A Trip to the Seaside

One of the Countess's childer has recently moved into Caledon Southend. He had registered his interest with the Caledon Guv'nah as soon as he had learned of the intention to establish a region of this name. Milady, ever supportive of her childer's efforts, bade me escort her to the establishment. We arrived at the pier in Southend, and were most impressed with the style of the architecture, and also of the unique ferris wheel by the pier. As it was dark, we were able to stroll and take in the sights, and we eventually came across 'Wilber's Curios & Antiquities', the establishment of Milady's childe. Rafe made us most welcome and showed us around the premises. He informed us that originally he had intended to have a town house in Southend, but having been shown the various styles available, chose one with a ground floor most conducive for sales. He then went on to remind Milady that he had always wanted to be a 'shopkeeper'. Rafe's wife LauraAnne, (also Milady's Clan Seneschal) is a most gifted creator of items, they are hoping that with her creativity, and his travelling penchant, they will be able to establish a stock of most unusual items.

Having had an enjoyable time, Milady decided we should make the most of the night and journey to Caledon Cape Wrath by Hansom cab in order to catch a boat back to Winterfell. It is at moments like this that I tend to earn my pay. Having anticipated Milady's request, I had had the Hansom stowed aboard the ship on which we had travelled. I quickly made my way back to the pier, and within minutes the Hansom was unloaded. I made my way back to the shop, and was ready for Milady as she stepped out of the door. Her delight upon seeing the cab, and the look which she bestowed upon me is worth more to me than the pay I receive.

The architects of Caledon must be commended with the establishment of the roadways in the newer regions. It makes travelling by Hansom so much easier than having to straddle the railway track in some of the older ones. We proceeded North from the shop, and made our way into Caledon Downs. Had I studied the map beforehand, I could have taken a more direct route from Southend into the Downs and straight up from there into Tamrannoch. As it was, we took the Western North Road as distinct from the Eastern North Road which would have been the direct route. Milady enjoyed the ride, and was most impressed with the hills in the Downs, and so didn't mind at all that I took a circuitous route via Caledon Glengarry which deposited us back on to the road which we were originally on.

In using the roads, it makes the border crossing a lot less fraught. I never mind being ejected from my airship as the result of a turbulent crossing, but when travelling with Milady, I'd never forgive myself if she suffered any sort of injury.

The Countess was enjoying the journey tremendously, and when we came across a vehicle that had apparantly crashed on the railway line in Tamrannoch she immediately alerted the authorities, happy to do her civic duty. Milady resisted the temptation to visit the site of her old home in the region, for fear that the memory of her life before the Embrace might prove too painful.

From Tamrannoch, we crossed into the Moors, and I could see that her spirits lifted considerably as she appreciated the ambiance of the region. Upon passing the cemetery we noticed a young man, loitering. Having received no instruction from milady to do otherwise, I continued following the track and we made our way into Caledon's capital, Victoria City. I drove us around the centre, and we stopped at the rear of the Co-operative having almost completed the circuit. Milady was wishing to purchase some outside work clothes for me, ideal for tending the gardens in Winterfell. My attention was attracted by the sight of a very nice set of leather chairs. I thought they would make a very nice replacement for some of the seating in the Clan Motherhouse, as well as my private quarters there.

I paid the attendant, and arranged for the chairs to be delivered to the Motherhouse, and then climbed aboard the Hansom again to make our way North. Milady leaned forward as I climbed, her eyes glistening in the light of the street lamps. "Janus, I thirst" she said breathily. My face a fixed mask of neutrality, I took my seat and we made our way back onto the Moors. The young man was still there, not paying much heed to his surroundings. I drew alongside and Milady skipped from the cab. Even from where I was sitting I could smell the alcohol upon his breath, and he swayed slightly where he stood. Milady smiled at him and murmured something to him. I heard her say how dangerous it was for him to be about such a place on his own after dark, especially in the condition he was in. She then guided him to sit upon the grass, and leaning him against the cemetery railings leaned forward and buried her face against his neck. I saw his eyes widen and his body stiffen, and then relax as Milady stroked his face. I could hear the delight in his groans, and I closed my eyes as the inevitable feeling of envy flowed through me.

Feeling the Hansom tip slightly as the Countess climbed aboard, I opened my eyes and saw the young man sleeping with a most wistful look upon his face. He would have no memory of this encounter, and if he did, should thank whatever deity he worships that he had met Milady this night, and not one of another clan, for he would not have seen the morning if he had.

We made our way in silence North out of the city into the countryside of Caledon Carntaigh, narrowly missing an oncoming train as we did so. Milady laughed with delight as I coaxed the horse to abruptly change its course. We then had a nice drive through Mayfair, Penzance, Morgaine and into Brigadoon. We both smiled as we passed the old property as we made our way alongside the track into Cape Wrath. Again Milady found it delightful the way we flew down the steps in Cape Wrath and I then pulled up by the jetty. We jumped off the Hansom and I stretched my legs. A glaze appeared in Milady's eyes and I knew she was communing with her Seneschal. Our quiet cruise to Winterfell would have to be postponed, she had to return to the Motherhouse. She instructed me to arrange for the Hansom to be lodged at a coach house and to follow her when I had completed my task. With a nod of her head, a portal appeared before her. She then looked at me and my heart leaped as a most wonderful smile appeared on her face, and to me, the whole region filled with light brighter than the day from which she hides. She mouthed the words 'Thank you', I nodded in return, unable to hide my delight and she stepped into the portal and disappeared.