<@Brett> [Date: Sunday, March 27th. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden.] <@Brett> [You're at a fancy-shmancy party with Tilda a lot of rich people! You're waiting for the arrival of princess Isabella of Denmark, and her Rose-Jewel necklace, so you can steal it off her neck. Did you really think this one through? Oh well, too late now!] <@Brett> [Start!] <@Brett> [Tilda's scanning the crowd.] * Montana scans the crowd as well, and he asks Tilda quietly, "So what was the original plan?" <@Brett> [Tilda smiles. "Smoke bombs. And a jet ski."] * Montana laughs. * Nigel sighs. * Montana punches Nigel lightly in the arm. "You gotta lighten up. This'll be fun." * Nigel shakes his head. "Strange idea of fun... anyway, so what do you want me to do, then?" Run interference, more likely'n not. <@Brett> ["Something like that," Tilda says. Just then, as if on some sort of cue, the doors open, and the crowd hushes, parting to two groups to either side of them. The princess enters, clad in a strapless silk gown that reaches to the floor. She's wearing a jewelled silver tiara. And around her neck, the famous necklace of rubies shaped like roses. Two men in black follow her in, scanning the crowd <@Brett> before taking up positions by the door. If you're wondering why there's not more... well, you passed through some heavy security on the way in, remember?] * Nigel examines the princess as she enters the room and nods. "Interference with whom?" * Montana focuses on the necklace and murmurs, "Looks like it's gonna be the hard way, then." <@Brett> [The princess speaks to the hushed crowd. In Swedish, unfortunately for you. They cheer, so it must have been good. People then return to talking. Except for the couple of people who immediately make their way to the princess' side and start kissing up.] <@Brett> [Tilda nods. "Looks like." She slaps Montana on the back with enough force to get him to stumble towards her. "Well? Get to it."] * Montana stumbles. "Heeeeey, I don't know Swedish!" He straightens. "All right." <@Brett> [Tilda shrugs. "Wow her with your Americaness or something."] And what are you gonna do? <@Brett> [Tilda grins. "I have something in mind."] * Montana raises an eyebrow in an "elaborate, please" sort of way. <@Brett> [Tilda just smiles.] <@Brett> ( Her plan is to wait til Montana gets near the princess then shout "OMG thief!" and snag the necklace in the confusion. ) (Oh see, this is hard, because Montana was just coming up with a plan and if Tilda is all mysterious then they can't compare plans!) <@Brett> ( ._. ) <@Brett> ( Well she doesn't know what his plan is either :D ) * Montana sighs. "Okay, look." He grabs Nigel by the arm and drags him over, closer to Tilda and himself, and he leans in, lowering his voice even more. "Way I see it, Nigel'd have a way better shot of talkin' to her and not makin' a fool of himself, given he's got a good background for it and a metric fuckton 'a languages - though Swedish apparently ain't one of them." <@Brett> [Tilda glances from Montana to Nigel. "Hmm."] * Nigel shrugs and says in Greek. <@Brett> [Tilda glances back to Montana. "...... Hm."] * Nigel then says in German. > * Nigel nods. "It is also true that I went to preparotory school. So I do know basic etiquette." <@Brett> [Tilda shrugs. "Well. I always would have figured you to be the charmer, Montana." She looks to Nigel. "It doesn't really matter to me which one of you gets the job done."] * Montana smirks. "Depends on what you need charmin'. In this case..." He adds, "Plus, pretty sure my brother's got fat fingers. You or me should do the actual lifting." <@Brett> [Tilda nods. "That was the idea."] * Montana nods. "One of us on the guards, then, one of us doin' the liftin'. Still got your ride out?" <@Brett> ["Not quite. You'll see."] <@Brett> [She looks at Nigel. "You'd better get going, before someone beats you to the punch." She nods towards the princess, who's attracting a bunch of handsome young men, no doubt hoping to become princes.] * Nigel shrugs and heads over to the princess, bowing and speaking in German. <@Brett> ( Gimme an ettiquette or seduction roll, Nigel! ) 2d6+8 * Dicesuke rolls 2d6+8 for Nigel and gets a natural 4 for a result of 12. (crap. DR) 2d6+8 * Dicesuke rolls 2d6+8 for Nigel and gets a natural 7 for a result of 15. (A little better) (Was Etiquette, for the record) <@Brett> [The princess curtsies. "" Okay, she doesn't really say that. She does say, however, "] <@Brett> [Meanwhile Tilda glances at Montana. "You were right. It turns out he is more charming that you."] * Nigel smiles and shakes his head. <"What a shame. But all the more reason I am pleased to be here on this particular night."> * Montana slides his hands into his pockets and responds to Tilda: "What'd I tell ya." <@Brett> [The princess smiles, and Nigel imediately finds himself the target of several sour looks from nearby handsome guys. Seems they don't understand what he's saying, though.] <@Brett> [Just then the band starts playing! Yes, a live band! No, not a rock band. It's orchestral, and they're playing the waltz. The princess grins and holds her hand out. ""] * Nigel smiles and nods. <"Of course, Your Highness"> He takes her hand and leads her out onto the dance floor. <@Brett> ( Time for a ballroom dancing roll :D ) Aaaand now they're dancing. I am so fucking glad I am not doing this. (What the hell does that fall under?) <@Brett> ( Which I believe is performing arts (dancing) ) (Okay) (Is it mind?) <@Brett> ( I'll check, but I'm pretty sure. ) (s/this/that) <@Brett> ( Average of body, mind and soul, apparently ) (Fantastic. let's hope I get lucky) 2d6+5 * Dicesuke rolls 2d6+5 for Nigel and gets a natural 8 for a result of 13. (That could be worse) (Actually, that's not bad!) <@Brett> ["Who says you're not?" Tilda asks, then grabs Montana's hand and drags him out there.] * Montana actually laughs as he's pulled onto the floor, resisting the urge to hang onto his hat (because it's not on his head). <@Brett> [Nigel dances! It may not be perfect, but at least he doesn't stomp on her feet or dress by accident.] <@Brett> ["" Isabella says as they dance. "] <@Brett> ( Gimme a dancing roll, Montana! ) 2d6+5 * Dicesuke rolls 2d6+5 for Montana and gets a natural 7 for a result of 12. (Hey, that's also not terrible!) * Montana starts dancing with Tilda, he supposes anyway. "Go easy on me," he says, cheerfully. * Nigel smiles and laughs a bit. <"That's why I decided to speak in German. I thought you might be tired of those suiters hanging on everything you say."> * Nigel shakes his head. <"For the record, I think I would make a terrible Prince. Don't pick me."> He smiles again. <@Brett> ["Don't worry. Everyone knows Americans can't dance," Tilda says, as they start to waltz. Amazingly, Montana also manages not to step on Tilda's feet.] (Nigel's actually begining to like this Princess... He's going to be very gloomy the rest of this trip.) <@Brett> [Isabella smiles. ""] <@Brett> ( He's so going to feel guilty after robbing her blind. ) * Montana doesn't much know how to dance, but he is pretty quick on his feet - it comes with the job. "Least there is that." (She so will not be blind. (She has plenty of money!) <@Brett> ( But only one rose necklace ) <@Brett> [Fortunately for Montana (And Nigel, for that matter), both the girls know how to dance.] * Nigel shakes his head. <"None taken. So what is it like growing up as royalty?"> <@Brett> [<"Good and bad, I suppose. On the one hand, you're set for life. On the other, there's... expectations. Even as a child, I knew I'd never be a racer, or own a restaurant.">] * Nigel frowns and nods. <"I suppose that is true. Do you ever get time to yourself?"> He looks around at all the men no doubt staring. <@Brett> [""] <@Brett> ( But really all she does is troll forums all day long, so it works out ok. ) * Montana dances with Tilda. "Glad you're actually good at this," he tells her with a smile. <@Brett> ["I can't believe you're not," Tilda says. "How can you call yourself a master thief if you can't ballroom dance?"] * Montana winks at Tilda. "Since when did I call myself a master anythin'?" * Nigel nods. <"I realize I never introduced myself. Which seems a bit unfair. I am Edward Bishop. I'm a historian, but I know the right people, I suppose. So sometimes I get to come places like this. I never managed to dance with a Princess before, though, that is a first."> <@Brett> ["Maybe I recruited the wrong one."] Wouldn't worry about that none. We finish this and I'll be outta your hair, again. <@Brett> [Isabella smiles. ""] <@Brett> ( Plus this way I don't have to look up the Danish royal family's last name :D ) <@Brett> [Tilda nods. "Well, let's get to it, then." And she guides Montana towards Nigel and the princess.] * Montana is guided! He dances with the flow. * Nigel nods. <"I can imagine, yes. The pleasure is mine, though."> <@Brett> ( Montana, gimme a..... Hrmm... ) <@Brett> ( I guesssssss........... Awareness ) <@Brett> ( (touch) ) <@Brett> ( I guess. ) (Awareness? What is this... for?) <@Brett> ( I'm not sure what roll to do here, so we'll go with that. ) (Ha. Body?) <@Brett> ( Sure ) 2d6+8 * Dicesuke rolls 2d6+8 for Montana and gets a natural 7 for a result of 15. * Nigel nods towards the group of suiters. <"So do any of them have a chance?"> <@Brett> [Isabella shakes her head. "] <@Brett> [She seems like she might be ready to add to that, but suddenly she's torn from Nigel's grip, as Tilda accidently(?) spins Montana into her. Montana and Isabella fall to the floor as some of the guests scream.] <@Brett> ( Gimme an awareness check (sight), Nigel ) 2d6+7 * Dicesuke rolls 2d6+7 for Nigel and gets a natural 5 for a result of 12. <@Brett> [Tilda puts her hands to her mouth, then starts speaking in Swedish rapidly. She kneels down, picking up the princess's rose jewel necklace, which fell off in the crash, and offers it out to her. Briefly, anyhow, before some shouting MiBs sieze her by the arms.] <@Brett> [Another one grabs Montana and hauls him up, screaming at him, too!] * Nigel seems about to say something, as well. <"That-"> And then he is shocked as Isabella falls to the ground. He knees quickly and offers her a hand... before... chaos happens. * Montana lets out a shout, falling to the floor. "I'm sorry," he cries, getting to his feet. "Sorry, ma'am!" He tries to help the princess up, but then is otherwise hauled. "Hey!" <@Brett> [Another MiB sees to Isabella, possibly to Nigel's chargrin. But he doesn't look willing to debate. She starts speaking rapidly to him, as well.] <@Brett> [One of the MiBs holding Tilda snatches the necklace from her, and presents it to Isabella. Meanwhile the other two yell at Montana and Tilda as they drag them all the way down the ballroom.] * Nigel stands up and bows. <"I am very sorry, Your Highness."> * Montana is dragged. And clearly confused, because he has no idea what they're saying. He doesn't even have to fake it that hard. <@Brett> [And down the stairs and out the door, and onto a ferry. Unless Montana plans to resist. Tilda doesn't seem to.] * Montana isn't resisting; he's pretending he's not armed! <@Brett> [""] * Nigel nods. <"That is fortunate, yes."> He sighs with relief. <"Thank you very much for the dance, I am sorry it ended in such chaos."> <@Brett> ( Let's get Montana in #mc5-2 ) <@Brett> ( Though this probably won't last much longer. ) <@Brett> ( Or if you want we can just finish up quick ) <@Brett> [Isabella smiles. ""] <@Brett> ( I think I'll just do it that way. ) (Establish in the other channel? ^^) (Because Montana actually does want to talk to Tilda.) <@Brett> ( Well. Does Nigel have anything more to say to Isabella? ) <@Brett> ( If not we can just use this one. ) (He might, sure. I mean he won't stop talking to her unless she leaves) <@Brett> ( Ok ) (Like Nigel is actually enjoying this.) * Nigel nods. <"Still... I hope you are okay."> <@Brett> [The ball resumes shortly, once the MiBs are satisfied that Isabella is unharmed and the troublemakers are gone. Isabella nods. <"I'm fine. Princess I may be, but I'm not made of glass.">] * Nigel nods and smiles. <"That is true, yes. Would you like a drink perhaps?"> <@Brett> [Isabella smiles. <"I'd be delighted.">] * Nigel nods and moves over to the bar, before realizing the bartender probably does not speak German. <"He probably doesn't speak German, and embarrasingly, I do not speak Swedish."> He smiles. <"You may have to order, Your Highness."> <@Brett> [Isabella smiles. <"And what do Englishmen drink, besides tea?">] * Nigel laughs. <"A Gin and Tonic would be lovely."> <@Brett> [Isabella orders to the bartender, who shortly hands Nigel a Gin and/or Tonic, and Isabella a glass of red wine. Somewhere in the Middle East, Alysha is wishing she was there.] (Nigel is going to be all over the Swedish tabloids isn't he? Like "Who is this man that Princess Isabella is spending so much time with!??") <@Brett> ( 99.9% chance :D ) * Nigel sips his drink. "So how about I ask you a question that I'll bet none of your suiters ever ask you... What's your favorite book?" <@Brett> [Isabella blinks. <"You're right. None of them ever do. It's Murcatto,"> she says, referencing a semi-popular 2046 Italian romance set in Venice.] * Nigel nods. <"I know that one. Why Murcatto? What do you like so much about it?"> <@Brett> ( Man, I'm glad I didn't pick a book that actually exists. This'll be much easier to talk about ) (That is true) <@Brett> ["] (mores) <@Brett> ( morz ) * Nigel smiles and nods. <"That makes sense..."> He takes another sip of his drink. <"Doesn't mean you can shirk your responsibilities some times, though... You must do little bits of rebellion every once in a while. Just so you don't go crazy."> <@Brett> ( Alysha wold have a field day is she were here o: ) (Too bad she's not! HAHA!) <@Brett> [Isabella laughs. ""] (Isabella should get her nose pierced!) <@Brett> ( Hah ) (Brett: How is this boat laid out? Like is there an upper deck or something from here?) <@Brett> ( Um.. You're not on a boat ._. ) <@Brett> ( Montana's on a boat ) <@Brett> ( You're in a palace ) (Oh! Okay. I was confused momentarily) * Nigel laughs. <"Not ANY rebellion, surely. Hm... "> Nigel chews his lower lip absently in thought. <"Does this palace have a library?"> <@Brett> [<"Of course,"> says Isabella. "] * Nigel thinks for a moment. <"Hm... that is unfortunate. It certainly is harder to find ways for you to rebel than I would think."> <@Brett> [Isabelle chuckles. ""] * Nigel shrugs. <"We could sneak off to your bedroom..."> He tries to keep a straight face for a second before his grin breaks through. <"Just kidding... sorry... That was probably out of line. I don't usually even fake-hit on royalty."> <@Brett> [Isabella stares at Nigel. Then snickers a little. <"I'm pretty sure someone would notice.">] * Nigel looks around at all the people staring at them and smiles. <"I am certain that you are right... You know... the tabloids are going to be talking about this for days as it is... I'm sorry for causing you more trouble."> <@Brett> [""] * Nigel nods. <"I am very glad to hear it. You can call me Edward, you know."> <@Brett> [""] (Why do I feel like I've seen this romantic comedy already... later she finds out who Nigel is and he steals the necklace back but she still feels like she can't trust him or something...) * Nigel swallows hard. <"As you say, Isabella."> <@Brett> ( And then Alysha arrives, followed by 20 pirates ) (YES) * Nigel looks around. "So... is your palace in Denmark like this?" <@Brett> ( Thanks Nigel, now I gotta go look that up D: ) (I was already doing that) (The sequel is their wedding, with Isabella having Shiho be her maid of honor at Nigel's request.) <@Brett> ( Oooo Shiho wouldn't like that much :o ) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Danish_royal_residences) (Yeah... it's a good thing Isabella hasn't tried to kiss Nigel or something. That would cause some real confusion for Nigel's secret-only-to-him-and-Shiho crush on Shiho) (SHE SHOULD TOTALLY KISS HIM) <@Brett> [<"Which one? We've got several."> She sips her wine. <"Truth be told, though, it's a pain to move every couple of months.>"] ( I feel like I cheated on someone, and I don't know why.) * Nigel nods. <"You should just winter in your summer palace sometime, you'd throw the paparazzi all off their game."> <@Brett> [She laughs. <"Not my choice. Besides, if anything that'd give them more to write about.>"] * Nigel nods. <"I suppose, yeah."> He looks over at her and shakes his head. <"You know you really are incredibly beautiful. I can see why all of those guys want to marry you. It's not just because you're royalty... It would be nice if they wanted to marry you because you're funny and have good taste in books, though... both of which are also true."> <@Brett> [She smiles. <"Just as it would be nice if some of them had as much depth as you. Or even half as much.">] * Nigel shakes his head. <"Thank you... You know what my favorite book is?"> <@Brett> [<"What?"> (Not like there's much else she can say here :o)] * Nigel smiles. <"I don't tell anybody this... Usually I tell them it's Ulysses, which I do enjoy quite a lot, but actually the book that I read when I'm down that ALWAYS cheers me up is the Harry potter novels from back around the turn of the 21st century. Doesn't sound very grown up, though, so usually I go with Ulysses."> He smiles. (are the) <@Brett> ( Nigel would get along with Peter ) (Peter whom?) (From MC2?) (ah) <@Brett> [Isabella smiles <"Some say we never truely grow up."> She sips her wine. <"I must confess I've only seen the 2090 movies, though."] <@Brett> ( Atom's character, Peter. Supernatural expert who decided to abandon his crew so he could pick up the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Magic Eight Ball. :> ) * Nigel chuckles. <"They're good adaptations, better than the earlier ones, I think. Anyway... the reason I like those books so much is that what really matters isn't who marries whom or who breaks who's heart. What matters is being with your friends and sticking by them, and somehow that wins out. I think that's really beautiful."> He shrugs and sips his drink. (An interesting thing to say, Nigel, when your brother just got arrested and you don't seem to care!) (But he figures that Montana has this under control, and also, he kind of wants the plan to fail, but knows it won't.) (It already succeeded, sry.) (Yeah, see? This is going to make Nigel a sad Nigel) <@Brett> [Isabella nods. ""] * Nigel nods. <"They were successful books for a reason, I suppose. And every kid in Britain reads them."> * Nigel takes another sip of his drink. <"So what are you supposed to do at these things anyway? I mean, I'm sure it's not sit around and drink with random british historians, though I appreciate that, greatly."> <@Brett> ( They're probably required reading in British schools! ) <@Brett> ( Meanwhile Americans are still stuck reading Hemmingway. Those poor bastards... ) (Probably. From like 6th grade on you read a Harry Potter Novel and a Shakespeare play every year) <@Brett> [<"Talk. Dance. Hook up. That's really about it.>"] * Nigel shakes his head. <"Well you are doing one of those and you did the other. Two out of three is pretty good, I suppose."> <@Brett> [Isabelle leans in close. <"Perhaps it could be three, Edward.">] (Oh god... Poor Nigel.) (AAAH XD) (I think there is some British law against saying no to hooking up with royalty) (First thing Nigel does when he gets back to the islands is legally change his name so he'll be legit.) <@Brett> ( It didn't stop Kate Middleton :o ) * Nigel swallows hard and waits for her to laugh and when she doesn't just nods and takes her hand. <"Now I already offered to sneak off to your room with you and you said that would be a bad idea."> He smiles. (Not technically true, Nigel. She said someone would notice.) (Why am I correcting my characters?) <@Brett> [Isabella grins "] * Nigel nods. <"Touche... okay, Isabella... I think I read somewhere that it's against British law to say no to royalty and I'm sure that foreign royalty still applies."> He smiles. (God Nigel is going to be so mad the next day...) (Or later tonight... or whenever things sink in) (Montana won't tell anyone.) (Nigel might not tell Montana) <@Brett> ( He'll find out when it's in the paper though o/~ ) (Oh well... that is true) <@Brett> [Isabella extends her hand. <"Well then, shall we?>"] * Nigel nods and takes her hand and doesn't say anything... Nigel's charm gland gets a bit clogged when he's being seduced by royalty, apparently. <@Brett> [Nigel gets laid. End!]