An Engaging Gala

[Ladorak]

It was only about two weeks or so after Ladorak had returned from his month long excursion with Jayd on which he'd picked up Caden and had helped the anarchist Spindrick Sylver return to Galdea. Ladorak had of course notified Spindrick's cousin, the detective Montegu Sylver, but at this rate Spindrick had made a clean getaway. Monty, for his part, had informed Ladorak about the death of the Kostritz Emperor Leopold, and the accession of his son, Francis. With Francis on the throne, tensions were expected to increase between Rosferia and Kostritz.

But with any new Emperor, a new ambassador from Kostritz had been appointed by Francis and he had just arrived in Galdea, and to welcome him and also to honor Francis' ascent to the throne of Kostritz, King Poynt III of Galdea had decided to throw a gala, and had extended invitations to most upper nobles and Admirals, and the Admirals in turn were free to extend their own invitations, and thus it was, that despite Admiral Samuel Hood feeling rather hesitant about inviting Ladorak Fugate to a gala hosted by the King, that Ladorak had received in his invitation from Admiral Hood, and was now in the process of making his way to Muggidrear, capital of Galdea.

After around a three hour carriage ride, the ermine's trap was rattling through the foggy streets of Muggidrear and drawing close to Whistleminster Palace, King Poynt's residence. They were traveling along the river Bronn, and the gaslights shed their eerie glow onto the cobbled streets to cut through the dark gloom. In the distance, Ringing Roger, the mighty clock tower, could be heard chiming the quarter till 8, and 8 would signal the start of the ball.

Ladorak was of course not traveling alone, and had asked Jayd to accompany him, and with no one to watch Caden the small kit had to tag along as well, though he hated balls, seeing them as terribly boring and dull. Ladorak had bought some nice clothes for Caden, and only hoped the kit wouldn't ruin them. He really had to start watching his finances after all, and for the ball Ladorak was of course wearing his naval outfit, looking rather spiffy in it as he kept it maintained.

Looking across at Jayd, the ermine (for his coat had not yet given way to it's deep red and white spring colors yet) offered a smile at the female. She was looking gorgeous, as always. Tonight would be a big night for him, primarily because he would be doing something he......really didn't ever see himself doing. "Is it your first time in the city?" the dapper mustelid asked her, wondering if she'd ever been to Muggidrear before.

[jaydjasmyn]

Jayd was surprisingly enjoying the ride. She'd never been in a carriage before and so it was rather exciting to say the least. The femme felt like she was unable to remain seated, such was her excitement. Tightly she gripped the stabilizing bar that was next to her as she failed to relax back in her seat, not that the seat wasn't comfortable.

The female wore a deep purple gown that was long and contouring to the top half of her body. It draped lazily over her shoulders revealing their slender structure, especially so with the movements of the carriage and the fact that she was exerting herself to hang on. Upon her footpaws she wore a matching pair of low healed slippers and in her other paw she held a small purse that had a long handle that could be slipped over her head, the golden chain would then strike out across her chest and down to her lower hip.

Ladorak seemed to be deep in thought, that is until he looked at her and asked her a question. Jayd smiled and shook her head. "No... I've never been here. I've been in other cities but never this one." She smiled at him, a smile that would light up the entire carriage. By this time her morning sickness had settled. Her stomach was slightly swollen but nothing that would indicate that she was pregnant at all. Jayd was at least glad that the sickness was gone and now she was able to really enjoy the miracle of being with Ladorak's child.

[Ladorak]

((Holy crap I didn't even realize how long this was until after I posted it...oh well. XD This was just an introductory one, they shouldn't be as long as this from now on, sorry. XD))

Ladorak cracked a smile at her, nodding. "Oh how I wish we were in bright, sunny, Stratospheros right now. I'd like to take a trip out there with you someday. I think it's good to visit foreign capitals, and Stratospheros in particular is a place of refinement and culture. Muggidrear is good but.....can be a bit dreary and dank at times, as you no doubt can tell." Ladorak nodded out the window at the fog enshrouded environment. He had....big plans for tonight....but only of course if Jayd was willing to accept him for who he was.

The carriage pulled to a halt at Whistleminster Palace, the royal residence of King Poynt III and his family. The strains of lively music could be heard even from way out here past the gate. Opening the door, the coachmammal stood back and let them alight. It would be difficult to keep an eye on Caden for this.....but Ladorak only hoped the kit wouldn't make TOO much of a nuisance of himself. Taking the kit one paw, he led Jayd with his other one, putting his arm through hers.

There was nothing like dancing, twirling across a polished wood floor like a breeze with the partner of your dreams. Well...maybe firing broadsides into an enemy vessel, the wood splintering and splaying as the cannons thundered out could beat it.....but right now Ladorak was being called to the dance floor.

Taking his invitation at the gate, the trio entered into a brightly lit ballroom, gaslight flickering and throwing their golden glow about an expansive room with a mural painted on the ceiling. Beasts rotated and swept about in front of them, performing the newest dance rage, the Stratospheros Waltz, in which your body was constantly turning, either clockwise or counterclockwise, and sometimes your partner would be doing a counterrevolution to you, but your bodies must always be turning, always be gyrating in a circle. And it was a waltz of course, so the 1-2-3 applied here.

An orchestra was playing the waltz, tucked away by some columns, and immediately Ladorak's eyes roamed the room, looking for notable personages to introduce Jayd too. "Well let's see..." He whispered into Jayd's ear. "That regale looking ermine standing at the top of the stairs is King Poynt III obviously, and that female to his right is his Queen, Charlotte. She's quite.....um....fertile I guess you could say. She's bore him 15 children so far, and if I remember correctly they've all been exceedingly healthy, all but 2 having lived past infancy, which is quite rare with that many childbirths. So his brood of 13 have grown up quite well if I do so say so myself." he spoke softly about the rather prominent monarch and his wife, the Queen being decked out in all sorts of jewelry and having a pale complexion even for an ermine. Her vibrant blue dress was complimented by Poynt's golden outfit with red sash and purple cape.

"Um...to their right is Poynt's sister, Princess Sybilene, or Sybil as she goes by. Her husband is right by her side it seems, and actually thanks to her marrying him I think she's only a Duchess now, but she still is quite the hostess. Knowing Poynt, I wager she planned this party, not him. Her husband is the Duke of Brunswick, and is currently Grand Field Marshall of the entire Gradvar military, and so Sybil rarely stays in Galdea these days, she's mostly with her husband in Gradvar." He gestured to two others at the top of the stairs, the ermineness Sybil and her husband, who just so happened to be a ferret, not a stoat. It was unusual to see him here, but the invitation must have been grand indeed for him to have come all the way out here to attend this ball. He looked splendid in his military uniform, and Sybil seemed to be quite the lively one, chatting up a storm with what Ladorak could only guess was the new Kostritz ambassador. Poynt and Charlotte were nodding and joining in from time to time.

"Sybil I believe has bore General Ferdinand, that's her husband, a total of....7 kits I think? I don't know how many survived infancy though sadly, I think one died, but that still leaves 6." Ladorak explained now. He was rather enjoying this, pointing (poynting) out all the different personages to Jayd and explaining their families.

"Finally, we have some Admirals that I'm familiar with. But rather than get into them....I'd much rather dance with you." Ladorak said with finality, gazing down now into Jayd's eyes. A tug on his paw though reminded him that he wasn't alone.

"Ladorak this is boring!" came the whine from Caden. Clicking his teeth in amusement, Ladorak looked down at the albino marten.

"Well of course it is.....my apologies....here you come with me, I'll show you to a place you can play with the other kits, alright? And remember Caden...." Ladorak gave Caden's paw a tight squeeze to remind him how was the boss here. "I expect good behavior....otherwise I can't promise to take you with me to sea." Caden gritted his teeth at this. Fortunately he wasn't TOO young. If had been the same 4 year old that Ladorak remembered well...Caden would have been an absolutely uncontrollable brat...but he had grown up since Ladorak had last seen him. He was 11 now, and pushing 12 this year. He had certainly matured...but he was still spoiled, and still had discipline problems....but Ladorak planned to whip him into shape at sea.

Leading the kit over to a room that was off the main hall, they walked through a darkened living area to where light filtered out of a side room, which for tonight was serving as the Royal nursery. Kits of all ages were running around inside, screaming, playing with toys, doing whatever really. Ladorak knew of Caden's extreme anti-social behavior though, and promised to come back to check on him from time to time. "OK you can play here....." Caden's pink eyes lit up at the sight of all the toys in the room. So many of them!!!! All courtesy of the Royal Treasury of course. "Caden....if you feel upset or for ANY reason you need me....please come and get me OK? I'm going to be back in that big room alright?" Caden nodded, barely acknowledging Ladorak at this point as he tore away from the stoat's grasp and charged into the room, knocking over a smaller mouse in the process. Flinching, Ladorak shook his head. That kit would have to learn some proper manners...but later.

Walking through the palace rooms back to where Jayd was standing, Ladorak sighed. "Well glad that's over with." He grinned. "So....what would you like to do first? Dance? Socialize? Drink punch?" it was clear that he was fast lapsing into a good mood, and was almost....bouncy.

Behind Jayd, he could see his acquaintance, the Right Honorable Montegu Sylver entering into the room. Oh great.....Monty wasn't well liked by Poynt but.....he had every right to be here. He was a Right and Honorable after all, and that title, while not a noble or military one, allowed him access to galas like this. He USED to be nobility, but had given that up as a useless title. He was dressed in a sharp tuxedo type outfit, and had his cane with him that doubled as a concealed sword as usual. He was with Bryony Bludd, the weasel veterinarian. They weren't dating....just....close, though Monty was too proud to admit his feelings for the female, at least in Ladorak's mind.

Ah well...best focus on Jayd now, which he did, that happy, cheery smile still upon his handsome features.

[jaydjasmyn]

Jayd was simply taken spiritually away when she caught sight of the grand room and all of the beautifully dressed beasts in it. With her back ground she really never had the chance to experience such fine living. She and her family were more like Gypsies then the refined beasts that she sees here, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. To Jayd having everything handed to you on a silver platter just wasn't her definition of good living. She lived by the motto that it was better to have earned what you have by hard work then to have had it given to you for free and without any exertion on your part. But either way she planned on taking full advantage of this evening. She was in good spirits, especially with the sickness in remission and also because Ladorak was by her side.

Ladorak ran through the 'from a distance' introductions and then after that he took Caden to the playroom. Silently Jayd hoped that he would be able to get along with the other kits in there but thus far he seemed to be adjusting well. There have been no problems for almost an entire week now. He mostly would just lash out by not eating or refusing to dress for bed or for the day. No real major problems or so thought Jayd. She was accustomed to dealing with kits, having come from a ship full of them.

Soon Lad returned and Jayd happily received him. He questioned her as to what she would like to do first. Eagerly she turned a graceful circle and came face to face with him as her paws rested upon his chest. Happily she looked up at him, her pregnancy was becoming more evident every day because her face simply glowed. "Anything that you wish my love. We could dance if you'd like but we could also eat if you are hungry. I don't suppose that for the special occasion of this evening I could have a small glass of wine?" She chuckled with this question, knowing full well that he was going to say no. But there was no harm in trying.

[Ladorak]

Off in the distance, Ladorak could hear Ringing Roger chiming out the hour of 8, it's large bells donging away from further down the river Bronn. That was the signal of the start of the gala proper, and also the cue for Ladorak's song to start playing. He had planned it like this, taking a peek at the band's itinerary and happily noting that his song was up first.

"Let's dance." he said as a few violins started up, followed by the piano, drums, and the rest of the orchestra joining in. He could hear the lyrics begin to play in his head, even though there was no vocalist singing tonight.

Say it's true
There's nothing like me and you.....
I'm not alone
Tell me you feel it too.....
And I would runaway.......
I would runaway......
I would runaway......
I would runaway....with you

Because I have fallen in love....
With you know I'm never gonna stop falling in love with you.......

These words played in his head, the opening verse of the song as he led her out onto the dance floor, taking position among the crowd of others. Pulling her in close to him, the music signaled the start of the waltz and then Ladorak led off, turning them both around in a circle, and moving around the group of dancers with practiced grace and charm. The Stratospheros Waltz was probably his favorite dance to perform, and with a good partner it was even better.

With a series of whirling motions, he held Jayd firmly, one arm behind her back and the other holding her free paw up in the air. Their fingers interlocked, and they were sailing across the floor, as if on the very deck of a ship, indeed they definitely seemed at least to be the envy of those around them. Who was this mysterious female dancing with Commander Fugate? Why had she not been with him before? Where had she even come from?

With an increased crescendo, the song picked up in frequency, and Ladorak took his to let Jayd perform a counterrevolution or two.

Close the door
Lay down upon the floor.....
And by candlelight
Make love to me through the night.....

Because I have run away....
I have run away......
I have run away, run away.....
I have run away with you......

Because I have fallen in love
With you know I'm never gonna stop falling in love with you.....

Ladorak knew that even without vocals the song was at it's second verse and chorus, and he continued to sweep Jayd forward and back, their bodies always turning as per a proper Stratospheros Waltz. He was hoping that she'd get adventurous towards the end, and perhaps collapse forward a bit into his arms so he could drag her gracefully across the dance floor or perhaps dip in such a way that one of his arm would point straight up and form a unique a sort of triangle with their bodies, a move he'd picked up over the last few years.

As the song entered it's next phase, he decided to give control of the dance over to her, and thus his leads became less dominant. He would let Jayd lead for a bit, and then come up with a strong finish that would impress the crowd and perhaps even make them the center of attention of this dance. He was in his element now, excelling, and there was nothing that would get in his way. None of the gathered beasts ever knew Ladorak to be such a graceful dancer as he pulled back a bit from Jayd to extend his arm and tilt his back leg inwards a bit as he twirled her. The second she came back in, he hoped she'd know that now was the time for her to lead, and he was eager to see what she would come up with.

((You can auto Ladorak a bit if you want for some of the dancing here. )

[jaydjasmyn]

Jayd of course moved with the grace of a swan that was playfully gliding across the placid lake. From time to time her free arm would extend out and then slowly move back in so that her paw could tenderly clasp the back of his neck as he so lovingly spun her around. Indeed the femme never felt more alive then during this dance with Ladorak.

She could feel that all eyes were now upon them. She wondered if they would be approached afterward. Jayd wasn't sure how she would react to such attention but with Lad by her side she felt as though she could conquer anything, climb the tallest mountain or swim the largest body of water imaginable.

Her arms then hugged his shoulders as he gently pulled her across the floor, her body extended as she looked up and into his eyes with a smile forever waving over her beautiful stoat-tess features. Their bodies moved as one, each unconsciously anticipating the next move of the other. Yes they appeared as though they have been dancing like this together for seasons.

Jayd seemed to know just when it was her turn to dazzle the crowd and her partner. Gracefully she floated over the wooden floor like a ballerina, twirling until her dress billowed outward and looking much like a delicate flower that was opening for the first time in Spring. She then danced over to him and allowed for him to swing her gracefully between his legs. Immediately she spiraled down his leg like a vine until she was suddenly by his side. In the next instance she was circling around him, her paw caressing his body as she ended back where she started.

For a moment she stopped and they looked into each other's eyes. What Jayd really hoped for was a fantastic finish to a lovely dance. She longed to be able to be gracefully dipped back so that her back could arch like a bending flower giving way to the weight of a light summer rain.

[Ladorak]

As if they were one they pulled off their moves fluidly and gracefully, Ladorak becoming conscious that he was definitely being watched now. Oh well...let them watch....they were masters of the dance floor as far as he was concerned. The song was building up to its conclusion, and the final chorus was about to be played.

They both did a counter turn, spinning parallel to each other but in opposite directions. Both extended their arms back, and then came together again. Never going to stop....never going to stop falling in love.....yes.....it was time to finish, and they locked arms, extending their free ones out to opposite sides of the room, and spinning as one now in twirling motion that brought them closer towards the center of the dance floor, rotating as one entity, they stopped, and supporting Jayd with one arm, he allowed her dip towards the floor, raising his other arm up towards the ceiling, reaching for the heavens.

The triangle, they had formed the triangle, his two legs and her wilting head forming the base with his other arm straight up. The music ended abruptly, and the room erupted in applause, though what they were applauded was hard to tell. Perhaps the ambassador, perhaps the music, or maybe...that couple that had stolen the show with their sweeping turns, counter turns, gyrations, and breathtaking moves. What was the occasion? Oh Ladorak knew what the occasion was...he NEVER went all out like this unless he had a reason....a good reason at that.

So here he was, helping her back to standing, time having unfroze itself after that song's conclusion. His heart was beating in his chest now, excitement was welling up within him. As he pulled her to her feet, he made certain that something would be awaiting her gaze when she came back upright....and that something was a ring.

It sparkled in the gaslight, looking very much like ice shimmering in the glow of a fire, although this ice had colors....yes....many colors. The stone set into the ring was very special. It came from the Empire of Delorn, and could only be found there. It was called Alexandrite, and though it's natural color was purple, it could shift to red in incandescent light, and green in natural light. It was shimmering between a red and a blue now, switching back and forth as if it couldn't decide which one to settle on.

It was the only possession Ladorak had brought with him when he'd been taken from Sampetra, and though he wore it occasionally, it would be fulfilling a much different purpose now. As she was being pulled up, he was dropping down to one knee, and when she was standing he was kneeling, the ring being proffered before her. The room had gone quiet now for the most part, as mostly everyone realized what was going on. Some were shocked, others pleasantly surprised, and still some were a bit upset that the gala was being interrupted for this, but they all held their tongues, a few who had noticed chatting quietly throughout the room.

"Jayd.....I know that being with me might be difficult at times, given my duty to my country" Ladorak spoke softly, so that most of the room wouldn't be able to hear, "but I need to ask you right now....and you don't have to decide right away.....will you be my wife?" he asked, smiling up at her with reserved breath, waiting patiently for her answer despite the pounding of his heart in anticipation of what would come next.

[jaydjasmyn]

Jayd's breath was panting and her cheeks blushing when the room exploded with applause. Indeed she knew that it was for them. She knew because she could feel almost every eye upon her as they moved as one upon the dance floor. And yes she even caught sight of a few as they looked them over with a pleasing gaze and yes others held a questionable expression. Jayd concentrated on the more positive ones.

But what came next the femme did not expect....

She was slightly laughing when she came to a standing position but her chuckle soon faded as she realized what Ladorak was doing now. He was kneeling in front of her with a ring poised over so perfectly between his fingers. Jayd gasped ever so softly as she began to tear up. Her body was now trembling slightly as he asked her the question that she's been waiting for for practically her entire life. "Would you be my wife?" Jayd needed no time to think about it but she wondered if she was rushing into things. No.... There was no way that her answer would be different in the morning or even next week.

Nervously she held out her paw for him to slip the ring on one of her fingers. She wanted him to do it quickly so that he could stand, everyone could go about their business and then she could hug him and kiss him. "Yes... Yes Ladorak. I would love to be your wife." Her paw was shaking and tears were softly leaking down her cheeks as she waited for him to do his part. She was oblivious to anything and everything that was going on around her.

OOC: Finished and Bookity you're not intruding!

[bookity101]

((I almost feel as if I'm intruding....))

Luxe was waiting for his old Master to get out of his house, and feeling quite uncomfortable about it. As his master, Mastersmith Gaylor Digun, had gotten him an invite to a Gala event, that was hosted at the palace of all places... Luxe pulled on the collar of his very very (seemingly) outrageous suit that Gaylor had nearly forced on him when he had walked through the door earlier that evening. Now he was waiting in a very fashionable three piece suit that fit him to a 't', and was hating every minute of it. Luxe jumped to open the carriage door as Galor shut the shop door, and came up the walk to the carraige, almost skipping, a very undignified thing for a beast of his age and position to do, Luxe noted in his head. "Well Luxe my boy, I do think that you will welcome that 'awful suit' when we get there, His Majesty wouldn't want you showing up in that leather apron like you threatened you would..." Luxe just shook his head as he climbed into the carriage after his Master, willing his tongue to be silent all the way to the Gala.... all the very very long way to the Gala, he thought ruefully.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luxe stepped out of the carriage and helped Gaylor out onto the pavement, the only redeeming feature of the ride had been the sympathetic glances he had gotten form Gaylor's wife as he stared out the window all the way to the Gala. Planning to slip away to the kit's playroom, as he always had managed to in the past, he started to sneak away quietly, but was foiled in this plot when Gaylor grabbed his arm and spun him 'round to speak to Fort Commander Alexi Custins, a beast that Luxe had worked with in the past. "Ahh, Young Luxe!" said the pine martin working Luxe's paw up and kown till it was almost numb. "How is life in the countryside my lad?" He asked, with a wink. "Quiet." was the only answer that Luxe could come up with. which seemed to the joke of the day to the Commander. "Well lad, I was hoping to speak to you about a blade for my son you see..." Luxe but his lip and nodded his head in time to the slightly drunk pine martins words, waiting for his chance to get away...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Luxe was finally able to make good his escape, he quickly made his way to were he knew all the kits would be staying. As he gained the door, a couple of brown balls of fur ran into his knees, simply redirecting the siblings he continued to the other side of the room to were a rather exasperated Nanny stood, watching the chaos. "Ma'am, you look as if you could use a break," He said as he gently led the way to the door, "You go get yourself something to drink, I'll stay and watch the little terrors." He said with a grin. He unceremoniously guided/pushed her out the door, hung his jacket out of reach of all except the tallest young ones, loosened his tie, and turned to survey all of the kits. Then he felt his eyes widen in surprise. "Caden!, What are you doing here!"

[Ladorak]

To describe Ladorak's elation would've been next to impossible. She had said yes! He wasn't sure....but then again he had a tendency to doubt himself all the time. Rising up to his hind paws, tears starting to well up in his own eyes, he mouthed a "thank you" and leaned in to kiss her, his snout meeting hers and their lips locking together.

Applause was once again forthcoming, mostly to be polite, but some of the higher ups looked down on this informal arrangement as this gala was supposed to be for the Kostritz ambassador, not for some lovesick stoat Commander to propose to a female. But generally there was a positive reception to this. Some saw Ladorak has having great initiative, and most were positively happy for the stoat and his now fiancée.

Breaking the kiss, it looked as if a weight had suddenly been lifted from Ladorak's shoulders. "Well....I'm glad I was able to do that." He said quietly as the crowds started to drift back to dancing or socializing and eating. "We can set the marriage date for some time in the future to give us space to really ponder this but....I'm fairly certain I'm happy with my decision so long as you are as well. There is the thing about my job....but I've already asked if you were willing to tolerate me for that." he said as he led her off the dance floor.

"But thank you once again....I think you've made me the happiest mustelid in Whistleminster Palace tonight." he said glowingly, his heart just about overflowing with joy and emotion. And to think.....he would be a FATHER later this year too! That word seemed to hang over him in a strange light. How did he feel? Nervous? Ecstatic? Somewhere in between? Probably all of those impossibly rolled into one. He had never really had a chance to try his paw at parenting....but he was willing.....oh yes he was willing. And he was willing to devote any and all free time he had when he wasn't working to his wife and his family. November.....if the 9 month rule applied....the November would be it. November......

Giving a brief, nervous glance about the room, Ladorak chuckled softly, clicking his teeth. "Well I guess we should walk around and start socializing? Anyone in particular you'd like to meet? King Poynt and Queen Charlotte? Princess Sybil and General Ferdinand? Prince Poynt, Prince Redfur, or Prince Ragnar?" Ladorak asked, raising his eyebrows playfully. "Or maybe Admiral Hood, my boss." the ermine offered now, switching from nobility to officers.

"Jal Fugate you old devil!" the happy exclamation was from Montegu Sylver, or Monty to his friends. He had strode up and warmly clapped Ladorak on the back. "If I had known you were pulling this off, I would have brought presents for the two of you! And congratulations to you Jis." Monty said, turning to Jayd. Jis was Miss or Mrs in Galdean and Jal was Mr. "I'm sure that Jal Fugate will bring you many good years of happiness." Monty stated with a grin, and bowed a bit in order to kiss Jayd's forepaw in a polite gesture.

"Yes, congratulations Ladorak." Bryony Bludd, Monty's vet companion also chimed in. "And to you too Jiss." she said, also using the polite term as she wasn't aware of Jayd's name.

"Ah yes, Jayd Jasmyn, this is Bryony Bludd, veterinarian and neighbor to Jal Montegu Sylver here." he introduced her to them, and refrained from making the statement that he thought Monty should actually ask Bryony out sometime. The weasel claimed to be immune to the charms of females, but the two were almost always together, and Ladorak could see they liked each other, but for whatever reason neither of them ever bothered to ask the other out. As far as Ladorak was concerned that was more Monty's responsibility, but the weasel detective never seemed to be able to do it.

"If you ever have a mystery that needs solving, Jal Sylver here would be weasel the to go to." Ladorak said, winking at her. If Jayd looked closely, she could see that Monty was almost nearly identical to Spindrick, the anarchist they had happened to pick up back on Sampetra. He had the same lightning streak birthmark on his face and everything. Good reason being, the two were cousins, but whereas Spindrick had chosen a life of crime, Monty had chosen a life subservient to the law.

----------------------------------

Caden meanwhile, was busy ruling the playroom. He had started to steal and confiscate all toys and hoard them into "his" corner of the room. He was starting a mini-war in fact, with those who supported him and those who didn't, and those who didn't were on the outside of a circle of his supporters looking in. "That's not fair!" a small muskrat child bawled. "You can't keep all the toys to yeself!"

"Beat it kid!" Caden snarled, shoving the much younger toddler back. "Everybeast for hisself, you know!" it was then, as he was looking up behind this small child that he saw that stoat blacksmith from the village. What was HE doing here? Luxe noticed Caden right about the same time that Caden noticed Luxe. "Hold on...stay here and guard these with yer lives!" Caden whispered to his followers, and being the biggest and oldest one in the room, the others had no choice but to nod their heads and obey.

Striding over to Luxe, the albino put his forepaws on his hips and looked up at the stoat. "Ladorak brought me over here. He's at some party or somethin'. He's two rooms over I think. But what are YOU doing here at Fort Caden?" Caden demanded in a sort of playful if not a little aggressive tone. "No one allowed in here without authorization you know." he stated, his kit voice sounding a bit comical as he tried to make himself look serious. He wasn't fully able to pronounce "authorization," the word sounding more like "awthowozation." Despite being almost 12, Caden hadn't been raised very well by Helandria in terms of learning how to pronounce words correctly. He waited impatiently for an answer.

((No problem at all bookity, this should be rather fun. More beasts who join in means more to do in this thread. )