"No. No, it's  not. Irina's right," Iliza said, pushing past her earlier resignation. "The King was a great man. His death has changed much for the worse," she acknowledged. "And yet we cannot afford to sacrifice now in pursuit of what we wish could have been. We must not forsake our duties, however much we wish they had not fallen to us."

Euryleia was in agreement, of course, with everyone's sentiments.  Borrowing the holoscreen that had recently displayed a potential time lost daughter, Euryleia began to display public newsfeed articles and vids regarding Gwydion's tremendous personal efforts on behalf of the Callisto refugees and the regard of the people of Avaluna.  Of people given hope by his actions.  She didn't point them out or comment on them directly.  Just offering more direct evidence pertinent to the discussion.

She also looked again to Brun, at his tension and instability.  Her arm around him now; holding on and supporting.  Anchoring, if she could.

Brun leaned into the embrace taking comfort in the safety and security he felt there.  The tides didn't feel so strong in her arms, which was good as he had felt his grip on this important discussion faltering.  Splitting.  Splicing. He still tried to get his thoughts through.  Iliza was so often right about these things, so siding with her came easily, "Yes.  That.  We don't always.... choose our duties....  Just how we try to carry them..."

Euryleia decided to leave it to the others to convince Gwydion.  She had little to add helpfully and didn't feel like dwelling on notions of the consequences of extreme reactions to the idea of letting someone go....

So, beyond being a tangible support to Brun and the newsfeed offerings, Euryleia kept working through the possibilities of timelines and mapping.  She did "mentally" message MerLN so as not to interrupt the conversation, "Please share the data you have regarding theoretical time travel into the past and the resource requirements.  I would like to understand more."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 12:14, Wed 13 Mar.

"I know, I know! I just..." The frustration halts its boiling when the vidscreens of Gwydion and Iliza's works together pop up around him. Managing the building of new housing. Going shopping in the new markets to show support and find out what the people truly need. Hosting talks between the Callistans and the Avalunan locals to ease tensions. "I just... don't know what to do without him. And with Auntie Val taking my engagement from me, the one thing I've ever been allowed to choose for myself? It's very... distracting. Ember Rend took two fathers from me, took Aunt Val's husband from her, and she took our engagements away from us in turn, and L4-NC3-L07 has broken ties with us entirely, and I just wanted to do what I could to fix things. That was supposed to be my duty, not something I was shying away from. So should I just... destroy the research? If it's so dangerous we're sending our own children back in time to stop it from happening, then can I really afford to keep trying? You all and Meara are the only ones I can really trust with information like this. I need your help. Please, not as Prince Gwydion, but as Gwydion your friend and loved one, advise me. What can I do?"

"Irina already told you. Pull your head out of your backside. Really, Gwydion. This is the first time since I have known you that you ever struck me as a coddled Princeling. Well, I, for one, won't indulge you. You're an idealist and I love that about you, but you must understand that sometimes everything cannot be fixed and more importantly, as you taught me, not everything is your fault." She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. "You are not alone. And you never will be."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Wed 13 Mar.

In reply to Meara (msg # 137):

"I have apprised Dame Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT or your request. The doctor wishes them to remain for observation. Shall I open a communique or would you prefer to meet them in the Infirmary," MerLN immediately replied to Meara's request.

---

"There is no data on the subject of time travel you propose. It is just the only means that is not expressly forbidden by the Unified Theory of..." MerLN began a rather in-depth mathematical analysis of the current understanding of physics. "Which brings us to the creation of the Wyrmgates and their... " Irina seem grateful for the distraction and very interested in the presentation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:19, Wed 13 Mar.

Meara furrowed her brow, as she would much prefer to speak to them in person, but she also wanted her aunt to be able to participate and offer her wisdom, as well.  That meant the compromise was speaking remotely.

"A communique would be best.  That way we can all speak without interfering with the doctor's wishes.  We can hardly complain about recoveries taking time if we ignore the ones providing treatment, and I would rather not leave anyone out of the loop and reliant on my reports alone."

Muttering, she added, "At least, not until I actually get better at them."

Euryleia internalized her frustrations with MerLN and hoped, not for the first time, she was not as obtuse as her digital "kin" could be.  She pinged him, to interrupt the lecture for a moment, putting her attention on Gwydion and Iliza, "If it helps at all, the theoretical model MerLN seems to be referring to, suggests that nothing you do now can change the events that lead these individuals to travel back in time.  As that event has now already happened, therefore, the fact that they will do so in the future must happen.  A closed loop, or time-like curve if you prefer". Euryleia's silver eyes flick to Iliza, then back to Gwydion with an apologetic sort of smile and tilt of her head, "So, as Iliza said, you still can't fix everything and it's not entirely your fault."

Brun felt the push and pull lessening as he tried to calm down and steady himself through the anchor of his Lady.  Catching Euryleia's repetition, he started to give a wan, tired chuckle....  Then stopped at a thought, "But....  If the events that lead to them travelling back /must/ happen, then it can't be that they were sent to stop something.  Because they couldn't.  Because they didn't...". He tried to focus...to think it through...  He would apparently be responsible for sending them, so if the past was fixed and he knew that, why send them...  Brainstorming, he suggested, "To get something?  Like Clarent?  But why attack at all....  But they didn't draw blood...  Oh!  I saw that but you didn't...  The wounds are wrong, but left particles.  Like a mark.  But not Gwydion's....  But the blade didn't do it..."

As Brun spoke, Euryleia rewound the visual recording again to highlight the blade after striking Gwydion for everyone to see...

Brun's thoughts barreled on, " So if they were getting something and marking things....  They'd need to get back...  And the Wyrmgates do basically send us into the future, in a way....  They might need the Wyrmgates to travel back?  Or maybe they used it to travel here in the first place?". Brun was beginning to lose track of himself and his thoughts again.  Euryleia could tell and hugged him again gently, but spoke up, "MerLN, I apologize for the interruption....  You were saying about the gates?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:55, Wed 13 Mar.

Holding Iliza must have been fully medicinal, because his breathing gradually steadied and his posture corrected. It was like hugging the life back into him.

"I've missed you. Long as you're here, I can do anything." With a sigh, he turned to address Euryleia with a wry smile. "Actually that does the opposite of help, but I appreciate it. If destroying our research can't solve the problem, then we still don't know what the actual problem is or what to do about it. But Brun's right, all we can really do is piece together what we know of they've done and hope it makes sense."

MerLN opened a channel to the Infirmary to allow Meara to speak with both Sir L1-4MNT and Freyr. When he learned of her interest in his vision over the Skies of Mars, he related what he could recall, "The Dragon appeared from nowhere and began laying waste to the skies over Mars. L4-NC3-L07 led our sally forth even as we called for aid from Avaluna. We fought with everything we had, but it wasn't enough. Many Slave Knights fell, and Lord L4-NC3-L07 was struck down, but just as we prepared to face the end, the Warhost of Avaluna arrived. King Arthur led the charge against the Emergent fiend and drew it's attention from those few of us that still stood. I regrouped and made to rejoin the frey as it attempted to turn it's fire upon him, but I saw the flicker of figure in my vision and I found that I could not move, just as I cannot move my arm now. I was forced to bear witness as Dragon Fire consumed the valiant and noble King who had saved so many...

It is my weakness that is to blame for his death. If I had been strong enough to overcome the Waking Death, perhaps John Arthur might have been saved... "

---

"The Wyrmgates...? Ah, yes," MerLN began to recite the information once more until Gwydion spoke, "Hmmm...Perhaps the Prince has a point, what can we surmise about our infiltrators?"

Euryleia answers quickly and efficiently, "That they come from further ahead on the timeline; evidenced by technology and...familial similarities.  That they have a purpose; that the King, we assume John Arthur, must die.  We have assumed that this is to preserve a better timeline, perhaps to prevent Prince Gwydion's death."

She raised a brow, glancing first to Brun to see if he had anything to add to the summary (he didn't.). They then both looked to MerLN expectantly to see what further insight he might have.

While it cannot be seen, Meara slowly shook her head.  "We cannot change who we were, only who we currently are.  Better to honor his dreams by our actions than to lament what we could have done.  He was never the kind of person to hold someone's past self against them like that.  We can work on overcoming the Waking Death together going forward," she replied before asking, "The figure you saw... was it the same as the one who attacked you today?  Or was it different?  I know it is not a kind thing to ask of you, but we need to know."

Sir L1-4MNT gave a slight nod at the Princess's encouragement, but she could tell that he held little hope.

"Yes," Sir L1-4MNT said. "It was a slender figure in white armour. Only, then, it held a different blade."

---

"As succinct a summation as any, given what we know," MerLN agreed with Euryleia. "At this time, we have little choice but to remain vigilant and hope to determine what our...temporal infiltrators...have planned."

Left at an impasse, but resolving to remain vigilant, Gwydion dismissed his advisors and encouraged them to get rest. Due to Meara's resolve, the Queen decreed the festivities would continue as planned,
hopefully with their guests none the wiser as to what had transpired.

Lady Irina was the first to leave, but Lady Iliza stayed by Gwydion's side. "Gwydion..." she began hesitantly. She glanced around at the guards. "Is there somewhere we could speak...privately?"

---

It's quite late and Meara is still in the presence of the Queen discussing the evening's events when she receives a communique.

A handsome face appeared before her, in the midst of what looked to be a raucous gathering, somewhere near the docks.

"Ah! Princess! Excellent," Sir Dalibrad Delors began. "My apologies for the late hour. But I find myself on a quest, which I figured I should bring to your attention." The camera panned over to a clearly drunk Irina slung over Sir Dalibrad's shoulder and, yet, still trying to start a brawl with a waste receptacle. Tears streamed down her face.

"Say they look cute together again! Say it!" Irina bawled as she windmilled both arms toward the offending bin.

"I am happy to see the Lady Irina safely home, but," he coughed, "The matter seems rather more delicate than that."

---

The Lord and Lady of the House of Stjernevold received a visit from Herald Godwin very early the next morning. The man clearly had not slept.

He gave a stiff bow, straightened, and then began, "Lord, Lady, it is with great pleasure that I inform you that I have made accommodations for the two young ladies that my Lord requested at the," he gritted his teeth,"Last Minute."

He continued, "While it was no easy task, I am sure the Ladies Agravina and Mordwynn will enjoy the Royal Wedding. I noticed his Lordship listed them as members, rather than guests, of House Stjernevold. Distant relatives that my Lord and Lady plan to adopt into the house? Orphans perhaps?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:38, Wed 03 Apr.

Meara was quite glad that Auntie Val couldn't see her face at the moment, because it was not the face of a soon-to-be-queen being told of a situation that they need to solve diplomatically.

It was the face of someone who was very torn, and whose heart was being pulled at again.

She knew she'd never be able to convince Dalibrad otherwise, and the relationship hadn't been even remotely secret, so Meara let her face be honest.  She found Irina's actions to be both heartwrenching and absolutely endearing.

"Oh Iri... thank you for contacting me about this, Sir Dalibrad, and I greatly appreciate you looking out for her," she replied before turning to look at her Aunt, "While I do not think it the wisest decision to bring her to my quarters, I feel it is even less wise to send her back to her room where she would be alone in such a state."

She turned back to Dalibrad and made her request.  "Sir Dalibrad, would you please escort Lady Irina to the Queen's quarters?  And try to make sure she does not get into any more fights with bins on the way."

The hug had been perfect while it lasted, but it would have been even more awkward had it gone on forever in front of everyone. With the meeting concluded and the thinktank dispersed, all that was left was a prince and the woman of his dreams. And the guards. The prince's answer had a tinge of sadness in his voice, though he still wore a soft smile while addressing Iliza.

"Of course. Come, let's talk." His quarters would be a poor choice in these circumstances, so instead he offered her an arm and began to lead her towards the terrace where they would often go to look over the city. There wouldn't be others there at this hour, especially with a lockdown, and any guards could be momentarily dismissed.

Brun had awoken in his now common haze of temporal confusion.  Euryleia had, as patiently as ever, assisted him in grounding himself in the Now as best she could.   This Brun seemed to be from relatively near Now...  Sometime around his being brought before the King and Queen for withholding information....

Godwin's reference to the requested guests made Brun hang his head a moment.  Clearly having no idea what the Herald was referring to, but knowing that some other version of himself probably did.  He rubbed his eyes, "Thank you, Godwin.  I'm sorry...  I don't remember...."

Euryleia took it quietly in stride.  Externally.  Internally, she quickly began to access everything she could about the names and any communications between Brun and Godwin recently.

To Godwin, Euryleia addedsimply, "Yes.  Thank you, Herald, for managing on such short notice.  Please send me the details of your arrangements. Where are they now?  I'm eager to see them again.

Iliza stared out from the terrace for several moments as she tried to compose herself.

When she turned back to Gwydion, he could see that she was trembling.

"Gwydion this isn't...I don't want...I know it's not...We tried to...I can hardly believe...In light of what we just discussed..." She couldn't quite find the words to begin.

She exhaled and locked eyes with Gwydion, clearly overwhelmed with emotion. "Gwydion, I'm pregnant."

---

Dalibrad began walking as Meara issued her orders, "As you will, your Highness."

Meara could hear Irina shouting at the can in the background, "That's right. Run away. Leave me alone. Just like...just like she did." Irina's shouting quickly turned to quiet crying.

Sir Dalibrad looked apologetic for a moment before he ended the call.

---

By the time the pair arrived at the royal residence, Dalibrad was carrying Irina piggyback and the pair were under heavy guard. Irina gnawed on a churro as long as her forearm, while Dalibrad kept glancing worryingly at the crumbs she was getting on his fine jacket. One must look one's best in the presence of royalty after all.

"Huhs gaht uh hugh lanz," Irina informed one of the Valkyries standing guard through a mouthful of fried pastry as they passed by. Irina had, surely, been referring to the armament of Sir Dalibrad's armour, Exemplar. Never one to miss an opportunity, however, Dalibrad shot a wink at the Valkyrie. Then, mindful of Irina on his back, he deftly ducked through the entrance and set Irina down on her feet.

"Dahl, yah laigh tah meh," Irina said once she realized where they were, despite being locked into an ongoing battle with her churro.

"I most certainly did not. I promised you a smoking hot redhead to fix all your problems..."

"Her Highness Princess Meara of Chonaill," the attendant announced.

Sir Dalibrad shot Lady Irina a rather smug look, quickly tidied his jacket, and then bowed formally as Meara entered.

---

Godwin looked quite pleased with the praise he received. A few taps of his data pad provided Euryleia with all the available details. Including the not-inconsiderable expenses associated with it. House Stjernevold was newly born and did not have the resources and holdings of it's peers. Trading on the good will provided to the heroes of the Burning Skies could only last so long. House Stjernevold would need to establish and sustain a source of income if it were to last.

"A question I myself have, my Lady. The request I received from his Lordship made no mention of any travel arrangements for the Ladies Agravina and Mordwynn only that they'd be arriving, promptly, at luncheon this afternoon. I took the liberty of checking the passenger manifests of ships arriving today and, alas, I was unable to locate any such passengers by those names. Traveling incognito perhaps? Not unheard of, but if your Ladyship might provide me with their assumed names so that I might meet them upon their arrival..." the Herald tried to keep his voice from sounding too annoyed.

"I have also received another request for both my Lord and Lady to address a gathering of...admirers...in their former armour bay."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:45, Thu 04 Apr.

Sir Dalibrad saw Meara wince from Irina's exclamation just before the call ended.  She turned to her aunt again and said, "It seems I have another crisis to solve.  We can only hope there are no more surprises tonight."

Oh, if only she knew.

---

"Why, Sir Dalibrad, that is perhaps the most flattering description I have ever received," Meara said as she approached the two of them with a grin, then gave Dalibrad a genuinely thankful smile and an appreciative curtsy.  "I truly appreciate you looking out for her.  I shall take care of her from here.  There are still festivities that require your charming presence."

She then took a moment to fully take in what she had just requested be dropped on her doorstep.  Irina was, of course, still absolutely adorable, but clearly still drunk.  And munching on a churro.  Meara didn't know they even had those available, especially with the rationing.  More importantly, though, was Irina's mood.  And her health.  Meara did not want Irina to suffer a hangover on top of everything else.

She turned to the attendant and requested, "Please bring a pitcher of cold water and a glass.  I will attend to Lady Irina myself."  That out of the way, she looked at Irina, gestured to a nearby couch, and said, "Please, come take a seat."

Meara was still wearing the same dress she wore to the dinner earlier, including the heels, and with the assistance of the royal attendants, her hair was still in place as well as her makeup being on point.  That is to say she still looked enchantingly beautiful, and here she was, requesting to spend time with Irina.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Thu 04 Apr.

Gwydion's smile became even more warm and endeared as Iliza struggled to find words. She was just so... so cute. Once she did find the words she was looking for, or at least the ones she found, his smile lingered for a moment before falling off completely as he realized what she'd just said, and his eyes slowly widened. Then his smile slowly returned, wider and goofier this time.

"Iliza, that... that's amazing news! Wait, no. This wasn't supposed to happen so soon. We were supposed to get in much more practice on making this happen first. But no matter, it's perfect anyway. Wait, no. All my skills are in diplomacy and duels. I can't negotiate with a baby, and I certainly can't challenge one to a duel when they don't want to eat or take a nap. I'll need books. But-but I'll make sure to develop the right skills, and we'll need to reestablish permission to wed sooner rather than later, and perhaps Brun's flash forwards can help determine what I need to study up on most. And we should definitely be kissing more often, just all the time, I read somewhere that it's healthy, helps the immune system and reduces stress. But oh no, hm. We can't do that too much until we can get Irina happily in Meara's arms again, I don't want to tear the poor girl's heart apart even more than Auntie Val's plan already has. No, it'll be fine. Everything is going exactly right. I mean apart from... well you know. But this is great news, and I've already picked out names. I mean, if you like them. Do we know what fashion trends will be in vogue for babies yet? Wait no, royalty creates fashion trends." The excitable prince went on babbling for a bit, beaming at Iliza the whole time.

Brun shook his head again, looking up to the herald with a wan apologetic smile, "Sorry...  I really have no idea in this....  State...  I'm sure I had good reasons.  When was this request?  Maybe I left myself a note..." He moved to find his pad, but had no recent recollection of this room, much less where he would have put it down.

Euryleia had already scooped it and was ready to pass it over, just before Brun thought to ask her.  To Godwin, she continued, "I am certain they will be able to find their way, thank you.  Your arrangements are perfect, as usual.". A pause to accent the change of subject, "Please express to our admirers our sincere gratitude and begin arranging a few dates for us to meet with them.  /After/ the wedding.  I'm sure you'll know how best to do so."

Brun looked up from his pad with surprise as he caught that, "We have admirers now?"

Euryleia grinned, eyeing her Knight impishly, "Don't play coy....  You've always had admirers.  For very good reasons..." She slid an arm around him to place a hand possessively upon a "good reason." Silver eyes flicked back to Godwin as both laughed.  She hoped the display made the herald uncomfortable.

For one, she enjoyed putting Godwin off balance whenever she could.  For two, Euryleia needed him to go away so they could investigate their guests a bit...  Maybe other things....  But mostly the investigating.

Iliza was visibly relieved at Gwydion's excitement regarding the news, but she didn't relax completely.

"Gwydion, this is the exact sort of situation your marriage to Meara was meant to avoid. A potential rival to the succession certainly complicates matters. No that, well, you understand, but...Are we sure this is the right decision? Half an hour ago, you were concerned that our potential child tried to kill you." She looked both exasperated and worried. "I must be dreaming. That's the only explanation for the holo-novel my life has become."

---

Sir Dalibrad was too self-assured to be embarrassed at the Princess overhearing his description of her. He acknowledge Meara's thanks with a bow of his head and turned to go, but not before he stopped to say something to Irina. The Princess couldn't overhear it this time, but it was brief.

Sir Dalibrad stopped to check his reflection in a mirror before allowing himself to be escorted out the postern door. "Stand watch here often," Meara heard him ask the Valkyrie outside, just before the door closed.

In response to whatever it was Sir Dalibrad had said to her, Irina seemed to gain a sense of confidence. She swallowed down the bit of churro she had been chewing and walked over to where Meara had asked her to sit. As she moved she swayed her hips, but, whether from the alcohol or from a lack of practice, she looked more like an angry duck than the seductress that she surely intended.

"Thank you," Irina said, as she seated herself as close to Meara as she could. She held her churro to her mouth, between her teeth, but she didn't bite. She simply fixed Meara with a half-lidded stare and said "Mmmmm, cinnamuhn."

---

Godwin did indeed look quite uncomfortable at the affection shown between his employeers.

"I will convey your gratitude and make the appropriate arrangements, Lady. If you'll please excuse me." Godwin made a quick bow and hurried away before he had to witness any more sappiness between the two.

Euryleia was able to quickly discover that Godwin had indeed received a message which was from Sir Brun, but there was no record of Brun having ever sent such a message. It had been sent during the reception dinner and precisely at the same moment as the sensors records from the Queen's chamber had been altered...

Seeing Irina in a better mood helped Meara's as well, and she covered a giggle with a hand as Irina waddled her way to the couch.  She then sat directly next to Irina and gave her a fond smile.  "Why, Iri, are you attempting to seduce me?  Because you should be aware that you succeeded at that well before today," she said, giving Irina a playful boop on the nose.  She then caressed Irina's cheek with the back of her left hand as she said, "My lovely, wonderful, brilliant, charming, beautiful, endearing Iri.  You are still the one who holds my heart.  Now finish your food, you look ridiculous, and then make sure you drink plenty of water.  I cannot let you suffer a hangover because of me."

Gwydion's excitement stopped in its tracks, and he let himself shift back to some semblance of seriousness.

"Ah, right. Complicated succession lines haven't really been an issue in my time, so it slipped my mind. But I think we've concluded that my attacker wasn't aiming to kill, just to... mark? If she was sent back in time to protect me and that was somehow part of it, then I should trust her to know more about the situation than I do. Though for a plan like that, she certainly did keep me on my toes... Well regardless, I love and adore you and fathering your child is the greatest journey I can imagine. We will be wonderful, and so will she. I have zero doubts about that."

Euryleia spared the time for a little more appreciation of the "good reason" after Godwin exited.  Brun laughed again, understanding exactly what she was doing, "Godwin is very good at his job.   He was a great help to me... at the beginning...  And now even.  He's just a bit...traditional?"

Silver eyes rolled, "Staid?  Officious? Stuffy, perhaps?  Uptight.....  Prissy....   I have access to quite a few thesauruses and dictionaries.  Multiple languages even.  "Traditional" just barely scratches the surface....  But, yes.  He's good at his job and it keeps me from having to do it.  We have more important things to do."  She gently tapped his datapad.

Brun glanced down and shrugged in resignation, "I left no notes....  I don't know who they are or why they are traveling incognito..."

Euryleia did her best to explain the likely connections and most recent events.  Again.  Patiently.  While doing so, she sent notes inviting Meara and Gwydion to lunch to meet "two future members of House Stjernevold".  She recommended possibly include the queen, as well as Iliza and Irina.  But would be leaving those choices to the Royal Highnesses.  A copy of the request Godwin received and the timestamps connecting it to the intrusion were also included.

Euryleia and Brun would spend what time they had before the lunch arranging a location with coordinated ready scanning from Thames.  Any further time she had with this Brun was spent learning about his scanners and how they might be able to upgrade station sensors...

Iliza softened and finally let Gwydion hold her peacefully.  She held him tightly as well.

"I hate that you're so trustworthy, because I fear that you make it all sound so much simpler than it really is..." She looked up at Gwydion. "You're right about one thing though. We've not had near enough practice. And it's not like you could get me pregnant twice..."

---

Irina evidently took Meara's attention as permission and she practically pounced upon the Princess allowing her food to fall to the ground. She smelled of fried dough, very cheap liquor, and just a hint of expensive cologne which must have been from Sir Dalibrad "Yeah, dun le me suh-fer," " Irina pleaded as she leaned in to kiss Meara.

---

Brun and Euryleia were able to spend the remainder of the morning in the welcome company of both each other and their second family in the crew of the Thames. Upgrading Avaluna's sensors would be possible, though not not feasibly done overnight. Within a few months though certainly.