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Tranquil Waters: The Lead Crown Ch 4-5, It's Pronounced Cameo

Samner said nothing as the party left the University of Progressive Understanding; part of it was due to the respect he had for the group being deep in thought; part of it was due to the fact that he had never before seen anything quite as amazing as the University's activity during the day; mostly it was because he didn't want to draw attention to the fact that his hip pouch was bulging just a little with a newly-found University doo-dad that would probably sell well enough to see him sitting in the lap of luxury for at least a month.

Theo, however, was more than willing to speak, "We're actually going to see the Princess... I can't believe our good fortune."

Nicholas was not quite in such high spirits, "Nobility--" he loosed a very healthy phlegm ball onto the street, "-- I can hardly reign in my excitement."

Julius, flanked on either side by the two tribal Bears had a large smile, "Very few people ever receive an invitation that grants them the ability to address the Princess directly... this is quite an opportunity."

Enarork spoke in the tribal tongue to the bespectacled Shaman; never one to let a secret go by undiscovered, Sanmer gave a light tug at Roaring-Flood's harness. The enormous black Bear turned to glance down at him, letting out a soft, rumbling, good-natured, "Later."

The fox grinned wide, really enjoying the direction of the Bear's mind... only it had been the

wrong direction. Sanmer pressed the issue after lagging a little, increasing the distance between them and the other two Bears, "What are they saying?"

Roaring-Flood blinked, and perked both round ears before glancing back to Sanmer, "Gift of Earth says we go to inn... put down Kesst... then go to see Nor-een."

Nicholas, who had been just ahead of Sanmer obviously overheard the black Bear's none-too-quiet explanation. He turned to look at the two of them, "Seems like a good idea to me. Never stow all your cargo in one place."

Sanmer scowled; the sailor apparently hadn't recovered from learning that their draconic companion was 'special'. "Kesst ISN'T cargo."

The Human's expression went immediately to dour, "That's not what I meant. It's an old sailor saying. The idea is that you keep a little cargo out of your hold and stowed in secondary storage in case raiders board your ship."

Theo immediately butted into the conversation, "Princess Noriene isn't a raider. She's the Princess of Lehsunia and an ally to the University."

Julius, who was already a short distance ahead of the group with Enarork stopped in his tracks. He glanced back to everyone, obviously having overheard the Ermine's outburst. He appraised everyone for a moment before taking a few steps back toward the group, "Although I have yet to meet Princess Noriene personally, Professor VanHousen believes that she can be of aid to us. I personally trust the Princess implicitly."

Sanmer glanced at the different members of the party; the Bears were obviously going to follow Julius, while most of the city-goers were just doubtful enough to be safe... the fox had never much cared for an all-or-nothing approach himself, which meant that he'd have to think quickly to avoid having the group commit fully, "Trust shouldn't ever have to be part of the deal. Whether you trust someone or not you have to conduct business so it isn't an issue."

Enarork's ears perked at that, and he switched back to the common tongue, "How do we go to the meeting without trusting?"

Nicholas picked up the idea and ran with it, "Let's drop Kesst off at the inn... we have the room for another few days, right?"

Theo's scowl revealed that he was obviously siding with the Bears, "That's just wasting time... after she agrees to help we'll just have to go back and pick him up again when we could have otherwise had him right there."

Julius held up both paws, "Peace, please. There are some very good points being brought up, and both Sanmer and Nicholas are correct-- in general it is never a good idea to go to a meeting without holding something in reserve just in case. Even though this is the Princess, if it will help calm everyone then there is nothing wrong with leaving Kesst at the inn. Yes, Theo, perhaps it will add extra time into our task, but, in the scheme of things, if something DOES go wrong, we will have saved ourselves infinitely more by being cautious."

Sanmer was doubly pleased-- not only was Julius reasonable, but he was also very good about accepting input. The fox had never liked taking the spotlight when it came to leadership, but he had absolutely no problem with controlling the leader from a carefully secluded position.

Smiling, gave Roaring-Flood a light pinch on his flank. The big Black bear glanced back at him with a bemused expression, "Have care-- I do that harder."

The rogue did his best to act cowed but, in truth, he was counting on it.

* * * * * *

The trip to the inn had been short and to-the point; they dropped Kesst off, and then headed to what Professor Blackburn had dubbed 'the meeting place'. The location, as it turned out, was nothing more than a street corner. After less than two minutes, however, they were picked up by a steam carriage. It was the first time Nicholas had ever ridden inside one and, truth be told, he despised it. The noisy, cumbersome thing rumbled along the road bouncing off of every single cobblestone; he was honestly surprised that anyone with any common sense would actively CHOOSE to travel that way.

It was a short five minute ride to the Princess' manor, and the Human DID respect the fact that it would easily have been twenty minutes by foot and, since horses were apparently not allowed in the Noble Quarter, the steam carriage certainly had cut down on their travel time. The cushioned seat, Nicholas was forced to admit, did make it to that the jarring ride wasn't COMPLETELY uncomfortable, but he WAS convinced that it wasn't something to which he'd ever grow accustomed, and he planned to stick with that assessment. Of course, things got even further from his comfort zone when the party was shown into the Princess' home.

Nicholas realized he shouldn't have let the immense opulence of the princess' manor impress him; by all rights he should have been outraged at the gross wealth squandered at the expense of one person's comfort, and yet, for some reason, he couldn't completely bring himself to be disgusted. Although he'd been in very few high class homes, he'd always been of the opinion that everything would be covered in gold, made of priceless materials, and bathed in wasted riches. Although it was obvious that the Princess spared no expense for the trappings of royalty, the expenses surprised him.

A good half of the items Nicholas recognized (granted, there weren't many) were ones that had to have been transported from across the seas. Numerous furniture pieces of foreign make adorned each room they passed; tapestries of fine craftsman from across the seas were posted on the walls while matching rugs covered the floor. Everything was surprisingly tasteful and, oddly enough, almost close to what the sailor would have considered utilitarian. The glass cases displaying nautical maps were probably the most eye-catching; he had no idea that any member of nobility would care about anything beyond their little piece of the world.

His private thoughts came to an end as the party was led to a set of great double doors at the end of the hallway. An Otter dressed in a fine suit and white gloves opened both and stepped into a grandiose room before moving to the side. As the party followed through a Lion dressed in fine leathers held up a paw for them to stop. The guard extended a paw to the Professor, who slid what appeared to be some kind of note card into it. From there, the Lion transferred the card to the Otter, and then waved everyone in.

The well dressed Otter loudly proclaimed everyone as they came through the doors, permitted one or two at a time by the Lion. Professor Blackburn was introduced with his full name, and a title which apparently included his numerous field of studies-- Nicholas stopped listening after the second breath. The two Bear brothers were permitted next, introduced by their translated names, followed by their tribal ones, and then announced as being from the Valley Tribe. Next was Theo, who was introduced by first and last name along with his field of study from the University; Nicholas was waiting at the doorway, and swore he saw the Princess' eyebrow raise when the white-furred scholar was introduced.

He was given little time to contemplate the Princess' reaction when he was next announced by the otter, "Master Nicholas Poole, most recently second ship hand aboard the Lehsunian Merchantman vessel, the Galesong."

Nicholas had never much cared for the name of the ship, but he kept his mouth shut and entered, trying his best to emulate the slow, deliberate, courtly steps Theo had used, but failing miserably; he just wasn't dainty enough to do the dancy-tip-toe foo-foo nobility dance-walk. Glancing up at the Princess, he saw what almost looked like a bemused expression on her muzzle. He wanted to hate her for laughing at his expense, but her soft expression and patient smile made it hard for him to stay angry... except, of course, that not being able to be angry was cause to be angry enough.

Even after Sanmer was introduced, it still took a moment before the Human realized that they weren't alone, and a Penguin dressed in the rich colors of an Ilyse merchant caught his eye. The man had fallen silent once the party had entered, but he spoke up once again everyone was situated, "I see you have other guests, your Majesty... so let me close by saying that my benefactors are concerned that things may soon become much more difficult for Lehsunia if an heir apparent isn't made into a ruler soon."

The regal, cream-colored Wolf inclined her head respectfully, "We thank you for your concern and your council, Guild Master. We also thank you for your support and the patronage of the University of Progressive Thought. As always, we consider Ilyse to be one of our most honored and respected trade partners."

The Penguin removed his tricorn hat and held it to his chest. He bowed once, then returned to hat to his head. About-facing, he moved with practiced courtly grace right by the party, pausing only long enough to shoot a better-than-thou glance toward Nicholas. The sailor considered for a split second to stick a foot out and trip the pompous bird, but thought better of it, and simply held himself still.

Nobody said a word until the door closed, at which point Professor Blackburn took a step forward and bowed, "Your Highness."

The Wolf inclined her head slightly, accepting a goblet from a fetching-looking Mink handmaiden standing at her side. The Princess took a sip before speaking, "Professor Blackburn... we have heard much about you over the years. The last we heard you had taken up residence in the tribe lands with..." her eyes slowly migrated to assess the two Tribals in the party, "--ah... and it is clear that the rumors may have been true."

The Bear was all business, "Your Highness, my studies have been useful in many ways, but I am here to speak on a different matter... I trust you were provided the information from Professor VanHousen?"

The Princess' ears perked faintly and she looked from party member to party member, "Indeed... and where is the topic of discussion, Professor? We are eager to see what it is you have to show us today."

Theo took a step forward, pulling a small wooden spacer from between his teeth, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking out of turn, but, considering the issues that have arisen in the city lately we considered it prudent to come to your first about the issue rather than bringing him with us without safety being addressed."

Princess Noriene's smile widened, "Him?"

Sanmer moved in front of Theo, "Forgive me-- out of turn-- all that sorta stuff... but we're dealing with the future of a friend here. Whatever his insides look like, he's still a person, and the shriveled old monkey at the University said you could help."

If the Wolf was displeased at the Fox's outburst it didn't seem to phase her; if anything that bemused expression she wore only grew, "We love your earrings... Mr. Lemarre, was it?" Sanmer said nothing, raising a paw to one of his hoop earrings. The Princess continued, "They look much better on you than they did on Countess DeMonieaux." Nicholas didn't need to watch the Fox to see that he immediately tensed.

Professor Blackburn quickly reinserted himself into the conversation, "It is impossible to be too careful in these days, your Highness... too much is at stake to make errors for the sake of convenience."

Noriene sighed and, suddenly, all of the royal air about her dissolved, "You are too correct, Professor... The Church holds too much power. For too long they have attempted to covet the advancements discovered by Lehsunia's wisest and brightest and use those for their own ends... sometimes I think the path ahead is all but impossible."

The Bear nodded, "That is why the University came about."

The Princess smiled slightly, "This is true. The majority of the science we enjoy comes from their hallowed halls of learning and I've spent many hours in those halls myself."

Nicholas, despite himself, spoke up, "Most? What do you mean, most?"

Julius turned back to face him and answered, "Unsanctioned study by independent inventors. They are usually the greatest cause of damage. In their eagerness to develop and reveal their experiments they cut corners, and that's when disasters happen."

Noriene spoke up, "The Church."

Everyone's attention went straight to the princess, whose non-sequitor cut the discussion short. Theo cocked his head to the side, "The Church, your Highness?"

"Your friend... the 'problem' you wished to address... 'he' was made by the Church."

Professor Blackburn was surprised enough that he obviously forgot his manners, "Are you sure, your Highness?"

Princess Noriene's smile was very self assured, "Quite. Professor VanHousen recognized the mark of one of their craftsmen... a Techlar by the name of Crook."

Theo cocked his head to the side, "Techlar?"

The Wolf smiled and folded her paws in her lap, her royal bearing returned, "We will see to it that you know all you must, and will aid you in every way possible on your quest to restore your friend. Bring this Techlar to us, and we will see to it that your friend is made whole once more."

With that, the Princess stood, and stepped down from the raised quasi-throne where she'd been seated, "We thank you for coming to see us on this matter, and look forward to your return. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must meet with an emissary from my brother, who is kindly gifting me a new servant." and, with little more to be said, she left.

Nicholas stood there for several moments, shocked at the simplicity of the conversation. He fought within himself when he thought that there was something he had missed but he still couldn't help but speak up on the matter, "Wow... that was easy."