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Meeting of the Minds
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Alexa:
Ah, Miranda … So good to see you again, and glad you could make it.
Welcome to Wildwind Estates.
I hope Lincoln hasn’t been working you too hard.
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Miranda:
Wow … Wildwind Estates, and the place of legends.
My mother would be freaking out if she knew I was here.
Of course she would pinching me the whole time as well …
Telling me to mind my manners, make sure to use the correct fork, and try not to embarrass her.
The countryside is beautiful, and I saw the Manor on the way out here … Just Fabulous!
So much history … Oh, I’m rabbling, and I’m sure you have better things to do.
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Alexa:
Not at all sweetie …
Your passion for history is what makes you perfect as Lincoln’s apprentice …
and I might add, quite valuable to my interests lately.
But let’s not get into business just yet.
I want to learn what you found out about the talisman,
but go ahead and take a moment to breathe.
Everything is informal around here,
which is one of the reasons I prefer the Bunkhouse to the Manor myself.
I’ll show you to your room, where you can change into something a bit more comfortable.
Just relax and take in the sights while we wait for the others to arrive,
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Miranda:
Well, I think you are going to be a bit relieved when I share what I have found so far.
I’m also so excited I am about to bust.
I can wait until we can all cover it together, if needs be …
And the idea of wandering around this place is not unattractive at all.
I’ll get settled in and make myself at home.
Thanks, thanks a lot for deciding to meet out here.
I just cannot tell you … Oh, I’m being silly, let me get out of these travel clothes
and into something comfortable.
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Alissa:
It’s good to see you Darren.
It seems like it has been ages since the Academy.
I’m glad you could make it.
I’m also kind of glad your brother wasn’t invited … Haha.
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Darren:
Well the stories of the Wicked Witch of Wildwind locking you in the tower, must not be true.
You look great Alissa, and this is obviously not the big house.
It certainly looks comfortable though, and it looks like you have the resources I require.
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Alissa:
Nah, we don’t stay in Wildwind Manor.
It still has a full staff, and Alexa conducts official business up there,
but she won’t spend the night.
I don’t know if it is her parents passing, or just the place in general.
I have to admit that it is spooky at times.
So much history, so many pictures of dead people hanging on the walls.
Every time I go up there, I feel like I am in a sanctuary or something.
Her father built this place for her when she left for Academy.
It’s a place he told her she could come home to when she wanted to just relax.
They spent a lot of time together here, and she is quite fond of it.
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Darren:
I may be disappointed we are not staying at the Manor,
but like I said, it looks like you have everything I need here.
As requested, I’ll use your gear, with a guest login.
Alexa said something about flying under the radar as far as letting anyone know what’s going on.
I’ll set things up and then take a look around the place, if that’s okay.
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Alissa:
Oh you better believe there is going to be a little bit more to it than that mister.
You’re at the Bunkhouse now … And there is no staff here.
I know your tiny little fingers are used to pecking away on your keyboard,
but here … You’re going to have to catch your dinner.
There’s plenty of time for business, but here, you’ll be learning new things all day.
For starters … You better learn how to fish, or you might just go hungry.
Oh, by the way … Before you get all sassy with me,
I learned Sim-Fu in China, and I can kick your now … Hehehehe!
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Alissa:
Uh, wait … You’re Renee?
Alexa told me you were coming, and told me what you have been doing,
but you really don’t strike me as the skilled covert operative everyone seems to put you as.
It's great having you here, but you caught me by surprise …
Not what I expected.
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Renee:
I don’t know what you are talking about sweetheart.
I’m just a kind, unassuming spinster minding her own business.
Whatever nonsense anyone has told you about me, is probably just an overstatement.
Just Kidding, and in all seriousness, it’s just a tool of the trade.
In my line of work, it often plays better to simply blend into the crowd.
However, I heard you have learned a little Sim-Fu,
and I’ll meet you on the mat anytime, if you don’t think I can handle it.
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Alexa:
It’s great you were able to make it Renee,
and Lincoln mentioned you had fresh real time intel from Bridgeport.
Of course we are all going to want to discuss that,
and I cannot thank you enough for what you have been doing.
Let’s hold off on that for the moment, and we’ll get to business later.
You just got here, and there is a good bit of daylight left.
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Renee:
Well thank goodness for daylight …
Bridgeport is town that almost doesn’t get started until dark.
I have been waking up at noon, and gathering intel until dawn for far too long.
In fact … I’m pretty sure I am currently vitamin D deficient.
The fresh air and beautiful landscapes out here will certainly be a pleasant change.
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Alexa:
Well thanks again, and we are glad to have you.
No offense … We are huggers here, don’t beat me up or anything.
Alissa will show you to your room, where you can change.
I’m going out back to make sure Lincoln hasn’t drowned Darren in the pond yet.
I know Lincoln is going to be glad to see you too.
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Alexa:
I was able to handle what I went after in China, but nothing was conclusive.
Zahn Su was clear that no one had contacted the family about the artifact,
but was also clear that his family wouldn’t have really known what to tell them if anyone had contacted them.
They thought the Talisman of the Blood Dragon was just a silly family story.
Anyway, we’ll cover that at another time.
I asked you to come for another reason as well.
I want you to start the official business of bringing in Alissa as my Proxy.
If anything happens to me, the Wildwind Family will need a representative on the Council.
Should that happen, she’s going to need your help, and I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t concerned.
We managed things in Surdine okay, but it didn’t feel right.
I know people are watching me, but I don’t know who is behind it.
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Lincoln:
Uh, are you sure about this Alexa?
Alissa is young, and she is not like you.
Surely Jason or Carissa could handle it.
They are already staying in Wildwind Manor, and have been with the family much longer.
I know you and Alissa have been tight since you met as teenagers,
but we are talking about the Wildwind Family and their pull with the Council.
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Alexa:
You see Lincoln … That’s kind of the point in choosing Alissa.
More than the others, Alissa understands her debt to this Family.
She understands me, and the way I have carried my ancestor’s vision.
Secondly … She doesn’t want the position … Which makes her perfect for it.
I know that, because I know how that feels.
Standing up and doing your duty, scared to death you are going to make a mistake.
That breeds caution over ambition, and she is smarter than she gives herself credit for.
What she lacks in confidence, is what she is going to need from you.
The same way you took me to the side, told me the old stories, guided me to treasures they hid.
Your face in the Chamber, smiling, when I was so nervous I couldn’t remember what I needed to say.
You have to promise me Lincoln …
If something happens to me, you’ll take care of her the same way you would me.
I know the promise you made my father … I’m asking you to extend it to her.
I am not asking you as Alexa … I am asking you as Alexa Wildwind.
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To Be Continued …
Thanks for stopping by and checking the story out.
Happy Simming!
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