[hr][hr][center][h1][i][b][color=b8860b]Reginald Keystone[/color][/b][/i][/h1]
[img]http://33.media.tumblr.com/76ca11af5771405a055ca9291e9e4b2b/tumblr_nvhilyU39J1qcxymno4_500.gif[/img][/center]
[hr][center][color=darkgoldenrod][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Ferry (Elite Deck Dining Area)
[color=b8860b][b]Skills:[/b][/color] N/A [/center][hr][hr]

	Reginald felt the need to explain his position a little further, as he did not actually wish to impose his preference of addressing Lauren in the formal when she was, apparently, a much more casual type of lady. In short: American. But that circumstance of birth could be overlooked, even forgiven, because she had every appearance of a decent sort despite a lack of knowledge of certain points of etiquette. [color=b8860b]"My apologies, madame. I only wish to preserve your standing among some of the more judgemental persons of the area. This social strata takes gossip as a natural dialect of English, I am afraid. Lauren then, as we are among our own people."[/color] 

	The after supper coffee was almost a ritual in this part of the world, though certainly it must have been abbreviated for service to a primarily upper-crust crowd generally could not be bothered with the true meaning of local culture. It seemed a pity to the Lord Major, who was ever so slightly disappointed to simply receive a demitasse of thick, black coffee with a selection of sweeteners and cream, if desired. He waved it away with a casual, [color=b8860b]"By Jove... I'd not insult the coffee today, there's a good lad."[/color] He inhaled deeply the steam that wafted from his small cup, then took a tiny sip. It was potent. The coffee from this area usually was. 

	Likewise was the explanation of his life of military service. Lauren's response was met with another disappointed look. Reginald quieted considerably, in volume and in terms of his bubbly, avuncular way of speaking. [color=b8860b]"I am afraid not, madame. It may be polite to say that I am estranged from my family. My wife withdrew from our marriage, and for good reason. I support them still, be it merely financially. But they wish nothing more to do with me. I cannot blame them either, you see. It is quite deserved."[/color] Another sip from his demitasse of particularly strong coffee and he continued his response to his dining partner, [color=b8860b]"I thank you for your condolences. He was a strong, brave lad. Honorable and decent. The world is poorer for the loss of him."[/color] 

	Conversation had taken a turn for the more depressing, certainly. Reginald mulled over the sense of loss that he had accumulated over the past few days. It was considerable, all at once. Lost in the jumble was Aziza Tarek, his one long-term friend that he had no relation to nor authority over. It was an honest relationship, platonic of course, and he found that he missed her greatly, mourning as if she was a family member. The old man sighed and finished off his cup in one fell gulp. He was anxious to be done with the day now. With a tired voice, he looked to Lauren. [color=b8860b]"I shall take you up on your offer, Mrs. Ridgeway. I am curious as to the nature of spirits from the Colonies these days."[/color] And truth be told, he could really go for a solid belt or three before turning in for the evening. 

	After the food, wrapped as to travel, had been presented to the table, Reginald offered over a socially acceptable gratuity and rose. [color=b8860b]"For the sake of propriety, madame, I shall escort you safely back to your quarters. I should be grateful to accept your family's fine distilled liquor at that time. Shall we?"[/color] He picked up the takeaway meal and offered his arm to the young woman. 


[hr][hr][center][h1][i][b][color=bdb76b]Haring Reddish[/color][/b][/i][/h1]
[img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/bc984338-f6d5-4803-b256-c66503999ea8.jpg[/img][/center]
[hr][center][color=darkkhaki][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Ferry (Second Deck Dining Area)
[color=bdb76b][b]Skills:[/b][/color] N/A [/center][hr][hr]

	Corporal Reddish rose again as Mosi stood to excuse herself from the table ([i]Again with the standing? Really?[/i]), and again came to rest in his seat. It seemed that the dessert course was making it rounds, and the headstrong Corporal was keen on being present for it. [color=bdb76b]"Oh, excellent! I was [i]definitely[/i] in the mood for something sweet tonight. Yes... Oh, waiter?"[/color] he inquired, waving his hand a bit to gain his attention outside of his capacity to drop off dessert, [color=bdb76b]"After dessert is served proper, I would be [i]so grateful[/i] if you could acquire a bottle of after-supper wine and two appropriate glasses, if you would, for carrying about? Umm... I am partial to Riesling; ah, [i]Trockenbeerenauslese[/i] - any vintage or house will do - if you have got it, sir."[/color] Apparent from his request: He spoke a single-word mouthful in flawless German as if he were native to it. Not as apparent was that he didn't know so much about wines, outside of direct family experience. 

	He pulled a bank note from his coat pocket and handed it over to the server. Wine might be covered by his meal, but he had a feeling that this might be extra. And if it wasn't, well, the man probably got paid the equivalent of Nottingham Street Sweeper wages. Reddish knew what it was like to be a grunt. 

	The dessert that was put in front of him was not exactly world-class fare, but he took to it with a sort of enthusiasm that might be reserved for a surprise birthday present. It was a dish of rather simple looking rice pudding. He used the opportunity to tie it into something that Josephine had just mentioned, concerning the cuisine in Egypt. [color=bdb76b]"You see, Miss Clarke? [i]This[/i] is like what you were talking about, right? Ha!  It's [i]rice[/i], right? Back home we'd use it as a side dish or, or um, ...use it for pheasant stuffing or some such, right? Right! But these Egyptians have this [i]whole other perspective[/i], adding different things and such to it, cooking it in ways I couldn't describe if I wanted. Now poof! It's a dessert."[/color] He took as large a spoonful as he dared, considering he was still trying his damnedest to use proper table manners and not just hork it back like the a common street urchin. [color=bdb76b]"Bloody brilliant, this. Oops, pardon that language, ma'am."[/color] He reloaded his spoon, pausing enough to come to his actual point in agreeing with the starlet, [color=bdb76b]"The spices here are indeed used beautifully, as you say."[/color] And he came full circle, finally. 

	He did note with some approval that Vera was being protective of the woman with whom he intended to usher about the ship's view of the Nile. Ordinary circumstances would place the counteroffer of drinks with the girls as a proper course of action. Expected, even. But Vera knew who he was. At least, he thought that she knew who he was. Come to think of it, he'd been acquainted with [i]her[/i], but they really had never had a single solid conversation, ever. Any time that he was in a room with her, it had been to pursue a duty for the Lord Major. Not to mention the class divide that existed between them. For that matter, how could she actually know him? It's not like he had ever been forthcoming with information about himself, even to his commanding officer. Okay, she was right to offer Josephine a way out. Corporal Reddish raised a eyebrow at their expedition's leader and gave her the tiniest of nods. [color=bdb76b][i]"Good show, Lady Munn."[/i][/color] he thought to himself. 

	Turning back to Josephine, Reddish reassured her with quieter voice, [color=bdb76b]"I'll entertain no intentions that you do not as well, Miss Clarke. If drinks with the girls sounds better, [i]even midway[/i], I'll be tops finishing the stroll by my lonesome. Meantime, thank you for accepting."[/color] 

	He really was enjoying his dessert. And the whole "travel by boat" experience in general, so far. Perhaps they'd take this route back, riverboat and all, when they were done at the ruins. He'd like that. When done with his pudding, Corporal Reddish quietly placed his spoon back into the dish and looked expectantly to Josephine. [color=bdb76b]"Well, a [i]breathtaking[/i] view awaits. Wherever is that digestif?"[/color]