[quote][b]”An old colleague of mine is currently visiting, it’s been a while since we’ve talked. Apparently he brought someone with him, someone that according to him I need to see. He’ll be here by evening, as will his guest, whoever that may be.”[/b] ~ Sincerely, Ł[/quote] [b][u]England, December 10th, 1359, 5:21 .a.m.[/u][/b] Mistress Bethyinine awoke the next morning to the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the harbor. She stretched before getting out of bed and opening the door. [i][b]Galileo: “Good morning madam, hopefully you slept well last night.”[/i][/b] [b]Bethyinine: “Not really, considering what happened yesterday.”[/b] [i][b]Galileo: “You lost your kingdom, yet you act as if it was somewhat meaningless. Might I inquire as to why?”[/i][/b] [b]Bethyinine: “I wasn’t exactly ruling for that long, and besides, we could just rebuild. Only the capital was lost, so it wasn’t really that big of a loss, though I understand your concern.”[/b] The duo exited the boat under a cloud covered sky and made their way down the street towards a carriage. Driver: “And where do you want me to take you to sir?” [i][b]Galileo: “The nearest observatory, thank you.”[/i][/b] Galileo handed the driver 15€ and entered the carriage alongside Mistress Bethyinine. The driver then took off down the street as rain poured down the windows. Galileo fiddled with a Newton’s Cradle as Mistress Bethyinine idly stared out the window. [i][b]Galileo: “I have a friend here that might be able to help us with the anomaly. He’s more into the “occult” as some might say. Though from my perspective, there are several ways of understanding the universe, he just chose his own way that’s all.”[/i][/b] Mistress Bethyinine glanced at him, and then went back to looking out the window. The last drops of rain trickled down as the carriage came to a halt. Driver: “We have reached the destination, you may exit the carriage, please be sure to watch your step on your way out.” Galileo exited the carriage first, followed by Bethyinine, the door closed as the carriage drove off leaving them on the street. Right in front of the steps of an elaborate estate. Galileo walked up, knocked on the door, and waited for an answer. A few moments later the door was opened. The duo stepped into the foyer which was only lit by a small green fireplace. Several chairs, paintings and bookcases were strewn about the room. Despite the somewhat chaotic look of the lace, there was still a sense of organization in all this mess. [i][b]Galileo: “I see this place hasn’t changed that much since I last saw it.”[/i][/b] [b]Bethyinine: “It’s rather nice all things considered, albeit a little empty.”[/b] [i][b]Galileo: “This is just the first floor, he’s probably upstairs.”[/i][/b] The staircase leading up to the second floor was barely visible next to the book case at the corner of the room. Mistress Bethyinine grasped the steel bannister and began to head upstairs, Galileo waited before following after her. The two were met with a brightly lit library brimming with thousands of books. An old man was sitting in a chair by a small table in the center of the room. He stood up when Mistress Bethyinine entered the room, followed by Galileo. [i][b]Galileo: “It’s been a while since we last met, old friend.”[/i][/b] [i]Ł: “Indeed it has, the last time we saw one another was around fifty or so years ago. I see you’ve brought with you a visitor as you’ve told me in all the letters that you’ve sent.”[/i] Galileo nods and looks at Mistress Bethyinine who bows in response. [i]Ł: “Now where are my manners? Galileo, have you not told her anything about me! Allow me to introduce myself madam, Luxcious, at your service.”[/i] [b]Bethyinine: “Bethyinine, Mistress Bethyinine, it is a pleasure to finally meet you sir. Despite the limited information Galilea here gave to me.”[/b] [i]Luxcious: “My apologies, he can be rather preoccupied for the most part. Now might I ask you, Galileo, as to why you came here with the queen of Norway?”[/i] [i][b]Galileo: “Would you mind telling him what happened madam?”[/i][/b] [b]Bethyinine: “Norway is gone, the capital fell into the sea last night after… after..”[/b] Mistress Bethyinine stumbled over to the chair and sat down. Her body trembled and she could barely think let alone speak. [i]Luxcious: “Clearly she’s still dealing with the aftermath of losing her kingdom. We are in no state to discuss this now. We will reconvene tomorrow to finish this conversation. I shall escort her to bed, goodnight Galileo!”[/i] Galileo headed downstairs, feeling defeated, while Luxcious led Bethyinine to the staff quarters for assistance. Outside, night crept in dragging the star along with it. It pulsed and danced in the sky as all of London drifted off to sleep, waiting for tomorrow to come.