The Board (7)

IQ hesitates at the threshold before following Rae. She grabs a nondescript cloak off of a coat-hook and hands it to him. They run up the tower stairs as IQ pulls it on.

"To reclaim his WIFE..." Rae informs her flatly. "That ought to neatly shut Danny-boy's mommy up." As she turns to leave, she adds, "And he can help defend the tower."

He catches a passing Scaper by the wrist. "Have you seen Rae?" The Scaper gapes at him, a little nervously. "Tall woman... black feathers in her hair... Sebacian... talking pulse-rifle."

"Why the frell are they all so nervous around me?" he wonders, continuing his search. He pulls out the palm-pilot Rae got for him and examines the date-book. "Frell, it's been weeks since we had one of our group therapy sessions."

Crais looks up in surprise. It was Rae's voice, but it wasn't coming from the tree-house. At least, it didn't sound like it. Of course, his ears weren't the best. Shrugging, he started for the tree-house. With a sigh, he pulled himself up the ladder. Without Rae to join him in the gym, he was getting a bit out of shape.

"No Rae." He muttered staring around the empty tree-house. An inch of dust coated the floor. Sighing, he tapped his comm. "Fluffy, get a crew of DRDs up to the treehouse. It's a..."

He trailed off and stared at what could only be a set of DRD tracks in the dust. There were fottprints, too, he noticed, all leading towards a chess-set. Not one set led back to the ladder. For no good reason he could give, he walked towards the chess board. The blue king was glowing.

"I need a favor." Rae's voice told him. It was tin-y. She must be jacking her comm signal through his eardrum. How the frell she was managing it was beyond him, but clearly she was. He'd have to talk to Raegun about it.

"Excuse me for disturbing you at this late hour..." Crais began, "But I was hoping that I could speak to the Lord of the house. It won't take but five microts. Minutes."

much movement going on inside the house. Peeking into her temporary young charges room, she noticed that they had fallen asleep. She quietly closed their door, and frowning slightly headed towards the stairs. At the top of the stairs she stopped and gasped. There was Jila running down the stairs and calling to... Crais? What was he doing there? And why did she so joyfully rush to him and call him "Husband"?

Jila turned to her and said quickly, "This is my husband. He has been worried so much for my safety." As Crais bowed to her and took her hand, she saw a wink.

Okay, something was deffinately going on. What was it? Giving him a small curtsy and giving her regards for their reunion, Kay backed away until she was close to Rae and then grabbing her sleeve, pulled her into the parlor.

"What is going on here?" she demanded in a whisper. Rae filled her in quickly and told her to make sure all the Scoobs knew and congragated out by Chryse. Kay rushed off to alert the others.

Rae sighs. "Because I'm a sentimental fool, we're here trying to change history into a more agreeable shape. Now we've got IQ turning into a teen-aged were-wolf in the tower, a prince who's mom wants him to marry Jila because she's got a potty mouth, and an army practically at the gates. Questions?"

"How many men have you seen?" Lord James steps away from his wife and signals the Man At Arms to come with him. They enter a private alcove for a short amount of time and then return to the hall. "My dear, the Captain says that there are about four score men coming in this direction." Lord James takes Lady Laurel's hands in his. "You must gather the children, our guests, and the servants and seek safety."

"Lord du Maurier," Lord James releases his wife's hands and turns to speak. "Will you and Sir Daniel join us in defending our home if it proves necessary?"

"Then let us make ready." Lord James gathers up his robes and goes quickly up the stairs. "The Captain says we haven't much time before they reach the gates."

As the men change into suitable battle clothes, Lady Laurel makes quick plans for safety. "Miss Kay. You will go and fetch my daughters. They will know where to go for this emergency. Charlotte!" Lady Laurel says to one of the servants peeking around the doorway. "You will go to the kitchen and fetch the Lady Jila and her husband. And Sara, you will go wake the rest of the servants still sleeping. We will need some provisions. I don't know how long we will need to stay hidden."

As the servants and kay hurry to their business, Lord James, Lord du Maurier, and Sir Daniel hurry back down the stairs. At the same time Jila, Crais, and Rae come in from the kitchen.

"Ahh Lord Crais, it seems we may have a bit of a problem." Lord James approaches Jila and Crais. "My guards tell me that an army approaches. May I count on you to help?"

"It would be inexcusable of me, Lord James," Crais bows slightly, "to deny you help after the way you have taken care of my wife." Crais lightly hugs Jila, and kisses her cheek (winking at Rae). "All will be well. Stay with Lady Laurel."

As the four men go out the front door, Rae slips quietly out the back way. She doesn't want to get tied up in getting the Ladies to safety, not to mention that she's going to be a Lot more use outside than in.

Lady Laurel leads those who are still in the hall down into the bowels of the Tower to a Large room specially designed for such a purpose. There is comfortable furniture, books, needlework, musical instuments, And facilities! When all have been accounted for, Lady Laurel orders the door barred and bolted. Then they settle down to wait.

"That's NOT what I meant!" Rae hisses, taking cover between the wood-pile and the kitchen door. "This didn't happen the first time! NOTHING like this happened before! So what the FRELL is going on?" She sighs and shakes her head. "Fluffy, how are the booby-traps coming?"

"We are the escort of His Royal Majesty, King Maximillian." The voice from the gate calls out. "We are traveling South on royal business, and His Highness requests lodgings for the night."

Lord James signals one of his men to retrieve the missive for him, and soon he is inspecting the paper by the light of a torch. It Is the King's own seal. The ink is still wet and the wax of the kings seal is still warm. This was definitely written only a short time ago.

This turned out not to be a problem as tents starting springing up, even with just the light of the moon, immediately. Then Lord James remembers that his wife, guests and servants were still in the safe room.

"Captain." Lord James calls to the guard standing further down the battlements. "You must go and fetch my Lady Wife from the safe room. Give her this...." to which he whispers a word in the Captain's ear. "She will wait and not answer you believing it may be a trick and that I am dead. Therefore also give her this...." and Lord James whispers another word in the Captain's ear. "Tell her she must hurry and have the servants make up the room across from ours for His Majesty. Go!"

The Captain's runs full speed for the safe room, and gives Lady Laurel both secret words. The door is quickly unbolted, and the Captain tells Lady Laurel what has happened. He also tells her about preparing accomodations for the King.

Lady Laurel directs everyone up the back stairs, giving instructions as she goes. She 'asks' kay and Jila if they would dress and accompany her to greet His Royal Majesty.

Chryse had been in the safe room with the others and quickly obeys. As the newest visitors approach, she plays a melody strikingly similar to "Hail to the Chief"

getting ready for the distinguished guests. Kay and Jila run up to change, Kay first directing her wards in what they should wear, as they are allowed to stay up long enough for introductions. Then running to Jila's room, she throws herself on the bed, eyes gleaming.

Lady Laurel came bustling in with several gowns over her arms. "Girls, I hope you don't mind my interferance, but, I am not sure you had the proper dress Miss Kay, and Lady Jila, you poor dear, I know that you lost a lot of your things when you were mugged. So, I brought these for you to choose from if you wish."

Kay picked out a lovely emerald green gown. Her favorite color. It had the most delicate lace around the bodice she had ever seen. She held the dress up to herself to admire it in the mirror, and twirled around the room. Laughing, Laurel looked with delight at the remainder of the dresses, secretly glad that Kay had a favorite color and the rest were for her to choose from.

Rae barged into the room, pulling Kara in just then with a glower on her face. "I tried to duck out of it, but, Lady Laurel caught me and said we have to dress up too, Mouse. She said there were gowns in here. Are these them?" she said, looking not to happy about the circumstances.

Mouse was delighted, and picked one she loved. Kara looked momentarily and then, selected one as well. Rae didn't seem to be trying very hard, so the others giggling, held one after another up to her, until they found one that made them gasp in delight. It's color alone transformed Rae into a beauty. "You will wear this one Rae", Jila said. "Now, everyone, go get dressed. We will be late."

A short time later, the girls were all downstairs in the recieving line, Jila and Kay went to Lady Laurel and took their places beside her. Just then a very majestic group came in, and following Lady Laurel's moves they all courtsied.

As His Majesty was introduced to them, one by one, he took their hands and kissed them lightly. Kay looked up to see a twinkle in his eye. She liked him. He looked like if he were back in their time, he would be a kind grandfather.

"Good." Lady Laurel gives her quiet orders to the serving staff. "Bring a platter of Riven's sweets and some of Lord James' best wine to the dining room. I'm sure that His Majesty will be hungry, and I'm more sure that he has Never tasted the likes of Riven's sweets."

The serving staff hurries to carry out their orders while Lady Laurel invites His Majesty, King Maximillian into the dining area for a light meal. After all are seated at the table Lady Laurel and Lord James tell His Majesty of the coming wedding of their daughter, Lady Raven, to Sir Daniel, the finding of Lady Jila, and the arrival of Lord Crais. Although he is tired, King Maximillian listens intently, making the proper comments throughout the narrative. The sweets arrive and a platter of Rae's cookies and doughnuts are placed before the King for his approval. Though not a large man, King Maximillian knows a good sweet when he sees one. First he picks out a particularly interesting cream covered doughnut and takes a bite.

"They were made by our cook, Riven." Lady Laurel smiles widely. "I knew they would please you, Your Majesty." This convinces Lady Laurel. Riven will be a wonderful addition to the staff when Sir Daniel and Raven move to their new home.

In the morning the Tower bustles with activity again. It is the day of Sir Daniel and Lady Raven's wedding. Lady Raven has been forbidden to leave her room following the superstition that it is Unlucky for the groom to view the bride before the wedding. Sir Daniel, on the other hand, stays in his room on his own, and paces.

"I don't think that there is much that she can do." Seven says, seating himself on one of the other chairs. "Lady Jila is married." *And how Rae pulled that one off I can't imagine.* "But, I think I may have a plan. With your permission, Sir Daniel, I'll see if what I'm thinking about is possible."

Seven exits the room. There was One person in the Tower at this moment that could make this wedding come off without a hitch. Now to get an audience with him. And to do that, he'd need the assistance of Lord du Maurier.

Everyone was bustling here and there, making preperations for the wedding. The Scoobs worked diligently making sure that all was well, and tried to make sure nothing went wrong. Jila, kept watching the seating arrangements. She had plans of her own to insure the wedding went off without a hitch. Mouse and Kara kept an eye on Raven, while Kay took charge of the younger girls. The guys were busy keeping Daniel distracted, and Rae was going crazy making sure there were plenty of her donuts as the King had wished for.

"The Stars." Seven told Lord du Maurier. "I took another reading after His Majesty arrived last night, and they reveal to me that things may still happen."

"I knew she would not leave this alone." Lord du Maurier growled softly. "If she will not listen to me then there is someone she Will listen to. Come with me Astrologer." Seven followed Lord du Maurier as he made his way through the Tower, straight to the guarded door of King Maximillian.

"Tell His Highness that Lord du Maurier wishes an audience with him." Lord du Maurier said to one of the guards. "And I will be accompanied by Astrologer. Tell His Majesty that I will vouchsafe the Astrologer"

The guard did as he was bid and came out quickly. Yes, Lord du Maurier and the Astrologer would have an audience with the King. Seven could only hope that the King also trusted the stars enough to lend a hand.

In the kitchen, Rae worked as fast as she could. Not only was she cooking enough doughnuts for an Army but she was also teaching the girl Sara at the same time.

"Well, there's the problem." Rae explained. "I'm not going to be here by the end of the ceremony. So, if You can make these for Sir Daniel then You will go with them and be the head of a whole kitchen. You will Have to prove yourself so pay close attention." Rae watched Sara as she mixed all of the ingredients together and then cooked up two or three batches by herself. Rae didn't think it would ever happen but she couldn't tell her doughnuts from the ones that Sara had made. Satisfied that her job was complete, she cleaned herself up and looked for anything that she might have left behind. "Alright Sara, you start bringing the doughnuts out to the table. It is time for me to move on."

Sara thanked Rae for giving her such an incredible opportunity and headed out the door with the first platters. Rae grabbed Raegun, ordered Fluffy to "Move It", and headed out the door.

The ceremony would start soon, which meant that the Scoobs would be leaving soon. Jila, playing the perfect wife, had not left Crais' side. It was kind of fun having him for a "husband". Rae had done an incredible job on his programming. Crais was doing a Great job of imitating the Courtly manners of the time. Jila told Crais that they needed to make a visit to Lord James and Lady Laurel to thank them for their graciousness in taking her in when so much else was happening in their lives. She also told Crais the story behind the silver and moonstone circlet she had been wearing and how she wanted to give it to Lady Laurel as 'compensation'.

"Well then I won't give her this one." Jila shrugged. "We'll just thank them for everything they've done. But you know, I don't think she does have one. I'm not sure how she got it in the first place but I'm pretty sure that I'm suppose to give it to her now."

So off to find Lord James and Lady Laurel they went. Jila and Crais found the two in the bedroom suite putting the finishing touches on their formal clothing. Lady Laurel was quiet jittery. She knew it just must be her imagination that kept telling her that something was going to go wrong today. She sighed as she watched in the mirror the woman who was fixing her hair.

"Your pardon." Crais said, bowing low to the Lord and Lady. "We know that you are busy with your preparations but we also know that there will be no time later to speak to you. I would like to thank you for your generosity to my Lady wife in her time of need. I'm not sure what I would have done had I lost her."

"I'm just glad we could offer her assistance." Lady Laurel turned on her seat, and looked at Jila, noting how ugly the bruises on her face had finally gotten. "How do you feel today dear?"

"It's still tender," Jila put her hand up to her face carefully. This would be the Last time she ever got a stupid idea like this. "but it will be alright now that my Lord husband is here." Jila slid her hand around Crais' arm and lightly squeezed, giving him a crooked smile. *Ow*

"We need no payment." Lord James said standing beside his wife. He always hoped that if something should happen to his wife that somebody would be there to look out for her.

"It would be my wish that you would accept this as payment, Lady." Jila said as she took the silver and moonstone circlet from her forehead. And just in time too, the circlet was starting to cut into the swollen spot on the side of her forehead.

"Yes, Lady." Jila smiled. "And I think it would be the perfect thing for you to wear today." Jila took the circlet back and placed it with ease on Lady Laurel's head. Lady Laurel looked in her mirror and smiled. It Was perfect.

JilaCosa -- Whitehorse Chapel is not the largest in the area so when the village people came to witness the marriage ot their Lord's eldest daughter, it was quiet full. Especially since many of the seats behind where His Majesty is to sit are occupied by the King's guard to ensure his safety. Most of the Scoobs, acting as servants, are allowed only in the back of the chapel which is fine by them. That puts them closer to the doors, and they won't bother anybody when they leave. Seven waits with Daniel, while Four makes his apologies to Lord du Maurier for not sitting nearer the front.

"I am but a humble Astrologer, my Lord." Four says bowing deeply. "It would not be my place to sit with you and your lovely wife." He then finds a seat in the back with the other Scoobs near the doors.

"I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lady." Jila says, watching the village people entering the church. In turn the people look at Jila with curiousity and pity. "It seems that in my state I would be a disruption to this wonderful occasion. It is Lady Raven and Sir Daniel's day and I would not want to spoil anything for them."

As the Chapel bells begins to toll the hour, the bride and groom's parents are seated in the first seats by the alter. Then to everyone's hushed surprise, an armed and armored escort brings King Maximillian to the front of the Chapel. Lady du Maurier's eyes nearly pop out of her head as His Highness seats himself directly beside her. Then Sir Daniel walks down the aisle, and in a short time Lady Raven, dressed all in white walks down the aisle too. She is a vision of loveliness. Daniel can't believe his eyes.

The Bishop begins to speak and the ceremony is elegant. Then comes the words that everybody, especially Daniel dreads. (Yup, they said it back then too. With illegitamate sons, and daughters, all over the place one could never tell if one was marrying their own half sibling)

Lady du Maurier draws a quick breath to speak but before she can do so King Maximillian places one hand on hers and without looking at her, brings the index finger of his other hand to his lips. Once again, Lady du Maurier's eyes get very large. She turns quickly to her husband who is watching the ceremony with great intensity. She knows very well what has just happened and she will have words for her Lord Husband this night.

Around the back of the Chapel the Scoobs silently thank TPTB for letting them pull this off. Then, as quietly as a pack of mice, the Scoobs slip out of the Chapel. <WHEW!!>

They head back to where the bus has been parked during this time, and in pairs the Scoobettes head out into the cover of the trees to change back to their usual clothing. IQ the original sits in the bus, still in the midst of his latest change looking oddly calm and ........ full.

With everybody back on board the bus, Seven starts the motor, and sets the time machine to take them back to where they had met the elderly Sir Daniel. As the bus arrives in the proper time, IQ says that he must take the bus onward but promises to catch up with them soon. Probably after the affects of the red moon wear off. Walking through the trees in the direction of the road, the Scoobs come across a pleasant surprise. Instead of a simple Manor House they find a Large and sprawling Castle. Children are racing around the front grounds and two elderly people sit on a bench watching them. With the Scoobs mood what it is, Chryse takes out her flute and begins to play. Quietly she thought, but not quietly enough.

"Yes. It's so familiar." She turns toward the treeline realizing that the music comes from there. "Where have I heard that music from? So long ago........"

The Scoobs walk out of the tree line and quite carefully, with their hands out in front of them, walk to the elderly couple. It is Sir Daniel and Lady Raven. He stands straight and tall, a much different man than they met the first time around. Lady Raven is nearly as beautiful as the first time they saw her, but with the addition of smile lines that have accumulated through the years.

"Chryse." Lady Raven smiles, walkes over and hugs her. She knows. "I do not know how this can be possible but I am so happy to see you all. Lady Jila?" Raven says, letting go of Chryse and taking Jila by the arm. "Your Face! How? You all look the same as you did on our wedding day."

And so goes the rest of the day. Daniel and Raven invite the Scoobs in for the evening meal and to their complete surprise a platter of (you guessed it! =) ) Doughnuts is brought out for dessert. They Smell as good as Rae's

"Riv?" A clearly feminine voice rings out across the dining hall. It is Sara. "If it is not Riv, there is no doubt that you are her descendant." Sara walks quickly across the dining hall and hugs Rae with eveything she's got. "The doughnuts have been a staple here since the day that Riv taught me how to make them. I don't think I could ever thank her enough for what she's done for me."

Rae smiles. <And is that a Tear we see on Rae's cheek. Could be, but if it is, don't tell anybody. Rae doesn't like anybody to know about her weaker moments.>

"But you can't leave now." Raven looks out the window and sees that the sun is nearly set. "It will be dark soon and you will need a place to rest. Plus I have something to show you." Lady Raven signals one of the young girls at the table, and the girl practically dances to her side. "Jen, go up to my room and get the drawings on my dressing table." The girl runs as fast as her longs skirts will let her and she's back in the room with the drawings quickly. "I drew these a few days after Daniel and I were wed. I had to remember the faces of the people that came and left our lives so quickly but had, I felt, such an impact on all of us." The young girl helps to distribute the pictures and the Scoobs can't believe how exact the pictures are. It was amazing.

For the rest of the evening, the Scoobs listen intently to Daniel and Raven as they speak of the events after the wedding and how their lives have been. After that they are led upstairs to bedrooms where they sleep peacefully knowing that they had done a Good Job!

"Yes, you are, Bailar." Rae sighs, leaning into his shoulder. It's a wonderful thing to, after years of seperation, be able to resume an old friendship on identical terms and with no strings.

At some point during Rae's explination, Crais drifts quietly to sleep. Rae stares at him with an exasperated grin. The way he is leaning on her, if she moves he'll wake up, so she rests her head on top of his and goes to sleep herself. It's not the first time.

Her dreams are of a boy and a girl child, scared soul-less after having been quite unexpectedly drafted by the Peacekeepers, having fun together and above all drawing comfort from each other. As the boy and girl grew up, they each followed seperate paths, but they would always remain friends.

Crais yawns and takes a few minutes to orient himself. He feels a comfortable weight against him. Smiling, he looks down at Rae. "Ah, it's only you." He sighs and rises.

Rae frowns, but it is not an angry frown. "I remember, not too long ago, you and I also spent a night star-gazing... The others kindly refrained from conjecture."

"'Always another adventure. Stop. Follow your feet but let your heart guide you. Stop. Scoobs rule.'" Laughing, Rae bounds down the stairs to rejoin the others.

Crais and Rae take point. The rest of the group can occassionally hear snatches of their speech. To their amuzement, Rae appears to be quizing Crais on his knowledge of Terran literature.

"I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth. This goodly friend the earth seems to me but a sterile promentory. This most excellent canopy the air, look, you, this brave or hanging firmament, this majestical roof, threaded with golden fire, why it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors."

"Well, I assume because it's so cloyingly cheerful." Crais says as he resumes walking, "And not at all true to the bitter desperation of the original version. I meant I knew another song we could sing."

In a lightening-fast movement, Crais unholsters his side-arm and swings it around, searching for his intended target. Rae ducks under the pistol and grabs it. "I meant," she hisses, "'tell me'."

"I'm glad." Raegun warbles. Then he provides apropriate musical accompaniment. Crais and Rae cheerfully begin singing, loudly enough that even the Scoobs at the very back of the group can hear them clearly.

as the group moves on with Raegun's accompaniment, Kay smiles. What a wonderful wedding it had been. And everything turned out great. In true Scoob style. But, what was around the corner for them? What adventure lurked, waiting for them to walk in on it? Jila and Mouse were comparing baby stories, The IQ's were arguing about the latest invention, Kara and Ghost were showing listening as Chryse told them about the poppies she noticed on the side of the road. And Spy and the others were chatting casually back and forth with each other. None of them having a clue as to what was going to happen next. Rae knows something is coming up, thought Kay. So does Crais.

Kay noticed the expectant yet casually excited way in which they walked and looked around them. Shrugging her shoulders, she didn't especially care what was coming up next. They were the Scoobs, and would come out on top in whatever they did......she hoped.