Anne Radcliffe on Sep 24, 2013 wrote:

Elizabeth Tudor entered the tavern, feeling somewhat unsure of herself. She had memorized the note that lay crumpled in her pocket, and hovered on the edge of decision. On the one hand, she could refuse the mission, and return to her ship and companions. She had much to do, and the race for the Map pieces had to consume the bulk of her time. There was no higher calling than to stop Kane and prevent him from ever reaching El Dorado. And too, her ship was where she was happy, with her friends, her stacks of books... it was so much her home, her comfort zone, even in dangerous skies.

On the other hand, this mission was expected to complete in a relatively short period of time. It was no grand mission, yet success in it would aid the Resistance and save innocent lives, including the lives of children who otherwise would be targets of the Armada. And surely the Armada would be stopped not merely by the heroism of a pirate, but also the many brave souls who dared oppose this evil.

Yes. She would do it. Elizabeth walked decisively to the bar. The barkeep, idly wiping down the counter with a none-too-clean cloth eyed her with a bored expression.

"I'm here about the dancing lessons," Elizabeth gave the code words easily.

The barkeep's eyes quickly darted about, evidently making sure no one was listening, and gave a jerk of his thumb towards a room that lay to the back of the bar.

A fire blazed merrily on the hearth, and Elizabeth smelled the familiar fragrance of tea -- and more welcomingly for her, hot chocolate -- heating in pots set on low trivets. The people in the room turned to see her as she entered, and Elizabeth saw three strangers: Two Unicorns, one male and one female, and one female human, all dressed elegantly in Valencian style. But even better, Elizabeth saw three of her friends: Emma, Scarlet, and Anne.

Anne jumped to her feet first and ran over to embrace her. "Elizabeth! I'm so glad you are here! This promises to be a splendid adventure!" Anne bubbled excitedly.

(OOC: This is Group A... anyone else may enter here, or enter later as an adjunct to Group A, or as part of Group B)

Anne Radcliffe on Sep 24, 2013 wrote:

Elizabeth Tudor entered the tavern, feeling somewhat unsure of herself. She had memorized the note that lay crumpled in her pocket, and hovered on the edge of decision. On the one hand, she could refuse the mission, and return to her ship and companions. She had much to do, and the race for the Map pieces had to consume the bulk of her time. There was no higher calling than to stop Kane and prevent him from ever reaching El Dorado. And too, her ship was where she was happy, with her friends, her stacks of books... it was so much her home, her comfort zone, even in dangerous skies.

On the other hand, this mission was expected to complete in a relatively short period of time. It was no grand mission, yet success in it would aid the Resistance and save innocent lives, including the lives of children who otherwise would be targets of the Armada. And surely the Armada would be stopped not merely by the heroism of a pirate, but also the many brave souls who dared oppose this evil.

Yes. She would do it. Elizabeth walked decisively to the bar. The barkeep, idly wiping down the counter with a none-too-clean cloth eyed her with a bored expression.

"I'm here about the dancing lessons," Elizabeth gave the code words easily.

The barkeep's eyes quickly darted about, evidently making sure no one was listening, and gave a jerk of his thumb towards a room that lay to the back of the bar.

A fire blazed merrily on the hearth, and Elizabeth smelled the familiar fragrance of tea -- and more welcomingly for her, hot chocolate -- heating in pots set on low trivets. The people in the room turned to see her as she entered, and Elizabeth saw three strangers: Two Unicorns, one male and one female, and one female human, all dressed elegantly in Valencian style. But even better, Elizabeth saw three of her friends: Emma, Scarlet, and Anne.

Anne jumped to her feet first and ran over to embrace her. "Elizabeth! I'm so glad you are here! This promises to be a splendid adventure!" Anne bubbled excitedly.

(OOC: This is Group A... anyone else may enter here, or enter later as an adjunct to Group A, or as part of Group B)

Sam Underhill on Sep 24, 2013 wrote:

Sam was spending an absolutely splendid afternoon at the Laurentine Library. The clockworks seemed more intent on marching up and down than actively destroying documents or capturing people. The weather was beautiful, and Sam found more than one book to peruse for more information on Marco Pollo. As he headed back to the ship for dinner through the lecture patio, he heard one of the unicorns sigh dramatically.

It was Magdelena Vendelino, the translating expert. "I don't know what to do," she moaned theatrically, actually striking a pose for effect. "Umberto cannot go due to his research," she complained to Gonzago. "I have to get to the masked ball and now there is no one..." her eyes lit upon Sam who had stopped to offer help or sympathy. "Pirate, you have a sheep, do you not?"

"No sheep, but... oh, a ship!" Sam deduced. "Yes madam, I do have that honor. May I place it your disposal?"

"Thank you, dear boy. What are you doing in oh, perhaps a week's time?" She was playfully flirting at him, flitting her fan and casting puppy dog eyes at him. It was all Sam could do not to roll his eyes. Dealing with Magdelena was going to involve taking major acting lessons.

"What is it that you desire, madam?" Sam decided to ask bluntly.

Magdelena looked somewhat dissappointed that her feminine wiles were not working as well as they should. Mind you, the boy was only in his mid-teens. "There is a masked ball on the island of Padova I must attend. Can you find time to attend a party in your busy schedule?"

Time was indeed an issue, but the opportunities that could present themselves from contacts at a Valencian Ball could not be ignored. "I would be delighted to escort you, Maestra Vendelino," Sam bravely volunteered.

"Perfect," she cooed. "Tell me, do you how to dance? Perhaps La Volta?"

Just Add Bacon on Sep 25, 2013 wrote:

Sam, your're joining the roleplay?

YAY!!! *does funny little dance, then glances upward, embarrassed*

Hehehe... well, I'm glad that you'll be going to the dance as well. This seems to be a little bit more of a serious roleplay, as these girls are throwing themselves into the arms of strangers to spy on the enemy, your humor would definitely keep this roleplay light and fun. So far, it already has, as I've had to try hard not to chuckle, for my dad currently needs the household to be quiet. (Wait... how does he deal with my machine-gun typing?). Anywho, looking forward to your future posts in this roleplay!

Also, I like your little reference to 16-century dancing. La Volta is a leaping and turning dance for couples ( I imagine before the first partner dance where bodies stay connected, known as the Waltz), originating in Italy and popular in French and German balls. It was a respectable dance, although never completely dignified, after Queen Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II is who I named my character after, which is awesome that this name is connected to this dance) danced it with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. I'm personally looking forward to writing the dance La Volta.

Looking forward to your future roleplay posts!

~Elizabeth, level 59 ~

Chrissy Th'Blesser on Sep 26, 2013 wrote:

The startled group heard some muffled thumps and bumps and a faint giggle. The door slowly opened and walking backwards dragging an insulated crate was a Captain dressed in gold and purple. She maneuvered her load through the door and peeked under her arm at the shocked expressions on the faces in the room. Another giggle escaped her lips and she turned around and they all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw it was that it was only their dear friend Chrissy Nightingale. "Sorry about the commotion out there, someone tried to make off with my surprise load & I had to change their mind for them." She sniffed the air appreciatively an said, "I thought I smelled cherry pie. I brought Ice Cream, freshly shall we say, lightened from an disabled Armada galley ship."
Her little speech gave the shocked room the time it need to recover and they all shouted in unison, "CHRISSY!" and they all rushed to her with a group hug. Chrissy laughed at all the love and gestured at her insulated crate to Emma and said "I hear that Ala Mode is the newest rage in the fanciest Polarion restaurants and I just knew you would be dieing to try it. I don't know who that Armada ship stole it from but I am sure they were not planning on serving it to their prisoners so I took it off their hands and Gracie had just the equipment to keep it cold for me for my mission." She glanced around the room and one eyebrow went up. "I see that I am not the only one that has been approached about 'ahem' dancing lessons?" "Anyone have any idea what is up?"

Anne Radcliffe on Sep 26, 2013 wrote:

(OOC: O yes, I love la Volta! Sam and I [the players, not the characters of course] once had the opportunity to dance this, and it is great fun. The highlight of it is when, after you have been jumping about, the lady puts her hands on the gentleman's shoulders, and jumps up with all her strength. At the same time, the gentleman seizes the front of her stays (which are very stiff and come to a bit of point) and uses this to propel her into the air, the propulsion assisted by giving her a gentle boot with his knee and thigh on her behind... (you can see why some people in society rather raised their eyebrows concerning the propriety of this dance). Anyway, the lady shoots right into the air, which is very exhilarating! For a brief moment, it feels as if you are flying! It is a highly energetic dance, I must say, and when we had breath to discuss it, we laughed to think the jumpy, skippy galliarde part of the dance was the rest period!)

Anne Radcliffe on Sep 26, 2013 wrote:

(OOC: O yes, I love la Volta! Sam and I [the players, not the characters of course] once had the opportunity to dance this, and it is great fun. The highlight of it is when, after you have been jumping about, the lady puts her hands on the gentleman's shoulders, and jumps up with all her strength. At the same time, the gentleman seizes the front of her stays (which are very stiff and come to a bit of point) and uses this to propel her into the air, the propulsion assisted by giving her a gentle boot with his knee and thigh on her behind... (you can see why some people in society rather raised their eyebrows concerning the propriety of this dance). Anyway, the lady shoots right into the air, which is very exhilarating! For a brief moment, it feels as if you are flying! It is a highly energetic dance, I must say, and when we had breath to discuss it, we laughed to think the jumpy, skippy galliarde part of the dance was the rest period!)

Anne Radcliffe on Sep 27, 2013 wrote:

(Love the 'Polarian accent' you have developed, Scarlet! )

"Ice cream? Crème de glace?" Anne's eyes opened very wide with considerable interest. She had been very much looking forward to that lovely cherry pie Emma was allowing to cool, but now there was something to add to such a lovely treat? She then had her first taste of ice cream atop a piece of the desired cherry pie. Anne gave herself up to pure bliss. For a long moment there was no war, no Armada, no map, no danger or threat of death, just the enjoyment of the heavenly union of two perfect treats.

After the pie and ice cream had been happily devoured by the present population of the back tavern room, the Unicorn woman rose gracefully to her feet. "I believe we are all assembled," she began, smiling and making a grace curtsey to the newcomers. "I am Dona Graziella Albioni di Padova, and I thank you all so very much for coming to the aid of the Valencian Resistance. Believe me, we are most grateful. Also with me are is Signor Filippo and Maestra Lia, who will be accompanying you on your journey to Valencia." The two smiled and rose, to give a polite courtesy in response.

"Let me give you some background to your mission," Dona Graziella continued. "There are many in Padova, as in the rest of Valencia, that believe the Armada is enabling a strong and prosperous Valencia, and so fully support Kane and his surface agenda. Many others rightly fear the Armada and dare not act against them, and indeed it is becoming dangerous to even speak against them. Finally, there are those who believe the Armada is evil, and that they will cause the eventual destruction of Valencia, and actively oppose them."

"The Duca and Duchessa Vinaldi, present heads of a leading family of Padova, have been secretly supporting the Resistance for some years. Openly, they try to provide a measured voice as members of the governing Council of Padova. However, open criticism, even though politely stated, is often frowned upon these dark days, and even mild dissent has put them under suspicion."

"A few weeks ago, one of our covert missions went badly awry. Duca Tomasso Vinaldi manage to salvage some of the mission and save several lives, at the expense of destroying his cover. He has been forced to flee while the Duchessa attempts to maintain the image of a family loyal to the State. Duchessa Alcina publicly protests any connection to the Resistance, and maintains that her husband has been away on family business."

"The Doge, the leader of the Council, is known as a strong supporter of the Armada. He has placed spies on the Vinaldi family, but Duchessa and her younger children remain in seclusion at their country estate, avoiding any contact with the Resistance."

"The Doge seems to want an end to this subtle game, couched in an innocent-seeming invitation to a masked ball..."

Chrissy Th'Blesser on Sep 27, 2013 wrote:

OOC: Oh I am so delightfully jealous. I have always wanted to take ballroom dancing lessons with the costumes and all the stuff that goes with it but alas, that dream never materialized. By the time I finally found my knight in shining armor my back was already out of commision and that kind of dancing was beyond me, but there is always hope for the massive balls in Heaven, for how could a God have such a wonderful place for us and not include such stylish balls?
I would love to see any videos of my favorite couple doing this dance. Any chance you captured your dream dances for later reminiscing? Kudos to Sam for being the dashing & debonair knight for you to escort you to such a wonderful event. Sounds like you made some memories that has bound your hearts with joy.

Anne Radcliffe on Sep 27, 2013 wrote:

(Love the 'Polarian accent' you have developed, Scarlet! )

"Ice cream? Crème de glace?" Anne's eyes opened very wide with considerable interest. She had been very much looking forward to that lovely cherry pie Emma was allowing to cool, but now there was something to add to such a lovely treat? She then had her first taste of ice cream atop a piece of the desired cherry pie. Anne gave herself up to pure bliss. For a long moment there was no war, no Armada, no map, no danger or threat of death, just the enjoyment of the heavenly union of two perfect treats.

After the pie and ice cream had been happily devoured by the present population of the back tavern room, the Unicorn woman rose gracefully to her feet. "I believe we are all assembled," she began, smiling and making a grace curtsey to the newcomers. "I am Dona Graziella Albioni di Padova, and I thank you all so very much for coming to the aid of the Valencian Resistance. Believe me, we are most grateful. Also with me are is Signor Filippo and Maestra Lia, who will be accompanying you on your journey to Valencia." The two smiled and rose, to give a polite courtesy in response.

"Let me give you some background to your mission," Dona Graziella continued. "There are many in Padova, as in the rest of Valencia, that believe the Armada is enabling a strong and prosperous Valencia, and so fully support Kane and his surface agenda. Many others rightly fear the Armada and dare not act against them, and indeed it is becoming dangerous to even speak against them. Finally, there are those who believe the Armada is evil, and that they will cause the eventual destruction of Valencia, and actively oppose them."

"The Duca and Duchessa Vinaldi, present heads of a leading family of Padova, have been secretly supporting the Resistance for some years. Openly, they try to provide a measured voice as members of the governing Council of Padova. However, open criticism, even though politely stated, is often frowned upon these dark days, and even mild dissent has put them under suspicion."

"A few weeks ago, one of our covert missions went badly awry. Duca Tomasso Vinaldi manage to salvage some of the mission and save several lives, at the expense of destroying his cover. He has been forced to flee while the Duchessa attempts to maintain the image of a family loyal to the State. Duchessa Alcina publicly protests any connection to the Resistance, and maintains that her husband has been away on family business."

"The Doge, the leader of the Council, is known as a strong supporter of the Armada. He has placed spies on the Vinaldi family, but Duchessa and her younger children remain in seclusion at their country estate, avoiding any contact with the Resistance."

"The Doge seems to want an end to this subtle game, couched in an innocent-seeming invitation to a masked ball..."

Anne Radcliffe on Sep 28, 2013 wrote:

"The Doge expects the Vinaldi family to attend the ball," Dona Graziella continued. "His invitation, though polite, hints in no uncertain terms that to refuse to attend would be behavior most suspicious, and perhaps worthy of arrest as potential traitors. However, if the Vinaldi family goes, it is almost certain that the ball would serve as a cover to secretly arrest the family members present. Duca Vinaldi would then have to surrender himself to the Doge -- and the Armada. And it would be for nothing, for his wife and children would not be released, even so."

"This is our plan: we will covertly rescue the children while volunteers don masks and take on the roles of the Vinaldi youngsters at the ball. Duchessa Alcina refuses to have a double, as she believes that the deception will have a higher chance of success if she is there to lend it veracity. We have a Resistance member who is able to take on the role of her son, but the four daughters are adopted. They are human, and it is their roles, as well as their lady's maid, we would like you brave captains to take on."

Graziella turned to Scarlet. "You are tall, and I believe you would do best taking on the identity of the oldest girl, 16-year-old Isabella. The next oldest, Kara, is 15, and you would be a good match for her, Emma," Graziella nodded to the musketeer. She then looked at Elizabeth and Anne. "It is a blessing that you two captains are small of stature, as you can convincingly play the role of 13-year-old Mariella," she told Lizzie, who stood just over five feet, "and you, Anne, the role of little Violetta, age 11." Anne nodded in willing acceptance, although her cheeks burned. She lacked a full inch to five foot tall, and it was always embarrassing to be seen as younger than she actually was.

"And Chrissy," Graziella turned her attention to the last captain, "You will take on the role of Lucia, a human woman of a respected middle class family who became an attendant to the young ladies when she took service with Vinaldis at the age of 12, a standard age to begin service in Valencia. As their trusted lady's maid, you would be expected to accompany them to the ball. As it is a masked ball, you would also be permitted to dance as well, but your real job would be to keep an eye on your charges. We will have people at the ball to watch for danger, but as you would not be under constant watch -- unlike the other captains here -- you would have more of a chance to watch for trouble yourself, and more flexibility in what you are able to get away with," the Valencian Unicorn finished with a slightly somber smile.