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Grant grinned as he felt the warmth of Delphine's spell flowing through him, "Eventful is good, the uninvited guests are the problem." Activating the MERLIN implant in his body, the prince's body was surrounded by a faint light, and radiated a gentle heat. The pirate vessel was within jumping range, but he would have to be careful. If he pushed off the deck of his ship with too much force he might shatter the deck, or even punch a hole through it. Luckily he had become quite well acquainted with his strength over the years. Gauging the distance between the two ships, he nodded to himself before glancing back to his lover. "Cover me." With that, he jumped into the air; pushing the boat down into the water somewhat. Sailing through the air, he drew his revolver and fired six shots before he landed on the deck of the pirate vessel; scoring three fatal shots, two injuries, and one miss. Nobodies perfect. Plucking a speed loader from his belt, he dodged the attack of a large dark-skinned man with a club as he popped the ammo into his gun and put a bullet into the head of the pirate behind him. The first pirate turned back in time to catch a bullet of his own between the eyes.  This process repeated itself four more times, Grant dodging an attack before putting down the attacker with a single bullet. Once his gun had run dry, he used the durable revolver to block and deflect attacks before lashing out with powerful blows of his own.  Arrows whistled through the air to strike down enemies encroaching on him, Delphine watching over him like an avenging angel. Eventually one of the pirates got lucky, and knocked the firearm out of his hands with an upward strike before reversing direction for a downward stroke. Grant caught the blade between his hands and then stepped to the side as he levered the man into a throw that sent him flying into the mast with a sickening crunch of bones.  Suddenly there was a deep basso bellow from below deck, and the remaining pirates stopped their attack and backed away to form a loose circle around the prince. A number of rough looking men emerged from the lower decks; and large, thudding footsteps shook the ship as something ascended the stairs. The source of those steps turned out to be a gigantic reptilian man, body so thick with muscle it seemed his skin would split. He was carrying a battle axe the size of a small child, and he was stalking toward Grant with menace in his eyes. Grant, prepared himself for battle, but was distracted by the sound of something huge breaching the surface of the water. Turning to look back at his ship, he saw some kind of submersible coming up right beside the craft. Multiple hatches popped open and pirates began swarming out, aiming to board the vessel. "Delphine..."

Bruce looks to him. "Oh, I don't trust him, but that doesn't mean we can't have a civil conversation and solve things out.." @EtherealWings

Teach me the magnification trick you did at Misral. You have to mimic the way the lens bends light. Pallas and Lenore paced opposite ends of the balcony, keeping a silent commentary on the events as they watched the nobles arrive. Aveline, with her questionable stack of paper. Next was Varda, polite in speech and conduct, as always. Two of her siblings joining the twins on the balcony. Lenore eyed Jasper Hildebrand. Pallas frowned as he caught the plan weaving together in his brother’s mind. Do you think Mom will let- -me stay? Neither offered an answer. Both continued their quiet observation of the arrivals. Abigail Karradeen, weapons at the ready. Godric Uldwar, somehow old and withered, his gentle words a contrast from the strife that seemed to hound his house. His oldness: that’s new. Rumors, rumors. What do the people whisper? Hasn’t he married a Dali? Ilyana joined them at the balcony. Where’s Mia, I wonder? Hiding away, guilty? Milorian Mythal and the Grand Kommandant, the latter accompanied by a guard. A pity about the hair. Sight too? And his wife’s family. Whatever guilt they’d felt at Misral had been cast aside as easily as an old toy, for the here and the now was the assembly, far more interesting. Not our concern anymore. Milorian pulled Godric’s seat aside. Lenore’s finger’s twitched. A figure woven from light and idea materialized below, bowed at the two nobles, and took the seat, silently and swiftly carrying it outside the room. Several Dalis joined the spectators. No Halisera. Disappointment and relief mixed with curiosity. The twins eyed Ampelos. Isn’t that the museum man? The only headless house here, aren’t they? Grant Knight. That look. Something’s afoot with them and Hildebrand; but then again, it’s them. Alexandros and Andross Kholin. Keep to themselves. Tankred did too, after a while. Oathsworn. Two more spectators trailed in, both familiar to the brothers. We never were able to have a chat with Sunscar, weren’t we? Visit Crowley? See if Guzon gets along with it or Marrow. Out loud, below a whisper: “Guzon, do you want a friend?” It won’t be necessary, Master Pallas, replied the sword. Ah. The twins turned their attention to Tynes. Man’s in the oil business now, isn’t he? A ripple of mutual disappointment crossed their minds. It’ll be quite the lightshow if they toe the loci’s limits. Pallas returned to his pacing, discreetly watching as Tynes entered a conversation with Renovatio’s Grand Kommandant. Lenore stood quietly for a moment, then walked towards the Hildebrands. Lenore. Not now. Pallas’ thoughts were edged with irritation. Lenore greeted the siblings with a short bow. “Lord and Lady Hildebrand. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance” He beamed a brief smile towards Merel before turning to Jasper. Pleasantries first, or should I get to the point? The soft music from below stopped. Brother. She’s starting. Lenore ignored Pallas. “I have something of a business proposal for your house I’d like to discuss with you, if you’re available.” @vielle    

His eyes closed as his hands started to shake in nervousness and fear. The young man looked towards the bartender before speaking "Separate and Dissolve. And old military saying. Its kinda like divide and conquer but a deadly military procedure and one that could end up dissolving all government operations and  turning Valucre into a dictatorship  with one president" His eyes opened  showing a fury unknown to be held a mortal "If this procedure has been granted then we are all of in danger"

"That sounds great. It looks like you have this handled." Grant was more than happy with the way things had turned out; an for the first time in months, he felt like the future was bright. He had been unsure about returning to Ursa Madeum, not sure he deserved his position there after Hyperion. Raveena had convinced him otherwise, but he had largely been going through the motions until the proposal for the Roads had crossed his desk. The trade route would lead UM into a new golden age, and Senaria would be a part of it. He would be forever grateful to House Mythal for giving him the opportunity. Even in his most optimistic dreams however, could he have imagined meeting a woman like Delphine. She had awoken a passion that had lain dormant in him after his last lover had disappeared. It felt like she could understand his pain, his burdens, and was happy to share them, as he would hers. He had fallen deeply in love with her today, and he knew the feeling would not fade. The prince took her hands in his and said, "I have to return home now but... I would like to see you again. Perhaps we could exchange letters until our next meeting?"