Mia.  Take
care." She cuts the connection.]" to Akemi.

============
============

Mutsumi says, "It was a line drawing in a book I got from the library, so
I decided to do a painting of it.  I'll probably give it to Thoric; he
likes creepy art."  She giggles a little.  "Kind of spooky."

Beowulf asks, "Hmmm, yes. Which book?"

She points over to the table.  "It's a collection of horror stories.
Thoric suggested I read it, so I've been reading it whenever I feel
brave enough."

Beowulf smiles and gives Mutsumi a quick one-armed hug. "I'm sure you
always feel brave enough, cousin." He goes over to look at the book.

Kanna passes a hand over the trump she was holding, and puts it away. She
then comves over to look at the painting.  "Oooo.  Creepy."  She grins.

You page, "Anything familiar about the subject matter, or no?" to
Akemi.
Akemi pages, "Nowhere you've been, but you think you read the book a
while back.  It's a collection of horror stories from Therin.  That
place is supposed to be an old temple of the Dark Gods; the heroine of the
story nearly gets sacrificed bya ghost-priest." to you. You page-pose,
"Aerianne nods.  DArk gods... never good, but hey. Hrm.  Therin.  The
place Shinobu stomped to rubble, and where the cimbri slaves ended up. 
Prolly how I ended up reading it, given Kanna's little history-checkup
bits." to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Thoric suggested you read it.  He seems to
really like this book :)" to you.

Kanna hehs a bit.  "I remember reading that book when I was
younger..." She chuckles.  "Thoric suggested I read it."

Beowulf smiles. "There seems to be a common thread, here."

Kanna says, "Oh?"  She glances at Mutsumi.  "You too?""

Mutsumi says, "Thoric likes scary books too much, I think, but some of
them are good."

Beowulf unpacks the turtle and hands it to Mutsumi. "Anyway, I thought you
might enjoy this."

Kanna smiles, watching the presentation of the turtle.

Her eyes light up.  "Oh wow, this is great!  Tama-chan will really
like it too."  She puts the statuette up on the mantelpiece right next to
a small ninja turtle statuette.  "Does he have a name?'

Beowulf smiles. "I thought you should have the honor."

Kanna glances at Beowulf.  "You know, I don't think we ever got one
out of the guy."

Kanna says, "Then again, he bought it from somebody else..." She
shrugs.  "Where -is- the little flying reptile, anyway?" She smiles.

There are crashing noises in the hallway.

Kanna says, "... that could be him..."

Beowulf says, "Oh, dear." He smiles resignedly.

Mutsumi says, "Oh, Tama-chan went to...oh dear."

Kanna pokes her head out to see what's makign the noise in the
hallway.

A flying turtle is zooming down the hallway with Snickers chasing
after her.  A nine-tailed fox then chases Snickers, and an entire pack of
dogs is behind her.

You page, "Nine-tailed fox... Mitsune?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "Yep." to you.

The whole mob tramples over an unfortunate servant right as you stick your
head out the door.

Beowulf asks, "My, my." He shakes his head. "I wonder where the dogs
came from?"

Kanna says, "... oh heck...  TAMA-CHAN!  SNICKERS!  MITSUNE!"

Beowulf asks, "Or should I say, where Kitsune found them?"

Then Shinobu Major comes round the corner.  "Bring back my dogs, you
stupid fox woman!!!!"  She is chasing the dogs, holding several broken
leashes.

Beowulf covers his eyes. "...oh no."

Naru is running along behind her.  "Mitsune, stop egging them on!"

Kanna moves out into the hallway, and makes a throwing gesture with
her left hand, the ring there turning into a net to try and capture
the dogs as they run by.

Beowulf steps out into the corridor. "Kitsune!" he shouts. "Want to
try for itching powder in your room again?"

You page, "Raphael to net form, try to ensare the dogs." to Akemi.

The turtle flies past Kanna, the cat slips through her legs, and the
fox darts by, but then she easily catches the first wave of dogs in
the net.

Kanna tries to reign the dogs in.  "Mrffff, by the -Pyricorn-,
Mitsune, give it a rest!"

Tama-chan flies over, landing on Mutsumi's shoulder.  Snickers tries
to climb Mutsumi to get at the turtle.  The fox runs round her legs.

Shinobu Major runs up.  "Thank you, Kanna."

Beowulf reaches into his bag and pulls out a capsule, and tosses it
under Kitsune's feet.

Kanna says, "No probs, cousin Shinobu."  She starts calming the dogs
as best she can, so that they won't tangle more, using some of her
training from the time of being an Arden Ranger to get them to heel.
"Heel, you boys..."

Lubricant splays about the fox and Mutsumi.  They both trip on each
other, and Mutsumi manages to fall, upper torso hitting the table. It
flips, flinging open paint jars into the hallway...

Kanna . o O (Eeep.)

Shinobu Major and Naru start grabbing dogs, blissfully unaware of
this.

Kanna exclaims, "Watch out for the paint!"

Beowulf acks, and quickly pulls Mutsumi up.

Paint splatters dogs, Shinobu, and Naru.  Kanna, alert, dodges the
paint easily.

Kanna . o O (Sigh.)

Shinobu and Naru both turn in slow unison towards where Beowulf is
helping Mutsumi up.  Kitsune assumes her human form and tries to
pretend she was here on the floor all along.

Beowulf groans, steadies Mutsumi on her feet, then picks up
Snickers. "Neko-chan? You causing trouble again?"

Snickers meows at Beowulf and looks innocent.

Kanna gets the rest of the dogs to heel, re-calming them after the
paint business.  "and we'll have Fun fun fun/ in the castle today...." she
singsongs quietly, glancing over at Mitsune with one arched eyebrow,
before looking back at the group of SHinobu and Naru.

Shinobu Major points a finger at Mutsumi.  "That turtle is nothing but
trouble!"  Then she 'stabs' at Kitsune.  "And you're a dangerous lunatic!"

Naru puts a hand on her mother's shoulder.  "She probably didn't know
these were fox hunting hounds, Mom."

Beowulf says, "Well, Snickers? You *know* chasing Tama-chan around
causes trouble..."

Snickers hides her face and pretends if she can't see anyone, they're not
there.

Kanna hehs a bit at that, and then finally contracts the net back to
ring form, replacing it on her hand.  "They aren't exactly marked like
that, cousin.  Though on the flip side, there's such a thing as tempting
fate." She grins a bit.

Beowulf then smiles sweetly at Kitsune. "You know, it could be
something *much* worse than itching powder next time."

Kitsune says, "I didn't MEAN to get the dogs all hot for my body!"

Kanna just coughs.

Shinobu frowns at her, then gets Naru to help her herd the dogs back
downstairs off to the kennels.

Beowulf rolls his eyes. "Ah, yes. Right."

Kanna waves to Shinobu and NAru as they head off.

Kanna says, "You said it, not me, Mitsune."

Kitsune stands, dusting herself off.  "Hey, Mutsumi, you okay?'

Beowulf waves to Shinobu and Naru as well, smiling sheepishly, then
starts to pick up Mutsumi's paints.

Mutsumi, who has sat down in a chair and looks woozy, says, "Oh, I'm
fine, Mitsune.  Can you pick up the paints you spilled?"

Kanna checks on the damage inside, and on Mutsumi.

Mitsune nods and wiggles her fingers, chanting a bit.  The spilled
paint begins flowing back into the fallen containers.

Beowulf asks, "You OK, Mutsumi-chan?"

Kanna asks, "Need me to get Doc Wasyuu, Mutsumi?"

Mitsune grins, continuing to wave her hands about, making the paint
dance as it retracts.

Beowulf turns and frowns at Mitsune. This time he's serious. "Well?"

Kanna casts a warning eyebrow at Mitsune.

Mutsumi says, "Oh, I'm fine.  I think I got paint on myself, though." She
does indeed have several colors of paint on herself.

Kanna OOCly says, "But is it stylishly spatter paint?"

Mitsune continues cleaning up paint and says, "Eh, what, Beowulf?"

Beowulf smiles ruefully. "Oh, dear. Well, I'm sure Mitsune knows some good
cleaning spells... doesn't she?"

Mitsune turns and points at the dress.  "Cleanse!" she shouts.  And
the paint evaporates.

Beowulf looks meaningfully at Mitsune, nodding at Mutsumi's clothes
and indicating Mutsumi's woozyness.

Mitsune grins.  "Mom never liked spending time cleaning up, so..."

Beowulf says, "Well, yes." He grins wryly. "And with Travis around,
there's so much to clean up... you know much dust you can get in a
library?"

You page, "Is this serious wooziness on Mutsumi's part, or just 'give her
some time and it'll be okay' wooziness?  I shoudl think the family should
know threshold by now." to Akemi. Akemi pages, "You think it's just 'needs
a little rest after fall;" to you. You page, "Righto." to Akemi. You page,
"Where's Tama-Chan at the moment?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "On Mutsumi's
head." to you.

Kanna hrms, and goes and checks Mutsumi's rooms to see if she can get her
a glass of water.

Mitsune says, "I filled a vat with the dust once.  Then rigged it to
all fall into Kentaro's room."  She grins.

Beowulf grins ruefully. "I suppose that one couldn't be helped."

Kanna heads back over with a glass of water for Mutsumi, handing it to
her.  "Here you go..." And then she skritches the little flying turtle on
her head.

Mitsune says to Mutsumi, "You okay?"

Kanna glances over at Bey and Mitsune.  "Wish I'd been around to see
that.  Ahwell." She grins.

Mutsumi says, 'I'm fine.  I'm fine."  She takes the glass of water and
drinks it.

Beowulf moves over to speak quietly to Mitsune. "But we will be a bit more
careful around folks who aren't as strong, won't we?"

Mitsune laughs nervously.  "Yeah, I'll be careful.  I was just playing
with the cat, and then the dogs joined in and..."

Beowulf looks back at Snickers. "And we're going to be a good kitty
for a while now, won't we?" He scratches her between the ears.

Snickers nods.

Beowulf smiles. "That's good."

You page, "Wow, Cousin Bey can do the same sort of thing Cousin Hiko
can! :)" to The_Prof.
The_Prof pages, "Eh? He just likes cats. :)" to you.
You page, "Ah.  nevermind then. :)" to The_Prof.

Kanna claps her hands.  "So.  Shall we head out and leave the artist
to her work?" She smiles.

Beowulf says, "Well, everything all cleaned up?" He checks on how
Mutsumi's looking. "Yes, Kanna, we should probably go talk to folks
about that little incident with the zeppelin."

Kanna nods.  "Take care, Mutsumi... I'll be looking forward to seeing how
that turns out," she says, pointing to the current painting.  She then
waves her fingers at Tama-chan.  "Later, Tama-Chan!"

Mitsune says, "Well, I'm off.  Anna asked me to help her with some
research, and I had no good excuse to say no, so I ought to go keep my
promise.  See you later!"

Beowulf smiles. "Take care, folks."

Mutsumi stands and kisses Beowulf on the cheek.  "Thank you for the
nice present," she says.  "Goodbye everyone!"


========================
========================

You head down into the city to Nanami's offices down in the Town Hall.

Beowulf speaks to her secretary and asks if Nanami is free at the
moment.

Kanna waits nice and patiently, with her bag o' goodies.

The secretary ushers you into Nanami's office. It's fairly plain,
though the desk is crowded and the chairs are plush.  There's a
painting of Makoto, Nanami, Ramon, Keiko, and Motoko up on the wall,
done in Mutsumi's art style.  They're on the steps of the Town Hall,
arranged by generations.

Kanna smiles fondly at the paintings, recognizing the style.  She then
smiles at her Aunt.  "Hey there, Aunt Nanami.  How's it goin'?"

Beowulf bows to Nanami. "Hello, Aunt Nanami. Thank you for seeing
us. I had a little something for you, and (if you don't mind), a favor to
ask."

Beowulf smiles and passes over the spice packet... minus the 'For
Women Only', of course.

Nanami takes it, looks in the bag, then smiles and puts the bag in her
desk drawer.  "Hello, Beowulf and Kanna.  What sort of favor?"

Kanna glances at Beowulf, letting him take the lead here, for the
moment.

Beowulf pulls out the obelisk, the dagger and the ring. "We ran into
some rather interesting (and somewhat unpleasant) folks on a zeppelin trip
to Cape Westb'ury, and recovered these from them after they blew it up."

Beowulf says, "Er, blew up the zeppelin's gas bag, that
is. Fortunately, we were able to get the people off. In any event, we
hoped you could have a look at them and tell what they were."

Kanna says, "Bloc Rebmaquois took credit for for the destruction of
the AAF Arden, and escaped via hanggliders into the ocean.  Then a
whale ate the zeppelin that went down."

Nanami sighs.  "More of those loons.  Although I'm surprised they
tried attacking a zeppelin all the way out near the Cape."  She takes out
a pair of glasses, puts them on, and examines the items.

Beowulf nods. "Yes. Although the obelisk appears to have come from a
group of odd Egyptian cultists who barged in on us."

Nausicaa says, "OOC Blah. Bloc Rebmaquois."

Kanna says, "I was tracking le Fox on the flight, and I think he
bailed as well... he'd looted the zepplein's safe when we did the last
runthrough and found those." She gestures to the ring, obelisk, and
dagger.

Beowulf asks, "Oh, and his calling card. I don't suppose that had any
enchantments on it, did it?"

Kanna says, "Any rumblings on them down in Amber City recently?  Or on
Renard le Fox?"

Kanna considers, fishes out the card, and plunks it down on nanami's
desk.

Nanami says, "I can't answer questions and examine these at the same
time, niece."

You page, "Do his cards normally end up being enchanted?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "His calling cards are usually conjured, but with no
special properties." to you.
You page-pose, "Aerianne nods." to Akemi.

Beowulf apologizes for distracting her.

She points at the ring.  "A simple device to rack and use spells.  A
sorceror stores them in the ring, then anyone can use them."

Kanna smiles sheepishly.  "Sorry, Aunt Nanami."  She scratches the
back of her head.

Beowulf ahhhs, and nods.

Kanna then looks at Beowulf.  "le Fox's cards are usually conjured,
but he doesn't put anything into 'em, as far as I'm aware."

Beowulf nods again.

She turns to the dagger.  "Ahh, a nice little device.  Quite handy for
killing people.  Rebman sacrifical dagger, but it's been augmented to
throw a nasty ice shard spell too."

Kanna whistles, softly.

Nanami says, "I'll need more time to study this obelisk.  Can you
leave it with me?"

Beowulf says, "That... does not sound like fun. Most likely from the
Bloq Rebmaquois people."

Kanna glances at Bey.  "remind me to go and double-check those thugs I had
sis trump home... given they were planning to buy some sacrificial daggers
-from- le Fox..." She purses her lips.

Nanami nods.  "Bloq Rebmaquois seems to have an endless array of
magical devices at their command."

Beowulf says, "Certainly; if there's a better place to leave it, I'm
not sure where it would be."

She continues, "We believe Dolphin is a rather skilled conjuror."

Kanna nods.  "No probs, Aunt Nanami."  She then nods again.

Beowulf looks up curiously at that. "Indeed? Interesting."

Nanami says, "And they have an endless army of sealife at their
comand."

Beowulf says, "I have some small interests along the lines of
Conjuration... it might be interesting to see how good he is, at some
point." He flexes his fingers slowly.

Kanna mmmms.  "That could explain the whale that ate the zeppelin,
then."

You page, "Cold iron and spellbreaker weapons should neutralize most
conjured items, unless they're very-high psyched?" to Akemi.
In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods.

Beowulf asks, "Yes." He seems to be struck by a thought. "Doesn't the
Dread Pirate Roberts also use whales and other sealife?"

Nanami says, "Yes.  He's not Rebmaquois as far as we know, but..."

Beowulf says, "It does make for an interesting coincidence, does it
not? Hmmm."

Kanna raises her eyebrows, and then huhs.  "Huh.  Looks likes we've
got two reasons to track down Aunt Kozue then.  I remember her
muttering a while back wanting to take him down."

Nanami says, "Kozue is out at Shalomar, doing an inspection, I think."

Beowulf says, "Hm. Wouldn't want to interrupt her, but perhaps we
could drop by and wait for her to finish. It's probably the sort of
thing she'd want to know."

Nanami says, "You never know with Kozue."

Beowulf says, "Anything else we can help you with, Aunt? I do feel a
little guilty about putting you though this work for us," he adds,
nodding at the obelisk.

She goes to her closet and goes and gets out a crystal case, then sets the
monolith into it.  She turns back to you and smiles.  "Well, yes, there is
something.  There's a drug shipment coming in tonight.  I'd like to have
the boat sent to the bottom of the ocean without it being traceable back
to us.  Do you think you can handle that?"

Kanna nods.  "Well, we'll try calling her later, then.  Don't want to
interrupt." She smiles a bit.  "Or, we could do that... I'm good either
way" She hehs.  "Sinking ships.  Seems to be a theme... yeah, I'm good."
She grins.

Beowulf blinks. "Drugs? Dear me, a filthy habit. Yes, that would be
most amenable."

Kanna asks, "What's the drug in question?"

She continues, "I'm afraid the KTC has been smuggling opium again."

Kanna says, "Cute." She eyerolls.  "At least it's not Melange
smugglers."

"Which is a habit they need to be broken of."

Nanami says, "Well, melange is mostly useful as a cinnamon substitute here
in Amber."

Beowulf asks, "Yes, I would say so. I wonder why they feel the need to do
nasty things like that?" He looks at Kanna. "Any suggestions on your part
for our plan of action?"

She gets out a file folder.  "Here's the information you need.  It's
supposed to pull into the harbor around one AM.  If you need a boat to get
out to them, I can supply you with one."

Kanna chuckles.  "True.  But some folks in the LC get twitchy when it gets
shipped out-system."  She then looks at Bey.  "Mostly, figuing out where
they'll be heading for in-harbor,...... ooooorrr, if we can intercept
before they even land, I'm good."

Beowulf takes the file folder, flips through it briefly, and
nods. "Let us think about it for a little bit, and we'll get back to
you on the boat."

She says, "I'll be here until five."

Beowulf asks, "OOCl What time is it now?"

Kanna says, "Might need a tad of a disguise for me, but hell, I'm
muscle and crossbows."  She snaps her fingers.  "And oh... if you've
got any word on any rumblings about Bloc Rebmaquois or Renard le Fox
down in the city, I'd appreciate to hear 'em." She smiles a bit.

The_Prof pages, "Well, I have a bit of an idea in mind..." to you.
You page, "Discuss later? :)" to The_Prof.
The_Prof pages, "Indeed. Might take a bit of conjuring work..." to
you.

Kanna glances at the file-folder contents as Beowulf holds 'em open.

Anthy says, "OOC About 2 pm."
Kanna OOCly nods.

Nanami says, "Well, we haven't had any trouble the last month with
Bloc Rebmaquois, which means they're probably saving up for something
big."

Beowulf OOCly nods.

Beowulf says, "Ah, yes. Joy. Well, if we discover anything, we'll
certainly let you know."

Nanami swats a fly.  "As compared to the flies, who seem to just be
enjoying the spring."

Kanna nods.  "Given we both got jumped, and the person who was ranting how
our deaths would show Uncle Tylor... starting to get that feeling."

Nanami looks thoughtful.  "Do you have any idea how they knew you
would be there?"

You page, "I assume my name would've been on the passenger list out of
Cathay or wherever I boarded?" to Akemi. You page, "Where -did- I board,
btw?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "You boarded in Cathay" to you.

Beowulf says, "Actually, I had the impression that they hadn't known
we were going to be there; they seemed a bit surprised, and rather
delighted, to have found a couple of the folk there."

Kanna hrms.  "On the flip side, I'd boarded at Cathay, and I assume my
name would've been ont he passenger list." She glances at Bey.  "You?"

Kanna shrugs.  "I was just tracking le Fox... we lucked out that our
paths crossed as they did."  She grins.

Beowulf says, "Oh, I came onboard at Amber."

Beowulf says, "Which would have been a logical place to pick up my
name as well, yes."

Beowulf asks, "Actually, Aunt, would you have any objection to the
opium being the only thing that goes missing?"

Chris pages, "My ... still fox hunting? :)" to you.
You page, "Well, we may be stumbling on bigger things.  We'll see." to
Chris.

Nanami says, "The opium is the main objective."

Kanna says, "Egyptian cultists, random artifact theves, high-level art
theives, the Bloc-heads... whatta week."  She pauses at Beowulf's
suggestion.

She continues, "But I think a mysterious sinking would best teach them a
lesson."

Beowulf says, "Hm, yes. Very well, then. That could probably be
arranged."

Beowulf smiles.

Kanna says, "EAsily."  She smiles, too.

The_Prof pages, "I'm thinking either going after it with the Nautilus, or
else doing a small-scale operation with the two of us in scuba gear on
powered sleds. :)" to you. You page, "Wooohooo!  Man, we're all James Bond
all of a sudden...." to Chris. You page, "Hopefully, scuba gear and
powered sleds work in Amber, but...." to Chris. You page, "Wooohooo!  Man,
we're all James Bond all of a sudden...." to The_Prof. You page,
"Hopefully, scuba gear and powered sleds work in Amber, but...." to
The_Prof. The_Prof pages, "It is Fun to be a Pattern conjuror. :) Well,
that's something I'm going to have to go over with John, what we can get
to work... though IIRC I was one of the ones who put together the zeppelin
project, so I've got a power source to work from." to you.

Nanami says, "Good, good."

You page, "I still says Ember had a hand in the zepplins. ^_^" to
The_Prof.

She puts the obelisk away in her closet in the container.  "Your
mother was looking for you, by the way.  You might want to find her,
Beowulf."

In a page-pose to you, Chris grins. "We can make it work." ;)

Beowulf bows again. "Thank you, Aunt. I appreciate the notice."

Kanna nods.  "Hrm.  I'll go see how Aunt Kozue's doing, while you talk to
your mom, and then we rendevous back up in the castle?"

Beowulf asks, "Sounds good to me. See you later, then?"

Beowulf asks, "About what time do you want to meet?"

"Let me know how the mission goes," Nanami says.

Kanna thinks.  "'bout four, I should think?  Up at your rooms?"

Beowulf says, "We will indeed. Hopefully not through the Amber rumor
mill." He smiles ruefully.

Kanna pulls out a trump of the Shalomar naval base from her deck, her
other hand still holding the bag with the ship.

Beowulf asks, "That should be fine, cousin. Later on, then?"

You page, "you going to be continuing where you are?" to The_Prof.
The_Prof pages, "Probably just RP'ing the meeting with Mom, then
wrapping." to you.

Kanna nods.  "Later, Bey.  Thanks, Aunt Nanami." She smiles at her,
before concentrating on the trump trump.

You page, "I'll leave logging on, then." to The_Prof.

Beowulf bows again. "Thank you, Aunt. I'll see you later."

=====================
=====================

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