A Surprizingly Pleasant and Eventful Night

I arrived from the human plane last evening with nothing really on the agenda. I knew that I had some inventory deliveries which needed to be opened and sorted. I also knew that I needed to continue placing the informational signs about the Snowflake Ball this Saturday. Other than that, I expected that I would pass a rather uneventful night working in the Loch.

The evening started out just as expected. I took delivery of some portraits that my cousin and I had sat for with Miss Callipygian Christensen. Unfortunately SL was not cooperating with me, and I was only able to rez one of the several pictures. Her work, however, is most incredible, and I look forward to seeing how she framed these for us.

Portrait selection several nights ago

I decided, then, that I would go shopping for a little while. I am in need of a few things for the Conservatory in order to get it just right for the ball. Shopping was pleasant enough, and I did have some success. During that time, though, I decided that what I really wanted to do was to go on an exploration. I thought I might visit a place called, Nyoka Falls, which was recently featured in Dr. Fabre's fine journal.

To be quite honest, there are not a few places that he has mentioned of late, that I should like to visit. This was the first.

But....duty first. So I stepped back home and began placing the informational signs. While I was out and about, I happened to run into and Mr. O'Toole. We started talking about Nyoka Falls, and decided that we should take some time and go exploring.

I went ahead first as I had already searched for Solarya, Nyoka Falls. Landing in the arrivals area we discovered two lovely airships and a gorgeous air station. What was not clear to me initially is that this is a place that is just under construction....but my goodness...it is going to be fabulous. From the land covenant, I excerpted this information:

Coming soon: Solarya, a Conclave City on the Passion Trade Routes.

Solarya and its surroundings are the first sim in a new world. Delirium's Threshold (D|T) is an original Gothic/Romantic fantasy/steampunk mature RP setting. If you enjoy vivid role-play in a consistent IC atmosphere, we may be the community you're been looking for. We've drawn inspiration from a variety of games, movies, and literature, including Neil Gaimen, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Alice in Wonderland, Psychonauts, Bioshock (and Ayn Rand), and more.
Delirium's Threshold is a coherent, detailed setting for a wide variety of characters and their passions. D|T is a unique world that mixes magic, technology, and re-imagined 19th Century royal colonial sensibilities and technology. The Conclave is a loose alliance of Dream Kings and Queens. Their cities' prosperity depends on a steady supply of passion--from artists, builders, soldiers, slaves, and more --a city that thrives on your passions, and does all it can to provoke them.

The view from above

Sadly Mr. O'Toole crashed fairly soon and was gone for some time, so I pressed on in my exploration. As I went further into the city admiring the architecture, I found Mr. Sundance Churchill creating and perfecting the most amazing steamworks. We chatted for a bit, then I was hailed by my exploration partner and I sent a carriage for him to join us. After chatting a bit with Mr. Churchill about his steamworks build and some of the other gorgeous buildings he has completed for Solarya, we went about our way.

Mr. Churchill's Steamworks

Incredible view

I am unsure whether this large build may become a manor, apartments, or a hotel. The textures inside and out are very rich. And the view from the balcony is of the ocean.

This cries out for further exploration

After circumnavigating the sim, it was time for Mr. O'Toole to depart for human space. As I was not quite yet ready for my own bed, I went back to the Conservatory to resume my decorating and preparations. Just about the time I was mumbling that I was not satisfied with the lighting options that I had found along my shopping trip, Mr. Hassanov hailed me. I mentioned this dilemma to him as we talked. He was so kind as to create a lovely candelabrum for me right then and there. Thank you so much, sir!

Sure this all seems a little ADHD as I write it, but once I tried and failed again to rez several things out of my inventory, I thought I might try to place a few more of the signs. As I walked and tp'd through the sims, I discovered - and was happily invited to join - 3 particular friends of mine for a snow picnic, book discussion, and overall chance to simply enjoy each others' company. We - Mr. JJ Drinkwater, Lady Darkling, and Lord Bardhaven - sat there in the cool winter air at the Lady's Tanglewood property. It was a very enjoyable way to end the night.





Pleasant. Eventful. Most enjoyable.

Journey to....Mysterious Island - A Journey of Titanic Proportions

Watching from the bow of the ship, Aronnax, as the last of my equipment was sent below decks, I reminisced about the last time I sailed on her. It was another voyage for the Royal Society; a voyage that took us in search of Scylla and Charybdis. I shivered at the thought of the peril that we faced on that trip. Professor Krogstad barely made it back to Caledon with us in one piece as the angry heads snapped him repeatedly whilst he was taking measurements and recordings, and Kate nearly lost her life when she fell into the whirlpool.

Shaking those memories from my mind by taking the flute of Dom Perignon offered by Gabrielle, I went back to the work at hand. I carried a heavy small box with me to the prow of the ship. We were now underway to Phillip, and were making fairly good time at what the captain had estimated to me was about 5-10 knots at present. It seemed a good time to set up the theodolite for the accurate surveys we would need as we approached the volcano. I placed the box on the ground, walked as far forward on the prow as possible, and sipped the champagne. Mmm. Yes. The divine taste for which Dom Perignon is renowned. As the last golden drops fell from the flute onto my lips and tongue, I closed my eyes and felt the wind flowing through my hair and gown. We were not yet so close to Phillip that the air was intensely hot or acrid. As I stood there for a moment with my eyes closed enjoying the sensations taking over me, I heard what sounded like singing coming from - of ALL places - Phillip. I kept my eyes closed and concentrated on the sounds which were floating on the air. Low. Rhythmic. Enchanting. My hips began to sway almost involuntarily almost as if I had heard those sounds before. But how would that be possible? I had barely begun to attempt an answer to that question when I sensed a presence behind me.

Movement - slow movement.

Nearly silent.





Standing still with my eyes now open, I caught a familiar scent. A musky cologne. Then a whisper in my ear as he stood there behind me on the prow of the Aronnax.

"I'm the King of the World."

Turning my head slightly I felt and saw Lord Bardhaven standing just behind me. Darkened spectacles hiding his eyes as always. Breath hot on my cheek. Hands playing with my....... theodolite.



"Are you now? The King of the World?" I asked voice low and a bit husky from the salt air. "And when were you elevated to such great heights, laddy boy?"

The Baron merely smirked. Then responding in a low - almost hissing - voice, "It was merely a moment's dalliance as I saw you looking quite the siren here on the bow of the ship. But, surely Your Grace, you know I always have a thing or two in my pockets that may be pulled out as a situation warrants. Title is but one of them."

"To be sure. Satin ribbons. Hand-cuffs. Blindfolds. Cat of Nine Tails." I detailed.



Oddly, I realized that I had begun fanning myself furiously even though the breeze off the sea was strong. Anyway...

I turned to face him fully and took the instrument from his hand.

"Have you the pole in that pocket of yours, then?"

He curled up one corner of his mouth as he began, "Well now, Your Grace, perhaps you would like to place your....."

Interrupting, I said, "No. I doubt that you have the detachable model #657-03, which is the only one that will fit this particular...theodolite. Never mind searching through your pockets. Do be a dear though, ‘Mr. King of the World’, and hand that pole in the box out to me. I need to get the equipment set up."

Chuckling, the Baron deftly handed out the required piece of equipment. Just as I was setting the post, I caught sight of our illustrious Captain Sparrow sliding willy-nilly across the deck as he nearly fell over himself running down the stairs to us.

"Captain? Are you quite all right?" I said with an arched brow and a grin.

"Savvy! Without doubt, Yer Duchessness, Ma'am. Just thought I heard that we had high ranking royalty on board. I mean higher than yerself and the other Duchy-girl. And of course I was wonderin’ whether there might be more money to be had….I mean more make-up….or rather, whether further special accommodations needed to be made."

“No Captain. No one is higher than the Duchesses on board this ship.” Bardhaven crooned.

I scanned the deck quickly to make sure that no one had found my stash of ceremonial herbs and my hookah. Then I chuckled a little at Lord Bardhaven, turned and began to put the instruments use.

One again the music came to me. This time it seemed that the Baron and even our strange ship’s captain heard it on the air for they stopped their bantering and turned towards Phillip. The music was otherworldly and driving. My body longed to move to these sounds yet again, but my mind was more fully in control this time. Spinning on my heel, I turned and seeing that the good captain had a telescope on his person, I pulled it from his belt (oops that was apparently holding up his belt. “Sorry there Captain.”) and searched the island for clues to this music.

Lady Darkling had emerged from below decks with Miss Lightfoot. They were both now looking at the mountain. It was clear they heard the music as well since both of them seemed to be engaged in animated discussion and were spinning around together.

The ship was now fairly buzzing with activity. All our party seemed to be manning the rails anxious to see what might await us as we came nearer the island. One could almost hear the thoughts and questions in the minds of our group as they stood there transfixed:

What danger lurks within the lava flows and steam vents?
Who or what is creating the music that we keep hearing?
Is there an evil mastermind behind this sudden upheaval in the Caledonian Sea?
Will they be selling plots? Or subplots?
Who will serve tea?
Are the public restrooms clean?
Is there a public house?
Will there be trees to climb?
Will there be artifacts to plunder and sell at ridiculously high prices on the black market?
Dear God, let there be a higher form of life found here. I need more intelligent conversation.
Hronk!

Hronk? Well now that caught my attention. Turning slowly around I saw one of Mr. Abel’s young Sherpas standing there looking at me. Actually, he was staring at me as if I were a dish of fine smoked salmon with a little caviar and crème fraiche.

I will tell you, I felt more that a bit odd about the way he was watching me. “Mr. Abel! Would you please get Pengi here back below decks?”



Next time: A surprise guest.