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A bare foot, clad only with a leather sandal hits the pavement out of the car, then another. The camera pans out to reveal a young man in a white Tshirt, dark jeans and a white cap, staring toward the massive wrought iron gate before pulling his shades down over his stoic face. He quickly opens the gate, and shuts it behind him, moving forward not a single etch of feeling or emotion on his face.

He walks up to the massive door. He shakes the door knob,then BANGS it loudly.

The door opens hurriedly, and another young man appears; tall, dark, with tattoos appearing slightly out of a dressy-casual outfit. Hesmiles in his charming manner as he greets the young man.

Welcome home, Sir. May I take your bags?

Click HERE to read the rest of Episode 1, Season 1 of Exiled! A Royal Family in Greenwich, Connecticut

As told by Hugo Dieter ....

Return to Sorrentina ~ Part 13 ~ New Trepidation as the North Approaches

The travels to Marseilles from Rocca Sorrentina had been a safe one, the Conte Foscari availing himself of being in this new city and undertaking some business. He had busied himself with his bankers in this corner of the world. Originally the coach to take them further North was to leave at dawn, but the Conte had sent a message that he was delayed so Beatrice and Hugo were to make their own entertainments in the meantime.

Their lodgings secured at the inn, Beatrice and Hugo had spent some time exploring, wandering the streets of the Marseilles. The colorful character Madame Fanny in the nearby tavern had been most welcoming, a woman with a pipe, Hugo chuckled as one doesn't see that very often. Her no nonsense disposition and openness had set Beatrice's mind at ease, or so he thought. And the bouillabaisse, that fish stew, Madame Fanny's tavern was famous for it. One could never tire of eating it.

Madame Fanny of the Tavern in Marseilles

Hugo was managing to put his past demons to rest from Venezia, but Beatrice, she seemed to be more and more anxious as we got closer to Prussia. The Conte's suggestion that we accompany him on this journey to the Prussian Court had seemed a good one, as Beatrice was now his secretary. Now for Beatrice, it seemed it was her turn for her own demons to come back to haunt her.

Hugo was still wary of the Conte, since that damnable Mercury Gandt had managed to disappear yet again! Hugo suspected that the Conte was indeed a puppeteer, and the strings he pulled were long and stretched out like a spider web. Hugo thought back to their voyage on the ship, as he caught himself on more than one occasion studying the Conte Foscari, trying not to be caught gaping as he stared in a vain attempt to sort through what the Conte may or may not be up to.

The Conte Foscari on the Voyage

Beatrice may need a protector, a job that Hugo never tired of, and hopefully she needed no protection from the Conte himself. To his credit, the Conte Foscari always treated Beatrice with the utmost respect, something that on occasion Hugo quite frankly, hadn't. Hugo cringed and ran his hands through his hair as he thought of his demons and his drunkenness, and the times where Beatrice had sweetly rebuffed his advances.

"I must do better, as Beatrice entirely deserves it," thought Hugo and stood up a bit straighter, setting his mind on a better path. Frowning for just a moment, Hugo wondered where Beatrice was and wrapped his cloak about his shoulders to go and seek her out, leaving his room at the inn and closing the door securely behind him. Knocking at her door in the inn and his calls unanswered, Hugo decided to make his way down to the port, perhaps she was taking a stroll and enjoying the scenery.

Hugo walked for only a short time and found Beatrice quickly, and, she was frowning. She seemed lost in thought and didn't notice Hugo's approach. Hugo paused and watched her face, beautiful in its expression with her furrowed brows. He wondered what she was thinking, and could only guess what troubled her. He hoped to soothe her and hear her plight, it was the best way he knew how to help, knowing her story would allow him to do what was best.

Finding Beatrice on the Docks

Trying to make a bit of noise to not frighten her, Hugo cleared his throat as he got closer to Beatrice and then offered a bow and a smile. "Good afternoon Beatrice," Hugo greeted her warmly, standing from his bow and gazing into her warm large eyes. Pausing for only a moment, her frown melting away, Beatrice replied, "Hello Dieter! Wonderful to see you again!" Beatrice smiled at Hugo, delighted to see a familiar face and her demeanor took on a more relaxed tone. She couldn't help but add, as her face curled into an even more beaming smile, "It seems like ages since we have seen each other. And it was only last night that we shared a bouillabaisse!"

Hugo chuckled and smiled back at Beatrice in return, "My dear Beatrice, how are you? It's wonderful to see you too." And then remembering the promise he made to himself, Hugo heartily apologized to Beatrice for his less than gentlemanly behavior in the past. "Beatrice, please allow me to apologize for my rather crude actions of late, I confess I can, at times, be a bit of a cad," Hugo looks at Beatrice with regret, and taking her hand, kisses it quickly before releasing it again.

As Beatrice's blush curls up around her cheeks, she watches as Hugo's lips brush her hand, "I was not offended, I admit to being a little flattered. As for how ... I ... am?" Beatrice pauses as the frown touches her brow once more. Taking a deep breath she answers, "I have had many dreams and I admit, they are quite tempestuous."

Hugo, looking concerned, reaches up and pulls a stray curl away from Beatrice's forehead, "Your dreams? How so my little treasure? What ails you?" He sincerely hopes that her dreams aren't haunting her, as his own memories from Venezia had plagued him. Beatrice looks down at the dock and says in a quiet voice, "Oh .... it's just that your attentions raised feelings, feelings that were spoiled by my nervousness about our trip."

Beatrice looks up again, staring at Hugo's face and offers a small smile, "It's such a beautiful evening here in Marseilles. I wonder, could we go for a walk along the pier?" Hugo raises his arm offering it to her and answers, "Of course we can, it would be an honor." Beatrice takes his arm and they begin to stroll along as the night begins to come about, with the hint of grey in the clouds.

A Stroll for Beatrice and Hugo

Moving his hand to hers as they walk, Hugo gives Beatrice's hand a gentle squeeze, trying to coax her worries out of her. "What is it? You are troubled my sweet."

Beatrice lowers her eyes and is somewhat reticent, "Oh, I am just being silly," she says, "I am just a bit anxious about our trip and whom we might meet."

Hugo holds Beatrice's hand a bit tighter, ""Now why would you be afraid of who we might meet?"

She looks up at Hugo again and offers a bit of a anxious smile, "It's hard for me to tell you. You do know a little bit of my background, don't you? How I grew up playing in the gardens of Sanssouci?"

Hugo recalls only hearing some generalities of Beatrice's distant past, "Very little, you've been a bit vague on the details of many things."

Beatrice takes a deep breath and nods her head slowly, "Ah, I suppose that once I start, it will be hard to explain things without telling the full story. Will you promise to keep what I tell you a secret?"

Hugo assures her, "Of course Beatrice, I won't tell a soul, you can count on me to keep your secrets."

"Thank you, I trust that you will keep your promise," Beatrice replies as she moves away, finding a more out of the way location so no one can hear other than Hugo, he follows her, ever more curious.

A Quiet Corner

Beatrice begins to tell the tale of her past, in almost a whisper, "The time of my departure from Prussia was a painful one despite its pleasant beginnings. I grew up playing in the gardens of Sanssouci, Frederick the Great's summer palace in Prussia. When I was 18, I married Duke Vaclav Wolf von Mecklenburg, from a small Duchy north of Prussia. He had joined the army of Frederick the Great of Prussia. Did you know of him?"

Shaking his head from side to side Hugo responds, "I was a mere child when my family left Mecklenburg for England, I have no knowledge of your husband or the Prussian court I'm afraid."

Beatrice continues looking wistful, "Just as well I suppose. He had joined the army of Frederick the Great, with whom he had a terrible falling out. The monarch of Prussia had begun to conquer half of Europe and became quite ruthless in his way of treating people, including his soldiers. Did you know this?"

"I knew of this somewhat from history Beatrice, but most rulers are cruel in their own way, please continue with you tale," Hugo answers her, watching her carefully now.

Taking a deep breath, Beatrice explains, "My husband, always outspoken, became more and more critical of him, occasionally quite publicly. He made many enemies as a result of his outspokenness -- enemies who, I fear, may exist today." Pausing for a moment to look around and see if there is anyone else listening, "He was eventually stripped of his rank as Captain and ordered to leave the army."

Remaining as impassive as possible, Hugo couldn't imagine anyone challenging a sovereign, yet impressed, "Your husband must have been a brave man to talk in such a way."

Nodding her head in agreement, Beatrice answers, "Brave yet headstrong but not always careful. I helped him a great deal in his personal fights for justice. We held meetings of other dissidents in our kitchen. I fed them and gave them wine - which further inflamed them I suppose." Beatrice shakes her head remembering.

Hugo looks around their immediate surroundings as well, checking that no one is listening to their conversation as Beatrice continues, he reaches over and squeezes her hand. Beatrice tells Hugo more, "Disheartened and broken, his dreams of being part of united Europe destroyed, my dear Vaclav, filled with shame, abandoned me and the rest of his family and quietly left the country under the cover of darkness. I never saw him again." Beatrice removes a handkerchief from her sleeve, balls it up tightly and sobs into it, unable to hold back her sorrow.

A Sobbing Beatrice Remembering the Past

Hugo gently places his arm around Beatrice to comfort her, "There there, you poor dear, such a horrible time it must have been." Somehow finding release in telling her story, Beatrice continues to sob.

Through her tears Beatrice continues, "I was informed, a few months later, that he died alone, of tuberculosis in a Viennese hospital run by nuns. We were never able to say goodbye to each other, a source of immense grief to me. I can't even say goodbye to him now. He must be buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in the Austrian Alps. I am not sure, however, whether this story is true. He was very healthy when I saw him last, despite his deep sadness."

Hugo gently rubs the small of her back as she grieves, "A great loss, I am so sorry my dearest, I had no idea the depths of your pain." Beatrice begins to dab her face with the handkerchief, drying her tears to tell more of the story, "I have often wondered whether his cause of death is more sinister or that in some way I am also being tracked by those who might have killed him."

Frowning and letting his hand rest in the small of her back, Hugo asks, "Do you think we shall come across those who may have harmed him?" Beatrice walks away, spying a small cafe' nearby and sinks down into a comfortable chair, exhausted from the wild emotions that fill her, sadness, loss and fear. Hugo following quickly behind her.

A Comfortable Chair at a Cafe'

Beatrice settles into the chair and explains, "When he left I was heartbroken. Of course I wanted to leave his cursed country, so I moved to Austria with my sister Elisabetta. We lived a hand to mouth existence in Vienna, surviving off the sales of my belongings. Using the rest of our savings my sister was able to study at a convent where she learned the genteel arts of sewing, embroidery and petit point. We eventually made our way across the high mountain passes to finally arrive in Venezia."

Looking up at Hugo, Beatrice, with a huge smiles on her face, exclaims, "Where we met!" Hugo reaches down and pats her shoulder smiling in return, "Yes my dear, I remember our meeting in Venezia fondly."

Letting a cloud cross her face again, Beatrice turns away and grimaces, "And now, I am returning to the land which gave me so much pain! I am wondering whether I might find the Viennese hospital and the grave where he is buried - that would give me some relief." Hugo squeezes her shoulder and reaches down to hold her hand tightly, "I hope so, perhaps we can find him together, I am at your service and want to help my sweet."

Beatrice turns and looks back up at Hugo once again, smiling. Hugo adds, "To pay your respects would bring you some comfort. Putting the past to rest will help heal your soul." Hugo can't help but recall his troubled past in Venezia and endeavors to help this dear lady.

Nodding in agreement, Beatrice adds, "Yes, I hope it might. It would mean doing a detour on the way to or on the way back from Prussia. I hope the Conte Foscari will agree." Hugo ponders Beatrice's statement and offers, "We may have to persuade him somehow, if it does not interfere with his business."

Beatrice orders a glass of wine and adds, "I am also worried because I have sensed people watching us in the shadows. Have you noticed?" Hugo peers into the shadows narrowing his eyes and whispers, "I wonder ... " With Beatrice's wine arriving, she sip some wine from the goblet and sighs, a bit more at ease now, "Ahhhh - that relaxes me a bit."

Still feeling as if they are being observed but trying to lighten the mood, Beatrice stands and asks, "Shall we walk a bit more?" Hugo takes her arm once again and they set off, seeing a small alcove and they duck into it. Feeling a surge of happiness and joy, Beatrice grins and makes some teasing remarks to Hugo, "This is nice and private, will you be acting like a cad again?" Tipping his head back and laughing Hugo then kneels down and takes Beatrice's hand, kissing it gently and looking up at her, "As the knights of old, I offer my service and protection my sweet. We shall weather this storm together, as we did in Venezia."

Rising back to his feet, Hugo gathers Beatrice into his arms, Beatrice burying her face in the rough wool of Hugo's cloak and for once in a long time feels safe again. Beatrice whispers, "Oh Hugo, thank you. You have come to my rescue to often!" Hugo holding her tightly leans down and kisses her forehead gently, "All will be well sweet Beatrice, we shall try our best to put your ghosts to rest, once and for all."

In the Alcove

Lifting her head from the wool cloak, Beatrice looks up at Hugo and suggests, "Shall we go back to the tavern? Conte Foscari may be waiting for us, and there will be bouillabaisse courtesy of Madame Fanny." Nodding and discreetly looking around once more to see if they are being observed, Hugo releases her and answers, "Yes, let's be on our way," curling her arm around his once again protectively, as they start to make their way back to the tavern.

Rocca Sorrentina is one of those wonderful Second Life estates that always has something splendid going on. Seeing as they are my southern neighbours I'm rather spoiled with views of their shores & news of their activities.

When I heard they were hosting the To Bee or Not to Bee Hunt I thought it was the perfect opportunity to snoop er ... explore some of the less traveled routes through their fair land so I put on my best exploration outfit and set off on a summer adventure.

A helpful hint card gave me clues as to the whereabouts of the twelve hidden bees and warned me that my prey was going to be rather small, as bees tend to be. Just as well as I really didn't fancy running for my life from an over sized bumble! You just never know in Second life.

The Life and times of Lieutenant Laird BrendonPatrick MacRory, Esq. , Count of Regency Sommerset, (Late of the Royal Navy, as you shall soon learn) To Begin I shall begin at the beginning, for that where all good storys should begin.

I was born (well, nothing unusual there, most people are) In late spring in the year of our lord, 1764 in the Reign of His Most Britannic Majesty King George the III. in my fathers house in Castle bay, isle of Barra. (you must remember, in those days, it was common to be born, and to dye in ones house and not in some strange building surrounded by strangers) I was fortunate to be born the First child of minor landed Gentry , the MacRorys descend from the Kings of Norway, and are recognized Sept of both the MacDonalds, Lord of the Isles and the MacNeills.

These where the days of Peace, Britain had won in the world wide conflict known as the Seven Years war, but it was not a total win, France was wounded, not Vanquish.

Most of my early education was at home, but some time the local Prist did tutor me, taght the basics of Latin, English, Gramer, mathamatics, he also lent me books, which is a good thing, for there where so few on this small island.

Also, one of the last of the Jokies would come around, an old mendicant who went by the name of Auld Edie Ochiltree, dressed in patched up cloak of sky blue, addored by a pewter creat, once issued by the King of Scotland to these wandering sages and he walked with a support of a heavy walking stick (thou I convinced he could as easily held his own and used it for defense) usually ussally arriove in the spring, and when asked how long he might stay, he say, maybe a day, maybe a fortnight, I can nye say, only the wind and the Gowpens will determine. He was a Great wandering Bard, as true to his ilk.

In the evenings, we all gather around and listen intentlly as he recite great epic poems and tales of Great deeds, of travel, of foirien places and long ago history..

He recite tales of the 45 and list the honors of the clans. He could list the kings of Scotland, from the time of MacAlpine on and tell of there deeds. He also new the tales of Antiquity, and could recite Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey as well as talk of the wonders that where Rome, and its leaders. The wars with Cartage and the fall of the Republic, the empire and it Eperiors, Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius....

My Uncle was fortunate for in the War, he both gained Wealth and position and was now a Captain in the Royal Navy, something which would lead to great benefits for me. At 6 months of Age, my Uncle, who had risen to the rank of Captain during the Seven years War in the Service of the Royal Navy, placed my name on the Ships log as Ships Boy. (a common practice at the time) Thou I never saw a deck of a Ship till I turned 14. Two years latter I was a Midshipman, Ensign at 19 and stood for examination as an officer at 23.
Somerset house, as is well know from the Rants of Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th. Lord of Dundonold, is not high on promoting Scots as officers nor Catholics, I as both, and unwilling like some to change my religion simply for promotion, So where I showed promise, did well in my duties and was trusted with command, the ranks promotion which should have followed was slow in coming.

In the year of our loard, 1792, we once agin fining ourself at war with France. I was 2^nd on HMS Ferret, a 14 gun sloop of War charged with bloackaiding the Ports of France to which we where allowd to stop and captuer French Ships and those of Spain, and the Dutch in the area, which would then be taken to port and sold, the proceds shared ( a very profitable time) In 1798, with the Royal Navy needed to decide to eather reliquish the Meditrianian sea to the French, and thereby controll of all borderinglands, or to go in and Stop them, Thus I found myself trasferd on to HMS Vangard under a newly appointed Vice-Admerial, who name would become ledgen. Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson. Thus found me in the battle of the Nile, or as the French call it, Bataille d'Aboukir- on August 1st to the 3rd.

On the 10th. Of August, Lietunat Thomas Duval, of HMS Zealus and myself, where sent with a Message of the battle from Admiral Nelson aquainting Govonor-Generalof India, Visacount Wellesly of the situation in Egypt. We traveld by Camel to Aleppo to Basra, where we then caught the British East India company ship Fly to Bombay.

I thrive in this, but in the year 1809, as we where once again at War with France, a severer case of Pneumonia struck me down, nearly killed me, and sent me home, to die or recover. (I obviously recovered, for I write this now, but it was a long, long time to regain my health.) So having recovered and My Doctor advising me that a continued Life at Sea may not be advisable, I settle down to living the Life of a Country Gentlemen, for which I am fortunate to have the now the bounty to enjoy.

I resides these days mainly in a little Cottage over looking the Vast Atlantic Ocean in Fair Head, Co. Antrim, Ireland Antiquity Irish Cost 1790. I also have a Nice Estate in Argyle, Rochester Manor As well as one of the New Georgian style town house over looking the bay in the Fashionable part of Dublin Harbor for when I am in town.

So, with a fortune secured, with a good place to call home, I know fine how Universally accepted by the women of this world the truth of Miss Jane Austens words It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
May be true, But, I would add Good in front of Wife, to be my friend, to share my interest, etc. As is, I am never really sure who is the hunter and who is the hunted, I fear I am the fox of the day.


1813 turned out to be a very good year, First I was offered the Post of President of the Royal Bank of Antiquity, then I went on to Develop Somerset Regency and Port Austen.
In recognition of my works, Princess Cathryn awarded me the Antiquity Medal of Freedom and made me a Baron of the Realm.


Note from the Personal Secretary of Lieutenant Laird BrendonPatrick MacRory, Esq.
For those who have not figure this out yet, this is a page for my avatar, my persona, for exploring life during the Age of Nelson and the English Regency. He is a Child of the Age of Enlightenment, but all so shaped by the events of his times, in most cases, his and mine ideas are the same, but at times, he dose surprise me with thoughts which are his own.

He experiences are often limited to his times, and effect those thought.

He dose have some of the qualitys of personality of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Col. Christopher Brandon, but he owns much of his background to the life of Admiral Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald, 1st Marquess of Maranho, GCB, ODM, the Inspiration for both C.S. Forresters Horatio Hornblower and Patrck OBrains Jack Aubrey. He is less inpatient and more calm in character. He is a Gentlemen, a Loyal friend, and he is more adventuresome and out going than my own.

June 1785

My Dear Mrs. Piozzi,

It was such an ...unmatched ... experience, seeing you again after all this time. You are aging... remarkably. I must say I was surprised to see you so far from your new husband's side. It must be so difficult for you, being separated from him while hetravels the world, entertaining his throngs of young admirers, teaching singing toyoung women in every town he visits. I must say I admire your spunk, Madame. I am not sure I could maintain so philosophical an attitude about a husband's prolonged absences. You are, as usual, head and shoulders above the rest of us when it comes to romance and fidelity. And, of course, you know your young husband is devoted to you. In fact, did he not meet you in his capacity as vocal instructor? That must contribute to your great confidence.

As I was saying, It was a pleasure seeing you at The Decades Festival ((27 June on Vahalla Island, Second Life.)) Perhaps we will once again exchange pleasantries as friends such as us are bound to do.

Sincerely, Your Most Adoring of Friends,

Fanny Burney

Fanny encounters her old...friend... Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi when the ladies arrive simultaneously at The Decades Festival (June 27 in Second Life)

The Decades Festival and Ball is set for June 27, 2015 starting at 12:01 AM SLT

Event Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vahalla%20Island/158/9/24

We conceived The Decades Festival when it became clear that money needed to be raised to support Historical RP and education in SL through The Historical Communities and Royal Courts website, http://royalcourts.ning.com/ . We wanted to help with the expense of running this site that supports all of us in sharing live history in the metaverse. What started out as a simple request for donations drew all of our attention to the need to support one another in all we do in Second Life and elsewhere on the net to promote historical education and RP. A little discussion led to a lot of planning and, voila! a Festival was born.

We chose the sunflower as the symbol for the DECADES Festival because their open faces that symbolize the sun speak to what historical communities and builds represent: warmth, happiness, admirationand with your help and support, longevity, as well. Look for sunflowers throughout the sim, and if you can please be generous in your donations to support historical and education builds.

June 27, The Decades Festival Site on Vahalla Island in SL will be host to nine HUGE history exhibits and 15 live and/or interactive events, which run the gamut from Renaissance music to coffee house RP. There will be balloon rides and pony rides, even a zip line. There is a historical ship to explore and a space museum that will knock your socks off. You won't believe the attention to historical detail and accuracy in all of the exhibits, no matter what their subject, from hats to fine art to tarot to houses.

The festival was dreamed up by Freda Frostbite and her cohort in many things virtual, SisterButta. Lots and lots of people have contributed their time and talent to building this big event and they have done it in less than a month! Please compliment all of them on the amazing work they have done creating The Decades Festival and Ball. Questions and Concerns may be directed to Freda and Sister. We do hope you'll spend at least part of June 27 with us at The Decades Festival and Ball. Below are the events schedule and descriptions of the many exhibits.

Please share this info. And please DO contact Freda Frostbite or SisterButta in Second Life, Inwolrdz or Kitely for a posterto puton your own land or in appropriate venues. Please help to make the Decades Festival a huge success!

So let's get the word out! Please post and share all the info below. The Decades Festival is going to be one of the greatest events ever in SL and I'm not just saying that cuz it was my idea to start with. I'm saying so because of the contributions of dozens of folks in the metaverse historical education and RP communities. Really, as Barney says, this is gonna be -- wait for it -- LEGENDARY! Share, Share, Share, People, Share!

THE EXHIBITS

THE SEA WITCH
The Sea Witch, owned by Captain Lucerius Zefirelli is on display near the Festival landing. You are welcome to explore above and below, fore and aft. Be sure to walk the plank and swing from the mast! And don't forget to fire the cannon! Can you sink the target ship? Give it a try!

GAMBLING (Observatory Ground Level)
Ladies and gentlemen! Place your bets! It is the universal cry of the croupier, the dealer, the oddsmaker. Gambling and gaming have been a part of every culture throughout history. Dice, cards, entrails, stars in the sky . . . if it exists in creation (and even in imagination) you can count on somebody somewhere betting on it. Our visual history of gambling shows how different artists have depicted men and women engaged in popular forms of gambling. Admire the art and then try your hand at roulette, the dart board, a run for the roses, poker. If you choose 52 card pickup, you can watch the cards fly!

HISTORY OF HATS (Observatory 2nd Floor)
Sofia Von Essen has created a fabulously fun and educational exhibit on head gear from 1545 to 1925. You'll walk away wishing we, of the 21st century, wore hats more.

COFFEE HOUSE (Observatory Top Floor)
The coffee house will be open throughout the day of the festival for your snacking and imbibing pleasure. Help yourself to strong Italian coffee or a milk shake. Have some biscotti or a peanut butter sandwich. Or come when there is RP scheduled in the coffee house. See the events schedule for details on coffee house RP.

SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCES (Observatory Underground)
See the events schedule for details about these performances but feel free to explore any time.

HISTORICAL COMMUNITIES INFO (Around the Pavilion and Balloon Launch)
A pictorial exhibit drawing attention to many historical communities in SL. Click the signs for information.

HISTORICAL VEHICLES DISPLAY (On the Pavilion Patio)
From chariots to fire engines, Aldo Stern and company have gathered together vehicles from the last 2000+ years. This exhibit is a lot of fun!

WHO ARE WE? (Pavilion)
If a friend is a mirror of the self, the art a culture produces is the mirror of the whole cultureand its time. From the earliest cave paintings, the human figure has always spoken to the artist. Representative artworks from all eras depict the rise (and fall, perhaps) of mankind as the measure of all things while accompanying chairs give us a seat to enjoy the view. Curated by SisterButta and Lady Leena Fandango.

DECADES TOUR BALLOON (center sim)
Tour the festival in a hot air balloon! What better way to see history and beauty than floating above the melee on nothing but air? Created by Sere Timeless.

THE HISTORY OF HOMES (NW corner of the sim)
This exhibit allows you to literally walk through time, starting in prehistoric times. You'll visit a cave dwelling and a French folly. In between, you'll see all manner of homes. Builder and historian, Jacon Cortes de Bexar has outdone himself!

TAROT HISTORY (Northern sim edge)
This quote, hung at the exhibit entrance pretty much sums things up: "Tarot may not tell a person's future, but it tells a lot about humanity's past. Begin your journey through Tarot History through the door..." Merry Chase has built an unbelievably creative exhibit that will have you marveling at both her skill as a designer and the history of the cards.

WILD BLUE: THE QUEST FOR FLIGHT 1783 TO THE PRESENT (The Hangar)
Created by a real life aero-space engineer and pilot, WIld Blue will take you through aeronautic history, hitting all its *high* points from hot air balloons to space shuttles. Find out some of the lesser known facts about flight in this exhibit created by Heximer Thane.

WHAT SHALL WE WEAR? (Fashion Tent)
See the events schedule for details about the Decades fashion show. Visit the fashion tent any time for fun historical fashion facts.

IN MEMORIAM (Temple and Ruins)
A small temple, the ruins of a forgotten era and emerging sunflowers stand as a reminder that while history may well be written in stone, our creations in the virtual world are not. They are ephemeral ... and sadly, some are lost forever due to lack of funds to maintain or archive them. We need your help so more great historical and educational builds can be maintained and preserved.

THE EVENTS

All times arePST (US Pacific Time)

1:00 AM
Ceci Dover will perform like no one but Ceci does. If you have never seen her very high energy show, this is your chance. Ceci does a wide variety of music from many eras. Her voice is dazzling. AND she is wonderful to work with. She is one of Second Life's true professionals. (Streamed)

3:00 AM
Coffee Break! Puss Applewhyte will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

4:30 AM
*Lamentations of The Sabine Women* by Stephanie Mesler, performed by Avi Choice winner, Freda Frostbite. This poem cycle based on the mythology and history of early Rome will be published this summer in Mesler's book, *GodSongs.* (Local Voice)

6:00 AM
Coffee Break! Crazy lady and "mouth of the South" Trolley Trollop will get you laughing as she shares funny stories from some of her favorite Southern USA writers.. (Local Voice)

8:00 AM
Poetry from the last 2 1/2 Millenia with Sabreman Carter and Freda Frostbite. From Sapphos to Cisneros, Sabreman and Freda have selected some of their favorites to share with you in an hour of historically significant poetry at the Decades Festival. (Local Voice)

9:00 AM
Madmax Huet takes the stage with his great mix of rock and blues. We promise Max will have you shaking your groove thang, no matter what decade you are from! (Streamed)

9:00 AM
Coffee Break! Mary Von Hardenburg will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

10:00 AM
18th century physician, Dr. William Greymoon, will discuss advances in medicine and herbology. IC event. (Text)

11:00 AM
Coffee Break! Lady Aph MacBain will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

12:00 NOON
Decades Ball in The Pavilion. Freda will provide an eclectic stream of dance music from many, many time periods, from the time of the Pharaohs to the time of Lady Gaga. Come decked out in dance garb from your favorite time period. Prizes will be awarded! (Streamed)

2:30 PM
What shall I wear? Those four words must be among the first ever uttered. Our all-star fashion show produced by and Algezares Magic and Euridice Qork of aQuarela Models in Second Life will feature formal attire for both ladies and gentlemen from ancient Rome through the Boho 1970s. Come and see history walk the runway! (Streamed)

4:00 PM
Live Theater at The Decades Festival, organized by the phenomenally talented, Sere Timeless. Featuring performances from ancient Rome, the ever-so- romantic Barretts, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez by some SL's best known and loved RP and spoken word talents. (Local Voice)

5:30 PM
Wald Schridde takes the Decades Festival Stage for an hour of Renaissance and Medieval music. Wald is known throughout SL's historical RP communities. You won't want to miss this talented musician.

7:00 PM
Caledonia Skytower of the Seanchai Library (on THREE grids now) will share her unique talent as a storyteller when she performs historical prose at The Decades Festival. (Local Voice)

8:00 PM
FESTIVAL FIREWORKS

Event Location:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vahalla%20Island/158/9/24

Mrs. Piozzis curiosity was much aroused when the Magistrate announced that there was a valuable crate missing from the debris of the shipwreck. She returned to the beach where items from the ship have been washing ashore for several days.

She was disheartened to see so much of the yummy brandy gone already. Evidently, others on the island had shared her desire to enrich her own supply. Se also noted that the crate she had seen the magistrate tamper with was nowhere to be found.

Mrs. Piozzis dear husband, Gabriel, joined her in her search for the missing crate, the one belonging to a foreign dignitary. They encountered Captain John of the guardia and asked for his assistance in locating the magistrates chambers. If her many years in London taught Mrs. P. anything at all, it taught her never to trust authority and always to suspect those who cast suspicion elsewhere.

After resolving a misunderstanding, the captain having mistaken an offer of gratitude for a bribe, Captain John pointed the Piozzis to the villa itself. There, they searched the undercroft and all of the buildings public spaces. There were a lot of crates to be found there, but none were the crates they sought.

Then, the Piozzis returned to the beach, thinking possibly they had missed some clue there. They were surprised to find Captain John following on their heals and he was soon joined by a very glib Lieutenant. The pair of them appeared at first to want nothing more than to pass pleasentries with Sr. and Mrs. Piozzi. Then it became obvious they wanted to prevent any further search in that vicinity. Mr. Piozzi, charmer that he is, distracted the guard with his witty repartee. Mrs. P. took that opportunity to search the fortezza, which both gentlemen had mentioned in the course of their conversation.

In the fort, Mrs. P was not in the least surprised to find booty from the sunken ship piled up in the open. This would be the items the magistrate and his men were keeping safe until someone or other with a rightful claim might come along.

Nor was she surprised to find more of the loot hidden in more discreet places, where it might be kept from anyone who wanted to retake his possessions.

What did take Mrs. Piozzi by surprise was the arrival of Captain John, followed almost immediately by the smirking Lieutenant. These two " gentlemen" were most insistent that the lady leave the fortress immediately, claiming it was off limits to mere citizens and making it clear that they found her presence there suspicious. The Liutenant even insinuated he thought Mrs. Piozzi herself might be up to something unsavory. In turn, Mrs. P made it equally clear she found an unlocked and wide open fortress an oddity and that she did not like these two " gentlemen" one bit!

Mrs. Piozzi then returned to the beach where she exchanged pleasantries and enjoyed conversation with two ladies and Captain Lucerius Zefirelli, a true gentleman, that one. All present noted thatmembersof the guard stuck very close by wherever Mrs. P went, clearlykeeping their eyes (and ears) on her.

Of course, what they failed to notice -- in their devotion to harassing Mrs. Piozzi, they had completely forgotten about her husband. He was meticulously searching the island for lost treasure while his wife befuddled and bemuddled them.

May 1785

Dearest, Most Honorable of Men, My Father,

I find myself unexpectedly in England once more. Arriving in London, Hetty told me you were of in Cambridge. Mother Dearest said she expected you home some days ago and has not heard a word. I have come to see what has become of my most perfect of parents.Oddly, you are not in residence at any of the more respectable inns and I wonder where you have taken lodgings. I am leaving this letter for you wit Dr. Smart and hope that he can get word to you that I am here and in need of your company. You see, Father, there are things we must discuss. Lorsagne is my greatest of friends, but she is visiting with her godfather in Italy and Mrs. Thrale (I should say Mrs. Piozzi now, I suppose) is no longer available to me. I think you know Mother Dearest is not one in whom I can confide. So, please Father, please reveal yoru whereabouts and let me confide in you.

Your Loving and Devoted Daughter,

Fanny

In Cambridge, Fanny is perplexed by the notations on this signboard. All she wants is toboard aferry and find her father.

Lost in an unsavory section of the city, Fanny asks the night watchman to escort her back to her rooms.

18 May 1785

Rocca Sorrentina

Godfather, I write in haste to warn you that one of Calonnes men calling himself Lord Ian has presented himself at The Haven on the pretext of leaving a painting for my inspection and consideration.

I assure you that Fanny knows nothing of his real purpose or his identity, so there is little chance that she revealed any news of your whereabouts or even your existence. Still, I have the gravest of concerns. He has said he would return, knowingI am certain--that Fanny would convey that message without awareness of the threat behind it. She lives in her own world and takes little notice of ours--that is to our advantage and the protection of all who seek shelter at the Haven.

You must not attempt passage to France! Yours and Luciens rooms are ready for you here; it would give your godchild a peace beyond any she has known in the past two years to know that you will remain in Rocca Sorrentina until the danger is dealt with by our friends in Marseilles. I have already sent them news of this Lord Ians appearance, as well as the most generous of donations to ensure their attention to our needs.

A fast packet ship scheduled to leave Rocca Sorrentina this day will carry my instructions to Pieter to increase the safeguards at the catacombs entrance. For the rest, I will endeavor to trust in our God who you continue to serve with such serenity and with whom I confess I continue to struggle.

Godfather, there is much here in this pleasant island to give you comfort and ease, as well as stimulation your intellect craves, so I beg you as humbly as I am able to remain here.

Your godchild,

Lorsagne