A lot of people have followed the sounds and lights to the Clear Fountain Plaza, and the crowd grows rapidly.  This is nothing like anything they've seen here before.  And it is a very mixed crowd:  Humans, Lycanthropes, Elves, Dwarves, Centaurs... there go a few Halflings, and likely as not there are a few others here and there.

Theoderic stays close to Aelasuria... especially with all these people around.

Lights illuminate the sky above, throwing an ever shifting pattern of color onto the plaza.

Cirrus is having the time of her life.  When she's not singing with the Dwarf band (she's only there for about a third of the songs,) she's dancing to their music, her hair and dress playing in the gentle wind she seems to call unconsciously.

She sings one more song, and spots Aelasuria and Theoderic in the audience, and jumps of the stage and runs up to them when she is done.

“Did you like it?” Cirrus asks excitedly.  “They're doing some more traditional Dwarf songs now.  They didn't think my voice goes well those.”

The Dwarves may well be right.  Tradtional Dwarven songs tend to be about traditionally Dwarven things, and Cirrus's gentle soprano voice just doesn't seem to carry the feel of mining or hammering at a forge.

Many people start to gather around.  It may surprise Theoderic and Aelasuria, who are used to attracting attention... but this time, the focus of all the attention is Cirrus.

And she seems to like it.

As promised Dunduin ambles in to take in the show surprised at the big crowd but happy it appeared that the dwarven band gig was well attended. Maybe the dwarves did have some things to offer other races besides goods made in the forge. Interesting. At any rate, he took in the show and people. It seemed like they somehow were able to add some special magical effects along with a sultry lead singer that captured everyone's attention. Dunduin chuckled. Amazing how some things just seem to happen. Shrugging he thought such is life and made his way through the crowd looking for familiar faces.

Needless to say she cheers for Scolo and Cirrus showing her support for them Enthusiastically. She cheers for the dwarves as well after all they are working hard to perform for the crowd as well.

Aelasuria smiles warmly at Cirrus gently hugging her close and giving her a kiss on the cheek.  "Of course we love it Cirrus. You have a lovely voice which is truly a gift. I am very happy for you! You could make a living just by singing I think perhaps like a bard."

She notes the crowd enjoying the rare mix of peoples from all over their world. Centars, elves dwarves, lycanthropes, humans, haflings and even rarer races no doubt ran about. It all of these peoples worked together the Huns would surely be defeated.

Happily Aelasuria waves to Scolo happy for him as well. She could only wonder how much he enjoyed performing up there as well. Hopefully he wasn't exhausted and would have time to relax and enjoy himself as well after the show. Noting Bryon's absence Aelasuria could only hope that she has a good time. Perhaps they would see her again soon enough. She certainly was a outgoing person. Knowing her she might go up on stage to hang out with the dwarfs. Course that would only work if they allowed it. Either way sooner or later she  would likely talk with them.

Holding hands with Theo She smiles at him speaking softly. "It was quite the show wasn't it Theo. I think Cirrus has found something she truly enjoys."

Kyriel stays near Theoderic and Aelasuria. Her attention is less focused on the pyrotechnics and the music than on the crowd and any suitable sniping spots around them.

When the performance is over she claps along with everyone else in order to not draw any attention to herself. She smiles and laughs, but her eyes constantly scan the crowd and any place that she could use to attack by surprise. Of course, she's no mage so she's unsure what they could do in such circumstances.

Rory takes over for Cirrus. He knows these songs, and his voice is much better for them anyway. This is actually his forte. Being a showman he adds a chorus of illusory singers behind him, eagle's splendor to enhance his stage presence, and of course ghost sounds to make the thing just a bit spooky. Spooky is his favorite thing, after all.

Bryon loved this, the crowd, the energy, and the excitment were exactly the kind of thing she was drawn to. Of course there were lots of men to choose from. Women were a bit more difficult, most were not interested in other women, but the ones who were she would be able to pick out fairly easily.

She avoided the centaurs, horses were not her thing and half horse half person was a greek thing and not really something she liked. Elven men were too angular, pointed chins, pointed ears, slender none of which were her type. Dwarves now dwarves were what men should be - broad, hairy, and full of stamina. Humans were her second choice, but her first is and always had been dwarves.

She picked out the new dwarf (Dunduin) as he entered the square. He was obviously some kind of officer from his armor and the way the others gave him defference. She hoped that meant he had a commanding presence and was not afraid of her the way the other fellow did. She mingled her way towards him, grabbing a pair of Ale mugs from a passing server. When she reached him she handed him one of the mugs and then wrapped her free arm around his shoulders. "I'm Bryon. Will you tell me your name or should I just make one up for you?"

Dunduin gently removes the arm around his shoulders, cups her hand in his own briefly before releasing her hand and says looking into her eyes "I appreciate your kindness..Bryon..but as a commander of the dwarven force I must set a good example for our troops. It is nice to meet you. I am known as commander Dunduin." He gives her a toothy half grin.

She laughes, "A good example?" She poked her lip out, mock pouting. "Your not married too are you? Are all you dwarves here married?"

Cirostis watches the show, enjoying it in full he stays near the food.

Dunduin chuckles "Ah, I see. You must not know. This hammer symbol on the front of my vestment indicates that I am cleric of Vulcan, the god of smiths. My marriage is first to that order and secondly in a manner of speaking to my king and troops." He spreads his arms and hands in an open gesture. "I'm sure with all those present here there are bound to be some who would find fancy in your companionship. You certainly have an abundance of youthful energy going for you" he smiles and folds his arms.

Cirostis sees some of the Lads from Artilliary. He chats with them awhile. Eventually he gives them a warning.

Whatcha out lads, that lady over there he indicates Bryon is very curious about Dwarves.
I'd hate for anyone to get injured or not make it back for duties in the morning. Someone would get stuck with extra KP for a week if that happened.

He knows that a warning from a superior officer can be taken as a dare and that such a mild punishment for missing duty tomorrow morning will result in a very high rate of absence along with some extra clean mess areas for several weeks in the future.

Needless to say, Bryon will be approached - some of the other ladies might find opportunity as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

"Oh..." She was more than a bit dejected. To be turned down for diety. She blew a rasberry at him. "I see. Well I hope your god keeps your warm at night." She bends, ever so slightly, austencibly to put him at eye level but knowing full well where his eyes will likely fall. "If you ever break up with him, find me, I'm sure I can show you a much better time."

She giggles as she makes her way back to the larger crowd. As she made her way toward them she found herself suddenly surrounded by a large group of very manly worrior dwarves. Oh this is going to be f-u-n goes through her mind. She laughes aloud as she begins to fill her dance card with very spledid dwarves...

Cirostis approaches Dunduin laughing - Don't worry, Sir we'll have discipline back in a few weeks I'm sure.

What are we doing next anyway? I tried to find a subject matter expert among the owls on Demons for a future strategy session but ... Well, they weren't very practical. Have you had any consideration on our return home? It would seem a waste if we plan to stay here all winter - we could be losing ground.

He takes a drink of something in his tankard

Nodding in the direction of the departing joyful woman Byron Dunduin tells Cirostis "She seems friendly enough. I didn't detect any malice in her. It's just that her..uh..priorities are a bit different then ours."

"With regards to what is next for us I'm still working on it" Dunduin admits. "I did speak with the Barron and his general and he did seem to indicate that there would be a need for our dwarven force perhaps in aiding the Lucimburic troops. Both the elves and the Duke Barstow of Lucimburic have pledged their aid to the dwarven cause. That is a good sign and it will most likely be in the form of a party of heroes and perhaps a small force. It will be a battle of winning souls rather than a battle of weapons which is likely to be even more difficult. Obviously I'll keep you posted on any new developments. In the mean time, enjoy the show. It looks like they put together quite the performance."

Rita, hopefully together with Riordeg, manages to make it to the plaza just in time for the entertainment. Scolo's show has her completely mesmerized, to the point that she is completely in the moment, all thoughts of war and assassination threats completely forgotten, at least for a while.

"I had no idea he could do such amazing things," she says to Riordeg. Most of what she has seen of Scolo's work has been just strange. But this is beautiful, wondrous. Riordeg sees her gasp in amazement several times, her brown eyes twinkling with joy.

Cirrus's singing is even more otherworldly than she remembers from Midsummer. Has the girl been practicing, or does it come completely natural to her? Rita wonders, thinking back to her own singing at the Solstice ceremony at which she just officiated. That singing was actually more chanting than singing. It probably sounded better than the chants by some of the completely tone deaf priests back in Arras, but not by much.

She follows Cirrus once the girl heads off the stage, and there are Aelasuria and Theoderic! She had wanted to find them as soon as she got to the fountain, but that was not easy with this crowd, especially for someone as short as Rita.

"You were wonderful," she says, hugging Cirrus after Aelasuria does. "I am so incredibly proud of you. Of course you could be a bard. I said that back at Midsummer, remember? You have made so many people here so happy."

Rita cannot help but laugh when Cirrus says the dwarves felt her voice wasn't right for their songs.

"If these are typical dwarven songs, then they're right. These are not your style at all," she remarks as the dwarves play in the background. "I cannot picture you singing about working in mines!" Her smile makes it clear she does not mean the comment as an insult.

Then she happens to turn her head and sees a beautiful redheaded woman walking away from one of the dwarves into the crowd.

So far, she has met two highly attractive redheads--Aelasuria, and Swift, the were-fox, who transformed from animal form into a naked human girl right in front of Riordeg, unwittingly making Rita feel just a bit insecure.

"Who is she--a friend of yours?" she asks Aelasuria, indicating the beautiful woman. "Why do all the beautiful women have to show up right in front of Riordeg?" she asks  jokingly, still largely in a celebratory mood.

She does have a secret, underlying insecurity. Unlike Aelasuria, she isn't beautiful. Rita always saw herself as rather plain, although that probably was because she didn't pay much attention to fashion until meeting Aelasuria, and even now, she views it largely as a luxury. It is the soul, not the body that is important. That is how she was raised and what she believes as a priestess. But what if Riordeg wants the woman he loves to be physically beautiful, like these women? As much as she knows he loves her, she cannot help but feel insecure in the presence of all these beautiful women.

Bryon danced with several dwarves, enjoying them as she would any man's attentions. After several dances she got a little winded and a bit thirsty. She promises to return, having the be nice to several who of course offer to get these things for her, insisting that she can fend for herself but that she will be back.

She in fact already had some picked out for trists, but she wasn't going to let them know that. Why? Simple, they would stop trying to win her affections and likely so would their friends. Bryon loves attention more than anything.

As she wanders back toward the King and future Queen, she cannot help but notice the Priestess of Pluto and her less interesting companion. Flushed, slightly out of breath but still enjoying every moment of this wonderful evening Bryon curtsies to the priestess and her companion as she approaches. Rising with a smile across her face she takes another tankard from a passing server.

"Never let it be said that a Celt was drunk under the table by a Frank, Roman, or any other." Raising her cup, "To the health and long life of the King and his future Queen." Her dwarven admirers give a hale and hearty reply to the affirmative. She down her cup, seemingly unnaffected at first but her giggles come a bit easier and while not slurred her speach is sure more rapid. She is tipsy and yes very likely to try and get on stage soon.

"Your a priestess of some sort, are you not?" She says to Rita, "Wait don't tell me." She squints and examines. "I do not know all your Roman gods so..." She looks the woman over head to toe, taking her in completely. "Your dressed nicely but uncomfortable in the clothing. Your straight backed, sharp eyed...square shouldered." She snappes her fingers trying to remember the name of the goddess..."Ohhhhhh...humph! I cannot think of her name. The Athenian goddess of Wisdom. Thats yours right?"

She stickes her hand out, "Sorry, I am Bryon of Helvectia." Bryon barely notices Rita's male companion, the priestess if by far the more interesting of the two. Then she is struck by something. "I almost forgot, this fine fellow," She indicates the ferret whose head appears out from her bag, "is Nichodemus Bosthanomus Rasthbale the 14th, called Scrumff by his friends."

Scrumff chitters and climbs out of the bag, and down then up mounting a tent pole as he had with the future Queen. He takes her hand in his paws and kisses it politely. "Yet another Lady of Breeding. Facinating." Bryon takes him down and scolds him, "We're not back home you cannot keep doing that." And she puts him back in her bag. "I'm sorry. He thinks I'm his woman. Its charming some times and others, not so much."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Wed 03 Apr 2013.

In the plaza, in the swirl of people, Aelasuria's father Aristhandel Soulwater makes an appearance.

He has news for his daughter.

"There have been some odd events, and for reasons of... well, who knows what the Werefolk really think, they have some strange customs.  But what they want to do is conceal the time of the actual wedding.  Sort of a surprise party.  It can't be too much of a time, as you'll have to get ready.  But, your sisters might grab you at any time, so you probably don't want to wander too far.  Theoderic has the same situation, of course, but his mother will do the grabbing, and he probably doesn't need the same time to get ready."

Aelasuria smiles happy to see Cirrus has Rita here to look out after her as well. Being young and rather special she preferred that Cirrus had company to ensure no one Unsavory tried to approach her. Even in a safe place like Lucimburic where it's people followed certain codes it was still full of many visitors. Not all of them had to be good people.

"I think Dwarves make wonderful music too that is unique to their culture. I think their species leans towards the lower range of voice like bass though I don't see why they couldn't be a tenor or a alto."

At first Aelasuria hasn't the faintest idea what Rita is talking about. It shows to as her expression turns to one of slight confusion. "What? Oh you mean Bryon. She arrived with my family although I don't really know her. I just met her today but I can say she has a very earthy nature. She is part fey and grew up around at least one Satyr who is her uncle I believe. She's kind of like a priestess of Venus except as far as I can tell without any restraint or concern for discretion. I don't mean it in a negative way Rita, you will know what I mean once you get a chance to know her."

She laughs and smiles lightly giving Rita a gentle affectionate hug. "Rita you have nothing to worry about. Riordeg loves you. I wonder if swift is here she is likely from Lucimburic. Wasn't she with  my brother Salen whom I hope will make it here in time for the wedding."

OOC: I don't believe Aelasuria knows about that incident does she? If she knows about that she probably would refrain from mentioning swift.

Aelasuria smiles at Bryon speaking softly in reply.  "Thank you Bryon. Athena who is the goddess of wisdom your trying to think of Bryon. This is my friend Rita." She refrains from mentioning whom she is a priestess of as Bryon is trying to guess. Aelasuria laughs and smiles when Scrumff pulls the same trick he did earlier. "Yes Scrumff did the same thing to me when we first met. I think he takes very much after you Bryon."

When her father shows up Aelasuria takes a moment to Hug him in warm greeting. "Hello father it's good to see you. Yes I understand I will try not to wander to far. If I go somewhere I will try to leave word as to where I am going. This is Bryon, Rita, Kyriel one of my servants, and friend. She is going to be a bridesmaid at the wedding."

Briefly she whispers in her fathers ear keeping it private. "Kyriel is actually protecting me although it's a secret. If something happens and she draws a weapon you can trust her." Obviously she didn't want Kyriel being zapped with a lethal spell if her father mistook her for a threat to his daughter.

Bryon seems filled with energy now, hardly able to stand still. Two triumphs, one with her gift and two with her toast. She was sure now that Aelasuria was her friend. Being friends with a Queen was splendid! She listened as Aelasuria and nodded, "Yes, your right! Athena...it would make sense being Athenian."

Looking at Rita again, "I would think someone with intelligent eyes like you would preside over wisdom. You are one of Athena's right?"

She raised a brow at Aelasuria's father. She leans into the future Queen, "If you need some help, I am available." She noddes, smiling, eager to be of assistance. She likes Aelasuria, and not just because she will be a Queen, but because she is a wonderful person.

“We are in the dark,” Aristhandel Soulwater says to Byron.  “We do not yet know what kind of help we need.  I think… if there truly is a danger, there are two kinds of protections.  A subtle defense like Kyriel’s can stop it, but a more obvious defense may instead deter it.  There was some report of a bounty… I think a bounty hunter is one interested in gain, yes?  And if the gain is simply too dangerous to be worth it, might just give up!  Strange as it may seem, one of the clearest signs of a very effective defense is that nothing at all has happened!”

Being a native of the Alps Elven Kingdom, Aelasuria knows this is a common philosophy there.  There has been no organized attack on the Elven Kingdom in many years, other than a largely accidental skirmish with the Helveticans two decades ago.   The general consensus is, this means they are doing things right.

In the evening, after the performance, the crowd starts to loosen up.

Phileas Argentos gets on stage, announcing that this was only the first performance for Diamond Hammer, and they shall be back for the Royal Wedding… but he gives no indication of when, exactly, that is.

“Meanwhile, “ he says, “the Duke and Duchhess have sponsored an ongoing series of entertainments over the next few days.  Lucimburic extends its best to you, in gratitude to its own citizens, as well as those who have so recently helped defend the Ardennes!”

Aelasuria is right about Cirrus needing a few extra watchers to keep between her and “unsavory” types.  In fact, the girl makes no effort on her own part to dodge attention, she seems to enjoy it immensely.  There is no shortage of young men telling her how great she was, and wanting to get to know her better, and by the end of the evening, Cirrus realizes she has agreed to three lunches over the next two days.

Aelasuria of course is holding hands with Theo while they had been enjoying the entertainment. "Thank you Bryon. I appreciate your offer and perhaps should something happen you will have the opportunity you seek. For example if the bounty hunter shows perhaps a brief distraction or being tripped up by scrumff perhaps will make a difference."

Looking to her father she speaks to him softly. "We need a suitable dress for Kyriel as well. I can lend her one of mine but it would need alterations. Perhaps you and mother could help her with that at the appropriate time"


Noticing that the attention is going to Cirrus's head Aelasuria looks worried as she becomes concerned for her. She speaks softly to Theo to keep it private. "Theo I think Cirrus is getting so much attention that it's overwhelming her. Some of it is bound to be from those with less then a honorable nature. We need to arrange for her to have a few friends that will see to her safety."

"Excuse me father I need to talk with Cirrus privately for a bit. She might need to have a word with mother later." When the opportunity presents she whisks Cirrus away letting her protectors if needed help to give them a little privacy. Then speaks softly with Cirrus keeping it once again private out of respect for Cirrus. "Cirrus this is a exciting and joyous time for you. I can tell you truly enjoy the attention however you shouldn't let it influence your judgement. Not all young men are as nice as they seem and can have less then honorable intentions. Some can outright be dangerous being arrogant enough to feel they can harm others and suffer no punishment."

"For that reason I will assign two friends or guards who's soul duty is your safety while you are in Lucimburic and beyond if needed. I won't stop you from going to lunches however I advise you never to go anywhere alone nor into places where they hold sufficient power that no one will help you. I only say this because I care about you. If you question my judgement ask Kyriel, my mother, Theo a priestess of Venus if you wish. I just want you to be happy and safe."

When he gets a break the wizard wanders over to the others.
Ooooh thank you hmm? This is fun. Where are the groupers?He smacks his lips

He then scoops some punch into the air and shoots it with a ray from his fingers turning it into a new liquid that is pink. He sips it his eyebrows waiving.  Mmmmmm... Parsnips and turnips

He looks fondly at everyone, the flashy Byron and her friends, the sweet and kindly Rita, and the brilliant and charming bride. He then looks out for Melissa and wonders about the concerns of those talking about assassins. This leads to a consideration of how many domesticated animals he might have seen here in Lucimburic and what sorts of pressure they put on the air quality. These thoughts lead him to stare for a while.

Bryon keeps smiling, "I am very good at drawing attention." She notices Scolo staring intently. She motions toward him with her head. "You see, even this Wizard is captivated."

She saunters over to Scolo, giving him the opportunity to look her over compeltely. "I've never met an actual wizard before. I hear you lot have long staffs. Is that true?" She smirks at her ineundo.

When Aelasuria notices Scolo somewhere along the way she smiles and greets him too. "Hello Scolo a very fine performance. Honestly I haven't seen a fine magic display like that in a while. Thank you for the wonderful entertainment. Cirrus was also wonderful and of course the Diamond hammers. Cirrus you have met Scolo before haven't you?"

With him present she expects Melissa isn't far. She doubted Melissa would miss such wonderful entertainment. If she's present she will greet her as well warmly. Aelasuria has a drink herself, Theo as well if he wants one, and one for Cirrus if she's thirsty. Sipping her drink she smiles at Bryon when she mentions that even Scolo is captivated. "Bryon Scolo is a little different he studies a form of magic called the Unsane. He might not react in the way you expect."

Even though the fireworks were spectacular, Kyriel was wary of them. Knowing that Scolo was behind them dimmed her own enjoyment of them. She still can't shake the feeling that his magic makes other people brain-sick. For so long she's had nothing but her own wits to rely on; if they get addled, she has nothing.

She lets Aelasuria, Byron, and Cirrus draw as much attention as they want. The more they draw, the less is on her.

When Aristhandel comments about blatant defense acting as a deterrent, she shrugs slightly. "Then you still have the assassin in the wings. You can't have your men on alert all the time. All he has to do is bide his time for a little while and someone, somewhere will get careless. The best way to deal with this is to take whoever it is out. And take them out HARD.

Make THEM the message to the emperor, instead of having them make the emperor's message."

Having said her piece with quiet conviction she fades back into the crowd near Aelasuria, eyes and ears alert for any sign of trouble.