The High Elves had been monitoring the situation in the Ardennes as best they could, ever since Anakri left with her expedition force.  Not only was their a military campaign to keep track of, but a daughter of a noble house of Geneva was planning to marry her Human (well, ¾ Human) fiance there in Lucimburic, in the Ardennes.  When it became known that the man was a king, this became quite a priority.
Of course her immediate family wanted to attend the wedding, who wouldn't?  And there were friends and relatives and more relatives... the long life span of the Elves tends to produce huge extended families, and even 3rd  cousins often have their great great grandparents still alive.

But how to get there?  The Alps and the Ardennes were divided by a wide stretch of land held by the Huns.  Anakri's force had taken two months for the journey.

One does not simply walk across Hun territory.

There's always the Elven way, though.  Magic.  The Elves have been there for a long time, and they've accumulated a lot of it.  Including, most of a device capable of casting a rare and potent version of teleport.  To gain access to the rest of it, they had to agree to add an adventure seeking noblewoman from nearby Helvetica to their group.

The magic was done, and the teleport brought the Geneva wedding party to the hills outside of Lucimburic.  Following the same route the troops did the other day, the group of Elves enters the upper town at the Clear Fountain Plaza, near the Ducal Palace.

The festivities are already underway.  The Argentoses have arranged the entertainment, and currently, a pair of jugglers is performing for the crowd.

A Wereshrew is being juggled, along with several clay pots.

It was the most exciting thing ever, especially for a young woman whose world had been confined to Losanna and Eborodunum. Elves had come and asked for her help! They had the sisters to her own magic hair pin and as she had known it would it whooshed them all from the Alps to Ardennes in a blink. She giggled and clapped at the wonder of it before retrieving her prized possession and sliding it into her auburn locks. She curtsied to the elves, thanking them for this trip before rushing to see all the new to be seen.

She halts at a juggler not because he juggled but because of what he juggled. She stared in wide eyed facination at the man and his seeming ability to tame werefolk. "Isn't it splendid?" She asked no one in particular.

1)
Byron has figured out by now that she is traveling with some of the upper crust of Geneva society.  The very upper crust- the one who cast the spell to get here is Danazol, King of the High Elves.

As far as anyone knows, he's never left the High Elven Kingdom.  Never set foot outside the Alps.  But here he is... and what's more, without any entourage save for one attendant.  Danazol knew the spell he used had a limited capacity, even though it was much more than an ordinary Teleport spell, but he wanted to leave as much room as possible for Aelasuria's parents, Miriam and Aristhandal, and the family members, and several family friends, they wanted to bring along.

This whole thing had been brought about by their daughter, after all.

But no one seemed to be taking much notice of the Elves as they walked across the plaza.  The people of Lucimburic have seen Elves before.  These were a little different, and dressed strangely, but in Lucimburic, people didn't pay much heed to the unusual.  That was rude.

Their progress across the plaza is slow.  There's so much to see.  There are the jugglers, there are... is that a bear?  Is it.. drunk?  There are Lycanthropes of all kinds.  There is a fountain made of glass, and not a clue as to where all that water comes from.

There is a parapet wall overlooking the Alzette River, shops, a tavern, and, yes that large building with the big towers must be the palace they heard of from Ali'cor.

“This way,” Danazol directs, deciding that as king, he ought to be the one leading.  “We should find the Duke, the Werebear, and introduce ourselves.”

On the way to the Dukes palace in search of Mergyon and his specialized knowledge of tailors she couldn't help but stop in her tracks. If there is one thing she knows it's her people from Geneva. That and of course the unmistakable faces of family and friends.

King Danazol might be, however right now she has eyes only for her mother and father. Running up to her with a expression of Joy she hugs her mother kissing her on the cheek. "Momma I missed you so much!" There are tears in her eyes as it has been far to long. "Papa it's good to see you!" She hugs him burying her face in his chest for a few moments then goes back to hugging her mother.

"I am sorry it's just been to long Momma." She looks back and forth between them as she speaks softly. "I had been so afraid you wouldn't be able to make it. Thank you! Thank you all of you for coming so far in such dangerous times. I think Salen is already here and if I know Ali'cor he will find a way as well."

Taking a moment she makes a graceful Elven gesture of greeting to the king. "It's good to see you King Danazol. You honor us with your presence." Listening to what is going on she continues softly. "I will be happy to introduce you to Duke Bastow and Lady Babette. I had just been on my way from the tower of higher art with the Were_Owl wizards. Father their magic might be of interest to you. I had been on my way to See Mergyon he knows the finest tailors in Lucimburic. If you didn't make it I knew I would have to have a wedding dress made. The Dwarves offered to donate some fine silks they obtained in return for a little help from me on certain matters."

"Also the dwarves are Besieged by some foul Curse of the Huns. You all need to be aware of that. I wouldn't be surprised if they are in Negotiations with Duke Bastow regarding their problem. I intend to speak on their behalf with the duke. After all they have fought and bled at our sides for us against the Huns too."

She walks with them Towards the palace taking a moment to great more family and friends while they travel together.

There was so much to see and take in Bryon felt overwhelmed by it all. A drunken bear? Well that was not so uncommon as fey often took varied forms for some joke of funny game. A glass fountain? Now that was intrigueing. She made her way to it, watching it for a few seconds before calling out in Sylvan, {Sylvan}"Hello in there, want to come out an play?"

She was still awaiting a reply from what must obviously be a water sprite when another elf joined "her" enterage. She obviously knew the elves Bryon had arrived with, so it was only fair to introduce herself. {Sylvan}"I'll return after a bit and we can chat some more then."

As she walkes back toward her friends, a rather long and happily plump cinnomen colored ferret emerges from her large purse, first popping out his head then pulling the rest of his somewhat healthy body out of the folds of her garments and armor. He scrambles up her arm and wraps himself around her neck. While everyone else hears only squeeks and chitters, his voice is clear to his mistress. So this is the place, eh? Doesn't really seem so impressive. I'll be the rats here aren't even properly afraid of a he-ferret hunter like myself.

Stopping to groom himself while Bryon continues on he yawns too. His boredom is not shared by his mistress. While his words are unfathomable, save for those who speak ferret, Bryon's are quit clear. {Latin}"Now really, Scrumff. One would think you had no manners at all. I am sure there are enough frightened rats here for you to have your feast in due time."

Finding her way to the Elves she curtsies politely to the new elf. Then she coughs, hoping for an introduction...

Unfortunately as much as she wanted to take more time greeting her Parents, family, and friends Kyriel's warning put the need for haste into things. However Aelasuria had not however forgotten her manners and this unusual woman with Kaleidoscope eyes was rather interesting. She recognized a familiar when she saw one. Which meant they had magic in common as well.

Making a graceful elvish gesture of greeting she curtseys slightly as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well as Scrumff. I am Aelasuria Soulwater." She is of course on her guard just in case. She of course will introduce anyone that has come with her.

OOC: Don't want to assume but our little discussion back at the tower of high art might lead to quite the procession of players characters. lol

Softly to her father, mother, and of course King Danazol in their native tongue. "Mother, father, King Daazol I apologize. Howvever we must make haste to the palace. I have been warned that the Huns have sent assasins for Theo and I. If they are already here they might harm you and I do not want anyone harmed because of me." She couldn't help but feel protective of her parents. If the Assassins realized Danzol is there king she wouldn't be surprised if they tried for him too.

She looks about for Ovo wishing he was here right now. The strong Honorable dwarf had already thwarted one assassination attempt. Saving Theo's life and possibly her own. "Ovo will no doubt be in rather a hurry To find Theo and I if he hears about this."

Ovo, Aelasuria believes, is probably to be found in the palace, possibly looking into defenses and security and staying well away from things like wedding planning.  Or maybe he is to be found in the company of other Dwarves.  The Dwarf Troops brought here by Arctos, Dunduin, and Cirostis added their own brand of revelry to the mix in Lucimburic.  After establishing their camp in Lucimburic’s fortress on a overlooking the river, they quickly took the markets, taverns, and the plazas to shop, to drink, and to watch the various forms of entertainment.

Groups of Dwarves can be seen here and there, enjoying themselves.

Meanwhile, Aelasuria is swarmed by friends and relatives, about twenty in total.  The Elven king needs no introduction. Aelasuria has seen him before and knows who he is.

In the Elven tradition, a marriage is seen as between two families, as much as it is between two people.  The two families are expected to put in a lot of work.  By custom, the groom’s family and the bride’s family take care of their respective members.  The wedding couple is not supposed to have any work to do, the families take care of everything.  By custom, all Theoderic and Aelasuria have to do is show up.

So Aelasuria’s family has brought food, music, and of course, dresses.  A number of them.  Four just for Aelasuria- they had to make sure there would be at least one she would like.  So this means she doesn’t exactly have “nothing” to do.  She has to try on dresses while mother and sisters and friends fuss and adjust and sew.  That’s the plan, at least.

The Elven king is surprised she is worried as she is about assassinations.

”You have us, you have Lucimburic, and you have Dwarves and Theoderic’s warriors here,” he says.  “Of course you should be alert, but there is no place in the world right now better protected.  We shall make sure you are never alone while you are here, and everyone is aware of the danger.”

The Werehedgehog carpenters, Dag and Norbert, have built a wooden stage in the plaza, and a Human couple, mature, with silver hair, walk up the steps onto it.  Mergyon, the Duke’s Weremink majordomo, is with them.

They announce they are the hosts for the public entertainment which shall be given here in the plaza.  There will be a evening of music tonight, followed by fireworks in celebration of the Solstice season.  Then, for the next couple of days, a program of entertainment, and finally, the Clear Fountain Plaza will be the location of the public reception of the upcoming wedding of Theoderic and Aelasuria.  Food, drink, music, and more fireworks, for everyone.

Cirrostis remains quiet. He is pleasant but will wait until a proper guard is assigned to the lady, and a security plan before he leaves her.

Kyriel accompanies Aelasuria to meet her kin and the elven king. She stays back a few steps in her disguise as a young human attendant to Aelasuria. As she listens to him comment on how well protected she is, she sighs; she had hoped that the elves would take the warning seriously; pride is a serious flaw. Even though she knows that protocol demands she stay quiet, she has to speak up. Quietly she whispers "Your majesty, wouldn't it be prudent to heed the warnings? Undoubtedly an assassin would find his payment increased accordingly if the emperor knew that you were here. Many high value targets, milord. All they have to do is hit one to make their point."

After that, she settles back in relative obscurity; almost like she isn't there.

Aelasuria can't help but be distracted  as she is swarmed by friends and family. She is busy exchanging hugs, affectionate words, discussing family and recent events back in Geneva, and much, much more.

She nods reassured by king Danazol as he reassures her of all the people here that would help to ensure no harm came to Theo or herself. "Thank you King Danazol. Let's find Theo he should be introduced to our family." She includes everyone here of course.

Her eyes soften blinking for a moment with a look of happiness. "Of course I promise to pick one out soon. Theo shouldn't see them but I would like to find him. There is Mergyon he usually knows where everyone is."

She briefly waves to Mergyon waiting to give him a chance to finish. Interupting his speech would be rude. Looking over at Kyriel her eyes soften realizing she isn't having a good day. Though when she quickly fades back into obscuirty it's obvious that drawing attention to her wouldn't do her any favors. Softly she whispers to Danazol. "Kyriel is very worried about me and she takes the hun threat very serious. We should make our way to the Dukes palace. I would like to speak briefly to Mergyon though."

As opportunity presents she briefly speaks to Mergyon. "Mergyon have you seen Theo? If you haven't and you see him later tell him I am going to the palace. I need to talk to you later about the best tailors in lucimburic. I need to recommend one to Arctos who is having magical padded silken shirts made. The one I know of is Were-shrew tiny Juplee."

Hopefully he can answer quickly as she doesn't want to hold her family up. As soon as is reasonable she moves on keeping pace with her family. She gives Cirostis a appreciative look. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to accompany me Cirostis."

Bryon smiles as Aelasuria introduces herself to Scrumff. Scrumff is amused and moves very fast for a creature with such short legs. He scampers up a tent pole in front of the Elven bride to be, takes her hand in his tiny paws and kisses it. "I am charmed to meet someone so beautiful and with breeding to appreciate a true gentleman such as myself."

Bryon shakes her head at her "escort's" antics. "Lady Aelasuria may I present Nichodemus Bosthanomus Rasthbale the fourteenth, better known to his friends as Scrumff." She plucks the ferret from his perch and Scrumff promply puts himself round his mistress' neck. They walk and discuss an assassination! How exciting except that it is the bride who is the target. This gives Bryon an idea.

"May I make a suggestion? I can make myself look like another for six hours and make that person unrecognizable for the same period. Perhaps if I pretend to be you and you pretend to be a maidenservant we might flush this assassine into the open. Fear not, I have no designes on your betrothed. I could never be with just one man. I mean think of how disappointed the rest of them would be."

She giggles and winks suggestively at Cirostis. "You could still be close to your family and make all the important decisions. In fact it might make picking a dress easier since you would see it on yourself from the outside you know?"

Bryon grinnes broadly as she realizes her admission to this power makes her the center of attention. Attention is the one thing she craves above all else. It is a rather good counter assassination plan though. Of course Scrumff would need to hide himself but he was small and easy to conceal. "Dont fret over me. I am tougher than I look. So what do you think? About my idea I mean?"

No problem m'lady.
Says the Dwarf with matter of fact frankness.

When the lady Bryon winks at him he shuffles side to side with discomfort.
Um ... Uh ...
He looks down for a moment to make sure is laces are tied

On their way to the palace he would let Aelessuria  know in a discrete whisper.
That pyramid thing the wizard had me buy - it prevents all summoning and teleportation within 50 feet or so. Things from other planes are very uncomfortable around it. That makes me a good guard for you for now. And I can loan it to you overnight - If your rooms are not already protected. 
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Mon 25 Mar 2013.

OOC: I have been relocated to the Gardens at the Dukes Palace. Please post response there thanks!

She was slightly startled by Scrumff' sudden move then couldn't help but laugh and smile when he kisses her hand." "Are you sure your familiar isn't a were-Ferret. I guess Mergyon might have something to say about that." She couldn't quite remember but she thought Mergyon was a Were-Mink. She had seen a Were-Weasel before which was a entirely different thing.

"I see! I think Scrumff is a very sweet ferret although I think Nichodemus is a fine name as well." She found the ability troubling as helpful as it is it's also a potent tool for someone that might wish to get close enough to a target for assassination. She had just met Bryon, however she was in the company of her king and more importantly to her both of her parents and quite a bit of family. She also couldn't help but worry about her despite her promise that she's tougher then she looks. Pausing Aelasuria blushes at her frank admission of her amorous nature and a taste for variety. That and the fact that she clearly liked Cirostis possibly making the brave dwarf come terribly close to a blush!

"I will consider your offer. I should bring it to Theo's attention and Perhaps should hear Kyriel's thoughts on the Idea as well. It's her art not to be noticed and to spot others that don't wish to be noticed. She is likely to understand how your plan might go well or go wrong. Please come with me it shouldn't be long before we are at the palace."

OOC Next stop Gardens and Theo. Already posted there.

The Argentos’s planned the sequence of entertainment carefully.  During the day, as people wandered to and fro, seeing the sites and looking over the wares in the shops and stalls of the markets, they scheduled the quieter performers.   People would stop for a little while, see the jugglers or the listen to a singer, and move along.  For the evenings, though, they needed more impressive “festival” quality entertainment.

They had little time to review all the possible talent available in Lucimburic.  There were other things they had to do, as well- they hadn’t come to the Duke’s Masters of Ceremonies, although they took to the task easily.

To accelerate the process, they put up a simple sign in the Clear Fountain Plaza, near the stage.  It read:

“Public Entertainment Made Possible By the Generosity of the Duke and Duchess of Lucimburic.  Auditions now being held, performers wanted.  Inquire at the palace, ask for Phileas and Hylensia Argentos and Rory MacIntyre..

There was a lot of amateur talent available.  Even Dwarves.  Several looked at teh sign in the plaza rather excitedly, and scurried over to the palace, to play for the Argentos’s.

Dag and Norbert, supervising some other laborers, have built a stage the north side of the Clear Fountain Plaza, close to the palace.

Phileas Argentos and Rory have adjusted and tweaked what has now become their main act, the Dwarf Metal band Diamond Hammer, with Cirrus added for female vocals and Scolo doing special effects.

It has flash, noise, style, some great singing by Cirrus and some, well, loud playing by the Dwarves.  And now it is just after sunset, and time to give the act the first test.  If all goes well, they will a second show for the wedding.

Scolo's normally "unique" outfit has been enhanced.  Phileas found him a cloak with covers the bunny slippers (can't have that, it just doesn't go with the image Phileas is trying to project.) and the cloak has been decorated with sequins and little magic lights.

Argentos nods to the leader of the Dwarf band, Grompin, who is carrying two of the "thundering stones" the Dwarves use as percussion instruments.

"Why don't you introduce yourselves," Argentos suggests.

The Dwarf climbs up onto the stage.

"Good evening," Gompin says.  "I am Gompin Copperdeep, and my friends and I are a band named Diamond Hammer, and we're going to play some music for you.  I hope you like it."

Some of the people in the plaza begin to drift towards the stage, curious.

"Put some more energy into it," Argentos whispers to the Dwarf.

Gompin Copperdeep clears his throat, holds up his magic rocks, and shouts at the top of his voice:

"HELLO LUCIMBURIC!  ARE YOU READY FOR ROCKS?"

At the side of the stage, Argentos whispers, "Now, Mister Scolo.  Colorful and flashy."

Scolo pulls his hat into a long old-school wizard's pointer, black with silver squirls and stars. His bunnies turn black and leathery with star eyes hidden beneath the new cloak and he begins to dance - ordinarily he is not a good dancer - but he is an awesome spellcaster, and he starts with 'cats grace' and 'histrionics' he becomes briefly the center of attention as the mosaic begins and pounds its way out. He uses 'long door' several times appearing now on stage, now in the crown or the back or even feather falling from the sky.

As a special coup for those who can see the invisible there are dozens of invisible Scolo mirror images dancing around the stage ... This will be something they can talk about later when it is revealed to all. Cast 'invisible mirror images' while dancing.

An illusion sets up behind the band, simple images coming out of a misty air 'Silent image' it shows a giant diamond hammer striking things like stars or a mountain. For those who notice such things a small 4 inch oily looking multicolored sphere remains fixed about 50' above and behind the band. Durring the performance Scolo will hang his more dangerous conjurations, like the flaming sphere or pink tentacles to provide background eye candy behind the illusions.

When the music really pounds great balls to fire explode in the sky 'fryerball' cast with 'Daze' activating at the same time Scolo's histrionics have worn off by then and his dancing is no longer noticed. Until his glitterdust reveals for all the myriad dancing invisible wizards all around them.
It is then, while the images dance that Scolo, the real Scolo settles in for his most intense work using 'Dominate Image' he takes his own minor illusion of the hammer logo and slowly builds it out into a powerful illusion behind the band. Epic scenes of stars, planets, volcanos and crowds of beautiful people merging into close ups of the real crowd a d fantastic imagined histories including sound (mainly just background breathing or heartbeats to complete the emotional effect)

When the time is set he will launch dozens of alchemical fireworks on crossbow bolts using both his prestidigitations and the large powerful illusion to build out the final celebetory effect.

A little more daze in the finale completes the show.

Of course, being a master prestidigitator means that color and shape are infused in all of Scolos spells and even the best casters will have a hard time identifying what he is casting. His illusions will frequently drop materialized objects to trill the crowd.

Edgar stays away.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Sat 30 Mar 2013.

OOC: ROFL..80's rock videos 'Eat Your Hearts Out!'. Too awesome!
\o/ \o/ \o/

OOC: Thank you.
With all the daze and histrionics going on any wereweaslesin the crowd would have had a great opportunity. Of course they could be dazed too.

Not wanting to miss the Entertainment Aelasuria makes her way back tot he Clear fountain plaza and the Main stage. Especially when she finds out Cirrus and Scolo will be involved. If possible before things start she briefly Hugs Cirrus speaking softly to her. "I Truly hope that you enjoy this and have fun Cirrus. I am proud of you! Thank you for being kind enough to share your singing with us. I will be watching from as close as I can get."

With Scolo if possible she gently gives him a hug as well. "Thank you for all your hard Work Scolo. You definitely have worked wonders in the past few days. IF possible I will talk to Theo about finding a way to give you a few well deserved days of rest. If there is anything you need please let me know." She looks over his new outfit with appreciation smiling at him.   "That's is a very eye catching cloak you have Acquired Scolo. Do you plan on keeping it after the festival?" It was a sincere question born of curiosity. With Scolo it was very possible he would do just that if he liked it enough.

Later she watches with interest probably holding hands with Theo if she manages to talk him into attending. Kyriel if present she tries not to draw attention to. Although she will smile meeting her eyes for a moment before turning her attention back to the stage. When things begin her eyes widen watching Scolo's impressive display of magic and entertainment.

Smiling she gasps softly her eyes sparkling with enjoyment as things progress. "OH my they are putting on quite the show." The pink tentacles and image of the Giant Diamond hammer striking Stars or mountains catches her eye. Aelasuria actually claps laughing and smiling at the glitter dust display as well as enjoying the fireworks. It is clear that she is thoroughly enjoying the performance. She of course also appreciates Cirrus's singing when and if she joins the show.

OOC: I assume she is since she's part of the band.

The plaza is alive and it draws Bryon as surely a candles draw moths. She looses herself in the crowd leaving the lover's alone.