Ghosts of Gauntcliff IC: Chapter 1

[steveflam]

The youth arrives just after the second boat and he hops out, finding a good spot for his little "makeshift boat". He grabs his gear and goes to join the other visitors, making his way to be right next to Petrie. When the porters arrive, he frowns, then realizes just what their purpose is. Juergin feels awkward having someone carry his belongings. "I,,,,, uh...... tank you, but if you don't mind I vill carry mein own. Dese other people could haff more use of your service, mein Herr. Tank you tho."

The youth has had a chance to see bit of how large the island is and starting to formulate an idea to himself of something. On their way up the path he keeps an eye out for that beast he knows he saw. His hand reaches out and he touches Petrie's arm. He actually pulls on it so the large man will bend down and listen to what he has to say. "Don't forget, I haff somethink important to discuss vit you ven ve vill haff a moment, freund."

He then waits to either be introduced to Denys Sancerre or be shown to his quarters.

[Ail]

After Dorgio and Benn and the ladies have introduced to Sancerre, Eustace approaches his host and says. "I am Brother Eustace, a friar from the Monastery in Tepest, follower of Belenus. I am here by the gentle indication of Dorgio, my friend in faith. A pleasure to meet you, sir."

He offers his hand to greet the host.

[Adam]

Benn's smile softens as he guesses who "she" was, and he puts a companionable hand on Denys' arm. He turns, "I have a promise to keep while I'm thinking of it. This is Herr Primeiro, of Borca. I made his acquaintance on the trip here when he expressed an...ah...interest in you."

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

''I do feel better, yes. This island is wonderful. The air, the water, the sky- magic. If only she..."

Dorgio gives Denys a solemn nod and draws close enough so that only Denys (and perhaps Benn) hears his following words. "Take heart friend, she knows peace now," the priest said, and hoped he wasn't lying.

But his mood is suddenly lifted seeing Denys interact with Benn's son. "I think the boy has you found out! While we are making introductions," he continued, gesturing to his companion, "I'd like you to meet Elianna, late of the university. I suppose she thinks your limestone cliffs would make for an excellent study. Myself, well, I am simply wondering where the brandy is!"

[ewancummins]

Denys shakes hands with all the men, and kisses the hands of any ladies who allow him the liberty.
He exchanges a few brief plaesantries with those whom he has just met, but doesn't become deeply involved in conversation. He promises to take Elliana on a sight-seeing trip around the cliffs.

He then announces-'' I must excuse myself for a little while. My cook is making a special treat for you, which will be served in the East Parlor in about half an hour. I do hope you will join me there, friends. If any of you need anything at all, just ask my servants. I'll see you all again soon. ''


Sancerre turns and reenters the chateau.

The servants have already moved the party's bags inside (except for Juergin's things, which he carries on his own).

A tall, dusky man with high cheekbones and steel-gray hair, dressed in a black butler's uniform, tells you all- ''I am Claudas, chief of staff. I am sure you will enjoy your stay here, but if any difficulties shuld arise, do not hesitate to inform me. Prompt action will be taken to ensure your satisfaction, if at all possible.

[Ken of Ghastria]

Benn's smile softens as he guesses who "she" was, and he puts a companionable hand on Denys' arm. He turns, "I have a promise to keep while I'm thinking of it. This is Herr Primeiro, of Borca. I made his acquaintance on the trip here when he expressed an...ah...interest in you."

Primeiro nods appreciately to Bennedict and steps forward. He shakes hands with Sancerre warmly and says, "A pleasure, monsieur. I look forward to a unique, relaxing experience."

After Sancerre departs and Claudas makes his presence known, Primeiro says, "Thank you, Claudas. If we do have some time before the meal, then point us toward our rooms, if you will. There may be those who wish to change their attire after the voyage."

He moves over to Bennedict. "My thanks on the introduction. Perhaps later, depending on the weather, we will have an opportunity to examine the island's flora? Otherwise, I may join Dorgio is sampling Monsieur Sancerre's liquor cabinet."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

Everline allows her - still gloved - hand to be kissed and nods graciously at Sancerre.

"Everline Vaughn, representative of the Mordentshire Travelers and Entrepeneurs Society," she introduces herself. "I believe you would have received a letter from my home office about my arrival three days ago, monsieur Sancerre. On behalf of the Society, I should like to express my thanks to you for extending your gracious hospitality to my humble self."

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

Otherwise, I may join Dorgio is sampling Monsieur Sancerre's liquor cabinet."

"That," Dorgio replies with a grin broad enough to show his gold tooth, "is the wisest thing I've heard all day."

He gives a nod to Claudas. "And good to be meeting you. I do have a question though...when we were approaching the shore, we could have sworn we saw a man, dunn-colored, maybe the size of a dwarf or hunched over...we were curious, is he a friend of Denys'?"

[PathOfDreams]

Not wanting to be pushy, Petrie waits for the others to finish their introductions.

When the child sailor's hand ushers him to stoop, Petrie obliges to hear the whispers of young Juergin. "Sure thing laddy." he responds not caring to whisper back. When he turns again to face Mr. Sancerre, the man is returning to the resort. "Seems we 'ave missed our opportunity for the proper formalities. Perhaps we should find our rooms and prepare for the meal to come so we may finally meet our host. I don't know 'bout you Juergin, but I could use a warm meal and a tall mug of ale."

Petrie follows whoever carts away his belongings save for his sword which has not been unstrapped from behind him.

[steveflam]

Not wanting to be pushy, Petrie waits for the others to finish their introductions.

When the child sailor's hand ushers him to stoop, Petrie obliges to hear the whispers of young Juergin. "Sure thing laddy." he responds not caring to whisper back. When he turns again to face Mr. Sancerre, the man is returning to the resort. "Seems we 'ave missed our opportunity for the proper formalities. Perhaps we should find our rooms and prepare for the meal to come so we may finally meet our host. I don't know 'bout you Juergin, but I could use a warm meal and a tall mug of ale."

Petrie follows whoever carts away his belongings save for his sword which has not been unstrapped from behind him.

"Euh, I don't tink I is old enuff for ale, but a tall glass milk is gut enough for me, mein freund. Cold viss cookies!" HE rubs his hands eagerly together just at the thought of that very thing and follows Petrie until they are assigned their rooms.

[Adam]

Bennedict takes his family to their quarters to get settled, changed, and prepare for dinner.

[ewancummins]

Claudas answers Dorgio's question about the mysterious beach vagabond - '' The Master has not brought anyone matching that description to the island. "

The head servant shrugs, and adds- ''I will be sure to let you know if I learn anything useful, Monsieur."

Servants assist you all in finding your rooms. All of you have have been assigned rooms in the eastern hall of the chateau. The chambers are each a bit different, but each is elegant and tastefully done.

Benn's elegant chamber contains a large four poster bed with rich damask hangings. Near the right side of the bed stands a short, ornately carved bookcase, which is stacked with various tomes and folios.

Dorgio's room, just a little distance down the hall from Benn's room, is slightly smaller and rather simpler in style. It's most prominent feature is a set of shuttered doors on the east wall, which open on a small iron-railed patio. From the little patio, one may gaze across the rosy hills to see the eastern cliffs rise high and the blue seas stretch out forever. A look down reveals a steep, grassy hillside that ends in a low ravine choked with flowering shrubs and tall grass.

[steveflam]

Juergin takes the time to inspect his room then places his belongings neatly. He looks outside the window and eyes what he can see of the island. He turns and grabs a few things. Rapier, Dagger a crystal and a small leather package he places in a bag at his hip. Satisfied, he exits the room. Locking the door and pocketing the key, he wanders off to find Petrie's room and knocks on the man's door.

[Ail]

Eustace asks Claudas, as they are taken to their rooms

"Have the other guests arrived? I am curious to know if Master Sancerre will be organizing any kind of social events at night, or gathering his hosts in parties of some kind. Or what is it that we can do in the island during daytime? Any sights worth seeing, or places worth visiting?"

In his room, he stores everything neatly. He brings with him in his person a small book, apparently hand-copied only recently. Most of the non-valuable stuff he keeps behind. He leaves his alchemical lab stored away, in order to not waste any time setting it up. It might not even be necessary, anyway.

[ewancummins]

Eustace asks Claudas, as they are taken to their rooms

"Have the other guests arrived? I am curious to know if Master Sancerre will be organizing any kind of social events at night, or gathering his hosts in parties of some kind. Or what is it that we can do in the island during daytime? Any sights worth seeing, or places worth visiting?"

Claudas answers, ''No, Monsieur , the other guests have not arrived. They should be here within the next few days, maybe even tomorrow evening. That depends on the winds, of course. Yes, the Master has organized...Nocturnal festivities. The days must be filled as you please. You could ride a pony in the dunes. Swim in the ocean. You might explore the abbey ruins. The bath-caves are open, should you wish to take a dip, as Master Sancerre calls it. Hmmm...I'm sure there are other possible activities. Things will grow very lively, no doubt, after the others arrive."