The Uli Rouge

[Malaclypse 666]

Reggie toyed with the food on his plate. His mind was parsecs away..

He occassionaly glanced at Rick, and next to him, at Fnordie, whose small head barely protruded above the dining table. They too were rather absently picking at the sumptuous feast prepared by the culinary staff of the Uli Rouge.

Their host had apparently noticed his faraway look. "Reggie, doesn't our repast appeal to your tastes?" she queried.

"My apologies, Madam. The food is excellent! As is our fine company. It is a delight to see all of your guests again under less.. "trying" circumstances.

"Jay, my friend, I hope you haven't consumed all that brandy you carry of a habit. It will go well with coffee after dinner!

"And Julius! Always the reserved but cordial gentleman. I hope to get better acquainted with your companion, Doctor.. pardon, I didn't catch your name, er, sir? Perhaps you'd care to share with us your field of specialization?" Reggie had a strange feeling about this person who accompanied Lord Darkstar, yet seemed a rather odd match for the gregarious Phantom leader.

A thought came his way from Fnordie. *Pops! Not too curious.. remember our roles here..*

"Ah, well, Fiona. My thanks for your gracious invitation and this wonderful dinner. I look forward to a personal tour of your villa at some point this evening," he said to the Ambassador.

"And I look forward to a restful night in that wonderful guest room your Mr. Walters showed me earlier."

Reggie made an effort to follow the conversation as it passed around the table, but his thoughts again drifted off.. this time to that large tapestry in the guest room, which seemed to move gently as if wafted by a breeze from behind its heavy length...

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