OOM: Small town in the Sto Plains, inn, the next morning

[scots_wolf]

Urquhart is sitting in the main room of the inn, sipping his first cup of coffee of the day. Things seem to be going well; the maids and grooms pass him and simper, or grin, and the cook has been by and asked him about breakfast.

It will be served when 'his young friend' comes down. Urquhart is ready to say something funny and outrageous when Moist appears, for the edification and amusement of all present.-

Comments

[morethanprops]

"Those wonderful artists from last night. We're going to help them form a commune."

[scots_wolf]

"Oh yes, that is right," Urquhart says, looking deeply into his coffee cup, then pouring himself more.

The maids are bringing breakfast now. There is oatmeal, toast and jam; butter and eggs and trout.

[morethanprops]

"You can always go fishing while we talk, dear. This looks perfect."

[scots_wolf]

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Urquhart says. "I love the way you get people to talk about their work."

He is buttering some toast.

[morethanprops]

The group of artists enter, many of them are yawning and look messy but prepared,

"Oh look here they are. Join us for breakfast."

[scots_wolf]

"Hello!" Urquhart calls out, cheerfully. "Sit down, sit down! Who wants tea, and who wants coffee?"

He looks into all their faces, smiling guilelessly and genially.

[morethanprops]

The men bustle and end up with a mixture of things and the nominal leader says,

"We've brought around a carriage to show you our land."

[scots_wolf]

"Oh, you have a carriage?" Urquhart says. "Somebody lent you one?"

[morethanprops]

"Its not in the best condition, we bought it from the Marquis when they were getting rid of it,"

Moist smiles and around a piece of toasts says, "Wasn't that generous of them? We really must go say hello."

[scots_wolf]

"Anybody want some black pudding?" Urquhart offers, cheerfully. "That Marquis sounds absolutely fabulous."

[morethanprops]

"He's a wonderful patron but he's not an artist, not like you are,"

Apparently Moist's painting yesterday impressed them as much as their money impressed the innkeeper.

[scots_wolf]

"You really get people who are both," Urquhart says. "And sometimes, patrons fancy themselves artists who really aren't, and want you to flatter them. Good thing I know my dear Alfred is really good."

[morethanprops]

"Yes, but we need those who understand how to appreciate the true artists. I do hope this Marquis is one of those,"

Moist says with a smile and kisses Urquhart's cheek, "You're too good to me, darling."

[scots_wolf]

"More trout?" Urquhart says, as he enjoys seeing Moist play people like he plays fish on a hook.

[morethanprops]

"He's been generous to us but he's been getting tired as the construction is getting complicated. You'll see, we have such plans for it," The leader talks while eating some trout.

Moist listens intently and says, "I know some people who can help, the best of these communities are built on true partnerships."

[scots_wolf]

"And not on people getting annoyed before building is even finished," Urquhart nods.

[morethanprops]

"No, you'll see, we'll help,"

And help in such a way that they leave with useful things for them too.

[scots_wolf]

It takes a while to get through all that breakfast, even with the artists all helping.

Finally, Urquhart calls the maids to take everything except coffee and tea away. "So, one more cup, and then we leave?" he suggests.

Things have been sounding very grand.

[morethanprops]

"Yes, we'll see the site first and then visit your patron,"

Some of the artists have been exchanging glances and the youngest one says, "I could see if the Marquis would come since I'm sure he'd like to meet you."

[scots_wolf]

"Meeting him in the field, so to speak!" Urquhart says. "What a brilliant idea. Why don't you go and bring him, and then we meet there?"

[morethanprops]

"Yes, we'll bring food with us too as I'm sure that's one of the nicest ways ot appreciate your beautiful building."

[scots_wolf]

"Bottle of whisky or two, some oatcakes, some of the salmon roe from last night, and perhaps a mild radish," Urquhart muses.

[morethanprops]

"Will you arrange it, darling? I just want to grab some supplies in case inspiration strikes, you know how it is."

[scots_wolf]

"Just a moment!" Urquhart says. "Don't go away!" he adds, to the artists.

He hurries to the kitchen and comes back with a basket at least as heavy as yesterday's, which he swings in his mighty fist with utter ease.

[morethanprops]

Moist returns with a jaunty hat and a bag of paint supplies and Franz who is making sure things don't fall out.