Sashataakheru (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wolfanfics) wrote2009-11-14 01:52 am
wolfanfics) wrote2009-11-14 01:52 am
NaNoWriMo Day 13
Current mood: Peachy, but tired
Current music: Daft Punk - Night Vision
Current Word Count: 25,777/50,000 :D
Progress: Much Andrew/Charles squishiness, and bratty thief Craig is threatening to crack under the pressure of kindness. Also, making Charles a knight with tenuous links to the Royal Family was as poncy as I was willing to let him get. He is, after all, the eldest son of a baronet, and not a Duke or a Prince. Also, he had to have an order to belong to as I wouldn't let him be a Knight Bachelor. XD
Chapters: 6/?
Current music: ELO - Letter From Spain
Time: 1:38am
Other comments: I fear I have spent rather a lot of time tonight looking at the peerage system and castles and manor houses. I am filling my brain with further tracts of useless knowledge. :D
We is up to chapter six tonight. Not sure how many chapters we'll have by the end of it, but yes. I have provision for 15 at present, with averages of between 4.2-5k per chapter. With the one exception of the 600 odd words of prologue. :P
Anyway. Two scenes for you. I am, still, sort of trying to entice the Craig/Andrew to emerge. Andrew is, of course, notoriously clingy when it comes to Charles, so this may be difficult. But I shall persist anyway.
Dawn rises anew, the world has never looked brighter
Andrew was not at all surprised he was awake before Charles the next morning. He did not care in the slightest what time it was. Being beside Charles was the most important thing. He remembered what he'd given to him before they went to bed, and the memory thrilled him to the core. There was no end to Andrew's attachment to him, and now that they would be living together, Andrew had everything he could ever want. Not even his ancestral lands were important. Certainly, society would never recognise their relationship, nor was Andrew sure he wanted it to do so. It would not stop him sharing his bed, of that Andrew was certain.
Charles woke slowly, becoming aware of Andrew lying close beside him. Andrew had, however, in the process of waiting for him to wake, dozed off and Charles had to resist the urge to wake him. Charles ran a hand through Andrew's hair, following it as it trailed down his back. Charles had never been keen to keep his as long as Andrew did, and Charles thought he looked rather silly with long hair anyway. He was perfectly happy to use the excuse that it interfered with his soldiering as to why his hair was cut short. No one was willing to counter his argument.
Charles was not necessarily a vain man. He did take a certain pride in his position and titles, and was not interested in besmirching his good name. That he still took an interest in training his men kept him in good shape in spite of his extravagant lifestyle, and Charles rather liked his extravagant lifestyle. Certainly, he was a very distant relative of the Royal Family, and would never come close to inheriting the throne. It was enough of a tie that his father managed to allow him to be knighted into the Order of the Bath on his 21st birthday, something Charles was very proud of. And just because he was never going to claim the throne, it did not mean he would not live like a Prince if he could afford to do so, and Charles was certainly not short of money. He had become very adept at finding all manner of ways to profit from society, and from the particular conditions affecting Birmingham, and he was both feared and loved for it.
It was hardly Charles' fault that the local Earl had disinclined to take any action, leaving Charles to fill the gap. It was also not Charles' fault that he didn't particularly like the Earl in question, either. They had both succeeded their fathers at the same age, in the same year, and Charles had decided he would like nothing more than to be better than him in every way that was possible. He wanted more lands, a bigger Army with better soldiers, more money, more companies at his disposal, and more love from his people. Every day he grew closer to being satisfied by his achievements.
He turned to glance at Andrew then, watching him dozing quietly beside him. He had loved him for a long time, and in spite of his parents introducing him to some perfectly adequate matches, Charles had always been slightly less enthusiastic about them as they might have expected. He was well aware he was in need of an heir if their lands and titles were to pass to another generation. However, the act was not something Charles was as interested in when compared to his business affairs. Andrew was possibly the only person he would ever love, an the thought of marrying some daft girl to produce an heir that would have to take up his bed where he wished Andrew would be was not a thought he liked to entertain.
Andrew gazed up at him then, finally waking from his dozing. He smiled sleepily and murmured a good morning. Charles gently kissed him and held him as they lay together in the warmth of morning, unwilling to leave their bed.
"Please inform me we do not have to do anything today. I would much prefer to remain here instead," Andrew said.
"I believe you were going to unpack, and I have my soldiers to train," Charles said.
"I wish to be yours, forever and always. Promise you will never take another to bed, now that I am here with you," Andrew said.
"I would never do so, not unless you were with me. I believe I have promised myself to you before, Andrew," Charles said.
"I know well you have said so. I like hearing you say it," Andrew said. "May I borrow Craig today? I promised he could assist me with unpacking. He will only irritate you all day if you do not let him come."
"Of course. Anything to get him out of my way," Charles said.
"Then perhaps we should get up, so I can send for him and get started. Of course, I am not the one who has soldiers to attend to," Andrew said.
"I'd not give up my Army for anyone," Charles said.
"I am well aware of that. I am also assuming you will allow me a workshop to tinker in when I am not attending to the wounds of your soldiers?" Andrew said.
"I have had a room kept for you. Shall I show you where it is?" Charles said.
"It might be nice to know that, yes," Andrew said.
After sharing another sweet kiss, they left their bed to dress, and presently, Charles led Andrew outside and down to the old manor house that had been used as an old school some time ago after the current, and much bigger, manor house had been built. The school had closed a decade ago when funding had run out and the children had been sent to orphanages instead. The old manor house had fallen into disuse and used as a store room since then, as no one had gotten around to deciding what else to do with it. Charles had always liked it, and had always made a point of keeping it. It might prove useful some day, and that day had come when Andrew had come looking for a workshop. Charles unlocked the front door and let them in.
"I kept it for you. I figured you wouldn't mind the space," Charles said.
"You're giving me the entire manor house?" Andrew said.
"Well, yes, if you wish it. It's not used for anything at present. Might as well have you put it to good use," Charles said. "Come on, I'll show you around."
Charles took his hand and showed him every room in the manor. Some work would need to be done on the house to make it secure, but it was still a sound building overall and Andrew was rather pleased with it. It was a very small manor house, as far as manor houses went, and Charles explained that his grandfather had build the manor after the previous manor had been burnt down for the family to live in.
It was a charming house though. It had two storeys and twelve rooms, and the remnants of what might once have been a beautiful garden. Most of the rooms had a varied collection of trinkets, furniture, and other objects, and they would need to be cleaned and sorted out if Andrew was to take over the building. Andrew was not quite convinced he needed an entire manor house as his workshop, but the room might be appreciated. He would make good use of the kitchen, and the drawing room would probably prove useful. There was a particularly nice bedroom on the second story that he might care to sleep in if he happened to be working late. The servants' quarters at the end would make a good store room for his supplies. It definitely had potential, even if he did not really need the whole house.
Charles brought him back down to the empty kitchen and they gazed around at it again. Andrew inspected the oven and what it might need to become the sort of oven he would require.
"So, you like it? My apologies for it being so large, but, well, I thought you would appreciate the extra space. If you would rather be in the main house, I can find room for you there," Charles said.
Andrew straightened and turned to face him. "I have a better idea. Perhaps we should restore this place and make it our own little refuge? You could come down and keep me company, and tell me when I might come to tea if I get too busy."
Charles approached him and brought him close. "I believe I understand what it is you are suggesting. I shall get right on it. Now, shall we retire back to the house and break our fast? I am exceptionally hungry, my good fellow."
"Yes, I should expect you are. Well, let us leave this for another time and tend to your appetite," Andrew said with a smirk.
They shared a quick kiss before leaving the old manor house. Charles locked the door and they headed back to the house. Andrew was quite sure he would very much enjoy himself while he was staying with Charles. He was always partial to staying with Charles for an indefinite length of time. He would, of course, have plenty to do when Charles was absent from his side, but it was a small price to pay for the times he would be there.
Lessons in avoidance manoeuvres and other flights of fancy
Craig had been very good. He had woken early and avoided getting in trouble for being back late. He was quite enjoying life in the barracks with the other soldiers. The barracks were situated on the other side of the new manor house, near the stables. It was fertile ground for training drills, and the recruits spent every day out there, learning how to fight. Craig had not let on where he had learnt how to shoot, nor where he had learnt any of the other skills that had appeared to come in quite useful in the life of a soldier. He would continue to have everyone believe he had led a wandering and colourful life and had picked up all sorts of skills along the way. It was easier than the truth.
He didn't feel too bad for managing to avoid training that day though. It had become an awful day, with rain pouring down around them. It was not a day to be outside shooting or fighting. Craig had the decency to not show his fellow soldiers how pleased he was to be getting out of it. He saved that for when he had arrived at Andrew's chambers to help unpack. Andrew was already at work, dealing with the mundane items as he set them in separate piles.
"Here as requested, sir, bright and early and ready for work, sir," Craig said cheerfully.
Andrew looked over at him. "Oh, there you are. Come in, come in. You can help me with these. I thought we'd get the boring stuff done first."
Craig saluted and approached, kneeling beside Andrew as he worked through the contents of the crate in front of him. Andrew lifted a smaller box out and handed it to Craig.
"Careful with that, that's precious," Andrew said. "Set it over on the dresser."
Carefully carrying the box as if his life depended on it, which wasn't that ridiculous an assessment, Craig took the box to the dresser and placed it down gently beside another box of similar size. He took a moment to admire it, brushing a finger along an edge to feel the polished wood, before he returned to Andrew's side. Andrew handed him a larger box with a very interesting pattern set in it.
"What's in it?" Craig said.
"Never you mind," Andrew said.
"Hey, I ain't gonna nick it or nothing. I was just curious. I never seen any of this stuff up close before," Craig said.
Andrew looked at him, not believing him. Craig crossed his heart and saluted again.
"Soldier's honour. Or whatever it's called. His Lordship made me swear to be a good boy," Craig said.
Andrew laughed a little. "I am quite sure he did. You really want to know?"
"I wouldn't mind knowing, sir, if you'd be so kind as to tell me. It's very pretty. Where's it from?" Craig said, admiring the box.
"It came from Persia. It was one of the few things I inherited from my parents. William, of course, inherited more than I did, but I treasure what I was given," Andrew said.
"Persia, hey? Where's that then?" Craig said.
"Across the other side of the world," Andrew said.
Craig opened the box. It contained small ampoules of liquids of various colours. He picked a yellow one up and looked at it. "And what's this then?"
Andrew took it from him. "That, I believe, is Solaris oil. It has its uses in medicine and alchemy. All the little vials in there are related to medicine or alchemy. I have collected them over the years. Some I may use on you if you happen to get yourself injured."
Craig took the ampoule back and returned it to the box. "Oh yeah, I forgot you was a doctor and all. Maybe I'll try get me head kicked in during training. That might do me some good," Craig said with a grin.
"I highly doubt Charles would appreciate that. He has been most generous to you, and I would not abuse that trust lightly. I mean that with the utmost affection that I have for you. Do not throw this chance away. You are unlikely to find a more generous knight in all the kingdom," Andrew said.
"You reckon I can actually do something with me life? Why do you have such faith in me? I'm just a poor thief who had the unfortunate luck to break into yer house one night," Craig said.
"Perhaps the Fates know best what they are doing. You have good lodgings, and someone who believes in you. Do not throw it all away for a handful of coins," Andrew said.
Craig set the box down and turned away from him. He was not entirely sure why he was upset. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and kept his eyes to the ground. "I don't know what's going on, sir, but I ain't never had anyone like you and His Lordship to look after me before. Well, not like the way yer doing it."
Andrew brought him into his arms, holding him tight. He had not wished to upset the lad, but he did not want him throwing this chance away. It was offered to so few that those who did not capitalise on it would surely live to regret it, and Andrew, for some reason he could not precisely fathom, did not wish to Craig to fail. Andrew stroked his hair gently and let him settle.
Craig had not expected to feel quite the way he did about Andrew at that moment. And then he remembered Jalyn and his mission and tears welled in his eyes again as he fought back the guilt. Could he really betray them? He knew what it was to be poor and forgotten and living on the streets. It had changed his view on just about everything he thought he had taken for granted. Craig was not at all sure he could keep up his end of the bargain. But to betray Jalyn and the men who had taken him in when no one else would...?
Craig decided he would not think about it, not now. He had no need to go back, and he could always use the Army as a reason for not returning sooner. Maybe he would think on it some more before he decided. And if, maybe, he felt he could trust Andrew in the same way that Andrew seemed to trust him, he might tell him his secrets.
At least I have an excuse to get Craig to go nick stuff from the Earl's estate now. Charles can send him over as a dare/revenge/petty one-up-manship, and lo, finally, Chris might turn up, being one of the Earl's younger brothers. I have half a mind to let Craig mess with Chris, just for the lulz. But we'll see.
Current music: Daft Punk - Night Vision
Current Word Count: 25,777/50,000 :D
Progress: Much Andrew/Charles squishiness, and bratty thief Craig is threatening to crack under the pressure of kindness. Also, making Charles a knight with tenuous links to the Royal Family was as poncy as I was willing to let him get. He is, after all, the eldest son of a baronet, and not a Duke or a Prince. Also, he had to have an order to belong to as I wouldn't let him be a Knight Bachelor. XD
Chapters: 6/?
Current music: ELO - Letter From Spain
Time: 1:38am
Other comments: I fear I have spent rather a lot of time tonight looking at the peerage system and castles and manor houses. I am filling my brain with further tracts of useless knowledge. :D
We is up to chapter six tonight. Not sure how many chapters we'll have by the end of it, but yes. I have provision for 15 at present, with averages of between 4.2-5k per chapter. With the one exception of the 600 odd words of prologue. :P
Anyway. Two scenes for you. I am, still, sort of trying to entice the Craig/Andrew to emerge. Andrew is, of course, notoriously clingy when it comes to Charles, so this may be difficult. But I shall persist anyway.
Dawn rises anew, the world has never looked brighter
Andrew was not at all surprised he was awake before Charles the next morning. He did not care in the slightest what time it was. Being beside Charles was the most important thing. He remembered what he'd given to him before they went to bed, and the memory thrilled him to the core. There was no end to Andrew's attachment to him, and now that they would be living together, Andrew had everything he could ever want. Not even his ancestral lands were important. Certainly, society would never recognise their relationship, nor was Andrew sure he wanted it to do so. It would not stop him sharing his bed, of that Andrew was certain.
Charles woke slowly, becoming aware of Andrew lying close beside him. Andrew had, however, in the process of waiting for him to wake, dozed off and Charles had to resist the urge to wake him. Charles ran a hand through Andrew's hair, following it as it trailed down his back. Charles had never been keen to keep his as long as Andrew did, and Charles thought he looked rather silly with long hair anyway. He was perfectly happy to use the excuse that it interfered with his soldiering as to why his hair was cut short. No one was willing to counter his argument.
Charles was not necessarily a vain man. He did take a certain pride in his position and titles, and was not interested in besmirching his good name. That he still took an interest in training his men kept him in good shape in spite of his extravagant lifestyle, and Charles rather liked his extravagant lifestyle. Certainly, he was a very distant relative of the Royal Family, and would never come close to inheriting the throne. It was enough of a tie that his father managed to allow him to be knighted into the Order of the Bath on his 21st birthday, something Charles was very proud of. And just because he was never going to claim the throne, it did not mean he would not live like a Prince if he could afford to do so, and Charles was certainly not short of money. He had become very adept at finding all manner of ways to profit from society, and from the particular conditions affecting Birmingham, and he was both feared and loved for it.
It was hardly Charles' fault that the local Earl had disinclined to take any action, leaving Charles to fill the gap. It was also not Charles' fault that he didn't particularly like the Earl in question, either. They had both succeeded their fathers at the same age, in the same year, and Charles had decided he would like nothing more than to be better than him in every way that was possible. He wanted more lands, a bigger Army with better soldiers, more money, more companies at his disposal, and more love from his people. Every day he grew closer to being satisfied by his achievements.
He turned to glance at Andrew then, watching him dozing quietly beside him. He had loved him for a long time, and in spite of his parents introducing him to some perfectly adequate matches, Charles had always been slightly less enthusiastic about them as they might have expected. He was well aware he was in need of an heir if their lands and titles were to pass to another generation. However, the act was not something Charles was as interested in when compared to his business affairs. Andrew was possibly the only person he would ever love, an the thought of marrying some daft girl to produce an heir that would have to take up his bed where he wished Andrew would be was not a thought he liked to entertain.
Andrew gazed up at him then, finally waking from his dozing. He smiled sleepily and murmured a good morning. Charles gently kissed him and held him as they lay together in the warmth of morning, unwilling to leave their bed.
"Please inform me we do not have to do anything today. I would much prefer to remain here instead," Andrew said.
"I believe you were going to unpack, and I have my soldiers to train," Charles said.
"I wish to be yours, forever and always. Promise you will never take another to bed, now that I am here with you," Andrew said.
"I would never do so, not unless you were with me. I believe I have promised myself to you before, Andrew," Charles said.
"I know well you have said so. I like hearing you say it," Andrew said. "May I borrow Craig today? I promised he could assist me with unpacking. He will only irritate you all day if you do not let him come."
"Of course. Anything to get him out of my way," Charles said.
"Then perhaps we should get up, so I can send for him and get started. Of course, I am not the one who has soldiers to attend to," Andrew said.
"I'd not give up my Army for anyone," Charles said.
"I am well aware of that. I am also assuming you will allow me a workshop to tinker in when I am not attending to the wounds of your soldiers?" Andrew said.
"I have had a room kept for you. Shall I show you where it is?" Charles said.
"It might be nice to know that, yes," Andrew said.
After sharing another sweet kiss, they left their bed to dress, and presently, Charles led Andrew outside and down to the old manor house that had been used as an old school some time ago after the current, and much bigger, manor house had been built. The school had closed a decade ago when funding had run out and the children had been sent to orphanages instead. The old manor house had fallen into disuse and used as a store room since then, as no one had gotten around to deciding what else to do with it. Charles had always liked it, and had always made a point of keeping it. It might prove useful some day, and that day had come when Andrew had come looking for a workshop. Charles unlocked the front door and let them in.
"I kept it for you. I figured you wouldn't mind the space," Charles said.
"You're giving me the entire manor house?" Andrew said.
"Well, yes, if you wish it. It's not used for anything at present. Might as well have you put it to good use," Charles said. "Come on, I'll show you around."
Charles took his hand and showed him every room in the manor. Some work would need to be done on the house to make it secure, but it was still a sound building overall and Andrew was rather pleased with it. It was a very small manor house, as far as manor houses went, and Charles explained that his grandfather had build the manor after the previous manor had been burnt down for the family to live in.
It was a charming house though. It had two storeys and twelve rooms, and the remnants of what might once have been a beautiful garden. Most of the rooms had a varied collection of trinkets, furniture, and other objects, and they would need to be cleaned and sorted out if Andrew was to take over the building. Andrew was not quite convinced he needed an entire manor house as his workshop, but the room might be appreciated. He would make good use of the kitchen, and the drawing room would probably prove useful. There was a particularly nice bedroom on the second story that he might care to sleep in if he happened to be working late. The servants' quarters at the end would make a good store room for his supplies. It definitely had potential, even if he did not really need the whole house.
Charles brought him back down to the empty kitchen and they gazed around at it again. Andrew inspected the oven and what it might need to become the sort of oven he would require.
"So, you like it? My apologies for it being so large, but, well, I thought you would appreciate the extra space. If you would rather be in the main house, I can find room for you there," Charles said.
Andrew straightened and turned to face him. "I have a better idea. Perhaps we should restore this place and make it our own little refuge? You could come down and keep me company, and tell me when I might come to tea if I get too busy."
Charles approached him and brought him close. "I believe I understand what it is you are suggesting. I shall get right on it. Now, shall we retire back to the house and break our fast? I am exceptionally hungry, my good fellow."
"Yes, I should expect you are. Well, let us leave this for another time and tend to your appetite," Andrew said with a smirk.
They shared a quick kiss before leaving the old manor house. Charles locked the door and they headed back to the house. Andrew was quite sure he would very much enjoy himself while he was staying with Charles. He was always partial to staying with Charles for an indefinite length of time. He would, of course, have plenty to do when Charles was absent from his side, but it was a small price to pay for the times he would be there.
Lessons in avoidance manoeuvres and other flights of fancy
Craig had been very good. He had woken early and avoided getting in trouble for being back late. He was quite enjoying life in the barracks with the other soldiers. The barracks were situated on the other side of the new manor house, near the stables. It was fertile ground for training drills, and the recruits spent every day out there, learning how to fight. Craig had not let on where he had learnt how to shoot, nor where he had learnt any of the other skills that had appeared to come in quite useful in the life of a soldier. He would continue to have everyone believe he had led a wandering and colourful life and had picked up all sorts of skills along the way. It was easier than the truth.
He didn't feel too bad for managing to avoid training that day though. It had become an awful day, with rain pouring down around them. It was not a day to be outside shooting or fighting. Craig had the decency to not show his fellow soldiers how pleased he was to be getting out of it. He saved that for when he had arrived at Andrew's chambers to help unpack. Andrew was already at work, dealing with the mundane items as he set them in separate piles.
"Here as requested, sir, bright and early and ready for work, sir," Craig said cheerfully.
Andrew looked over at him. "Oh, there you are. Come in, come in. You can help me with these. I thought we'd get the boring stuff done first."
Craig saluted and approached, kneeling beside Andrew as he worked through the contents of the crate in front of him. Andrew lifted a smaller box out and handed it to Craig.
"Careful with that, that's precious," Andrew said. "Set it over on the dresser."
Carefully carrying the box as if his life depended on it, which wasn't that ridiculous an assessment, Craig took the box to the dresser and placed it down gently beside another box of similar size. He took a moment to admire it, brushing a finger along an edge to feel the polished wood, before he returned to Andrew's side. Andrew handed him a larger box with a very interesting pattern set in it.
"What's in it?" Craig said.
"Never you mind," Andrew said.
"Hey, I ain't gonna nick it or nothing. I was just curious. I never seen any of this stuff up close before," Craig said.
Andrew looked at him, not believing him. Craig crossed his heart and saluted again.
"Soldier's honour. Or whatever it's called. His Lordship made me swear to be a good boy," Craig said.
Andrew laughed a little. "I am quite sure he did. You really want to know?"
"I wouldn't mind knowing, sir, if you'd be so kind as to tell me. It's very pretty. Where's it from?" Craig said, admiring the box.
"It came from Persia. It was one of the few things I inherited from my parents. William, of course, inherited more than I did, but I treasure what I was given," Andrew said.
"Persia, hey? Where's that then?" Craig said.
"Across the other side of the world," Andrew said.
Craig opened the box. It contained small ampoules of liquids of various colours. He picked a yellow one up and looked at it. "And what's this then?"
Andrew took it from him. "That, I believe, is Solaris oil. It has its uses in medicine and alchemy. All the little vials in there are related to medicine or alchemy. I have collected them over the years. Some I may use on you if you happen to get yourself injured."
Craig took the ampoule back and returned it to the box. "Oh yeah, I forgot you was a doctor and all. Maybe I'll try get me head kicked in during training. That might do me some good," Craig said with a grin.
"I highly doubt Charles would appreciate that. He has been most generous to you, and I would not abuse that trust lightly. I mean that with the utmost affection that I have for you. Do not throw this chance away. You are unlikely to find a more generous knight in all the kingdom," Andrew said.
"You reckon I can actually do something with me life? Why do you have such faith in me? I'm just a poor thief who had the unfortunate luck to break into yer house one night," Craig said.
"Perhaps the Fates know best what they are doing. You have good lodgings, and someone who believes in you. Do not throw it all away for a handful of coins," Andrew said.
Craig set the box down and turned away from him. He was not entirely sure why he was upset. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and kept his eyes to the ground. "I don't know what's going on, sir, but I ain't never had anyone like you and His Lordship to look after me before. Well, not like the way yer doing it."
Andrew brought him into his arms, holding him tight. He had not wished to upset the lad, but he did not want him throwing this chance away. It was offered to so few that those who did not capitalise on it would surely live to regret it, and Andrew, for some reason he could not precisely fathom, did not wish to Craig to fail. Andrew stroked his hair gently and let him settle.
Craig had not expected to feel quite the way he did about Andrew at that moment. And then he remembered Jalyn and his mission and tears welled in his eyes again as he fought back the guilt. Could he really betray them? He knew what it was to be poor and forgotten and living on the streets. It had changed his view on just about everything he thought he had taken for granted. Craig was not at all sure he could keep up his end of the bargain. But to betray Jalyn and the men who had taken him in when no one else would...?
Craig decided he would not think about it, not now. He had no need to go back, and he could always use the Army as a reason for not returning sooner. Maybe he would think on it some more before he decided. And if, maybe, he felt he could trust Andrew in the same way that Andrew seemed to trust him, he might tell him his secrets.
At least I have an excuse to get Craig to go nick stuff from the Earl's estate now. Charles can send him over as a dare/revenge/petty one-up-manship, and lo, finally, Chris might turn up, being one of the Earl's younger brothers. I have half a mind to let Craig mess with Chris, just for the lulz. But we'll see.