Ariadne (to Zoe): Zoe sweetheart, you are the loudest child in the history of existence. Were your parents elephants or something?
Zoe (to Ariadne): Heh. Sorry. I was looking for my shoe. I swear it was under the couch, I threw it at Victor last night.
Ariadne (to Zoe): You mean, this shoe?
Zoe (to Ariadne): Heh. That would be the one. Thanks.
Ariadne (to Zoe): You look adorable, Zoe. You should totes let me do your makeup sometime.... Have fun at school.
Zoe (to Ariadne): Thanks! I may take you up on that. I'll see you later.
Victor (to Zoe): Good morning, little sister o mine. Would you like some coffee on the way out?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh yes please. Why on earth are you up so early? Are you dying?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Why do we always assume that about everything? Mom and Aiden had me up early all week. Here you are.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh, probably because we're used to some sort of calamity happening around every corner. Thank you for the coffee. I really need to get to school. I've got to stay after for rehearsal tonight. Jessica, she's the director, is relentless.
Victor (to Zoe): Go! Get lost. Have a good time! Remember: get them before they get you!
Zoe (to Victor): I will! Love you! (to Ariadne) Bye, Hari!
Ariadne (to Zoe): Bye, cutie patootie! (to Victor) Does this family have something against sleeping in? I haven't aligned myself with a bunch of morning people, have I?
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. Not in the slightest. Zoe has school, and I've been getting pulled out of bed early for the past few weeks. I'll be back to my usual routine soon enough. How do you take your coffee?
Ariadne (to Victor): Lots of cream and sugar, if you please.
Victor (to Ariadne): Here you are. Are you hungry? I'm about to make myself... Well, whatever I can find, actually.
Ariadne (to Victor): Coffee is good for right now, thanks... Come to momma, sweet, sweet coffee.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. I'll start you a second pot... I wonder if this is... WHEW! This is so not still good. Peanut butter and waffles it is.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heh. Do I even want to know what the science experiment used to be?
Victor (to Ariadne): In this house? Not even slightly. It could honestly be anything. So you're a skipper, eh?
Ariadne (to Victor): Yep, just like my Babushke.
Victor (to Ariadne): So it runs in your family then? I wondered. Mmm. Is there any... damn! If Mom were here, we'd have ice cream in the house.
Ariadne (to Victor): So, you're one, too? Your dad mentioned he was one. I've never met any others besides my grandmother. She always told me that I might run into others but that it's pretty rare. She knew one in the old days at the circus where she met my grandfather. He apparently used the ability as part of his act. He was a magician.
Victor (to Ariadne): That's clever. Yes, I'm a skipper. It seems to run on my father's side of the family. He was born here, & my mom in Britannia. I was born on the other side. Ooo! Leftover pizza!
Ariadne (to Victor): So, was my mom & my grandmother... Can I steal a slice? Cold pizza is irresistible.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. Here you are. Do you want a plate? Oh. Heh. No, I suppose not.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heh. Using plates just mean you have to wash them... I'm not really a washing dishes person.
Victor (to Ariadne): That's the same thing my dad says. How did you end up in West Piedmont? I apologize. I'm not very good at small talk and clearly I'm sizing you up. I'm sorry. It's been a bad few months in the family.
Ariadne (to Victor): Yeah, tell me about it. Just so you know, your dad already gave me the 'you hurt my family, there's nowhere to hide' speech. My grandmother's dying words were to tell me to run, so I did. I was in Portland and have been wandering around for months. I felt kind of drawn in this direction. When I met your dad at the coffeehouse, I figured that was why. He said there's a natural occurring portal here, just like in Portland. It must act like a magnet to us skippers.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. Apparently, it's our catnip. It's how my dad ended up here years ago, and probably Nate. And my dad gave you the Doom Speech? Huh...
Ariadne (to Victor): Yeah, he did... It may have had something to do with the fact that I picked his pocket & I carry a samurai sword with me. Also, you guys don't know me from Adam, but I have a feeling we're on the same side. And, if these CLANNG folks are as scary & as awful as he says, joining up with you & yours may be the best chance I have to survive.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. The samurai sword wouldn't have phased him. I'm sure you've seen the practice room by now. Don't let him worry you too much. We're all just a bit jumpy. And, if there has ever been a group willing to give people a chance, it's this family. And you pick pockets for stress relief, don't you?
Ariadne (to Victor): Yeah... I can't help it, sometimes. Sorry about that.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. My mom does the same thing. She starts moving people's keys into other pockets whenever she's a little too bored. Just don't break into any jewelry stores to prove you can. And, if you give me my knife back, I'll hand over your brass knuckles.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heehee, fair enough. You're pretty good, not many can get one over me.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. I'm OK. I learned from my mom. It can be a useful hobby.
Ariadne (to Victor): Yeah, my grandmother taught me. She picked it up from my granddad. He grew up in the circus on the other side & when times were lean, he'd use it to help get them money for food. I guess, it's kind of in my blood.
Victor (to Ariadne): Well, I come from a long line of street thugs, thieves, pickpockets, pirates, oh, and an odd earl, I suppose, so no judgements from this side of the kitchen. Just... please don't pick from my sister's pocket anymore. It would hurt her feelings.
Ariadne (to Victor): Oh, did I? I'm sorry. Sometimes, I don't even realize I've done it. All this talk about CLANNG & everything has frayed my nerves a bit. And, I have absolutely no idea what to do next. I was planning on visiting my grandmother's family on the other side to let them know that she had passed, but that might be a bit tricky upon further thought.
Victor (to Ariadne): We might be able to get you where you need to go on the other side. Where is your grandma's family?
Ariadne (to Victor): ... Oh um, that's where it gets tricky. It's winter over there, so great uncle Aleksandr & his family would be in St. Petersburg. She hasn't seen that side of the family in years, but she had me deliver letters to them occasionally. So, they'd know me.
Victor (to Ariadne): Alright... Aside from the weather, what would be the tricky part? There's something you're not mentioning.
Ariadne (to Victor): Do you and your family know anything about Russia on that side of the portals?
Victor (to Ariadne): Only a bit, around the edges. We mostly deal with the, uh, more underground channels and the Russians are VERY insular.
Ariadne (to Victor): Well then, this may not make any real sense to you. My babushke was Maria Nikolaievna, Grand Duchess of Russia. She's the sister of the current Tsar, my great uncle Aleksandr II. She was exiled when she fell in love with my grandfather. It was frowned upon by her father. He had hoped to marry her off to the king of Bavaria, but she ran off instead. She wasn't allowed to ever go back, but my great uncle loved her so he made sure that we were well taken care of. When my grandfather died, he offered to let her return but she was always suspicious about the circumstances of his death, which is why she came over here with my mother.
Victor (to Ariadne): Wow. Holy shit! That is some damn pedigree. Oh. Excuse me. I can't say that I know anything personally about the Russian court. But, I've read history books. I can't promise we can get you in, but we can certainly try. I know my Dad will LOVE to try.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heh... Your dad is into breaking into royal palaces, huh? Why does that not surprise me?
Victor (to Ariadne): Hee hee. Because you've met my father? He's only done it a couple of times, and only in Britannia... Oh. Well, not ONLY in Britannia, I suppose. Heh... He's even been invited to a couple of those balls.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heehee, I bet he was very popular.
Victor (to Ariadne): Again, you've met my dad. You would not believe the rumors that get started about him. So. Very. Gross.
Ariadne (to Victor): Well, now I'm intrigued. Am I supposed to know who your father is? He mentioned that he was a pirate but his name doesn't ring a bell.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. Probably not. He's better known as the Dandy on the other side. A writer based a series of novels on some of the rumors.
Ariadne (to Victor): Hmmm. I'm not sure I've ever heard of him. Pirate stories are not really my thing.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. Believe me, you don't want to hear them.
Ariadne (to Victor): His feelings aren't going to be hurt, if I don't gush all over him, are they?
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. He might, but it shouldn't be too bad. The people know who he is on this side tend to tease him about it rather than fawn.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heh. Fair enough. Well, I should probably go figure out how to make myself useful around here.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. Good luck!
A few hours later:
Vincent (to Ariadne): Oh! Hey, hun. Do you need something specific, or would you like a turn swinging around something pointy and dangerous?
Ariadne (to Vincent): Heh... Yes, on both counts.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Well, then, what can I do you for? I'm assuming you know how to use that pigsticker of yours. ;-)
Ariadne (to Vincent): Yes, you stick the other guy with the pointy bit. :-P … I was talking with Victor & well, I need to go see my babushke's family on the other side. And, it might involve sneaking into the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Do you think you can help me?
Vincent (to Ariadne): Hee hee. Well, you've got the finer points worked out. Sneaking into the Winter Palace? Who on earth is your granny's family?
Ariadne (to Vincent): Ummm... the Romanovs.
Vincent (to Ariadne): The Romanovs? As in the ROMANOV, Romanovs? As in the We-Rule-Russia-Romanovs? Well, well... Our couch has never had so prestigious a bloodline sleeping on it. :-P Well, Aiden's father is technically a lord, so I suppose you're not the *first* aristocrat to drool on the pillows...
Ariadne (to Vincent): Heh. I'm not royalty at all. My grandmother was exiled. I don't even know what fork to use for salad. They're just forks.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Oh, don't worry. If you asked him, I'm sure Aiden would LOVE to tell you all about which forks to use. And probably lecture us both on how our manners betray our family's good names. As if I had a good family name. Heh. We may be able to help you, hun. But we'll need the missus's help on this one. She's the planner, and without a doubt the only reason I'm alive. You wouldn't happen to know a pirate by the name of Eugenia de Beauville, would you? Runs a ship called the Mirrored Queen?
Ariadne (to Vincent): No... I'm not really into all that pirate stuff. My mom used to tell me stories when I was little but, I kind of lost a taste for that sort of thing when she took off. Why? Can she help us?
Vincent (to Ariadne): She might. For a price. She always bragged she had a connection to the Russian royal family. We can find out if that's true.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Okey dokey, artichokey! So, what do I have to do?
Vincent (to Ariadne): Hee hee. You don't have to do a thing for right now, hun. This is going to take a little planning on our part. So, do you want sword lessons a little more involved than "stick 'em with the pointy bit?" Or are you standing there, with your sword, looking hopeful for an unrelated reason?
Ariadne (to Vincent): I actually wouldn't mind a match, if you don't mind.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Not at all. If I'm "teaching" you, I'm not doing something dreadful like washing dishes or doing laundry like a proper father.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Heh. Don't look at me. I've never washed a dish in my life... That's what paper plates & takeout is for.
Vincent (to Ariadne): It's dreadful. For one thing, if you're going to ruin a manicure, it should be doing something FAR more interesting than dishes.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Dude, I agree! ... Can I be your baby sister?
Vincent (to Ariadne): Hee hee. Only if you survive the initiation. Perk up your guard there, hun. I could stab you right the ribs if I had a mind.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Oops... My bad.
Poppy (to Vincent & Ariadne): Well, this is definitely the last thing I expected to see, lover. Should I be jealous?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh my dark and various gods! Come here you gorgeous creature! ...I've missed you. Oh. Heh. Hari, this is my wife. Poppy, this is Hari Fenris. I seemed to have picked myself up another young portal skipper while I was in town, lover.
Ariadne (to Vincent & Poppy): It's very nice to meet you. Your husband has spoken very highly of you.
Poppy (to Vincent): It is a very good thing that I love you, honey. It's good to be home. (to Ariadne) Nice to meet you, too, sweetie. Could you please give us some alone time? I need to talk to my husband about some things.
Vincent (to Poppy): Don't I know it?
Ariadne (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh yes, of course. I'll just see about my bedding situation. Zoe's been trying to get me to crash in her room on a cot.
Poppy (to Ariadne): Heehee, best of luck with that, honey.
A moment later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, lover, I got your message. So, you think she can help us?
Vincent (to Poppy): I think so, & if my suspicions are right, she's related to Captain de Beauville. More importantly, I think she wants to help.
Poppy (to Vincent): De Beauville, really, lover? ... Does she still like us?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I meant I think Hari wants to help. It looks like Maladori was responsible for her grandmother's death, and CLANNG sent a collection squad to collect her. I think Eugenia will like us exactly as much as we pay her to like us. But I can't imagine that even the dread captain of the Mirrored Queen will take too kindly to CLANNG mucking with her family AND muscling in on her territory. According to our young sword-carrying guest, Hari is the granddaughter of an exiled Romanov.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, that is definitely interesting, lover. Hmmm. And, Eugenia always boasted about being a Romanov. Our young guest does bear a striking resemblance to her, as well. Shall we take a trip to Normandy tomorrow?
Vincent (to Poppy): I think we should. I hate to leave Zoe alone again though, poor thing. I think she's been lonelier than she wants to admit.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, we could see if your sister has room for her or see if Mars can let her stay with her, honey. I'd even suggest her staying at Robert & Jacob's place but that's probably asking for trouble. Unless you have an idea.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think that's rather BEGGING for trouble, hun. Plus, it's not fair to put all the responsibility of keeping those two apart on Robert & the Professor. They'd never speak to us again. Could she come with us? I could do the run with Victor & Zoe. She's going to have to be introduced into the family business firsthand sooner or later. We can leave it up to her. Hee hee. She may not want to tear herself away from her boyfriend and the school play. Have you seen her yet? Did she tell you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, lover! You want to teach our little girl the ropes. It's adorable. I suppose it would be alright. Now that it's known that Hiiri is back... And, yes she told me about the play. I'm so proud. Which is why I wasn't sure she'd want to come with us. But, it may be time for a family excursion. Though, I think we should bring Nate with us, too.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. We're going to need a bigger boat, hun. If we want to bring young Mr. Nathaniel, we will have to wait a day. He and Aiden are off for Valentine's Day. Heh. I still can't believe Aiden planned a romantic retreat. Do you know he made a joke the other day? Aiden! And when Hari made a joke about all the hot men being married or gay... He actually *chuckled*. Are we sure he's not a pod person?
Poppy (to Vincent): Really? I can. That boy is a romantic at heart. Why else would he willingly wander off with Persephone. I could use a day of relaxing at home while we wait for the lovebirds to return. Besides, I can use the day to come up with a plan...
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I'm certainly not going to complain about spending more time with you, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Good. Now, get over here and kiss me, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): I thought you would never ask.
