The wedding and coronation of Prince Gwydion of Avaluna and Princess Meara of Venus was finally upon them. In the wake of all that had happened, the people of Avaluna were happy to have something to celebrate, though the wedding was controversial to many. To some it was seen as an extravagance that could ill be afforded, to others an attempt to hold onto that which had already been lost, and to others still a promise of hope and prosperity, as had been John Arthur's ascension to the throne some twenty years ago.

Whatever it was, the celebration was decidedly the center of the Solar System for several cycles as anybody who was anybody had filled Avaluna full to bursting. While Mars had neglected to send an official delegation, there were still members of the Martian court present, though kept under careful watch--Sir L1-4MNT, as Dame Freyr's date and Sir RHY-S32 as an invited guest of Princess Meara.

The-Queen-In-Mourning, Valerie La Guin, had rarely been seen in recent weeks and the news of her abdication in favor of her niece had caused quite a stir within Venusian society. Many Valkyries felt that Meara La Guin of Chonaill was not ready for such a burden. They thought less of Prince Gwydion. The Vespers were hardly any better, feeling that the new heir demonstrated an unpredictable temperament ill-suited for rulership.

Amongst the Knights and Nobility of Avaluna, and in the Solar System beyond, opinion was much divided. Many thought well of the pair, while others believed that they only served as an indictment of John Arthur's failed ideals.

Other whispers filled the halls regarding the Lord and Lady of House Stjernevold. Though Lord Brun had sometimes been regarded as eccentric, it was now known that he had not returned from his ordeal unscathed. In the chapel which had once been Euryleia's armour bay, they taught that upon seeing King Arthur struck down, Sir Brun had been so moved by the King's sacrifice that he, in turn, had sacrificed his wits so that his True Love could be born. Euryleia had then slain the Dragon to save her Knight and the Kingdom. The pair had developed an often literal following.

Avaluna was, indeed, a hotbed of whispered opinions and in such a hotbed, there was always room for a little profit. At least that's what Enid intended to make with her "speciality-imported" Venusian brandy. She quickly clamped the top back on the shipping case when she saw Dame Freyr enter the corridor along with an Avalunan Tech named Rose. What were they doing here? Didn't Dame Freyr have wedding business to attend to?

OOC: From whom did Enid get her smuggled brandy and just how does she plan to offload it?

What are Freyr and Rose doing on Scathach?

I thought it would be fun to explore some of our minor characters as we build toward the wedding.

Enid deftly picked up her dataslate and began checking it.  Just filling out boring inventory reports.  Surely nothing worth the notice of Dame Freyr and Chief Rose.  Nope.  Check.  Check.

She dared a peek over the slate at the pair as they walked along.  Did she know?? Did the Dame catch Annalina offloading from the Venusian cutter that brought the delegation?? Enid had known trusting her cousin was risky, but she was in the right place at the right time and, let's face it, the wedding was a bit rushed...  Dammit Annalina if you get me caught.....

Freyr had barely gotten started organizing lessons for the new recruits when she had received the news about the wedding, which, after the news of the King's death, had not surprised her.  Like Meara's mother, Duchess Ceilidh Le Guin du Chonaill, she had her fingers on the pulse of political intrigue at all times.  It was necessary for success and survival, as well as ensuring the people's well-being.  And unlike Meara's father, Duchess Consort Baughb du Chonaill, Freyr was not as torn over the fact that Meara and Irina were no longer to be wed.  It was sad, certainly, but such is the reality of royalty.  She considered herself fortunate she could still court Sir L1-4MNT, although her status as technically being Saturnine by birth gave her a technicality others did not have.  She was also glad to hear that Sir RHY-S32 was allowed to attend as a guest of Meara.  Such things showed that there was still a possibility to reconcile with Mars.

As she walked down the corridor with Rose, she made small talk to catch up on the more minute details of what had been going on in her absence.  Meara had made her proud.  Meara's performance was far from ideal, but in the few weeks since she left, Meara had apparently made several decisions (not all of them proper, of course) that benefited both Venus and Avaluna as a whole, even if they did not win her any favors with the nobility.  Such had always been Meara's way, and Freyr laughed at the story of Irina suddenly turning red when Meara showed additional examples that she had, in fact, paid attention during some of her lessons and thus caused the poor Lady to lose her composure and pull Meara to (hopefully) a bedroom.

As she caught sight of Enid, she gave the quartermaster a smile and a wink.  "I see you are hard at work as usual."  She knew about the 'smuggling'.  She also had assisted by ensuring things were overlooked, at least for this instance.  Enid performed a valuable service that, specifically because it was not through strictly legal channels, made her all the more important to keep around.

Rose Sawyer had been angry and cynical ever since arriving on Avaluna from Callisto Station in the first place. Work was her method of coping with the attack, with the loss, with finding a piece of her dead brother's Armour coming back to her like a ghost. Her whole world had changed, literally, and so the best thing to do was to drown herself in keeping things running. Unlike the Prince, she seemed able to handle such things without looking like she was about to collapse at any moment. All that time spent on engines and Armours had kept her from spending much of it making friends, and she'd gathered a rather cold and walled off reputation.

It took some arguing to get her to accept that everything was as fine as it was going to get, nothing needed calibrating, tweaking, or repairs, and she had to take some time off. Once the Armoury crew accomplished that, and then the engine crew did the same, it was up to Freyr to give the defeated engineer some direction. It was a day for socializing, and Freyr knew just where to go. That direction was the Scathach.

Rose found she hadn't properly relaxed or just talked with anyone in a long time, and it was... fun. She was having a good time telling Freyr about the goings-on since her departure, and how the Prince would sometimes tell stories about her and Meara when he was in the Armoury and wanted to chat while working. Because of that, it turned out Rose knew Freyr better than many of her own team. Maybe she'd have to do something about that.

She didn't have much to say when they ran into Enid, just raised an eyebrow and let Freyr take the lead.

As Enid tried to play it cool, a smallish container began to jar from side to side briefly. "Meow," squeaked the package. Certainly not suspicious. Not at all.

Just where was the contact who was supposed to retrieve it, Enid wondered. It was going to blow her cover.

Upon hearing the meow and seeing the wiggle, Freyr approached the box and peered at it.  Making sure it had air holes, mostly.  Smuggling a kitten, it sounded like, was usually done less openly, mostly because the cargo was not known for its discretion.  Upon confirming that there was enough air flow for the tiny creature inside, she stood back up and gave Enid a nod of approval.  "Forgive me, but this package made a very convincing imitation of something else," she said, clearly not fooled at all.  However, she was the highest ranking noble present, so since she said it was not suspicious, the package was definitely not suspicious.

There was absolutely nothing suspicious about a package that was shifting slightly and about to tip over until Freyr slid it back in place.  It clearly was not a request by Meara - that datapad had already been purchased - so it must be her betrothed who requested it.  She could not think of anyone else brazen enough to attempt such a thing so close to the wedding.  The question remained, however, who the kitten was for.  Meara?  Nay, while she loved all creatures more than most, she was more of a dog person, since sitting still was not her thing.  Also raising a pet from childhood took more patience and time than she suspected Meara had at the moment and while she was not one to often think before she acted, Meara at least put others before herself and had always made sure anything or anyone directly under her care was taken care of properly.  Irina?  Probably not.  The young woman was brilliant, and would appreciate a cat, certainly, but that would mean as a gift from Gwydion, and that did not seem likely.  It must be for the older sister, Iliza.

Also, there was the ominous message she received from Meara a day prior that simply read "I didn't do it" without any context, and since Meara was an atrocious liar, she knew that if it had been her, the 'cargo' would have been mentioned specifically in the denial.

"Best make sure this package arrives before it is too late."

Enid started to respond to the Dame, having been acknowledged, but the box got there first.  In her head, she damned many specific things with very precise curses.  Outwardly, she smiled and bowed her head in a salutatory way, "Always hard at it, Dame Freyr."  She placed a hand on the offensive, duplicitous box once it had been put back into place.  Best not to draw any more attention to that stupid, rotten, inconsiderate, furry /inconvenience/. Enid waggled her slate, "Oh it will.  Everything will get where it needs to go as quickly as I can.  Soooooo many pieces to move around these days.  What with the wedding and all.  Quite the biggest event I have ever seen.  The preparations anyway.  So many supplies, gifts, people.  Go go go."  You're laying it on too strong.  What is wrong with you?  Probably not sleeping...  When did I sleep last? Enid smiled between the Dame and the Chief, "Anything I can help you with?  I wouldn't have expected either of you to be on Scathach when there's so much going on down on Avaluna proper..."  Enid's very strong desire for them to go /there/ was kept to herself
This message was last updated by the GM at 15:09, Sun 07 Jan.

The two friends were acting very two-friendy, and Rose looked between them as they played their bizarre charade. Eventually there was a lull, and she took her moment to speak up.

". . . The cat's probably mad it has no place to crap." There were times when she could be as subtle as Dame Aegisdottir and... well, as Dame Aegistdottir. Taking a pin to this fragile bubble was more fun, though. The engineer let that sit in the air for the correctly measured amount of time, before letting herself smirk. "Depending on how many you have, that one might be what I'm here for. Besides seeing your goofy face again."

Enid started laugh uproariously at the very notion that it could be a cat, "A cat?  WhAt??  That's just cra---"  Buuuuut, they weren't buying it.  Enid gave it up and lifted the box, opening it enough to reach in an scratch the kitten, "You guys are no fun... It was /supposed/ to be a secret.  Geeze.  And it hasn't stayed in this box long....". Enid directed her voice to the box and went up in pitch, "Didjoo fuzzypants?  Nooo.  You stayed in Aunty Enid's cabin and were just the snuggliest little crap machine ever.  Yes you were.  And ruined sheets.  And a funky smell, you little monster.". To Rose, she added as she passed the box, "/You're/ goofy.". Luckily the real contraband doesn't meow...  Crisis AVERTED.
This message was last updated by the player at 15:04, Tue 09 Jan.

Adorable cargo secured, Freyr and Rose continued about their business. Rose needed to deliver the cargo to Lady Iliza without attracting unwanted attention, while Freyr was to track down...

A pink lightning bolt shot past at the head of a gaggle of children. The mob nearly collided with Godwin, herald of House Stjernvold before disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.

...Mimi.

The surly herald barely managed to keep his balance, and then only with the aid of a passing knight, whom Freyr and Rose both recognized. Sir Jayson Dennic, the Rattler, who had fought in the tournament and battle of Callisto. The knight laughed a deep belly laugh at the antics of the children and gave the now sputtering herald a friendly clap on the back, which almost upended him a second time.

OOC:
How will Freyr corral Mimi and what is the little girl needed for?

What obstacles lay in the way of Rose's delivery? How does the kitten play into the celebration?

What business of House Stjernevold is Godwin about? Has Brun seen Sir Jayson or any of the other tournament knights since his return?

Brun had, in fact, seen Jayson since he had been back...  Or rather, Sir Dennic had seen him and tried to speak with his lost-but-now-happily-found friend.  Brun was...off.  Jayson could have seen that quick enough.  After Callisto, Jayson would often drop in on Brun in the Armoury.  Check on progress.  Check on /him/.  Likely bring him a good meal, as the Edge Knight so often forgot such simple things while he had been repairing his Lady.  So, Jayson knew Brun better than most anyone on Avaluna and the returned knight was....somehow even stranger...

Brun had seemed happy to see Sir Dennic, but began talking about conversations that they had never had.  Brun tried to explain, but it all sounded like nonsense.  What did he mean it would make sense later?  Or what was that bit about the action over Cyllene and how Jayson shouldn't blame himself for not seeing the ambush...  Jayson likely could not recall any action over Cyllene, much less an ambush...

Other knights might have made such attempts as well, getting conversations even more cryptic or backward.  All of which was quite the frustration to Brun....and everyone else, most likely.

If Jayson would have pressed, Euryleia would have done her best to provide an understandable explanation of Brun's state.  But such a state is not easily understandable.

---

Herald Godwin stumbled forward a few steps before catching himself.  In a huff, he straightened his tunic and shook a fist powerlessly after the child-swarm, "Hooligans!  Ragamuffins!"  He then turned his fist into an accusatory pointing finger and leveled it squarely on Sir Dennic, "And that sort of response only encourages their rash behavior!"  Then the Herald's mind reminded him that he was addressing a knight.  The finger dropped away and Godwin straightened his tunic again, adding in a more polite tone, "Sir"  This tunic seemed to a lot of straightening.  Then he spotted Freyr, "Thank goodness.  Dame Freyr, I am so sorry, but may I beg a few moments of your time.  It is /terribly/ important."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Wed 10 Jan.

"Miss Freyr!  Miss Freyr!" proclaimed the leg-seeking menace as she plowed into Freyr at full speed to give her a hug.  Caught between a mob of small children and an official messenger, Freyr silently admitted she missed a bit of the chaos surrounding Meara and gave Mimi a smile and an affectionate pat on the head.  "I missed you too, Miriam," she replied quietly before looking at Herald Godwin with a resigned expression.  "I assume this is about the wedding?" she asked as Mimi hugged her leg tighter.  Despite this, she managed to retain her noble poise and bearing.  An example Meara still had a long way to go to emulate.

Herald Godwin smiled apologetically, stepping closer...though, noting Mimi, not /too/ close, "Yes, in fact.  Though possibly it could be seen as /tangential/ to it, which is rather the problem you see." He paused a moment to check if Freyr, Rose, Dennic....Mimi... did in fact see, but quickly pressed on anyway, "Of course, I understand that the royal wedding should take precedence over most everything else.  And we are all quite looking forward to it.  I have /always/ felt Dame Meara and Prince Gwydion would be a smart match, you know." He lowered his voice conspiratorially to add, "A more fitting and powerful union than /they/ might have wanted if they decided it....".

Godwin brought his voice back up to normal volume again, "But, I do have very important questions of title and rank, regarding House Stjernevold that need to be addressed for my Lord's house to be properly situated at the wedding, but I am having difficulty getting answers.  It is /entirely new ground/, you see?  Without precedent!  Entirely!" He had already been running on and seemed of a mind to continue, "I mean, can she properly be referred to as Lady Euryleia?  They are not properly wed, nor is she of noble blood...  Or blood... Or...  Is she even really a "lady" if you see my meaning..." Godwin paused for a breath, but was, again ready to keep going having found someone who will listen (not that he really gave Freyr a choice)...

Unable to resist a playful dig at her former ward, Freyr quietly replied, "I would not call them a smart match as such, although it is a powerful one."  She ignored his (to her mind) opinions on how fitting their previously chosen unions would have been, as well as the long-term benefits they could have had, since only a few were privy to all that had gone on and the rest just had the usual gossip and hearsay.  She looked thoughtful as he brought up protocol around Euryleia and Brun.  As much as it was simple to simply accept her as Lady Euryleia, Herald Godwin had a legitimate point about the lack of precedence.  While Brun had always referred to Euryleia as his Lady, suddenly reappearing as a person with thoughts and opinions and emotions had never happened before, nor had such a person existed before even in non-miraculous circumstances.  As he rambled on, she tried to think of potential precedents in the past that could be called upon, but the best she had was Word of the King/Queen granting noble titles to those who had earned them for various acts.

"There are several noble families whose roots were from the common folk, but who earned titles from Kings and Queens of eld for their actions.  Would it not be proper to call her Lady Euryleia by those merits?  She brought back Sir Brun, after all, and it was their mutual sacrifice that ended the dragon.  That is the argument I would make in her favor, but you are correct in that there is no real precedent to call upon directly.  As for being properly wed, well... with how Sir Brun had always treated her before, one could argue they have always been wed - it is just that nobody was present for an official wedding," she explained, voicing her thoughts, "However, as much as it pains me to admit it, we are not the ones with the authority to make the final decision.  As for rank, Sir Brun is a fellow knight and good friend of the Royal Couple, is he not?  Factoring in their relationship as well as his deeds, it seems to me that he and his Lady would have a place of honour just below immediate family and other royalty.  While I expect that Her Royal Highness Princess Meara will have no doubt attempted to have me placed as close to her as possible, I am not of her family by blood, but as a retainer, so I expect that I will be given no more honour than Sir Brun and his Lady at the ceremony."

She then paused and asked, "Speaking of the ceremony... I have not yet been told whose traditions are being followed, or if it is a combination of two or more traditions.  Venusian weddings, especially that of upper nobility and royalty, are... rather different than those of Saturn, and likely that of Avaluna as well."

Mimi continued to stay latched on Freyr's leg quite happily, not really following what the adults were talking about, but wanting to contribute as one did.  "Mommy's helping cook!"

This interruption caused Freyr to look down at Mimi with a bit of genuine excitement on her face.  "Oh?  I quite look forward to the feast, then.  Miss Moss is quite the accomplished cook."  Mimi beamed proudly as if the praise was aimed at herself.

NYOOM! Rose was fully caught off guard by the children following a smaller version of her, though it was clear there were important differences once the speed demon stopped moving attached to Lady Freyr. Mostly the dress and pigtails. Then she took notice of Sir Dennic and his companion, the herald whose face matched her own commonly sour expression. This one was tinged with a bit more self-importance, though.

As the group spoke, or rather as Godwin steamrolled everyone with his verbal river, Rose kept quiet and listened. Her face grew cold and stony the more he spoke. It wasn't until Freyr's attention was to Meara that the engineer spoke up, quiet but firm.

"Kindly keep your opinions of my Ladies Gehenmis to yourself. They've kept this refugee crisis, the one involving my people, from falling apart. And they're your Lady's friends. I'm sure she'd hate to hear you speak so highly of their suffering." From the way she glared at him, it seemed Rose could save credits by not needing to use a welding torch in her work.

"Quite. Yes," Godwin said with unusual brevity, though it wasn't clear to which woman he was responding. "If you'll please excuse me, I still have much business to which I must attend."

With that the Herald quickly took his leave.

"Bit of an ass, that one," Sir Jayson said frankly as the Herald departed. "Oh, begging your pardon little Miss," said with a fatherly wink and an apologetic bow to the little girl attached to Freyr's leg.

Mimi only snickered at the bad word.

"I'm afraid I have to be on my way too. The Missus and the children are due in at any moment. She'll not be happy if she has to herd the whole lot through these festivities alone," the Knight said.

Sir Jayson's family weren't the only arrivals expected from Jupiter. Several well-placed Nobles were set to arrive as well. Lady Iliza had taken it upon herself to ensure that their arrival was a smooth one. A show of unity was now as important as ever and it wouldn't do to have Petty Titans squabbling on arrival.

That reminded Mimi: Her Daddy's ship was coming in today too. Maybe she should meet him at the dock?

OOC:
To the Docks!

Illydir! Might be a great time to introduce yourself. What do you think of Avaluna? What do you think of the wedding?

Iliza! How are things going with the arriving dignitaries? What fires are you putting out?

Mimi! What's the name of your Dad's ship? Has it arrived yet? How long has he been gone? Say, that nice Knight Sir Jayson sure has a lot of kids. How much trouble are you going to cause together? Who is your favorite?

A flight of Jovian Armours launched from their carriers to parade their colors on their approach to Avaluna.  Knights being very proud of their Armours took such opportunities, especially at such large, well-attended events, to show off.  This flight was lead by an Armour of heavy design, yellow and red being its main colors. Its holographic pennant displayed a goat of gold, rampant, with a black scythe on a field of red.  The arms of the Jovian barony of Amalthea, the House of Laskaris

Iliza would easily be able to recognize all the pennants of the arriving Titan nobles.  House Laskaris had long been allies of House Gehenmis among the feuding Petty Titans.  The Barony of Amalthea was smaller, but proud.  That pride had already lead to one Laskaris son's death years go in a duel.  The previous Baron and his eldest son and Knight, Gareth, had been attending the Tournament.  They did not survive the initial attack.  The last surviving son, the youngest, Illydir has inherited the Barony and his father's Armour.  Being of the same age and allied families from the Titan Moons, Iliza (and Irina) would probably know him personally.  A third son without much prospect when they knew him.  He still had drive and vision, working to improve Amalthea for his family.  Very convincing.  Charming, in an assertive, dynamic way.

In the wake of Callisto, the new Baron Amalthea had begun trying to organize the many minor houses into a movement towards unifying the Titan Moons.  More importantly for House Gehenmis, Baron Illydir  has used his influence and resources to help rebuild and repair the damage done to their old ally.  Baron Gehenmis has been mentioning his name quite a bit to his daughters...  Especially since the  engagement of Prince Gwydion and Lady Meara...

Islimach, the last Armour of Amalthea, settled into the assigned bay at the docks.  The hatches released with a hiss as the gantry way was moved into position.  Illydir Laskaris, Baron of Amalthea and leader of the nascent Olympian League, stepped out into Avaluna proper.  A lean, athletic figure of a Knight in his finest flight gear.  He looked over the crowded docks.  At the other arriving members of his League.  This was the chance.  This was the next step.  There was work to do...

I'd like to go ahead and Create Advantage.  Establish how much Ilydir's reputation may have preceded him to Avaluna.  Let's call it, Known Name?

Total +2 (Burning a FP to tag Ally of Gehenmis, as it probably would have been the Baron Gehenmis who might have spread his name around a bit)

12:36, Today: Illydir rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, 1, -1, 0.  Create Advantage - Lineage +1

This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Wed 17 Jan.

The engagement of the Prince and Princess had wrought so many sudden changes to account for. Not only was public opinion torn, but the entire event was going to need careful planning and the spinning of dozens of plates at once to keep the guests polite, let alone happy. Much of this organization had fallen upon Iliza to orchestrate, as it had already been her position beside Gwydion when they were organizing the refugee crisis not so long ago. That became an entirely new problem once their beloved Ladies had their own engagements taken from them, an othering that sent a wave of discontent throughout the new tenements. Even with that aside, Iliza had to prepare guides for the coming nobles and their people to ensure no one ran across anyone they had an enmity with, quite the prospect when the Titans were involved. Fortunately she was familiar enough with them and their pre-Callisto relationships that catching up was almost simple. Simple enough that she was stretched too thin to have her thoughts to herself, anyway, and that was the only way she could function lately.

Lady Iliza was actually present for Lord Amalthea's arrival. She had temporarily run out of preparations to see to, and wasn't about to let herself have a rest and fall to pieces. They knew each other, their families had been allies, friends even, and it felt appropriate to welcome him to Avaluna. The smile she wore served as a fine mask. Perhaps her old friend could make it genuine for a while.

Being friends with the Heir Apparent came with some great benefits.  For one, it made Mimi the de-facto leader of her peers, and taking after Princess Meara's example, she used it properly - to have lots of fun with everyone.  As such, the mob of children ran haphazardly with their leader (who they had taken to calling Boss for reasons Mimi did not understand but also didn't really care about) towards the docks to greet family who was arriving back in time for the wedding.  The United Water Unicorn (U.W.U.) had finished the transfer process to resupply Avaluna with water, and Mimi's dad was a member of the crew, so that meant but one thing.

"Daddyyyyyyyyyyyyyy~!" exclaimed the little girl with a 'safe' sword flailing slightly as she ran to leap into a man's arms.  He was tall and built like most laborers, with reddish hair and golden-brown eyes, and he easily caught the flying girl into a hug and spun her around with a laugh.

"I missed you so much!  How's my favorite daughter?!" asked Hiram as the children swarmed around, those not greeting people mostly hovering around Mimi and Hiram, much to Hiram's confused amusement.

Mimi began animatedly talking about several things at once, including that her bestest friend was getting married to Prince Gwydion and that Mom was helping cook for the wedding, and Hiram began to look more and more confused.

Meanwhile, while Iliza had gone to greet Ilydir, Irina had elected to welcome those who had been mostly absent on work since her fellow refugees arrived on Avaluna and also keep an eye on Mimi as a favor to Sylvie, who had been giving her a shoulder to cry on when Iliza wasn't available for mutual commiseration and her parents were busy.  And there had been a lot of crying.  Meara had said she would work with Queen Valerie and Prince Gwydion to see if she could find a way for them to still be together - officially if possible - without causing problems for everyone, but she was careful not to promise that it would be a guarantee.

But there were other things to focus on right now, like this poor man's confusion.  Approaching Hiram and Mimi (and wading a bit through the children), she said, "Hello, Hiram.  I believe Mimi is talking about the wedding of Princess Meara and Prince Gwydion.  You have arrived back just in time to take part in the upcoming festivities.  All of Avaluna is bustling with excitement.  Lady Freyr has returned as well."

Having heard of the engagement between Meara and Irina from his wife Sylvie, Hiram was about to ask, but wisely said nothing.  The brief conflict and desire to ask crossed is face, and Irina did notice, but she was thankful he did not bring it up.  "A Royal wedding, huh?  And my Sylvie is cooking!" he exclaimed with excitement, "Well, we can't let her do all the work alone, now can we?"

He gave Irina an enthusiastic smile and asked, "How can we help out?  We may not be nobility, but we've got energy to spare for those who still lose sleep helping us common folk."

The gaggle of children (also Hiram, Miri, and Irina) had been moving along away from the ship so others could come in and out as well, and it just so happened that the mass bumped into a Knight who had been discreetly working his way past the chaos, causing him to drop the box he was holding.

Time froze as Sir RHY-S32 looked down at the box that had now been squished by a falling child (who was very apologetic and a bit scared).  The chocolates for Freyr were going to be a bit different, now.

"Sir RHY-S32!  We are so, so sorry.  Is there-" Irina began before he picked up the box with a laugh.

"I am glad to see that everyone is in high spirits!  Now I will have a story to tell when I deliver Sir L1-4MNT's gift for the Lady."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:59, Thu 25 Jan.

"My dear Lady Iliza," a bold, self-assured, voice said from just over her shoulder. She turned to find a perfectly coiffed pompadour she knew very well. The pompadour was attached to a Knight she also knew very well. "You grow more beautiful each time we meet."

Sir Dalibrad Delors took her hand and placed a kiss upon it as he bowed deeply. "I would be flattered that you had waited upon my arrival, but it seems you have your sights set upon Baron Almathea, hmmm?" The knight shot a quick glance to the arriving party.

"So this is Avaluna, hmmm? I expected something more...grandiose? Where is the sense of style? It's all rather...disappointing, isn't it?" He shot Iliza a pointed look.

In reply to Mimi Moss (msg # 19):

"Princess Meara was emphatic that Mrs. Moss be in charge of the...culinary endeavors. On perhaps rather short notice...I am sure she would be glad to see you and for the additional help, of course. I can take you to her," Irina answered Hiram. "Just be prepared. Things were chaotic, the last I saw."

The second knight was a surprise, and Iliza turned to face the familiar voice. It took half a moment to put on a smile, after taking the time to lock down the sigh from escaping. It wasn't that she didn't like the man, she just was quickly exhausted by his... well, everything. Still, this was an important time, and keeping the guests happy was her priority.

"Sir Dalibrad, always a charmer. Welcome to Avaluna. I'm afraid your arrival wasn't expected quite so early, or I'd have been sure to be there as well. My apologies. Avaluna is not shining at her brightest while in a period of mourning, though we hope to relieve the gloom through the coming celebrations. I hope you'll be more impressed as you see more."

Illydir made his practiced way down from the Armour gantry.  Along the way, he spied Iliza in the crowd.  She rather stood out.  Of course, it was no real surprise as he had been apprised of the arrangements to ensure she was available to greet his arrival.  A small smile.  It was nice when a plan came together...

Delors was not part of that plan though.  It looked like that popinjay would get there first as well...

The smile faded a bit as the Baron Amalthea made his way through the press to arrive a few moments later.  He had stripped off his gloves and loosened the collar of his flight suit; because irritation demanded some action and that was all that could be managed.

Illydir's smile was reset by the time he was near.  For Iliza a respectful bow of the head, "Lady Iliza, it has been far too long." Dalibrad got a moment's attention, "And Sir Delors...  It seems too short a time since I last saw you.  We are so very lucky you could spare the time from your /important/ work to attend."

Back to Iliza again with his full attention, Illydir offered his arm, "Shall we?  The docks are so crowded and full of interruptions..."

Illydir's approach was greeted with polite relief, and Iliza took the offered arm gladly.

"Ah, my dear friend, let me show you some of the sights. I think you'll be pleased with what we've accomplished here."

That evening a dinner was scheduled to welcome the esteemed guests and dignitaries who had arrived at Avaluna. Though the wedding itself was still two days hence, the intervening time provided a vital opportunity to secure and renew alliances that had been threatened by the loss of John Arthur.

Even with relatively limited resources, Mrs. Moss had marshalled the kitchen staff (including Hiram and Mimi) to make a delicious meal. Guests of all spheres dined together in Avaluna's largest hall, seated carefully to avoid offending anyone's sensibilities. Mostly.

"C.C., you've got to try these hors d'oeuvres," Sir Dalibrad Delors informed Saturnine Senator Caius Claudius in an exaggerated sing-song voice before stuffing another in his mouth. Apparently he had found something to his liking upon Avaluna. The Senator seemed politely amused by the Knight's antics. Dame Litivia Scipii, the Senator's bodyguard, made no attempt to hide the scowl she gave the knight-errant across the table. The knight himself remained oblivious. Dalibrad looked rather sad once he realized he had eaten the last hors d'oeuvre, but he hardly had time to dwell on it before a serving girl materialized with another tray. The serving girl was tiny and had a delightful shock of pink atop her head. Dalibrad nodded graciously in thanks before he gave the girl a discerning look.

"I love your hair!"
"I love your hair!"

Both Mimi and the knight managed simultaneously.

"Thanks!"
"Why, thank you, my dear."

Dalibrad narrowed his eyes slightly as he noticed the sword at her hip, "Are you, by chance, a squire?"

"Not yet," the girl answered.

"I see. And your House," the Knight inquired.

"My Mommy and Daddy's," Mimi answered. "We used to live at Callisto and now we live here. My mommy made these," she said gesturing to her tray.

Dalibrad began to put the pieces together. "Dreadful business Callisto," he said solemnly.

Mimi shrugged.

"Stoic, hmm," said with a bit of approval. "And what might your name be?"

"Mimi," the girl answered.

"Me-Me," the Knight said with an odd inflection. "I quite like that for some reason."

The Knight stood and gave the girl a flourishing formal bow, drawing many eyes to him, "I am Sir Dalibrad Delors, Baronet of Ganymede, heir to the United Water Conglomerate, pilot of Exemplar, and Premier Knight-Errant of the Sol system. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

"That's too much," Mimi said, even as she giggled.

"I hear that often," Sir Delors said with aplomb and no hint of self-reflection. "Tell me, Me-Me, how old are you?"

"Seven," Mimi answered.

"SEVEN," said with shock and disappointment. "Why that's much too young to be a squire. Everyone knows that you have to be Twelve." The Knight plopped back in his seat, deflated, and began to brood. He did not pout. Certainly, Sir Dalibrad never pouted. "And here I thought your bold assertion was to seek my favor. There is a solar system full of eager young prospective squires who would desperately seek to study the Knightly Arts under the illustrious tutelage of Sir Dalibrad Delors. But I like the cut of your hair, Miss Me-Me."

Mimi gave the knight's arm a reassuring pat, "It's okay. I can't be your squire anyway. I'm going to be Meara's" she said pointing to the dais.

A round of chuckles went up from many of the surrounding nobles.

Dalibrad looked positively taken aback by the notion that Mimi would have another choice over him. "I see. Well, it would never work out between us. It's not me, it's you," he said to the little girl in a reassuring tone. "I hope you can understand."

Mimi didn't, but she put two more Cargo-In-The-Airlocks on the silly knight's plate and that seemed to smooth things over.

---

The Jovian contingent sat scattered about the room, to avoid any incidents. Baron Illyidir and retinue were seated along with the Gehenmis family. Baron Gehenmis and his wife politely engaged in conversation. Lady Irina sat with her back toward the dais on which the royals were seated. She glanced this way and that at the various tables from time to time as though concerned with something, but she hardly ate and did not speak.

Prince Gwydion and Princess Meara dined at the head of the hall. Around Princess Meara sat the Venusian delegation including Queen Valerie and Meara's own parents, Duchess Ceilidh La Guin of Chonaill and her consort Baughb. Baroness Yodil Kotta and her husband Bastien, Brun's parents, were also in attendance.

Gwydion, in turn, was flanked by those Knights of the Round Table able enough to attend. Many still bore traces of their wounds if one knew where to look. Sir Brun and Lady Euryleia sat among them.

There was clearly some rising tension between Dame Freyr's invited guest, Sir L1-4MNT, and the Venusian contingent. Many glared daggers at the man. Despite this, he dutifully ignored them and kept up polite conversation with Freyr.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:44, Tue 30 Jan.

Freyr, fully aware of the glares from the Venusian contingent (mostly from those not of Meara's family - mostly - because Baughb was as much of a sucker for romance as the late King Arthur, if not somehow moreso), also politely ignored the judgment as she engaged with Sir L1-4MNT in small talk.  She had received the box of squished chocolates along with the story of how they had met an unfortunate accident along the way, and while it was not mentioned, both parties at the gift exchange were fully aware of the circumstances.  Still, knowing it was Sir L1-4MNT who had initiated the process to show her his affection made the gift's intentions a success.  She would have to tease him about it later, when there were fewer eyes and ears.

For her part, Irina was nursing a jealous grudge that she knew wasn't Gwydion's fault, but it was there nonetheless.  Any time she looked at Meara or Gwydion, she felt a pang in her heart.  She knew it was irrational to feel that way towards them, but emotions tended not to be rational.  Losing herself in her research hadn't helped lately because the datapad was a gift from Meara and came with that baggage.  She knew her sister was feeling the same, but unlike Iliza, she'd never been able to mask her feelings like that.  More accurately, she hadn't been required to mask her feelings like that.  She did not envy Iliza right now.  So, not really paying attention to conversation unless she was spoken to directly by name, she had positioned herself so she could not see the source of her heartache and poked at her plate.  After poking at it and making it shift slightly, she saw a small note underneath and waited for those around her to be focused on each other before sliding it out and reading it.  It was a note in crayon, with an additional note in two colors of pen.  The Moss family had given her a note of thanks and an offer of unconditional support for whatever they could provide.  It was small, but Irina managed to crack a tiny smile.

At the main table, Meara was doing her best to present herself as respectable and of queenly authority.  While her mother was happy to see Meara finally behaving herself, her father was weirded out.  Where had his wild and energetic daughter gone?  She looked like Meara, and mostly sounded like Meara, but the usual exuberance was missing.

Wait a moment.  Had she?  She had!  She had snuck a small plastic pin amongst her jewelry!  She'd gotten that one from a small dispenser during one of her childhood excursions to hang out with the commoners!  So she was still herself despite everything.  That was a relief.

Euryleia had warned him /they/ would be there.

She had also offered, in the privacy of their quarters, to destroy his parents.  Euryleia made the violently brutal offer with well-meaning, affectionate honesty.  She added, with a heart-stoppingly fierce smile, "I really could.  No one there could stop me. "

Brun knew she would too, if he asked.  His Lady was a war machine and tended towards dealing with problems destructively.  But he also knew that she was very aware he would never ask her to.  Brun kissed her lightly, grinning, "Tempting.....but no.  It would be very rude to make our friends' celebration all about us."

Euryleia rolled her eyes dramatically as she stepped back, form rippling into a stylishly simple evening dress of perfect fit in matching Stjernevold colors to Brun's chosen outfit, "Fine.  After then."

---

Experiencing the whole of his life at all times and at no times, chopped up and scattered past his consciousness like confetti gave Brun a unique perspective on his life.  It wasn't always easy to see, of course.  Nothing and everything was these days.  But when he entered the hall with his Lady and saw /them/, that perspective hit him quite suddenly.

A rippling flurry of his life assaulted his mind.  He tried to cling to Euryleia and Now, let it all wash over him like a wave.  Waves are not endless.  It didn't always work, but it did this time.  And he Saw.  All the choices and direction of his life that had been made by his mother and father.  Their choices that he allowed.  That lead to him being cast off anyway.

But....

It also placed him where he needed to be to find his Lady.  To save thousands at Callisto.  To begin a House.  To slay Dragons.  To Quest for the future of humanity.  To serve Arthur /and/ his heirs.

Brun realized he was no longer angry with his parents.  If they were not the terrible people they were, he would not be here today.  With her.

He squeezed Euryleia's hand gently, not really knowing how much time had passed outside his mind but it didn't seem to have been too long.  He didn't entirely remember taking his seat at the high table though.

With concern, Euryleia asked, "Are you alright?"

Brun smiled, feeling very certain for once when he answered, "I am quite fine, my Lady.  Now, let's make sure everyone else is as well."

The Lord and Lady of Stjernevold proceeded to do just that, to the best of their not inconsiderable ability, for the rest of the evening. They watched over Gwydion and Meara as society bodyguards.  They screened the noble riffraff and the potentially troublesome away politely; providing breathing space and moments where they could by engaging would-be petitioners first.  The pair danced through this battlefield as they had so many others.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Wed 31 Jan.

"Oh, I'm just a bit distracted with all that's been going on." Prince Gwydion had completely zoned out during conversation with one of the Knights, his thoughts landing on poor Irina. He'd already discussed with his Iliza about how they would make sure things worked out no matter what happened, that the politics of the nobility wouldn't be able to keep them apart, but he'd had no such conversation with her sister. Her pain was obvious to anyone who knew it was there to see, and Gwydion couldn't help but trace spiderwebs of cause and effect from this one change in plans, the harm to those he cared about and the good it would do the rest of mankind. Responsibility. She wouldn't be hurting if he had managed to save Uncle John from that monster. He could still fix it...

No, now wasn't the time to think about that. He smiled to his conversation partner, and then looked over to the happenings over at Senator Claudius's group. Apparently Sir Dalibrad had just met Mimi, who the prince still had some upcoming playdates sword training lessons scheduled with. He wondered if he would still have time for her once he was acting in his full capacity as king. Would he have time for anything good again, or was it all going to be the war and finding ways to prevent humanity's looming extinction? Uncle John had managed to keep smiling through it all. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. Or perhaps his uncle was just a fantastic actor on top of everything else. If only he were still around to ask. Just a few more experiments and that might be possible...

Damn it all, Gwydion was so used to wearing his heart on his sleeve that now, being the center of jovial attention while he was still so hurt, it was maddening!

"Plus the delights here are overwhelming, aren't they? From what I gather, this is just the beginning. Apparently there's some sort of big event soon, and so a big celebration to go with it. Exciting, don't you think?" He couldn't just say that he was disgusted by such political shell games and the necessity of toying with the hearts of those he loved for the sake of political gain he barely even understood the need for. As far as he was concerned, every human in the system should have already understood that MerGN-A needed to be destroyed, and then humanity could go back to killing itself over petty disagreements. All this felt wrong. He just wanted to kiss his beloved Iliza and go back to sleep. And then he saw her, sitting and chatting pleasantly with Sir Illydir, looking for all the world like nothing bothered her. At least, right until he caught her eye, and for a brief moment he could actually see the veil lift and the sadness under it when she looked at him. Maybe he'd ruined everything by agreeing to all this. Maybe nothing would be right after all.

The moment passed, the pair returned to dinner with everyone, and continued their respective conversations as if they didn't just watch each others' worlds fall apart in the middle of the glitz and glamour.

Both Sir Osenain and Sir Tor inclined their heads in deference to Lady Euryleia when she looked their way. There was something in their manner beyond mere respect. Reverence, perhaps?

---

Lady Gehenmis laughed politely at something clever that Baron Illydir had said, "Dear Illydir, we are all glad that you could attend the wedding here. But I cannot imagine that this is the only wedding in your future is it? The Baron Gehenmis and I know quite well the demands of your position and how much easier it would be with the right woman at your side and to provide you heirs. Your House suffered greatly in the attack as well, Baron. It would certainly behoove both Callisto and Almathea to rebuild and restrengthen arm-in-arm."

---

The Queen conversed quietly with Freyr about her efforts at training the next generation of Venusian knights, those drawn from common stock. "I commend your efforts thus far, Dame Freyr. Yet, no matter how successful you are in the matter, I fear your class may be the first and only of its kind. Without the factories of Mars we cannot hope to equip the number of young warriors we had hoped."

Freyr nodded deferentially, but with hidden determination, in reply to Queen Valerie's praise and lament.  Speaking equally quietly, she said, "Fear not, Your Royal Majesty.  Our efforts shall not be in vain, even if I may not be the trainer myself for future generations of students.  I have faith in the abilities of Princess Meara and Prince Gwydion to mend the bonds between Venus, Avaluna, and Mars, as I am certain you do as well."  With a coy smile offered to her date, she added, "If all else fails, I am sure Sir L1-4MNT would not mind offering the idea up in the Martian court for them to do themselves, perhaps in partnership with the Jovian or Saturnian people.  We may not currently be allies with Mars, but we are not enemies, either, and we do still have a mutual foe."

She glanced over at Euryleia and Brun before looking back at Queen Valerie.  "If nothing else, we have a living miracle right before our very eyes.  You have given us hope, and we shall hold to it until the very last."

Irina could hear her mother talk with Illydir plain as day, and she feared for herself and Iliza.  Sure, it made sense politically, but politics had already torn her sister and herself from their prior engagements that everyone was happy about (well, perhaps not Meara's mother, but from what little Irina knew about her, that was to be expected).  Seeing how happy Sylvie and Hiram were together made Irina wish she was a commoner, at least when it came to the freedom to marry whoever they wish.

No!  She can't cry and make a scene here.  She cared too much about Meara to do that.  And about Iliza.

At least they both got along with Illydir.

At least their parents weren't suggesting one of them marry Dalibrad.  Noble as he may be, the man was insufferably arrogant.  Just, somehow, not offensively so.  It would be so much easier to hate him if he actually talked down to others instead of just acting like it's objective fact that he's the most important person in the room at all times.

A steward came to the table with a bottle of wine and stood next to Irina, waiting for permission or denial to pour.  Irina was about to wave them away until she noticed who it was and what they had.  Hiram stood there in a smart-looking steward's uniform, complete with white gloves, and holding a bottle of strawberry wine.  A tiny note was tucked between his fingers that he stealthily passed to her as he poured into her empty glass.

It simply said, 'thinking of you' in very fancy, familiar handwriting.  Meara was still thinking about her even though the princess was getting married to someone else.  It made her feel a bit happy.

Perhaps she could get through this after all.

"Muuuuuuthuuuuuuuuuuuur~"

"-behaving properly for your station and leading by example-"

Meara had been spending most of the dinner trying not to lose it, and her mother, Duchess Ceilidh, was not helping.  It felt like the entire dinner so far (and much of the time before) had been spent listening to lecture after lecture about how her mother was so proud of Meara for finally womaning up and accepting the duties of her position, along with suggestions of whom to take as advisors (and whom not to take) for various things.

"Oh, let our daughter enjoy the feast, My Darling Lady, lest your advice go to her belly instead of her head."

Duchess Ceilidh had married a rather strong-willed man, by choice, and Baughb was someone she somehow could not get truly angry with.  Somehow, it worked, and they did truly love one another, and together they did (un)successfully raise a princess.  Baughb's ability to cut straight to the heart of the matter with a bit of humor was one of the reasons she loved him.

So, with a sigh, Duchess Ceilidh acquiesced, "You are correct, my husband.  Now is not the time."

Yes!  Thank you, Daddy!

"Be that as it may-"

Nooooooooo... I can't even hear what's going on at Iri's table... Muuuuuthuuuuuuuuuuuur!

Gwydion's breaking heart silenced for a moment as another sound reverberated into him, one so familiar as to have become second nature. Meara was in trouble. It was Distraction Time. The prince put on his Talking To Aunt Ceilidh smile.

"My Lady Ceilidh, I'm so pleased you're here to see how well Avaluna has been flourishing lately. How have you enjoyed what you've seen thusfar? Perhaps I could show you some of our latest achievements sometime." And get her away from Meara! That was known on ancient Earth as taking one for the team.

Things were going... well, they were going the way needs must. Handling political dinners was a skill Iliza had developed over years of practice, so this had simply been a matter of falling back on her old techniques for keeping her own feelings compartmentalized away from the business at hand. It had been hard, what with recent events, but she was managing. Right up until her mother maneuvered the conversation toward throwing her children at Sir Illydir's feet. Iliza's breath caught in her throat, her smile faltered for a brief moment, and her eyes fell to her meal as she swayed forward a bit. It would have been imperceptible to anyone who wasn't looking at that very moment. After a breath, she took a quick sip of her wine and began to cut herself another bite to eat. Anything to prevent having to speak in the next few seconds. Perhaps no one would stare as tears began to well up in her eyes. She could fight those if they persisted. Maybe.

Illydir listened politely to Lady Gehenmis' attempt to steer the conversation.  A quick look towards Iliza as the Lady spoke confirmed what he /knew/ was the likely result of bringing it up now.  Here.   A long sip of his drink served, hopefully, to cover the frustrated tightening of his jaw.  He set a small smile, before answering, "You speak truly, Lady.  Such a thing would be a benefit to both our houses.  Events have been changing so rapidly after the recent tragedies.  Sometimes it feels like everything is moving /too fast/..."  As he said it, Illydir's eyes hardened, just a moment, towards Lord and Lady Gehenmis.  Trying to make a quiet, /currently/, polite point about /timing/.  Point, hopefully, being made with her parents, he looked again to Iliza,  as he continued, "Perhaps, we could discuss it later?"  He decided it might be best not to let her have a chance to answer and covered it instead by trying to change the subject, "On the subject of rebuilding, I understand the reclamation fleet at Callisto is making fine progress.  The new temporary station hub we helped spin up seems to be working out...."

Euryleia caught the deferential gestures from the pair of young knights.  When she had been her Armour-self such looks were not uncommon.  Eighteen meters of awe-inspiring height and fearsome weaponry tended to demand that kind of attention.  But now, on a more equal scale, Euryleia was learning to navigate new variations of attention.  Especially from those she didn't have a lot of data on.

Analytical data flowed around each of them as she scrutinized their biological telltales in milliseconds.  Based on her research and statistics, physical attraction and/or arousal would be the most likely with such young men.  But the bio-signs didn't seem to match that...entirely.  Euryleia flagged them for extra data collection as opportunities presented themselves.  No.  She would talk to them.  She could just talk to them now.

She missed being tall.

For now, Euryleia offered them a measured, neutral acknowledging salute with her glass...and returned to the nearer conversation with the other high table knights.

The dinner eventually came to an end, thankfully, without any major incidents. So far so good...

Meara's father asked her to accompany him on a walk, ostensibly to help with his after dinner digestion. But they both knew it was simply an excuse to provide a listening ear and some fatherly advice.

MerLN suddenly appeared in front of them. "Forgive me for the intrusion, your Highness, but I thought best to inform you at once. Dame Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT have been attacked by an unknown assailant. They are in the infirmary. They both sustained minor wounds, and are expected to make a full recovery..."

---

Brun and Euryleia had been able to enjoy a relatively normal banquet, something that was a rarity these days. They had retired to their quarters and were preparing to enjoy the rest of their evening together when Brun suddenly seized.

He saw Gwydion, dressed as he had been at the welcoming dinner, split throat to navel, unblinking and unfocused eyes vacant of all life. He stared down at the would-be King even as Euryleia sought to close his wounds, but it was too late.

---

The dinner was over and Gwydion had managed to navigate the minefield. It was sometimes hard to see how Uncle John had been able to keep up his spirits given his position. He knew it would only get worse from here. He had...

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and he suddenly, inexplicably, knew that he wasn't alone. He turned just as a mysterious figure in a shimmering black suit stabbed at him with a blade that seemed to blink in and out of existence.

OOC: Gwydion, defend yourself against a physical attack with a total of 10!
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:03, Sun 04 Feb.

It had been a long day, and a long dinner, and a longing for his Iliza to say just the right thing and bring them both warmth and comfort. Gwydion, Prince of Avaluna and the next King, had never felt less ready for rulership. How could those people make such a fine banquet become so exhausting? Perhaps he'd been part of that as well, letting his mind constantly drift toward such burdensome thoughts. And here he was, doing it aga--

[14:24, Today: Gwydion rolled 0 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 0, 1, -1.  Melee +5 vs TN 10.

Invoking Dueling Prodigy for +2, -1 FP

Total 7

Marking Physical Stress 1 and taking Mild Consequence: Shredded Suit]

Left foot an inch to the right, hips twist left, left arm up to protect the belly, right arm up to protect the throat, eyes on the enemy.

The phantom blade tore through Gwydion's clothing and drew blood, a surface wound rather than a plunge into the heart. He'd been attacked by a humanoid. This wasn't the Emergent, it was flesh and blood.

Find the weapon hand, get control of the wrist. Distracting strikes to the face while pulling the wrist close to the hips for maximum control, then another quick turn to fling the enemy to the ground. Control the wrist, control the body, control the weapon.

[14:38, Today: Gwydion rolled 2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 0, 1, 0.  Melee +5 to Create Advantage.

Total 7

Attempting to create a standing grapple with the opponent on the ground. I wonder if I could find a video of this move online...]

Immediately, Meara saw red.  If she hadn't been with her father, she would have immediately run at a sprint to the infirmary.  However, his hand on her arm kept her from doing something foolish.  As she fought to contain her emotions, her father asked the question he knew she should ask.

"Who else has been attacked?  Who is most vulnerable?" he asked as Meara snapped back to the moment at hand.  Lifting up her dress all the way to her hip, she reached down and drew a long dagger she had concealed on her inner thigh.  Her father acted as if this was absolutely normal.  She may have been persuaded to leave her sword and pistol back in her room, but there was no way she'd let herself be unarmed around so many nobles.

If there was one lesson she had actually learned from her mother, it was to always be wary of other nobles, because they always have something to gain at your expense.  It may not be worth it, but short-sighted nobles existed in droves.

The Knight and his Lady laughed as they stepped back into their quarters.  Fingers fumbled at Brun's fine new formal outfit.  Euryleia grinned, "Let me just tear it off, it would be faster.  Your stupid clothes are pointlessly complicated..."

Brun, laughed again and playfully brushed at her hands, "You brute...  And it isn't pointless!  You said it made me look fantastic.  Especially my..."  His awareness suddenly fell away through time.  He tried to hold on, but it was strong...so strong...the wave crashed over and through him.  Pushing him away.  Forward.  He caught flashes of moments not yet lived.  He focused as hard as he could to grab one of the quickly fleeting moments.  To stop his headlong hurtle through...

There.

Brun blinked back tears, "I'm sorry...  I can't stop thinking about it...  Gwydion.  He shouldn't have been alone.  We should have..."  His eyes widened as he looked over Euryleia's chosen banquet gown, then grabbed his own jacket lapels, "Is it?  Am I?"

Euryleia was getting used to the timeshifts.  As much as you could get used to your love falling endlessly through time at just the wrong moments.  But this time felt different and the mention of Gwydion seemed ominous, "What about Gwydion?"

Brun answered, "He's going to die... But, maybe we changed it!"  He grabbed his pistol from where his weapon belt hung on his rushed way out.  Euryleia was already moving for the door, opening just in time for Brun to run through and her to follow.  She didn't bother to ask any more questions.

Brun lead the way.  He knew where he was going.  He'd already been there.

Gwydion seized his assailant's wrist with both of his hands, but as he pivoted to throw, the knife disappeared from the assassin's grip forcing Gwydion to release the assassin's wrist with one hand and abandon the throw in favor of capturing the other hand. It proved a wise move as the assassin's left hand darted in to drive the dagger into Gwydion's vitals. The Prince managed to catch the blow, if barely, as the two wrestled against one another. But the black clad killer suddenly blinked out of Gwydion's grip and a half-step to his left and struck again.

OOC:
Meara, are you sure you don't want to go to Freyr? The attacker might come back to finish the job. You remember what it was like to lose Arthur? What if that were Freyr? Have a FP to go to her or else pony up a FP and have Brun and Euryleia sprint by on their way to Gwydion which will clue you in.

Brun and Euryleia will burst up in the scene after Gwydion acts and are then free to act as well. Meara too if she ponies up the FP.

22:47, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, 1, -1.  Assassin Defend. Melee +4. +2 invoke of Gwydion's Consequence. Spends FP to Invoke Unknown Personal Aspect for +2. 4+2+2-1 = 7 Tie. Gwydion gets a Boost.

23:07, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled 1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 1, -1, 0.  Assassin Attack. Melee +4.  +2 Lævateinn Ghostblade Stunt. 4+2+1 = 7. Gwydion roll defense.

Initiative
Assassin (Gone)
Gwydion
Brun/Euryleia
Meara (If she refuses the compel)

Aspects in Play
Shredded Suit
Unsteady Grapple (Boost)

[GM gifted a Fate Point, so back up to 3.

22:24, Today: Gwydion rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, -1, 0, 1.  Melee +5 vs TN 7.

aaaaaaaa Invoking Unsteady Grapple for +2

Total 6

Marking Stress 2, and I'm out of Physical Stress boxes!]

The shifting weapon gave Gwydion some trouble, and then his opponent warping away to try again was a total surprise. When the enemy came in again, Gwydion brought his hands down to try and grab at both wrists at once without dodging, instead stepping directly into the attack and trying to push the knife away while enacting the emergency anti-murder technique, slamming his forehead into the assassin's face!

[22:35, Today: Gwydion rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, -1, 0, -1.  Melee +5 to Attack.

Die roller I'm coming for you next you little bastard. Invoking Dueling Prodigy, Louder Than Words, and I Can Fix This for +6 to the total, -3 FP.

Total 10

And I really wish I'd Created Advantage there instead of attacking, but oops. Still, this should serve as a deterrent maybe.]

Gwydion slammed his head into the assassin's face plate. Thankfully, it was only slightly reinforced plasteel, but even so, the desperation move seemed to take the assassin aback momentarily. Moreover, with his face so close to the assassin's Gwydion caught the most ephemeral peek behind the shimmering mask. No...it couldn't be...Iliza?

OOC: 05:46, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, -1, 0, -1.  Assassin Defend. Melee +4. FP +2 for Invoking Unknown Personal Aspect. 4+2-1= 5. 10-5 = 5. Assassin checks it's 3 box. Two left. Takes a Minor Consequence.

I'm going to help you out slightly with the consequence, since you said you wish you had done CA to unmask, and call it A Glimpse Behind the Mask?

E&B are up.

Is Meara staying with dear old Dad?

Brun sprinted into the scene and was momentarily relieved to see Gwydion alive.  It was fleeting as the prince was still being attacked by the assassin.  Or was he?  Was the assassin there....  Did they move?  Gwydion stabbed! No..... No he's okay. Euryleia...no! Time and perspective fractured under the stress and desperation of the fast moving situation.  Brun was seeing every outcome; buffeted by the waves of possibility from all sides....

To everyone else, it looked like Brun had just run into the room and stopped.  His eyes far gone elsewhen.

I'd like to Compel Time and Tides.  As a Complication, Brun will be useless until he succeeds at a Devotion Overcome difficulty set by the Boss.  (Or a different Complication if the boss wishes)

While they ran the halls of Avaluna, Euryleia dropped the costume.  Her form rippled and changed; black armor replaced the ephemeral cloth and "skin".   A silver visored helm.  Foils extended from her hands.  The unmistakable shape of the famous Armour Euryleia now ran the halls alongside her Knight.

When they reached the scene, Euryleia did /not/ stop.  Boosters flared momentarily to launch her the last distance.  Her familiar voice boomed, "Gwydion!  On your left!" She landed at the Prince's side, foil snaking in to try force open the space and put herself into harm's way.

Euryleia's intention is to protect Gwydion first and get the attention on her.

Melee Create Advantage (tagging Warrior Born) Total +6.

Trying to create: Protect the King!

10:32, Today: Euryleia rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, -1, 1.  Create Advantage - Melee +5. –

The possibilities unfolded endlessly before Brun, each step, each outcome open to him. So many. So fast. The possibilities spiralled, spinning into an endless fractal. A repeating inevitability.

Brun stood before two figures in shimmering armor, one black, one white. Gleaming faceplates, not unlike the one once worn by his beloved, covered their faces, but he knew them.

"This is the only way. It must be done," he heard his own voice say, weighted with the anguish of certainty. "The King Must Die."

---

Euryleia easily interposed herself between the Assassin and Gwydion, ready to meet any attack.

"It has already begun," the black-clad Assassin said with sudden surprise and then vanished into nothingness.

OOC: Brun, I accept the compel. Rather than have you roll an overcome, I will say that you automatically comeback to yourself next turn. Giving up an exchange for a FP feels fair.

12:12, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled 0 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 0, 0, 0.  Assassin Defend vs. CA. Melee +4. Euryleia Wins. 1 free invoke.

Aspects in Play
Shredded Suit
Unsteady Grapple
A Glimpse Behind the Mask? (1 Free Invoke, Gwydion Only)
Protect the King (1 Free Invoke)

And with that the Assassin will choose to concede the conflict. Gwydion lives, but the Assassin vanishes.

Meara, have a FP for missing the action, but tell me if you are going to go toward the infirmary or if you see B&E and follow as that's important for me to know for what you see next.

Before MerLN could reply, Brun and Euryleia ran past them, and Meara instinctively followed, pulling her father along.  Clackclackclackclack went her heels as she ran along the corridor.  If those two were running with such determination, they were probably heading to stop something bad, and that's exactly what Meara's gut was telling her to do.  As she ran, she was able to realize that if MerLN had taken the time to inform her that Freyr and L1-4MNT were in the infirmary and stable, it was a warning that there was someone (or several someones) on the loose who needed to be stopped, not that she needed to run to the infirmary to protect them.  Auntie Val would never allow them to be unguarded after an attack.  She was probably already just as livid as Meara, but Auntie Val was always so much more productive in channeling her anger - yet another reason Meara looked up to her.

So it was that she saw Gwydion wrestling with an assassin and Euryleia transform into her original appearance (albeit on a much smaller scale) to intervene.

As Her Royal Highness Princess Meara du Chonaill, soon to be Queen of Venus, with a blade in hand, she knew exactly what she needed to do.

"GET BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENT!" she exclaimed as she performed a flying drop kick in a full gown and heels, aiming to distract the assassin.

Her father was so proud.  Terrified of the situation, but proud.

09:54, Today: Meara rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, -1, 0, 1.  Zeal +7 (Long Jumper)
Total +6 to create advantage "Save(d by) the Queen"

The drop kick was a masterful example of the technique, though the Assassin vanished a fraction of a second before Meara connected. Fortunately, the tuck and roll afterward was also a masterful example as Meara rolled to her feet short of colliding with the wall.

Well, at least Gwydion was saved, but what was going on?

Immediately after standing back up, Meara looked between every present and exclaimed quickly, "Freyr and L1-4MNT attacked, stable in infirmary, Cousin, report, Euryleia, figure it out, you're smarter than me!"

"What do you m-"

"I know my weaknesses, Daddy!  This is no time for pride!"

Brun raged against the obnoxious certainty, staring daggers into the reflective faceplates.  When he answered, it echo'd angrily through the fractals of time, "The future is not written!  Gwydion lives!  Now...."

Brun snapped suddenly back into the Now, yelling at everyone and no one, "KINDLY FUCK OFF!" His eyes refocused and he saw Gwydion decidedly not dead.  He stumbled forward and tried to hug the Prince, "I knew I was lying!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:30, Mon 05 Feb.

Euryleia's attention swung around as Brun cursed the room, but he didn't seem to be in danger and was moving again.  Gwydion was safe, for now.  Meara had also joined them, so that would make it easier to guard the pair of them. The idea that this was not the only attack was still a concern though. At Meara's order, Euryleia responded with a quiet dip of her helmed head.

She quickly began analyzing her sensor data of the assassin, specifically any identifiable traces during the disappearing trick.  While she worked on that, she accessed the comm system to begin sifting for any other reports or attacks.

Her left foil shortened and reshaped into a serviceable sword of a style nearly matching Gwydion's most commonly carried one.  This blade was offered to the Prince without a word as Euryleia focused on the data work....

We'll start with Create Advantage Datasift to create a collection of data on the current situation.

Total +3

14:22, Today: Euryleia rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 1, -1, -1.  Create Advantage - Lore +4.

Comms traffic consisted of Avaluna's Men-At-Arms sweeping CAMELOT citadel for an assailant dressed in white armor. No mention of an assailant in black armor was made. The white-armored assassin must have been the one who had perpetuated the attack that Meara had mentioned. But where were they now? Or for that matter their counterpart in black.

From her sensor data, Euryleia could detect traces of Wyrmgate particles in the room. No doubt from the assassin. A quick survey of the hallway showed no traces. Had the Assassin been waiting here? Or had they breached the veil here? No easy task if that was the case. Despite her own abilities, it had taken Euryleia a long time to do so. That conclusion seemed unlikely, but couldn't be ruled out entirely.

Shocked, bleeding, and now an additional layer of distraught, Gwydion absently put his arms around Brun and let out a quiet "I love you too." It took him a moment to register the others, but then he gratefully took the offered sword and steeled his resolve and began to move with purpose out to the hallway.

"I'm fine. Attacker used a Venusian blade and my new tech, but miniaturized. I saw Iliza under the mask, but it can't be her. MerLN, look for signs of Wyrmgate particles and mark where you find any. Double the guards and alert any nearby of Wyrmgate activity. Let's collect Iliza and Irina. If someone is walking around with their faces, I want them safe and aware. Once we we're clear, I need to talk to Rose."

MerLN responded immediately. "Guards have been alerted, your Highness. The sisters Gehenmis are both currently in their domicile. However, the sensors upon Avaluna are unable to detect Wyrmgate particles. It is beyond the scope of their design parameters. A specialized sensor suite is required. Might I suggest Lady Euryleia or the Princess's drone companion perform a sweep?"

OOC: Gwydion, have a FP for being decisive. Very Kingly.

The fact that it was completely unprecedented to even consider Wyrmgate particles existing outside of a Wyrmgate had skipped the prince's mind, given his recent efforts. It was only obvious when pointed out. Wyrmgate particles being in their home had been theoretically impossible until a few weeks ago. Gwydion nodded to the ladies present.

"Meara, Euryleia, make it happen. I want you to scan wherever we go and I want Wigglesworth to start a scanning pattern that takes him past vulnerable targets, including the infirmary. And I want prisoners, not corpses. While keeping everyone safe is our top priority, learning identities and motives is right below that. We've already started dealing with time travel in several senses, and knowing what's going on could change everything going forward."

Meara had expected an explanation from Euryleia, not Gwydion.  Then, before she could react to the information he had provided, he started giving out orders, which she also had not expected.  To be fair, she had given orders first.  So, as to not rock the boat in an emergency situation, she walked over and whispered in her father's ear before he produced her comm - there wasn't really anywhere to keep it on the dress.  For some reason, it didn't have pockets.

It irked her, but not as much as feeling like she wasn't able to keep up with the others.

Once she had her comm back, she sent a summons to Wigglesworth and said, "Well, he's on his way.  As for prisoners instead of corpses, there is a reason I did not use a blade just now.  Once some guards have arrived for escort, I will head to where Lady Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT were attacked and Daddy can be escorted to safety.  Until then, however, I am not leaving your side, cousin, as that one was after you specifically."

Looking upwards just enough to make it clear she was not speaking to anyone physically in the room, she asked, "May I assume that there have been no other known attacks as of yet?"

"No other reports of violence have been reported, your Highness, " MerLN's voice responded.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:58, Tue 06 Feb.

Meara let out a small sigh of relief at the news.  "That is good to hear, at least, but not a reason to lower our guard.  I may be foolish, but not that foolish."

"I must say, this is the most exciting party I have ever attended.  Although your 12th birthday comes to mind..." Baughb says in an attempt to lighten the mood a bit so heads stay clear.

"DADDY!" Meara exclaimed in a scandalized, embarrassed voice as her father chuckled.

He gave her a tiny smile as he asked, "Are you thinking about running off and looking for a fight anymore?"

With a blush, Meara had to admit he was right.  "... No."

He gave her a reassuring pat on the back before turning to the others.  "If it pleases Your Majesties, I shall follow my daughter's order and head for a safer location once the escort arrives.  Give you all one less person to worry about."

Euryleia's expressionless silver faceplate regarded Brun and Gwydion for a long moment.  Then she returned her attention to her data work, adding in Gwydion's insights.  At the suggestion she scan for Wyrmgate particles, she replied, "I already have and I can confirm particle trace around Prince Gwydion's black armored attacker.  Security is searching for a white armored assailant.  The trace here begins and ends where the black assassin was.  Between the trace and the involvement of Gwydion's currently theoretical technology, we should assume that the attackers may be able to travel through both space and time.  Which, to be clear, should be impossibly difficult.  Even for me and I am impressively capable."

While she offered her own insights, Euryleia began checking current locations and recent movements of those staying within CAMELOT proper.  Starting with Queen Valerie and working her way down the list based close association with Gwydion and Meara.  Iliza would be quite high in this list.  Euryleia did not agree with Gwydion that it couldn't have been Iliza or some temporal variance of Iliza.

Do you need a roll for this research?  She's basically running it in the background while she follows the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Tue 06 Feb.

Brun relaxed into the words, the embrace, and the reassurance that he /had/ changed the future...  Or past?  Nothing made sense.  He stepped back next to his Lady giving Gwydion and Meara space to lead on while he tried to navigate the slowing waves.  The vision of Gwydion torn was fading away from him which seemed.... Good.  That's g....  That's.... Um....

Now was slipping again.  He tried to resist, hold on to....  Euryleia's voice.  Clear and true.  He focused on that, listening hard.  Brun began quietly muttering as he heard something important there; trying to talk his mind into lines, "Black and white.  Black and White.  I saw....  Black and White Armor.  I knew them... How will I /know/ them?  I said this was the only way, must be done.  The King Must Die.  But, that's not true... Right?  Gwydion didn't die.... Why would I lie to them?" Brun shut his eyes to think, but it didn't help.  So many eyes were still open...

Lore Overcome to see if Brun can make himself  know who he will know them to be?

Total - +1

12:45, Today: Brun rolled -2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, -1, 0.  Overcome - Lore +3. –

This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Tue 06 Feb.

Somehow her father always knew how to handle Meara just right to keep her safe and focused. If they were to be married, Gwydion was going to have to learn that power. While unable to get himself to smile at a time like this, Gwydion did cast a grateful look to Baughb.

"As concerned as I am for your safety, my lord, I suspect the other targets were chosen to remove their combat skills from our defense. We haven't heard anything about noncombatants being attacked. You should be safer further from me than closer, and I'd prefer to have Meara by my side if the assassins strike again. I could barely hold off one until you all arrived, for two I'd prefer to have overwhelming force." Euryleia's data received a nod from Gwydion.

"Exactly what I'm worried about. I'm the only one developing this technology and it's barely complete on a large scale. If someone's miniaturized it, they are almost certainly using the principle of temporal echoes to manipulate events across time. That means they've either stolen my research or inherited it. If they're from the future and the king they're coming after is me and not my uncle, then that also means I've failed and the entire technology is pointless. This is worse than smiling through that dinner..." That's right, Brun had seen something. He'd been there. That got Gwydion's attention. He didn't want to disrupt the stream of consciousness, though. Anything he said might send Brun to the wrong mental place and lose them whatever information could be gleaned. But the prince absolutely listened as they headed for the Gehenmis ladies' quarters.

Euryleia's silver faceplate regarded the struggling Brun with blank impassivity.  At least externally.  Internally, she didn't have the right words for what she felt.  Heartache was closest, but felt inaccurate.  Vocabulary not designed for her.  She did lay a gentle armored hand on his shoulder, perhaps touch could express what words couldn't.

She reviewed her scans again.  Her range was so limited now.  Like so many things.  The drone would help, but was also limited.  They needed something larger.  Perhaps there was an older spare for her previous self on Thames....

Thames!

Euryleia connected to the ship's comm channel.

---

Orson Hartjen, one of the oldest on the crew, just was never one for parties.  He felt the thumping hum of the music through the deckplates and that was enough.  She had always dragged him to those things anyway and it didn't feel right being there without her.  He was happy enough enjoying the relative quiet of bridgewatch and nice simple mug of caf.

Then the comm light pinged.

"Thames here.  Hartjen speaking"

Euryleia gave a quick explanation of events and what she needed.  Orson quietly mourned the loss of his quiet night, but confirmed his understanding, "We're on it, Lady.  I'll route the feed to you as soon I can." He looked at the very complex systems Sir Brun had installed, muttering, "Shit." He priority pinged the Captain and Bibi.  He was gonna need backup.

---

Orson had done his best while waiting on Bibi and the Captain, but much about the new systems were beyond him.  He regretted leaving all of it on his young Second to learn.  It wasn't fair or safe to leave it on him.

Bibi arrived sweaty, amped up and half covered in fluorescent body paint.  The explanation of need sent him near to panic as he tried to focus through party haze to operate his systems, "Attacked the Prince??  Fuuuuuuuuuck...shitshit... If it's those particles Sir Brun talked about then that's like moving through spacetime like gates BUT IN THE STATION...  fuckfuckfuck....". The boy was starting to shake while he tried to tune the sensors.

Captain Smalls stepped onto the bridge like it was any other shift and he hadn't been enjoying the party.  He took a sip from one mug, while handing another to Bibi, "Pause.  Breathe.  Drink.  Breathe again.  Do the job.  They need our help." His voice was steady, deep and reassuring.  There was no arguing with it.  Just go along with the Captain and things will work out.  The drink was a special emergency blend Esme made. To be used in special circumstances.  Time travelling assassins during a rave night met the criteria.

Sip.

"Orson.  Go ahead and set up the connection for the Lady.  Bibi will have it ready in a moment." It wasn't a question.  It was just a fact.  Bibi had already started calming down and would have it up, just like his dad predicted....

---

A much larger sensor sweep filled Euryleia's awareness as Thames joined in.  To the quickly moving royal entourage, she reported, "I'm now confirming particle trace near Lady Freyr's quarters.....and a faint trace in Queen Valerie's chambers.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Wed 07 Feb.

The moment Meara heard about a trace in Queen Valerie's chambers, she turned to Gwydion and said, "We need to investigate both, and your knowledge will be most important - as much as I wish otherwise, you need to be the one to investigate at the Queen's chambers.  I will take Wigglesworth to Freyr's chambers and request Iri's remote assistance.  Sir Brun, Lady Euryleia, please go with my co-"

She hesitated a moment, the word caught in her throat.  He was not just her cousin anymore, and she needed to remember that.

"... My Prince."

Before Gwydion could protest, she explained, "We do not have the luxury of time to stay together right now, nor do we have time for debate, and you are the priority target.  Contact me as soon as you have something, and for the goddesses' sakes, summon a chirurgeon get that wound looked at!"

She then took off, leaving her father to look between the two groups before shrugging and staying with the larger group.

"A word of advice, Your Highness.  With Venusian women, pick your battles and be ready to concede.  Especially women of the Chonaill family."

Though he'd been heading straight to the Gehemnis ladies, Euryleia's results caught Gwydion by surprise and brought him to a stop.

"MerLN, check on the Queen." And then Meara cut him off as he faced her to continue his stream of orders. Another surprise, and he listened to her right up until she was finished. Then he took her chin in hand, leaned in to plant a kiss on her lips, and then bowed his head. "Yes, my dear. Good luck." May as well start getting used to that now, right? With Meara gone, Gwydion nodded to Baughb's advice as the group began moving toward the Queen's chambers now. "Thank you, my lord. She and I aren't children anymore, and I can't keep acting like we are."

"The Queen wishes me to inform your Highnesses that she is quite well and under the protection of a dozen Valkyries," MerLN's voice said. "She awaits your arrival."

Security arrived to provide protection and escort for all present. They escorted Baughb to safety, Meara to the site of Freyr and L1-4MNT's attack, and Gwydion, Brun, and Euryleia to the Queen. Lockdown measures had been put in place along their routes.

Freyr had been provided temporary quarters during her visit to Avaluna. The corridor where she had been attacked in was narrow, an apt location for an ambush. But there was no sign of blood. Odd if the pair had both been wounded.

The Queen was indeed under heavy guard and a Chirugeon awaited the arrival of the group. He tutted and ignored any attempt to dissuade tending to Gwydion's wound, "There are some interesting properties to this wound. I would ask His Highness to allow me to tend to it in the Infirmary, if he would. I am sure His Highness's Companions could attend to Her Majesty."

Euryleia did not gainsay Meara's suggestion.  Gwydion did seem to be a primary target and would most need her protection.  Brun was, currently, unable to provide much assistance and would also need her.  Euryleia simply gave an assenting nod to the Soon-to-be-Queen, then guided Brun to follow Gwydion.  As they went, she looked to her Knight quietly.  Gently.  She repeated where they were.  When they were.  That he was here and not alone.  She also, for safety reasons, had prudently taken Brun's pulse pistol away.

Brun remained trapped in his temporal spiral.  Holding on to the fraying thread of Now Euryleia's voice maintained till he got the answer they needed.  He searched for the right memory...  The right vision...

When they reached the Queen's chambers, Euryleia stayed by Brun, just behind Gwydion.  Her sensors swept the room for details....and inconsistencies...

Mark Overcome Total +3

12:41, Today: Euryleia rolled 1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 0, 1, 0.  Overcome - Mark +2.

Glad for the escort, Meara immediately set about looking around and investigating.  The lack of blood was concerning for an attack, but they could have been struck with blunt weapons and had purely internal wounds.  Still, it did not feel right, and when Wigglesworth finally arrived, she immediately called Irina on the comms.

"Iri, I need your assistance.  I am at the site of Lady Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT's attack, and will be patching you through Wigglesworth.  I need you to use his scanners to look for things we can't see with our eyes.  Including Wyrmgate particles."

For her part, Irina was neither expecting a call, nor in a place where she was alone (being with her family), but someone (likely Iliza) had snuck her datapad with them and she pulled it up to accept the link with Wigglesworth.  After all, she was the one who had gotten all the things set up so Meara could actually give Wigglesworth commands in the first place.

11:21, Today: Irina rolled -2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, 1, -1, -1.  Smithy +5 (connection strength)
+3 Smithy to get a solid remote connection with Wigglesworth (Aspect: Uninterrupted Link)
11:23, Today: Meara rolled 4 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 1, 1, 1.  +3 Mark
+7 Mark to investigate the scene and find anything out of place, which I'm pretty sure she just did with flying colors, holy crap where was that roll when Gwydion was defending himself?!

Gwydion was relieved to be reunited with his aunt and see her safe, so much so that he gratefully allowed his wound to be tended without complaint.

"I'm not to go anywhere without guard, doctor. Those assassins are after me specifically, well-trained and... well, you can see the effects of their equipment. Euryleia, please take a closer look around here. If they've come to or from here, I want to know. Auntie Val, while I suspect you are safe, we found traces of their movements here. Specifics will have to wait until we're in private."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:02, Fri 09 Feb.

"Attacked? Are they okay? By who?" Meara could see Irina shuffling, trying to get somewhere more private. Her concern threatened to overwhelm her when she asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, definitely a concentration of Wyrmgate particles. But only in a localized area. Decaying, too, as one would expect. I can't tell much more than that. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry..." Irina broke down and began to sob.

---

Euryleia could sense tension in all of the Valkyries present. They were each alert for danger and they each seemed to think the danger would come from her. Despite the fact that she did look rather Venusian, she did not look at all human. These warriors had spent their entire lives battling robotic foes hell-bent on their annihilation. To their eyes she must rather look like one of them.

"I can well see the effects of their equipment, which is why I am advising His Highness that he is best treated in the infirmary. Bring your guards, I have two other patients who suffered a similar attack. They might well need guards too," the Chirugeon complained.

"Go," The Queen told her nephew. "You are alive and We would prefer you stay that way. Sir Brun and Lady Euryleia will conduct your investigation."

---

The Queen's words echoed in Brun's mind filtering through lifetimes of possibilities, until he found the thread that he had lost.

"This is the only way. It must be done," Brun said, his voice weighted with the anguish of certainty. "The King Must Die."

Brun felt something shift, his own awareness displacing itself through the tides of time."The future is not written!  Gwydion lives!  Now...." He looked at each of his squires as he regained himself and finished. "...make sure he stays that way." He couldn't see it, but he knew they were both solemn beneath their helms. They understood the importance of their duty. That they had only one opportunity to get it right. In the next instant they vanished.

"I am wholly unharmed, although the same cannot be said for Gwydion.  He suffered some light wounds, but he is not in any immediate danger.  As far as we know, those are the only three who have been harmed - one, it seems, was here for Gwydion specifically," Meara explained, trying to relieve Irina's worry, "I am also with some of our best Valkyries, others of whom are escorting Gwydion, who is also with Sir Brun and Lady Euryleia for protection.  The immediate danger has passed, but we are not dropping our guard."

She listened to Irina's explanation of what she could find, then witnessed her lover start to break down.  Meara's expression softened and she gently took Wigglesworth in her hands as she gazed into the camera.  "Iri.  Iri, listen to me.  The fact that you could get readings at all is amazing.  I would not have been able to get them without you.  Now we have a localized scan.  This is very important evidence.  I know this is stressful.  Not just this, but everything.  I want you to know that I have not forgotten what I told you.  I hate to ask this of you, but... would you be strong for me again?  Just for right now?  I promise you, I will do all in my power to make this right."

Unable to say it directly, Meara's promise was not just for making things right for everyone, but Irina specifically.

The mirrored surface of Euryleia's face traversed slowly across the room, and the tense Valkyrie guards in particular, as she made her scan. She could see their focus on her as the biggest threat in the room now.  Now was not the time, but she secretly enjoyed the concerned attention.  With careful subtlety, she slid a step forward alongside the Prince and shifted her footing to a more ready stance.  Just stating with body language, that they were welcome to try...

In answer to the Prince's suggestion, she noted, "I have already begun my scans, Prince Gwydion.". She took little note of the talk of wounds (which looked very minor to her).  The Prince could decide that for himself.

Brun had been still quietly searching the vast expanse of possibility in his head.  He felt Euryleia's touch slip away and worry crept in...  He started to drift, but then.... There!  He dove into memories of tomorrow....

In the Now, Brun's head snapped up.  Eyes, for the moment, clear and focused, "I sent them.   Gwydion, /I/ sent them." Brun started forward to explain more to the Prince, not yet noticing where they were or who was here, "My squires...but I told them to make sure you lived." Brun registered the blood streak on Gwydion's chest and the chirugeon and blinked, "Oh no....  Am I too late?"

He looked around the room, slowly registering the wary guards... Euryleia's stance...  And the Queen.  So, he slowly gave an awkward bow, his own half open shirt flapping idly and also very lightly streaked with blood (Gwydion's, but that's not important right now), "Your....Majesty?"

Perhaps a Compel on Time and Tides as Brun sort of confesses to a possible crime he might/will have done in the future?  In front of the Queen.  And her Guards.

Well that was a lot to take in and deal with. He cast a glance from the Guard back to Euryleia, eyebrows up as if only just noticing that she looked like a scaled down Armour rather than the stately Lady of a House. He rose a hand to the Valkyries and slowly lowered it, the universal gesture to stand down. At the chirurgeon's recommendation, he started to protest before his aunt shut that down entirely.

"But--!" Sigh. "Yes, auntie. Lady Euryleia, I appre--" As he looked back to her again to acknowledge her scans, his eyes naturally started on the center of her chest, at the top of the sternum, where he could get a full look at a potential target's stance, breathing, and tells of any movement before they even began, and cut himself off with a frown. His eyes go up to her face once he notices her feet.

"--what? Now is not the time. If you want to play with the Queen's Guard, there will be plenty of time after the current crisis is over, and I'm sure they'd love to oblige. As would I, honestly, but I'd rather not be taken for flirting. These ladies are on edge right now but are on our side, so be nice. But yes, thank you for the scans. We need to find out what they were doing here and if they're still in the room. Otherwise how to connect one set of particles with another to determine source and destination, as well as to determine whether a jump is between space, time, or both." And then Brun became lucid again. That brought concerning information.

"Hm. We knew you will send them, but to protect me? This cut doesn't feel very protective. Perhaps you'll send someone else and these agents weren't yours, but using the same technology. Don't worry, Sir Brun, I'm alright for now. I hate to ask, but would you be willing to accompany me to the infirmary? I'll feel better keeping you by my side, even if I feel terrible separating you from your Lady." With all that was going on, the Valkyries must have been losing their minds. Gwydion looked to his aunt.

"Our attackers are using technology I haven't finished developing yet, and we have reason to believe they came from the future. We don't know why, however. We suspect it was to assassinate me, but that is from very vague information. If they're actually on our side, trying to help prevent something so terrible they need to change history to achieve it, then finding out what it is I'm going to do to cause all this is paramount. Please remember that I trust Brun and Euryleia with my life, and I'm still alive because of them." Then his attention turns to the Queen's Guard directly. "And Lady Euryleia is only a threat to us if we endanger Sir Brun, so let's not do that, understood? Also she's a living weapon, your threatening posture is like an invitation to her, not so much a warning." Once again to the room at large.

"Alright, I'm off. Be careful, share data, and remember that there was a time traveling assassin in this room for some reason. We want prisoners, not corpses, and their suits are what allow them to move through spacetime. So, please try not to take this the wrong way when I say to strip them and contact me immediately. I'm going to go fix this." After all that, he took a deep breath and allowed the chirurgeon to start leading him away, hopefully with Brun, toward the infirmary. On the way he sent orders to have armed guard retrieve both Iliza and Rose to meet him there.

Irina did her best to compose herself for Meara's sake.

Some of the Valkyries surrounding Princess Meara looked sympathetic, but most simply averted their gaze from the scene and focused on their surroundings.

Someone said something to Irina from out of sight and she turned back to the camera a moment later. "Iliza needs me. I have to go." She cut the link.

Sadly, Meara hadn't been able to glean as much from the site of the attack as she had hoped. If only there had been someone who...Freyr! She could talk to Freyr about her attack. Sir L1-4MNT too! Surely they could provide something more.

---

Euryleia conducted her scans of the area. The readings were faint indeed, but they were there, yet sensor readings for the quarters showed that only the Queen and her Valkyries had been present. Surmising that the faint readings might indicate an earlier incursion, Euryleia began to search the sensor logs. She did not discover anything that confirmed her suspicion, but she did discover an anomalous reading, lasting only a tenth of a second, during the time that everyone else would have been at the banquet. It could have been explained by a power fluctuation, which were not exactly rare on Avaluna, but the fact that it aligned exactly with the point at which the particle decay would have begun to reach its current state was too much to ignore. Whatever had happened, someone had taken pains to conceal it and knew just how to do so without tripping failsafes. There might be a few people who knew how to do such a thing, but only two beings capable of pulling it off. Euryleia was one of them. MerLN was the other.

---

Meara's escorts took up positions around the entrance to the medbay. Sir RHY-S32 stood guard over his fellow Martian and Dame Freyr. Both lay in infirmary beds though neither showed signs of any wound, unlike Prince Gwydion. Sir RHY-S32 inclined his head politely to the Princess as she entered.

Once Gwydion and his retinue arrived, the Chirugeon invited Gwydion to have a seat in the bay so that he could properly treat his wound.

Brun couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with this room. As though he knew it's contours intimately. But so far as he knew, he'd only ever been here once before. When he had been examined after he and Euryleia had been rescued by the Thames.

Gwydion gave a pained smile to his cousin in greeting, and bowed his head to Freyr and RHY-S32 on seeing them. Like a reasonably good patient, he sat as directed by the professional in the room.

"The Queen is safe, Euryleia is investigating a possible breach in her quarters. And the Guard look ready to pick a fight with her, of course. They'll be drinking buddies by the end of the night if that keeps up. Sir RHY-S32. Dame Freyr, I heard you and Sir L1-4MNT were attacked as well. You look better off, but are you alright? What can you tell us about what happened?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Mon 12 Feb.

At Gwydion's request that Euryleia remain to investigate and Brun accompany Gwydion, the pair shared a quiet look.   It's true they were rarely apart, for many reasons.  Many good reasons.  Some purely, lovingly selfish reasons.

Brun took a breath and gave her a decisive nod. He wanted to try.  To not be just a burden.  And she would let him.  This time.  She understood more than many what it felt like to be constrained by circumstance beyond your control, but still need to help.

Once the Prince and her Knight had gone, the living weapon regarded the Queen and her guard again.  A good fight would be fun, but....perhaps the Prince was right.  Now was not the best time.  Euryleia decided to offer a diplomatic olive branch to put them more at ease.  The faceplate slid away.  The black armor and weaponry withdrew.  Finally, the more usual human-seeming of Euryleia was left; in a fitted Knight's uniform of Stjernevold colors.  She raised a brow, gave her disarming smile, and asked, "Better?"

Whether it was or not, she had work to do.  With the Queen's permission, she set to her investigation.  Her eventual discoveries, would be concerning, but they'd take a bit of time to gather...and verify...

Brun followed Gwydion to the infirmary, not saying much.  It still took much of his concentration to keep the changing tides at bay, even as they seemed calm right now.  It was tense.  He knew it could shift again at any time.  What would happen without his Lady there as an anchor?  He barely knew what was happening or happened usually...

When they reached the infirmary, Brun was confused by the odd familiar feeling.  It didn't feel right.  And, at the same time, felt very right.  Or would.  Or did.

Damn.

For the moment, Brun seemed to ignore everyone and wander through, following a feeling...

Brun reaches out with his /feelings/ to see if he can remember why this place will be familiar...

Total - +2

09:21, Today: Brun rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, 0, 0.  Lore +3 - Overcome. –

Upon arrival to the medbay and being greeted by Sir RHY-S32, as well as seeing that Lady Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT were stable, Meara let out a small sigh of relief.  However, before she could say anything to them, Gwydion had arrived, which distracted her, and then he even spoke before she did.  She was really failing at this whole Taking Charge thing and it was getting incredibly frustrating to her.  He was supposed to be getting his wounds looked at, not leading an investigation, and yet, here he was, and people would definitely look up to and respect him for doing so.  Despite the chirurgeon's orders.

If there was anything Meara had learned in her childhood, it was listen to the chirurgeon.

As such, she fought hard to not chide Gwydion and instead gave Sir RHY-S32 a thankful nod.  "Thank you for guarding them, Sir RHY-S32."  She would await the answers to Gwydion's questions before asking any of her own.

Sir RHY-S32 inclined his head to the Princess in acknowledgement.



"Well right now, neither of us can use our right arms. The Chirurgeon says the nerves were temporarily deadened, but that we'll be fine in a day or so. The attacker seemed to appear out of thin air, white armor, and struck a blow to each of us. Then just disappeared. My arm was deadened before I could even draw," Freyr answered the Prince.

"The Waking Death," Sir L1-4MNT said barely above a whisper. Sir RHY-S32 looked surprised and somewhat alarmed.


It didn't take long for Brun to realize why this place was so familiar. This room, or, perhaps, one inspired by it, had been the place from which he had dispatched his squires.

Seeing the reaction from Sir RHY-S32 when Sir L14-MNT mentioned The Waking Death, Meara knew she needed to know more, even if it was irrelevant to the current situation.

"Sir RHY-S32, what is that, exactly?  'The Waking Death'?  I have not heard of such before, but it clearly has you both unnerved," she asked with her concern showing on her face and in her tone.

She had hoped that she would be able to give reassurances to the both of them and leave it at that, but the Martians were clearly not in the mood for such things - and if she was going to repair relations between Avaluna, Venus, and Mars, well, she would need all the knowledge of Mars she could.

Sir RHY-S32 looked reluctant to share, but after considering a moment, relented, "The earliest Slave-Knights of Mars, many no more than children at the time, were forced to construct their Armour and systems out of whatever they could salvage and cobble together in secret. They were forced to use components that were less than ideal. This was especially the case with their neurohelms. The results were as you would imagine, neurological degeneration, paralysis, psychosis...they paid a heavy price to free Mars from MerGN-A and her creatures. Some of that first generation of Knights who survived...many began to experience hallucinations even years later. A recurring vision
of a phantom foe stalking the Knight."

"The Waking Death," Sir L1-4MNT took over, "Heralds complete neurological failure, the first symptom which is isolated paralysis, followed by seizures. There is no cure."

Freyr shook her head to dismiss the worry, "I saw it too and I'm not Martian."

"It's not the first time I have seen such a vision. I saw something during the Battle of the Burning Skies," L1-4MNT admitted.

Brun was starting to slip Between.  Knowing currently things that have not yet happened.  But this was important.  He needed to find a way to hold on to Now....while looking Then...  he tried to focus part of his mind on Now.  He looked at those gathered, repeating details of who was there, their clothing, their colors.  Grounding part of himself in details that could only be Now.

Once Brun felt as secure as he could, he let himself slip....to Then....

For everyone else, Brun had continued to wander slowly through the infirmary.  A pause.  A look of concern.  Then Brun looked over at Meara, Gwydion, Freyr, the Martians, the Chirugeon with an intense, searching regard.  Then he took a breath...and his features and focus just relaxed.  His attention drifting aimlessly away....

First, Devotion Create Advantage Total +5 - Grounded <1 possibly 2 Free Invokes>

Second, I'd like Brun to try and investigate his future memories of the infirmary like a crime scene.  Why was he there?  Why send them from there?  Something happened that was important /here/.  He's the "criminal" and the investigator!

Cunning Overcome Total +8 (Using one Grounded Invoke.  Willing to burn FP to tag Seer-Knight and use the other Grounded to take it to +12 if it really needs it)

08:24, Today: Brun rolled 3 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 0, 1, 1.  Create Advantage - Devotion +2. –

08:37, Today: Brun rolled 2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 1, 1, 0.  Overcome - Cunning +4. –

Meara took a deep breath and held it before letting it out in a slow, controlled manner.  "The assailants today were no phantoms of the mind, I can assure you of that.  As for the rest..."  She placed a hand gently on Sir L1-4MNT's shoulder as she continued to speak, "We shall do everything in our power to ensure it does not happen again.  There has already been too much loss."

Then, with a tiny grin, she added, "Besides, she will need more excuses to be late to tea parties in the future."

Oh yes, she remembered, and a bit of light teasing was always good for the soul.

The explanation stunned Gwydion into silence for a moment, processing the idea that Freyr might be doomed to certain death while sitting relatively well in this infirmary.

"Well. Your attacker was no phantom. We don't have IDs or motives just yet, but we're working on it. We know they use technology derived from the Wyrmgates to teleport, possibly through time as well as space."

In reply to Brun (msg # 82):

As Brun's awareness drifted, searching through the eventualities of this room, he found himself standing in the same place, though the infirmary was filled with more staff crowded around a patient as...John Arthur looked on. The patient, a knight judging by the shredded remains of his flight suit, was mangled, horribly burned, and yet still alive. The medical personnel worked diligently to stabilize the patient, but to no avail. His vitals flatlined and despite tremendous effort, they could not revive him. John Arthur unleashed a howl of anguish and grief so primal that it forced Brun from his vision and into...

Iliza wept...sobbing over the covered shape atop the table that no one would let her see. Meara was there too though her eyes were almost vacant...

Brun's eyes focused on the tattered flight suit and saw a torn shred of the Coat-of-Arms. Gwydion...

Suddenly Brun could feel his own grief, his own sense of loss, and as it began to overwhelm him, he repeated the mantra of people, clothing, colors, details...

Brun felt himself pull away and back to the moment where he began his drift. He was just where he had been, except, no, there were two others in the room that no one seemed to notice. One in shimmering white armor and the other in black. The figure in white wore something across her back. She raised a finger to her faceplate as if to ask for silence. Her counterpart offered a quick salute and then they were both gone.

"There, your Highness. It shouldn't even leave a scar," the Chirugeon said proudly. "I've never quite seen a cut like that. Your Highness is very lucky it wasn't any deeper."

Brun stumbled back into the Now and a vacant infirmary bed.  As he tried to catch himself, he knocked over a small tray of medical supplies with a clatter.  "Sorry... I'm sorry....", apologized Brun to no one in particular in an empty space across across the room.  He bent down slowly to pick up the pieces, "I'll fix it...  I can fix it...  Sorry...". Brun seemed really, really torn up about knocking over a tray.  Tears feel unnecessary...

In reply to Meara (msg # 83):

Meara, could tell that Freyr appreciated the Princess's comment, though it was a testament to her worry over the Martian Knight that she did not quip back. Sir L1-4MNT acknowledged the support with a nod of his head, but he had the look of a man who had accepted that his fate wouldn't be a pleasant one.

"Perhaps th-" she cut off as the tray of medical implements crashed to the ground.

The noise was enough to cause the armed guards to enter the bay ready for a fight.

Meara immediately spun to look at Brun when the clatter happened, swiftly drawing the dagger with her left hand as she did so (she had tucked it into a ribbon on the dress, although the ribbon might not be attached anymore) and was ready to strike - then hurriedly tucked the dagger into her dress again before moving to assist Brun.

"Sir Brun, all is forgiven.  It was an honest mistake," she said to him in a soothing voice, "The prince is fine, and our other guests are recovering.  Lady Euryleia will be here soon."

As she mentioned Euryleia, she glanced up at Gwydion briefly, hoping he would request her to come to the infirmary as soon as she could.  As much as she wanted to do so, she knew it would be improper for her to wipe Brun's tears away to comfort him.  Stupid appearances and judgy nobles!

With a sigh, Gwydion looked down at the injury on his chest as best he could. It was an odd angle, but it was really more the acknowledgement of what happened than actually trying to see it.

"Thank you, doctor. I don't suppose there's anything you can do for the shirt?" Just as he was cracking his grin, Brun collapsed into the nearby bed and Gwydion sat forward, rigid and eyes focused. "Brun! Are you alright? What did you see?" He slipped from his own bed and made his way to sit beside Brun. As he went, he sent a quick communication to Euryleia asking her to come as soon as she's finished, that Brun had another vision.

"It's alright, you're here with us. Everyone's safe for now, see? There's time." The prince had no such regard for the formalities of noble behavior, and did indeed wipe Brun's tears with an arm around his shoulders.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Thu 15 Feb.

Euryleia did not particularly like the implications of her initial findings.  She reported her general findings to the Queen; that the trace was faint, not dangerous, and based on decay possibly occurred during banquet.  She revealed that the logs do not show anyone but the Queen and her Valkyries in this room during the period in question.

As to the possible cover-up, Euryleia did not offer that ie her opinion on it.  Unless asked specifically by the Queen for anything else.  When the Queen was satisfied and had given her leave, Euryleia made a respectful but and stepped back.  She gave the Valkyries, and the Queen, one last look with a hint of a cocky grin, "When schedules permit, I am available if anyone interested in training." With that, she exits.

In the hallway, Euryleia began to head for the infirmary.  She compiled the sensor data she had gathered and sent it to MerLN, "I would appreciate your assistance in verifying my findings.." She didn't mention the possibility of the cover up trail.  She was interested what conclusions he might claim to reach on his own.

Gwydion's message received an acknowledgement and an ETA pingback.  Euryleia wondered what version of her Knight she would find this time.  They were all him, of course.  But she knew they had likely missed their chance to enjoy the Now together.  The Thens were more....complicated...

Brun continued his tearful attempts at cleaning up the scattered items as Meara tried to offer comforting words.  When she mentioned the Prince, Brun stopped and sat back, eyes shut.  He relaxed a bit at the touch, brushing away at his face.  His answer was mournful and tired, "I saw him die....again...  Torn and burned...  The King was in such grief...  He shouldn't see it... I don't want to keep seeing it... Poor Iliza...  Meara...  I'll fix it.  We have to just trust me.  I have a plan."

Brun was so tired and the pull was so strong.  He was tired of seeing and feeling so much pain and grief.  His future self had a plan and it didn't need his Now self mucking it up.

So Brun let go and drifted.

Brun's strange eyes opened to find Prince....Gwydion?? brushing at his face and Lady Meara looking down at him with concern.  He straightened, awkwardly on the floor, and tried to stand, "Terribly sorry.  I seem to have... Um... Passed out?" It was his best guess given the concern from such highborns and the infirmary.  The pain and sadness were gone, replaced by confusion and concerned politeness.  And uncomfortable proximity to famous people...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Fri 16 Feb.

As Brun seemed to come back to them in the now, Meara gave a relieved smile before turning to look at Gwydion.  "We will definitely need to learn more from Euryleia.  As will Sir Brun's future retainers and squires," she said before turning to look back at Brun and adding, "Glad to have you back, Sir Brun."

She lifted the tray and set it back on the table now that everything was placed back upon it - hopefully nothing was damaged or broken, although she was sure some of it needed to be sanitized again - then gave the Chirurgeon an apologetic smile before walking back over to her former retainer and her companions.  She also made a mental note to thank the guards for their immediate response (which is exactly the response they want in such a situation) when she had a chance later - now was not the time.  She would need to confer with Auntie Val on the best ways to subtly communicate with the Valkyries and other guards to show approval and such - showing disapproval was much easier, although being incredibly subtle about it was still going to be a challenge.

Being a Queen was going to be so hard!  And not for the reasons she expected!  She could apparently lead fairly well, it was the methodologies and demeanors she was struggling with.  Also having to properly behave.

Wait.

Didn't being Queen mean she had the authority to behave more like she did naturally?  Not the impulsive behavior, but how she communicated.

Questions for later.  She's not Queen yet, and better to not rock the boat immediately.  Besides, with as much of a struggle as she foresaw for herself, Gwydion had King John Arthur to follow up.  Personal admirations aside, that was the bigger role to fill - especially because he couldn't ask for advice from the man himself, while Meara still had Auntie Val around.

Was she staring into space while in thought again?  Damnit, that wasn't very regal!  She snapped her focus back to the people in the room and waited for Euryleia to arrive.

In reply to Euryleia (msg # 90):

MerLN's voice came through Euryleia Comms channel in reply, "While I do not mean to understate the gravity of the attempt on Prince Gwydion's life, we may have deeper issues. While it is possible that whatever technology is being used by the would-be assassins is simply playing havoc upon our sensors. It is also possible that our security failsafes have been bypassed. Given the recent and catastrophic consequences such an attack had at Callisto Station, and the fact that we have upon Avaluna a gathering of Humanity's Leadership the like of which has not been seen since John Arthur's coronation, I assume you understand the gravity of our situation. While we have taken every precaution to be prepared in the event of an attack from within or without, these assassins move about unabated. While I understand that Sir Brun is not...of sound mind--he, himself, believes that he is the cause of this incursion. Could he be, knowingly or unknowingly, aiding these intruders? Is Sir Brun a threat to Avaluna? And, whatever your answer, are you willing to stake every Human Life upon Avaluna on it?"

OOC: Definitely a Compel either way you go. Your Duty as a Knight vs. your devotion to Brun.

Synapses fired in Gwydion's head. Lines were drawn and redrawn. Questions were given new context. Alarms rang. He tried for a smile as Brun came back to them, but it was somewhat shaky.

"Hey there, Sir Knight. Welcome back to now. Everything's alright, we're in the medbay after the first attack. I'm gonna have to ask you something really uncomfortable, and I'm sorry about it. You said you saw me dead again, but you also said the King will be there, watching. If I'm not the King..." Gwydion glanced to Meara for a moment, then steeled himself to ask, "...who is?"

Euryleia's steps slowed as she processed that message.  Then she redoubled her stride with determination.  The kind of walk that encouraged people to not be in her way without her needing to use words.  Responding back along MerLN's comm signal, "Until now, Sir Brun has been with me and has had no opportunity to do anything to aid the intruders.  But...  It may be that another Sir Brun from further ahead in time may be involved in whatever is going on now.  I need to express strongly to you my belief that my Knight would never, not now or in the future, do anything to put Avaluna at risk."  She felt absolutely certain of that fact.  But Euryleia also understood clearly that Brun was not reliably stable...and might /unknowingly/ cause all sorts of problems if not monitored.  If she could not find a way to...fix him...  He might never be...

Before arriving at the infirmary, Euryleia added MerLN's verification of the possible security risks of the incursions and sent it out to the Queen, Gwydion, and Meara.  She added her initial recommendations for possible security changes to track and isolate any further issues from the incursions, as well as triplechecking system failsafes.

So...  I'm not really sure, but I think I am paying a FP?  Euryleia is absolutely devoted to Brun, but logically recognizes his temporal fluxing is a potential probelm to be monitored.  That there is a possibility that Future Brun's plans MAY cause issues that he did not see (but if he's in the future, he did see them?)  TIME GAH.

Basically, she's very level headed.  Trust, but verify.  But I also may be unclear on MerLNs implication?

Brun looked at Meara with no small amount of confusion as she spoke of learning more from Euryleia and something about future retainers...  But, he set all that aside as she looked at him.  Lady Meara was /looking/ at him...  Did she remember me?  There was something to that look...  A look that a younger Brun had once dreamed of getting...  He straightened and bowed his head to her respectfully, "Glad to be...back?, Lady Meara."  Details could be worked out later, for now it was enough that she /saw/ him.  That's a step up.

Then Prince Gwydion, PRINCE GWYDION, got Brun's attention.  Saw him dead....again?  Brun started to shake his head at that notion.  Obviously something he had said had been misunderstood.  Though he couldn't imagine what he could have said to be so badly misunderstood.  Prince Gwydion's final question got an even more confused scrunching of the brows, "I'm not sure I understand, Prince Gwydion...  But, John Arthur is King in Avaluna?"  Maybe this was some form of medial test for a concussion?  But why is PRINCE GWYDION testing me??
This message was last updated by the player at 03:42, Mon 19 Feb.

Brun of the Now was gone again. Gwydion's look softened into relaxation at the lost opportunity, and then to a tinge of sadness behind his comforting smile. He wasn't getting answers now. All he could do was help take care of their friend. Euryleia would arrive soon, that would help.

"I see. You've been having some memory issues recently, Brun, but it'll come back to you soon enough. Just know you're surrounded by friends here." The prince took a deep breath to shake off the feeling he had, then turned to Meara. "Do we have anything new from Wigglesworth?"

Seeing that Meara and Gwydion were attending to the disoriented knight, the other occupants in the room politely ignored Brun's spell.

As the Valkyries waited for the Princess to give them the all clear, another of their number spoke over comms, "Your Highness, Lady Iliza and Lady Irina of House Gehenmis and the Prince's Armourer are without and beg entrance. Shall I allow them to enter? A pause. "Lady Euryleia of House Stjernevold has arrived as well."

Meara turned to the guard speaking and gave a nod of confirmation.

"Please escort them inside and continue your vigil," she said, grateful for the professionalism and discipline being showed in such a crazy situation.  As Gwydion seemed to have Brun well in hand (or as much as one could at the moment), she remained where she was.  Most everyone was behaving very courteously and with nobility, and Meara made a mental note to remember these behaviors so she could at least learn to pretend they were natural.

As Gwydion asked his question, she replied, "Iri- *ahem* Lady Irina has the data from our scan, so we can have her cross-check her discoveries with Lady Euryleia when things here are settled."

Brun could see that his answer was not what Prince Gwydion had been hoping for.  He still wasn't sure exactly what was happening; possibly due to memory issues as the Prince said.  Which was a /concern/.  But somehow, his bigger concern was this feeling that he was letting the Prince down....  As well as Princess...Lady Meara.  Quite the triumph...  Try to become a Knight and are an immediate, brain-damaged let down to one of the most important (and handsome) nobles on Avaluna AND Meara, who's attention a cleaner, younger version of yourself had desperately wished for. Not the debut Brun hoped for....

The mention of a Lady Euryleia brought his mind momentarily up out of self-pitying circles.  That's very strange...  He made his best attempt at being at respectful attention, should he be required or, more hopefully, dismissed.  He was grateful that attention was moving away from him and to the ladies now entering.  How is everyone in this place so strikingly pretty!?.

Then Euryleia stepped in behind the others.  And Brun stopped worrying about what anyone else in the room might be thinking of him...  Or if they existed.  When she spoke, Brun found that his brain was having a lot of difficulty understanding the meaning of the words, but he didn't care and wanted her to just keep talking...

Euryleia had, as she closed in on the infirmary, contacted Thames to thank them for the assistance and give them a current general update.  She also asked that they perform a regular sweep for these particles for now.

At the infirmary, she found herself joining a small crowd with Iliza, Irina, and Ms. Sawyer.  The engineers she could understand, but wondered at Iliza being summoned as well.  She knew the most probable reason and couldn't help but feel badly for the sisters.  To be kept close....and yet....  Euryleia had always been close with Brun, but she had seen how other knights treated their Armours.   Important.  Pretty.  But kept in its place until needed...  Before the doors opened Euryleia offered Iliza what she hoped was a reassuring, comforting touch upon her shoulder and tried to share a sympathetic look with both of them.

Before she could offer any words, they were granted entry by the guards and Euryleia followed the others in.  She quickly reviewed the room and it's current occupants.  Her eye landed on the awestruck Brun and she grinned at the sight...but it faded quickly.  She could see this was not her Brun.  Not yet.  And they would miss more time together.   Without waiting on protocol, Euryleia noted to Meara and Gwydion, "I compiled my scans and sent them to you both.  There was no current danger, but there may be other concerns."

Having said her piece regarding the duty she had been tasked with, Euryleia crossed the room towards her Knight.

Her Knight straightened, awkwardly brushing at his half done (bloody?) tunic as all of the dreams he'd never known he had walked straight over to him.  He attempted a small bow, "Sir Brun of...... Nowhere in Particular."

Euryleia smiled gently to him, offering her own bow in return, "Lady Euryleia of House Stjernevold.  I understand your Armour and I share a name?"

Their conversation continued quietly, unless of course, either were called upon.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Tue 20 Feb.

A relieved Gwydion politely stepped aside for Lady Euryleia to see to her addled Knight, and went to go stand where he could see everyone at once. Before he spoke, he simply smiled at Iliza for a little while, looking for all the world like the stupid lovestruck child he felt. After a deep breath, he nodded.

"Welcome. I know this isn't the ideal place for a meeting, but I want to include Dame Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT, as they've suffered attacks as well. I would appreciate it if none of this information is spread, as it could cause serious problems were it to be more widely known. Miss Sawyer and I have been working in secret on technology to manipulate Wyrmgate particles outside of the Wyrmgates themselves. I've reason to believe our attackers are using a highly advanced version of that same technology. Sir Brun has given us some insight into the possible nature of our attackers, but I'd prefer to verify possibilities before sharing. Miss Sawyer, based on what we've accomplished so far, do you think it possible that our work could be used to send people into the past to change history?"

"Ummm," Rose said caught a little off guard. "While the time dilation of Wyrmgate travel is well documented, and we have made some strides toward utilizing a more localized effect in Armour defenses...that...would be speculative at best. You have experienced phenomenon that we can't explain that seem to involve Wyrmgate particles, but whether that's some hitherto undocumented effect we can't say..."

Irina stood as far as she could from Meara and pointedly avoided looking the Princesses's way. She looked unsettled by the implications of Gwydion's and slightly shook her head as if trying to clear it.

MerLN's avatar appeared amongst the group and began to consider the speculation, "Time travel into the future is theoretically possible, in fact, you technically do it each time you use the Wyrmgates to travel. But backwards? Not unless you could fold space in upon itself where the "future" became the "past." A closed loop, if you will. But doing so, well...that would require some knowledge indeed...and the RESOURCES! If it's even possible at all..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:44, Wed 21 Feb.

At first, Meara smiled when Irina entered.  But seeing Irina blatantly avoid her made Meara feel a pain in her heart.  She knew that the woman she loved was put in a very difficult and unfair position, but she'd been hoping that it wasn't that bad.  Even worse, her instincts told her that trying to reach out would only backfire.  But even so, she couldn't help looking at Irina with a sad expression.

As she spoke, every syllable was very carefully enunciated, as she was forcing herself to speak in a way that went against her very nature.  Turning to look at Gwydion, she said, "I would like Lady Irina to assist in the investigation, and further research.  Her knowledge and expertise will prove quite valuable."

She wanted to use her affectionate nickname for Irina.  She wanted to say Irina was the most brilliant person she knew and to sing her praises.  Above all else, she desperately wanted to run to Irina and hug her and tell her everything would be alright, that they could still be together, that she loved her more than anything and anyone else.

But she couldn't.  Because of stupid, stupid societal rules and politics.

Brun's fractured mind reeled as Euryleia spoke to him.  His heart did too.  For now, he assumed this strange push and pull like waves within him was due to Her.  It could also be brain damage.  Maybe both?  He didn't really care at the moment as he was more concerned with figuring out why the Lady Euryleia had, out of a room full of Very Important People, singled /him/ out.  Because if he could figure that out, he could keep doing whatever that was...

Euryleia, on the other hand, was able to pay more attention to the room.  She enjoyed introducing herself to Thens.  Watching Brun's vitals skip and fluctuate just by proximity.  It helped soothe the fact of him not being /her/ Brun.  She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder (vitals skip) to pause their little conversation, then looked round at the others again.

A lot of tension.

Of course, there were many understandable reasons for each person to be so tense.  Euryleia was certain that tension would not be conducive to the best work.  She might need to start helping them work through these issues....  She began public database searches for guides on mediation and counseling, as well as more general recommendations for helping friends through difficult relationship issues.  Hmm...  Ice Cream...  Alcohol....  Sad Romantic Vids.... Battle is so much simpler.

Outwardly, Euryleia offered, trying to catch Irina's eye particularly, "I will, of course, continue to assist however is needed." The younger Gehenmis seemed to need it most, but that was a very relative assessment.  To Meara and Gwydion more specifically now, "I have also asked Thames to perform trace sweeps at intervals until we find a better method." Finally, she regarded her Knight again, "Perhaps Sir Brun could assist as well?  If that Armour of his is any indication, he has some knowledge and expertise that may be helpful?" She couldn't help smiling at her joke that only this Brun would not get.

Brun smiled back, hoping he could just keep her smiling a bit longer.  A few beats later, he realized he should say something, "Oh.  Yes.  Of course....  However I may be of use..."

Melee/Chivalry Total of 7, willing to tag True Love to boost to +9, as maybe her understandings and feelings could help her read the others?

11:54, Today: Euryleia rolled 2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 1, 1, 0.  Melee +5 for Chivalry - Warrior's Eyes
 
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Wed 21 Feb.

09:43, Today: Meara rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, -1, 0, 1.  Devotion +2
09:44, Today: Irina rolled 3 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 1, 0, 1.  Devotion +3.

Meara: Total of 1 - Success with extreme style for Euryleia
Irina: Total of 6 - Success (with style?) for Euryleia

Gwydion patiently listened to the reports and thoughts. The possible and impossible were apparently crossing over with one another, making it difficult to sort out facts from suppositions.

"We know the attackers are capable of teleportation, we've seen that firsthand. We have reason to believe they are indeed time travelers from the future, or at least a future. We've gleaned the phrases 'the King must die' and 'protect Gwydion', though I'm still not sure how running me through would accomplish the latter. Also, my attacker used a Lævateinn dagger, a very distinctive weapon. I'd be happy to accept Sir Brun's help, of course. And I'd like to keep Lady Iliza close by as well. Her... erm...her political knowledge could help us narrow down who might be in the most danger." Either he had stumbled simply speaking about her, which would have likely happened in that earlier sentence, or he'd invented that reason on the spot.

"If we can develop a means of locking down their teleportation, that would be ideal. As it stands, I can only think that their suits are the key, and removing or damaging them may accomplish the task. I want our intruders alive and unharmed, though. We'd be better served by answers than by bodies. And MerLN, please check on Avaluna's security systems. If the code has been modified to allow intruders, or if anyone has come through checkpoints that we know to be impossible, I want to know. I know we've had a lot of guests, but any irregularity could be vital. I don't want another..." He glanced to Iliza and Irina, uncomfortably. "I don't want open security risks."

"I am already running an Omega-level diagnostic on all systems," MerLN informed the Prince. "If any changes have been made, I will know in short order."

Humans were surprisingly easy to read. Then again, Euryleia had been born of systems designed to do exactly that. A quick look around the room allowed her to assess the human occupants. Lady Iliza was nervous, but perhaps a little excited. Her sister's demeanor was the opposite, reserved, perhaps frightened. Gwydion's near allusion to the Callisto incident, seemed to put them both on edge too.

Dame Freyr seemed apprehensive and concerned. Her Martian companion was somewhat harder to read, being what was called stoic, but he too was apprehensive, even if his outward appearance did not betray it. Moreover, both of them gave off incredibly faint traces of decaying Wyrmgate particles, as did the wound Prince Gwydion had suffered.

The data feed from the Thames showed that they had not detected any other sign of Wrymgate particles, but if and when the two assailants appeared again, they would be ready.

Euryleia nodded politely to Gwydion's arrangements,  "Understood.  We are to attempt to develop countermeasures to further incursions based on the data we have been able to gather so far.  With a focus on detainment of the attackers." She said it as though it were just any normal assignment; leaving out details about as-yet-undeveloped technology and temporal paradox theories.  To be fair, Euryleia, and Brun, had been tackling rather complex assignments for a while now... With widely varying degrees of relative success.

Brun, this one anyway, had no idea of that history of impossible things and was very uncertain of his ability to assist.  But, it did feel like many of the important people here felt like he would be an asset, so he bowed his head in acceptance.  He whispered quietly to Euryleia, "I appreciate your confidence in me, Lady Euryleia, but time travel and teleportation are a bit outside my experience..."

Euryleia smiled gently, whispering back, "I'm sure you'll catch on quicker than you think.".

To the rest, particularly Gwydion and Meara, "Do we all remain together?  Or shall I escort the working group of Lady Irina, Sir Brun, Chief Sawyer and myself to your Armour Bay to begin?  I assume you both, and the rest, have social and political considerations you should be addressing?" Euryleia politely did not specify the wedding in mixed company.

I noticed Rose got left out if the read.  As well as the other Martian with a difficult name to write.  There was a lot of people and if they are uninterestingly unimportant, that's cool.  Just checking!

While she felt that Gwydion would usually be the better option for handling the diplomatic side of things, Meara knew she likely had nothing to contribute to the discussion about super advanced science talk (and only after everything had been collated and summed up in a way she could attempt to understand), so she made an executive decision.  It was something she would have to get used to doing, so she might as well start now, she thought.

"I will stay to assist the Queen and security with maintaining order and tracking down the assassins.  Lady Euryleia, please escort Prince Gwydion and his team.  Lady Iliza, Lady Irina, Miss Sawyer, please go with Prince Gwydion.  I will also authorize access to the schematics and data of Brunhildr's weaponry, as Prince Gwydion mentioned the blade used to strike him was of the same make as what she wields.  Last I knew, it was only an Armour-scale weapon."

Euryleia looked to Meara as the one-day-Queen made her request to escort everyone, including Gwydion away.  She made a quick note to update her files on Gwydion, with regards to the Prince's technical expertise, but allowed his inclusion in the "working group." Euryleia considered Meara for a few fast computational cycles, then responded, "Lady Meara, in spite of your suggested course of action, you make a good point regarding familiarity with the blade used.  Your knowledge could prove helpful as well." Euryleia eyed Meara questioningly as she made the recommendation, trying to convey that she was offering an opening, "It would also be safer to have both you and Gwydion in the same place.  For security."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Mon 26 Feb.

Gwydion stood from his medical bed and smiled at Meara's suggestion, then looked to Euryleia and shook his head.

"Meara's got the right of it. The people will want to see the Fury protecting them during a time like this, and she's more likely to keep the Queen and her Guard safe than vice versa. Meanwhile I'll have you and Sir Brun watching my back. Our safety is assured. As impeccable as her understanding of Venusian weaponry, there's an entire kingdom to see to that's been put under lockdown and given no information to calm their nerves." After another thought, he looked down and toyed with the cuts on his shirt.

[Having trained with Meara since diaper days, would Gwydion be familiar with the kind of cuts a Lævateinn blade produces? Enough to know if this one was normal? It's possible the chirurgeon hadn't seen an injury from that weapon before, being on Avaluna.]

The assembled group departed the Medical bay leaving Dame Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT to recover under the care of the doctor and the watchful guard of Sir RHY-S32.

The Investigation party reconvened in Gwydion's private armour bay, where he had been experimenting with new Armour Systems that incorporated Wyrmgate technology. The technology was still in its infancy, more theoretical than anything. It would take a few years before a practical prototype emerged. Yet, Gwydion had seen the technology in action. And on a miniaturized version of a Lævateinn blade. How was that possible? And why had he bled, but the other two victims had no visible wounds? It had been an interesting evening to say the least. Full of more questions than answers.

OOC: Yes, Gwydion would be familiar with it's effects on armour, but normally they are only armour weapons. Until someone tried to kill you with one. That also phased around like your theoretical technology.

---

Meara, under guard, joined Queen Valerie who was already in conference with MerLN.

"You're sure, MerLN? Absolutely," the Queen asked.

"Absolutely? No. Reasonably? Yes," MerLN answered.

"Reasonably is not enough to bet the Future of this Kingdom upon," the Queen answered. "An Impossible Choice: We either risk devastation like that seen on Callisto or we evacuate and signal to the rest of the Solar System that we are incapable of defending even the very heart of our Kingdom."

OOC: Fate Point if you pick a side.

Performing a respectful curtsy, Meara greeted her aunt per protocol, "Your Majesty."

She then hurried over to her aunt's side to participate in the conference.  "Gwydion has taken some of our best and brightest to work on deciphering a way to track the assassins, as their movements are based on technology he is currently developing, and the Thames is currently performing active scans of Avaluna for Wyrmgate particles - if they try moving like that again, we should be able to find them.  Sir RHY-S32 is guarding Freyr and Sir L14-MNT.  So long as no others and nothing else have been attacked as of yet, I would make the choice to stay," she says before pausing, then adding, "I say this weighing the consequences of both choices and on what I currently know of the situation, and it is not a choice I am glad to make, nor one I would wish on anyone."

Taking that delicious FP to vote on staying - so long as nothing has happened that MerLN didn't tell us about.

Euryleia looked for a moment like she was willing to continue trying, but decided that either she was not transmitting the hints well enough or the pair were unwilling to listen to them.  If this continues, then she would have to stop bothering with politeness.

On the way to the workshop, Euryleia and Brun spoke quietly.  The sort of conversation you might try to have with someone who you just met, but who you wanted to know everything about because you secretly hoped that this was the beginning of something amazing....  But, of course, neither wanted to reveal everything of course.  Brun had no desire to reveal his fall from grace or that his last job was piracy.  Euryleia wanted to simply enjoy meeting Brun without the voluminous weight of everything that they had already been through together.

The meet-cute fell apart as they stepped into the workshop.  Brun stumbled off balance a moment and Euryleia caught him.  A grateful Brun recovered and stood, "Thank you, my Lady." But then he looked her hand...then her... Then the others...  Then the workshop.  Brun looked on the verge of panic, "My Lady...  How are you here!?  Outside and...."  Brun took her hand as though it was the most precious and delicate thing in the universe.  An object that can't be real and if you touched it might shatter back into dream.  But she didn't.  She was there and real and....  Brun embraced and kissed Euryleia as though it was the first, only, and last kiss.  Euryleia fell into it, not caring if this wasn't quite her Brun.  It was very very close....

They both ignored the room forever.  For a bit.

The prince was deep in thought as the think tank moved to the Armour bay, still sorting puzzle pieces in his mind and trying to fit them together. Too much was still missing, though. The only way he could get so many of the answers he needed would be by living through them, or else interrogating their party crashers. It was no use, he needed to set his mind to the task of the present: tracking and containment. With the celebrations going on and now the lockdown, the group would have the bay all to themselves, letting him think out loud and speak more freely.

When Brun tripped, Gwydion instinctively moved to help catch him, only realizing he should let Euryleia handle that after he took his first step. Then he simply smiled at Recent Past Brun and his Lady having their sudden reunion, while moving closer to his and Rose's project.

"Alright, no gawking, friends," as he gawked. "MerLN, is anyone else here with us, or are we alone?"

"There have been no further indications of incursion and my diagnostics indicate that no malicious code is currently running or laying dormant on Avaluna's primary or secondary systems," MerLN replied to Prince Gwydion.

---

"There have been no further indications of incursion and my diagnostics indicate that no malicious code is currently running or laying dormant on Avaluna's primary or secondary systems," MerLN said in reply to Meara.

The Queen considered Meara's counsel, "Then we will continue with the occasion as planned. We must be especially vigilant. The dream of a united Humanity, even its very survival, rests upon a blade's edge. Security was already a primary focus and yet..." The Queen paused, considering. "Meara, bring me Clarent."

Clarent was a blade Meara knew well. The Sword of Peace. It had been a wedding gift from Queen Valerie La Guin to her husband John Arthur when they had wed. He was never without it at courtly functions. It was not a blade of war, but rather a symbol of his position, duty, and just rule. It was the blade with which he raised up his subjects and knighted them in service to Avaluna. It had not been touched since his passing. And, as Meara discovered as she moved to retrieve it, it was missing.

Meara wanted to give her aunt good news.  She really did.  She also knew her aunt wouldn't have moved the blade.  The fact that it was not where it should be was alarming enough, but that she could not see it anywhere was even more terrifying.  "I... I cannot find it.  It is not where it belongs, and I do not see it anywhere else," she answered with a mix of despair and anger in her voice that changed to desperation, "Please... please tell me you moved it somewhere.  We can't lose that, too..."

In truth, Meara was less worried about losing the symbol of unity and peace to the people and more about her aunt losing one more tie to her husband.

Euryleia slowly, reluctantly drew back from Brun.  Only far enough to meet his dark eyes with her silver, "There is never enough time to explain....  You will have questions, but you won't remember the answers long.  You must simply trust me."

Brun gave a firm nod, but didn't interrupt or look away.  Of course he would trust her.  That didn't stop the deep apprehension about what may come next, but trust for her was not in question.

Euryleia continued, summarizing only the most important pieces that he needed to know now.  She seemed to have some practice at managing this very concise explanation.  It wasn't worth it to try and explain to every Then, but when he was so close to Now....  It helped.  Sometimes.

For Brun, he went from finding out that Euryleia was aware and awake to being chosen to lead an expedition for the King to..... Almost too much for anyone in one blow.  Euryleia watched him force down the apparently useless questions, breath through the anguish of everything he was told so quickly, and  somehow hold himself together.

Euryleia kissed him again, more gently.  With apology.  She then lead him to the others.  To Gwydion, she asked, "If I may?" She didn't really wait for an answer before taking over a few nearby engineering holo-displays.  She created a loop of her own visual recording of Gwydion's attack on one.  On another she created a display of her compiled sensor data for review, "Where do you want to begin?"

Brun watched himself through Euryleia's eyes....  Falling apart and useless during the attack on Gwydion. Shouting and saying things he could not remember... He tore his eyes away, looking anywhere else but at the display of the broken, mad not-him....

Gwydion stood by Iliza and her sister, hands behind his back, and gave Euryleia a nod.

"At the beginning. Run us through what you saw, then we can dig deeper into the data and what it means."

"I have not," the Queen said, masterfully masking the emotions she was undoubtedly feeling. "It's absence cannot be a coincidence. It appears that we have discovered the reason for the intrusion detected by Lady Euryleia. Someone seems intent upon undermining the future of Avaluna. We will not allow that to happen. Meara, I want these intruders found. If they are benevolent as Gwydion claimed they might be, then why skulk about like murderers and thieves? It is time they answered for their actions."

Steeling her emotions, Meara nodded, although her aunt couldn't see.  "It shall be done," she answered with determination in her voice.  Finding people and bringing them to justice.  This was something she could do.  "I shall be your eyes, My Queen, and your sword.  MerLN, please inform Gywdion and Lady Euryleia of the theft of Clarent, and then bring up a display of our current guard patrols and recent reports, as well as Wyrmgate traces from the Thames' scans.  We will need to coordinate our efforts if anything is to be done, and I will not be able to look for ways to narrow our search without this."

Euryleia nodded once to Gwydion as he asked for her to go through it all.  Which she did with as much detail as she has available.  She expanded past her own visuals, to create a timeline on another screen.  The timeline began with her estimate on the incursion into the Queen's chamber during the evenings events, Brun's initial "vision" which set himself and Euryleia on the path, followed by the best timing on the attacks on Freyr, L1-4MNT, Gwydion.

Euryleia slowed down her visuals of Gwydion's attacker and did her best to isolate any defining characteristics.  To clean up and enhance any identifiers (like she might have caught in the attacker's broken faceplate).  The recording included the audio as well, of the attacker's voice before she disappeared.

After showing her detailed analysis of the attacker, Euryleia allowed the log to play out.

With Gwydion stating that the attacker looked like Iliza, but couldn't be.

With Brun swearing suddenly for someone to kindly fuck off and that he had been lying.  As well as that he had known the attackers.  Or would know them.  And that the King must die.... And somehow having the notion that Gwydion might be interpreted as King, which is ridiculous....  Right?

Euryleia will, will running this analysis with Iliza present, attempt to ascertain any identifiers she caught of the attacker and compare them to Iliza.  Height, weight, movement, possible face, etc  To rule her out and provide all that useful data.

So....

Lore Overcome Total +4 (Willing to tag in the Data sift Free invoke created earlier and/or spend FP to tag in Dea)

08:14, Today: Euryleia rolled 2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 1, 1, 0.  Overcome Lore +2 - Attacker Analysis
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Mon 04 Mar.

Brun watched it all play out quietly, still unsteady from watching himself be so useless.  He has thought he'd overcome freezing like that....  Like that helpless princeling he had been so long ago.  Yet there he was, doing nothing to rescue his friend.

There were reasons of course.  Apparently his mind was broken.  He could feel it now, the waves of possibilities washing through his head.  Pushing and pulling.  Everything was so unsteady.  He forced himself to sit, ending up next to Irina.  Almost bumping into her really.  He whispered, "Sorry... A bit...dizzy...". He wasn't really, but it was close enough to the words that didn't exist for this feeling to be true.

He took a breath and tried to focus while he could on the presentation and what details he could get out of it...

What's that about Gwydion being /King/?

Brun will bring his investigatory-ness to bear as well!

Cunning Overcome Total +4

08:27, Today: Brun rolled 0 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 0, -1, 0.  Overcome - Cunning +4

"It's...it's alright," Irina replied to Brun in a whisper of her own. "I know the feeling. Like the whole world is upside down..."

Euryleia analysed her recordings and compared them to all the available data. The brief and partial glimpse offered of the assailant was an uncanny match for Iliza, certainly, though her eyes were different color. The physical characteristics were all off marginally as well. Slightly taller, more muscle, still undoubtedly female based on musculoskeletal structure. Voice-print didn't match up either. The evidence supported what Euryleia had suspected. This couldn't have been Iliza.

Brun noticed something else as well. Gwydion had been cut, but there was no blood on the assassin's blade. While Gwydion's wound hadn't been a deep one, there should have been some trace of blood or, at the very leadt, clothing fiber from his ruined suit. Yet, the analysis showed nothing. That was odd, wasn't it?

"There has been another development," MerLN interrupted the proceedings. "It appears that Clarent is missing."

---

MerLN provided the information that the Princess requested, yet it proved to be disappointing. There had been no other reported disturbances and there were no other traces of Wyrmgate particles other than those already familiar to Meara. Had the thieves already escaped with the blade? What was she missing?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:02, Mon 04 Mar.

"...no, definitely not Iliza." As the log slowed on Not-Iliza, Gwydion studied the attacker with absolute focus. "Too tall. Not her voice." He wasn't even looking at the Iliza beside him. "Euryleia, can you compare the attacker to both Iliza and myself for similarities?" Meanwhile, he was starting to examine the unknown fighter's combat style. Stances, motions, anything that could be compared to something Gwydion knew.

[Totally willing to make a Melee Create Advantage roll to represent knowledge gleaned from the video, if needed. I'm at +5, so if that's enough to get me anything good, I'd rather forego rolling and just go with it. :P]

MerLN's interruption finally took the prince's attention from the display. On hearing the news about Clarent, his face twisted in momentary confusion. That name sounded so famili--oh OH! Gwydion's eyes went wide.

"Uncle's sword? What-why? It isn't even very good, it's just... symbolic. Damn it. That explains the particles in the royal chambers. Okay. This doesn't change anything, though if they were able to take it and jump out of time with it rather than just moving it somewhere else... and they would leave more Wyrmgate particles if they were teleporting through space rather than time, wouldn't they?" He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. "There's just so much we don't know. Should I stop? Is that what this is about? But it's already happened, so if we don't let the technology finish, we might cause even more trouble than if we continue. There must be a reason we haven't seen evidence of time travel before. But... isn't saving him more important? What could be so bad that Brun would send our children to the past to do all this?" For a moment, he was starting to fall back into himself again, as he had after the King's passing. He pulled himself out of it with another shake of his head.

"Thank you for the update, MerLN. Please let me know if any of the King's other personal effects have been tampered with."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Tue 05 Mar.

Staring at the data and maps she has before her, Meara made Frustrated Meara Sounds™ before growling, "This would be so much easier if they couldn't teleport or turn invisible or... whatever it is they are doing!  We likely have one assassin and one thief-turned-assailant, since that would explain why both Clarent is missing and that the attack on Freyr and Sir L14-MNT were made to distract and prevent pursuit... I am certain they would have mentioned seeing Clarent if it was in the thief's possession then... so either they can disguise themselves, turn invisible, and/or are in the vents, or they're already gone and the particles we detected were from their escape and not their intrusion.  Even so, we would be foolish to abandon the search now."

She turned to her aunt and asked, "I do not suppose you have security footage of where you were keeping Clarent, do you?  If we can at least narrow down the time it went missing..."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Tue 05 Mar.

Brun nodded in deep, heartfelt agreement to Irina's whisper.  That very neatly summed it up.  Though he could tell she didn't necessarily mean just for him...  He attempted to place a hand, very gently on Irina's shoulder.  Just a small gesture of reassurance.   Or at least "In This Together"-ness.

Then something in the playback and analysis caught Brun's eye.  Everytime it looped through during the analysis, he focused on the blade itself.  Curious..... As chance permitted, he tried to get a clean look at Gwydion's shirt and chest...

Then MerLN made his announcement and distracted his attention again, "Clarent?  The Sword of Peace?  Why??"

Euryleia pulled out the best image of the attacker's strangely Iliza-like face, then attempted to extrapolate missing/obscured areas to create a full face image.  Gwydion and Iliza's faces were then placed alongside.  She then began to identify similarities based on facial recognition protocols.  She did note, "I will do my best, but I am uncertain if such an analysis will provide a reliable result for what you seem to be suggesting."

MerLN's alert got her attention, though it did not interrupt her analysis.  She was perfectly capable of quite a number of operations at once.  Yet another benefit if her unique self.

Unable to answer Brun's query, Euryleia considered it...along with the other incidents.  She minimized her timeline and replaced it with a map of Avaluna, marking the Queen's chamber with the new information about the missing Clarent, alongside the information on her best guess on when it occured.  She then added the locations and times of the attacks to the map as well.  Perhaps looking at it this way would reveal something...

Euryleia's map provided some interesting food for thought. If Clarent had been purloined during the banquet as the data suggested, then why had the attacks occurred afterward? They wouldn't have been used to cover up the theft. They had only drawn attention to the fact that the Sword was missing. If the attacks had been an assassination attempt, then why had Freyr & L1-4MNT been attacked? What would the assassins have gained by killing them? And why had the assassin only disabled them whereas Gwydion had been wounded?

The image analysis was less conclusive, though did not rule out the possibility of what Gwydion seemed to be suggesting. It was entirely possible that the assailant could have been the progeny of Gwydion and Iliza.

But as Gwydion watched the brief footage and played the fight back in his head, he knew. He knew that, had the roles been reversed, he would have fought exactly as the assassin had.

Iliza, for her part, looked rather pale, even compared to her normal complexion. The thought that Gwydion would even consider that she would try to kill him...

Even she had to admit the likeness of the woman was similar to her own.

Children...?

Did he...?

"While it may not be completely reliable, we're still operating on too many assumptions and coming to conclusions based on that. Our entire idea that time travel is involved comes from a great deal of evidence that breaks the laws of the universe as we know them." Gwydion took his attention from the screens and addressed his gathered think-tank more directly.

"For those who don't know, Rose and I have been trying to extrapolate a technology out of what we discovered while investigating the so-called 'ghost' of Dr. Vyvyan Locke, MerLN's creator. We discovered that what people had been seeing were temporal echoes of Dr. Locke from the past, made solid in the present by Wyrmgate activity we hadn't known was possible before. My idea was to deliberately recreate those echoes in order to pull King Arthur from the Battle of Mars into today, more likely making a copy of him using atomic quantum entanglement to move his information rather than attempting to actually move a living being across time. I wasn't sure if altering the past was possible, and still not sure it's a good idea, but drawing him directly from his Armour at the time of its destruction and into the present would allow us to save him without needing to even test what happens when you create a time paradox. The evidence here looks like Sir Brun has sent these two people from our future into our present to manipulate events to stop me from rescuing Uncle John. Apparently doing so leads to my death. I'm still of the mind it's a good trade, but I don't know if any of what I just said is accurate. If my attacker was truly my daughter with Lady Iliza, then that would be actual proof of time travel being real, and that whatever actions are transpiring are so drastic that risking a time paradox is worth the result. I trust Sir Brun with my life, but without knowing what I'm doing wrong and what the consequences will be, I can't simply tell Rose to stop working on the technology and destroy our notes. The loss would be immeasurable." Doubt started creeping onto his face, and his voice was showing it as well.

"...He said he saw me die, and that the King was there. That can only happen in the future, if our work is successful. This is so frustrating. It's like living life backwards from the end..."

Brun's mind reeled as Gwydion explained his theories and work.  Flashes of possibilities flickered behind his eyes. He'd heard this.... Would hear this...  In some Brun felt anger.  In some grief and pity.  Sometimes he felt he was fighting.  Sometimes he was helping.  He grabbed the desk near him, trying to hold onto something real and stable.  But he saw his own hand flickering through variations on this same desk.  Had he been here before?  Will he be?  Damn...  People... He tried to focus on the people, the clothing, colors, hair.  This particular combination of people is Now.

Brun focused on this Gwydion, with the bloodied shirt.  He drew a breath, trying to slow the tides in his mind.  The effort made his response sound angrier than he intended, "It's not...a /good/ trade!  King Arthur would...did...will agree with me.". Another breath.  Focus.  "Compassion.  Equality.  Valor. You will labor in the service of the people. Your burden till the last breath.  That's what he told me.  You can't trade it.  You can't just give it back because it's heavy.  He.... Told me it was a life sentence.  No parole.". For this Brun, King Arthur told him this yesterday....and now he grieved the King's death.  And then thought of Euryleia telling him about their own "deaths" and returns.  No parole indeed...
This message was last updated by the player at 14:50, Wed 06 Mar.

Euryleia turned to regard Gwydion as he rambled his explanation.  In so doing, she also saw Iliza....  The holoscreen of the analysis of the possible future daughter faded out.  She kept the analysis running for herself, but thought perhaps Iliza would prefer not seeing it.

While listening to Gwydion then Brun, Euryleia also continued to consider the map.  Using the taking if the sword as a starting point, she considered the pathways to the other attacks and where they might possibly lead thereafter.  Trying to piece together possible purposes or end goals...

Gwydion's research description did get due consideration.  The notion of moving the "echo", the quantum data, of John Arthur was especially of interest.  She would have to see this research.... She had doubts about much of it. And of trying to create such a "clone".  She knew, very precisely, just how difficult it had been to maintain Brun in the otherspace.  How long it all took her.... But, perhaps something in it could be used to merge the temporal echoes of Brun's minds.  Or at least provide some stability....  For a secret, selfish moment, Euryleia allowed herself to hope.

Then Euryleia heard Brun and looked at him.  Saw his tension.  His struggle to stay Now.  She moved to him, took his hand.  To hold on to him.  She realized she knew very well how Gwydion felt....  To do impossible things to avoid letting go....  And the consequences for those they couldn't let go...

For Euryleia it was already done.  And she knew she would do it again, even knowing....  Love is difficult.

In reply to Gwydion (msg # 133):

"Would you get your head out of your ass already," Irina thought to herself as she had to listen to Gwydion ramble on about a topic he knew very little about, not that any of them knew much more, but well at least they were willing to admit that. The Prince on the other hand seemed content to blindly plow on regardless of the danger which he himself acknowledged. He really should just stick to stealing other people's Fiancées. He was at least good at that.

Wait, why was everyone staring at her? Had she said the quiet part out loud...again? Oh! Oh...

"I, uh, just mean to say, that, uh, as you pointed out...you are running on a lot of assumptions. Not to mention the fact that you're ignoring MerLN's point entirely and if there's any of us with an even remotely functional understanding of all this it's him so..." Irina trailed off suddenly very red. At least, Meara hadn't been here to witness her outburst.

No cameras or other recordings were available.  That eliminated those avenues of investigation.  Nothing out of the ordinary was being reported by the patrols, and she trusted every last person on patrol to put their duty above all, at least in this situation.  They were hand-picked by her aunt and uncle, and if any pair of people could see who they could and couldn't trust together, it was them.  So suspecting one of them was out as well.

The fact that the particles were much weaker around where they found Freyr and Sir L14-MNT suggested that might have been an entry point... but if that was the thief, they were even weaker in Val's quarters, so either their attack somehow generated more than vanishing or something else was going on... what had Sir L14-MNT said?

Meara's eyes suddenly focused and she said, "Sir L14-MNT said he saw something during the Battle of Burning Skies, and mentioned The Waking Death in relation to the attack on him and Freyr.  MerLN, please patch us through to the infirmary and let Sir L14-MNT know we wish to ask him about what he saw.  It may be grasping at straws, but I will take any clues I can get right now."

The quiet part being out loud stunned the prince, and he stared at his fiancee's girlfriend for a moment before his face slowly fell. The recent weeks of misery he'd been pushing to the side gloomed over him at once, and what was left was a pained young man looking to the floor as if there was some sign of what to do there.

"I... I'm sorry. I just don't know what to do without him. He was holding humanity together, he gave people hope. He gave me hope. Everything would be better if he were here again. Meara and I could even marry the people we chose instead of the people we've been assigned. Not that she isn't wonderful, but she's practically my sister. And neither of us is ready to pull mankind up by the bootstraps and win a war. Isn't any long shot worth bringing John Arthur back to us?"

"That isn't what I meant. Forgive me. I didn't mean it the way it came out. I just..." Irina faltered, trying to find the words to express herself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:50, Tue 12 Mar.

"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.

With the catlike reflexes she'd shown many times in the past, Meara caught the falling churro and put it between their faces before Irina could kiss her, managing to press the end Irina had been eating against her lips.  "Ah, ah, ah!  I said finish your food and have some water first.  I will not have us making such decisions without being sober," Meara chided, using a single finger to hold the churro in place.  "If you continue like this when sober, I shall have no objections, even though circumstances say I should.  But not when you are drunk."

Could Queen Valerie hear her admitting that she's still ready to be as amorous as she had been with Irina despite agreeing to marry Gwydion?  Possibly!  Did Meara care at the moment?  No.  Her focus was getting this wonderful woman in front of her sober so they could make poor decisions with full awareness and not be able to blame it on alcohol.

Iliza's comment drew a smirk from the prince, and an eyebrow arched up. He pulled a little more tightly at her waist and completely forgot where they were and all the circumstances surrounding them.

"Oh? That sounds like a challenge, my lady, and you know how I rise to those..."

Gwydion awoke with Iliza gently playing with his hair. She smiled when she saw his eyes flutter open. She gently kissed his forehead. "Oh, my love, I am sorry to wake you. Especially after all that effort last night..." She gave him a smile that was, all at once, salvation and damnation. "But your princely duty calls. You have a message waiting and it seems rather insistent..."

---

Meara opened her eyes at the insistent buzzing of her datapad. It was the notification setting she used when she had one of those boring meetings. She didn't remember having one this morning and it was almost lunch time.

The buzzing did nothing to disturb the naked beauty draped across her. Irina slept soundly and peacefully. It was the only time Meara had seen Irina look at peace since she'd told her about the Queen's plan to betroth herself and Prince Gwydion. Irina had been deeply hurt.

Irina had taken Meara's suggestion to sober up last night as a challenge and things had progressed from the Queen's quarters to Meara's own. By the time Irina was back to her usual self, the tension between them was near maddening. They spent the night (and a good part of the morning) showing just how deeply they loved one another. Meara was sure there would be consequences for last night, but, with Irina draped across her sleeping peacefully, she couldn't be bothered to even care about what form they would take.

Her datapad buzzed again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Tue 09 Apr.

Bleargh.

Meara was positive she didn't have a meeting planned.  The upcoming wedding was enough as it was.  Also, no meeting was important enough to wake up the lovely woman sleeping on her.  She fondly brushed a bit of hair from Irina's face as she gave her sleeping companion a loving smile.  Meara hadn't realized how much she missed this until, well, the previous night.

Sir Dalibrad Delors was definitely getting a gift basket with the good wine.

Since the buzzing would not stop on its own, she reluctantly fumbled for her datapad before picking it up and giving it a look.

A lunch invitation to meet who?

Okay, apparently there was a meeting important enough to wake up Irina.

---

Irina and Meara, now dressed and presentable, hurried to the lunch meeting, holding hands as they went.  They both wore suspiciously high-collared tops with long sleeves.  Meara had extended the lunch invitation to Auntie Val, but was not in a position to do more than that.  Not yet, anyway.

Spending an FP to invoke the positive aspect of (Un)fortunate Reputation.  No boost, just getting thumbs up and knowing smiles from the Valkyries and such.  Twue Wuv Wins!  Also, Daddy totally approves, but that didn't need an FP to happen.

"Mmrrm... beauty more important than duty. Mine." He may not have been saying "beauty", actually. Gwydion sleepily slipped his arms around her, pulled her close again, and rolled her over across him until he was above her, smiling with eyes barely open. "G'morning, my beauty."

---

When he was awake enough to check the message on his datapad, he had very little time to respond to it. Lunch! Already?! What happened to breakfast? ... Oh right. He spoke quickly.

"Brun's setting up lunch for us to meet a couple members of his House. The kind who haven't been born yet. We have to get showered and dressed quickly, it's already getting late. Also I have not even a single regret." And then, as if remembering something important, he smiled and scooted his face down to just below his lady's belly. "Don't you get any weird ideas, I have every intention of naming you for our mothers. If your mother is okay with that." A kiss, and then he moved back up to kiss Iliza's face. "Are you okay with that? Last chance before temporal mechanics set a name in very confusing stone."

---

Gwydion and Iliza arrived to lunch minutes late, but dressed in a very regal-casual style; clearly people of importance, but clearly not trying to impose that importance on anyone. They were so freshly showered that their hair was still damp. Both of them. Fortunately neither of them had to wear anything suspiciously concealing. They were practiced enough at making sure any marks weren't in conspicuous places. Just the places where they decided to start leaving marks, considering the guards probably did spot them fleeing the terrace together. At least the closet aboard the Thames was a closet, after all.

[Not spending any FP at all, unless Gwydion needs to spend one to prevent this from going horribly wrong. Only hilariously wrong allowed. :P]
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 02:16, Wed 10 Apr.

Thames was still a bit decorated from the celebrations the night before.   By lunch time the last of any straggling party guests had been rousted out and sent off to their homes.  Most of the crew were old hands at bouncing back from such Wrecker gatherings and were taking care of what needed taken care of.

Euryleia was a tireless engine of help with the clean-up and their impromptu lunch preparations.  She rather liked having simple purpose for a bit and it was on her request that Thames would host this strange event.  It was the very least she could do to set up for it.  The crew tried their best to take it in stride as they watched the Lady hefting around large cargo crates with ease and repairing minor damages with wave of her hand.  It was one thing to know the story of their Lady, but something else to actually see her at work.

Brun did his best to assist as well. The night and morning with his Lady in relative calm, and aboard Thames, seemed to ground him firmly in the Now.   His task was to isolate the ship's systems from Avaluna's (to try to prevent easy tampering with the station again) and to calibrate/focus the ship's sensor system for data gathering.  Though, current Brun did quietly wonder if it would do any good.  If future him was behind all this, then the "guests" would know how to circumvent anything he did if they wished.  How do you outthink yourself?  Should he try?. Stop.  Focus.  Future him was still him.  He had to believe he would have good reasons...

---

Their Royal Highnesses (and guests) were greeted at the dock by Captain Smalls himself, dressed in his usual clean shipsuit.  He grinned at the arrangements the Royal couple(s) arrived in.

Meara and Irina both got a warm welcome, "Been a while.  Understand you've been....busy....though.  They set up in the Bay.  You remember the way.  Good to see you /both/."

Gwydion and Iliza got another knowing grin and a friendly welcome.  Though he likely hadn't met Iliza much, if at all, she was with Gwydion so she got the same courtesy, "Nice to meet you.  Heard lots.  You need /anything/, you let us know. " The offer was made to Iliza with a firm honest weight to it.  From more crackers to bodyguards to a safe space all Iliza has to do was ask.  To Gwydion, Smalls added, "They set up in the Bay.  Good luck."

If the Queen arrived as well, she'd be greeted in much more formal respectful terms.  But still not close to Royal protocol levels.  Thames was a proud, independent, Wrecker boat.  So, the top of their respect game was still pretty informal.

---

In the Armour Bay, the Knight and Lady of Stjernevold waited in their prepared space.  A deck area in front of Euryleia's empty Armour scaffold.  A simple, probably crew-made Sjernevold banner hung in the currently unused space. A few fold out tables and chairs.  The foods placed around the tables were Wrecker fare; engineered, textured soy proteins in various styles.  Preserved veg packets.  Algae sheets.  Water and some kind of ship brewed mushroom beer (leftover from the gathering).

Brun and Euryleia were in black and white crew suits.  One shoulder with their crest, the other showing a THAMES patch.  Both stood as their friends arrived.  Euryleia smiled at the couple arrangements, giving an approving nod.  Brun, with a more ingrained understanding of marriage expectations, had a smile that was both happy and a little sad.

<POSSIBLE TEMPORAL INCURSION DETECTED ABOARD THAMES. PRIMARY BAY.>

Euryleia had been notified by the sensor sweep program she had set up. She was able to confirm the readings almost instantly. About twenty feet away, where none had been a second ago, stood two young ladies dressed in a casual fashion, one in black with a slash of white, the other in white with a slash of black. Each wore the symbol of House Stjernevold at their shoulder. They looked young, perhaps fifteen or sixteen at most.Their faces were nearly identical, save for the way they wore their hair. The young lady in white wore her silvery-blonde hair in an intricate braid, while the one in black had hers cut above her shoulders and streaked with blue. They did each look quite similar to Lady Iliza, though traces of their father could be spotted as well.

They seemed surprised to see such a full gathering before them. But rather than be put off they strided forward to meet their hosts.

"Agravina," said the one in white.

"Mordwynn," said the one in black, adding, "What's for lunch?"

 Hardly a formal introduction, but when on Thames...

Euryleia, forewarned, stood before the pair appeared and was already moving towards them when they appeared.  A moment to assess the young women...  Not arriving hostile, as Euryleia had guessed.

A nod to each as names were offered, the Lady then answered the question, "All the usual things preferred aboard Thames.  Please.  Enjoy..". Euryleia stepped out of their way, motioning to the rest, "I believe you know everyone?"

Brun was struck a bit quiet at the sight of the travellers' sudden appearance.  Then by their actual, uncanny appearance.  And then by a realization that these are (were?) his squires and they were very loose on formality...  Damn me...  You'd think I would have tried to instruct them a little better...

It was them.

The ones who attacked Freyr, L14-MNT, and Gwydion.  The ones who stole her uncle's sword.

Standing within a moment's reach, with their guards down.  Acting as if they hadn't done anything wrong.

But wait.  Had they?  Had will are they?

Time travel is bullshit!

Meara, instead of saying anything or offering a greeting, started furiously chugging a beer, followed by another.  She was not nearly drunk enough for temporal shenanigans.

Gwydion and his Lady sat by their loved ones and tried to keep silly grins off their faces, both at their own situation and at Meara and Irina's. Fortunately what little small talk they engaged in danced around the subject entirely before their new (extremely new) guests arrived, at which point Gwydion stood politely for the formal introductions. Which turned out to be not so formal. That was actually well and good, because he was too stunned at seeing how very much the pair looked alike to really hold much reasonable conversation.

"Ah, hello. I'm Gwydion, Price of Avaluna and... um... Are you twins, by any chance?"

"We are, though we never had the possibility of being anything else," Agravina said with a smile.

"We do, Lady Euryleia. Or Will," Mordwynn said with a shrug as they both looked around the table at everyone present. "Shall we begin, then?"

Euryleia, once the girls had taken whatever places they seemed to wish, set herself near the table but ever so subtly covering the easiest approach to Gwydion.  Just in case.  She then patiently waited for whatever message from the future came next.  Euryleia had decided she couldn't outthink these temporal plans.  Yet.  Or if she should.  So, patience felt the best.

Brun straightened up in his seat at the mention of twins.  He looked over at Iliza....  He couldn't imagine what it might be like to meet your teenage children before actually /having/ said children...  And how would this effect decisions?  What if they didn't have children??  Could they even decide that since obviously they didn't?  Stop.  Just.... Focus on Now.  He wasn't sure what happened if he let his thoughts run too far anymore...

He couldn't think of anything comforting to say to Iliza or Gwydion yet, so he looked back to his future squires, "Please do.  I think we'd all like to know why you're here and what you and my future self decided was this important...  It feels very risky?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Fri 12 Apr.

Meara narrowed her eyes as she looked at those present.  Gwydion was being diplomatic.  Brun was confused, which was definitely a bad sign - or was it?  Euryleia was handling things with her usual grace.

Iliza, meanwhile, was avoiding the beer, which made most of the food taste better.  Suspicious.  More suspicious considering the fact that the two young ladies before them definitely looked like Iliza and Gwydion's theoretical children.

Considering everything she'd learned so far, they were probably born in a year, give or take a few months.

Which meant Iliza could be pregnant right now.  Which would mean she and Gwydion were even hornier for one another than she thought, and that's a high bar to clear.  Clearly, she and Irina would need to up their game.

As for the subjects she wanted to ask about, she'd give them a bit more time to see if they had, in their non-linear existence, linearly existed long enough to do the things that happened a few days ago.

I need something stronger than beer.

She walked over to one of the hosts from the Thames and discreetly asked if they had something... stronger.

Gwydion's surprise at their appearance (the physical one, not so much the technical one) turned into a somewhat silly smile as Agravina confirmed being siblings.

"Oh, good, yes. That is very good information. Good." When he went to sit back down next to Iliza, he was beaming like an idiot again, mostly at her. Brun's question snapped him out of his stupor and brought his attention back to the fact that he was sitting with time travelers from the future. "Oh, right! Mordwynn, I don't suppose you can explain why you stabbed me. Excellent form, by the way."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Sat 13 Apr.

"Risky," Agravina asked with some confusion. "Why would you believe that?"

Mordwynn was busy loading a bowl full of Soy-mein and covering it in chilly oil. She looked up toward Brun, "Yeah, haven't you taken a look, Oob?"

Iliza was taking everything in, somewhat bewildered but mostly relieved. When Mordwynn reached for the pitcher of Fungus Beer, Iliza moved it out of her reach and replaced it with a pitcher of water instead. Rather than reproach the young woman, she shot a slightly disapproving look at the Prince instead, "Really, Gwydion... " she admonished him.

The revelation that Mordwynn had stabbed Gwydion surprised both girls and they exchanged a quick glance. Agravina's expression turned annoyed while Mordwynn's own professed innocence.

"Because...I have to now..." The girl in black said as though she wasn't looking forward to it. But her demeanor quickly picked up and turned confident at the compliment of her proto-Father, "Of course it was. I learned from the best."

"You all don't seem to know as much as we assumed. With Oo--Sir Brun's abilities we assumed you knew the purpose of our mission. But if you don't, you soon will. It is for the good of the Kingdom, of course," Agravina reassured them.

Mordwynn drummed her hands on the table - bum bum bum --- bumbum bum bumbum - and smiled clearly pleased with herself before she returned to enjoying her soy noodles.

"Perhaps, you all should just ask your questions and we'll answer those we have answers for," Agravina suggested. She looked a bit worried.

Euryleia noticed something else. The girl in white's garment suddenly tightened then relaxed on her right shoulder, as if it were giving her a reassuring squeeze. It was almost imperceptible, so much so that Euryleia doubted the others could have even discerned it. She realized then that these two young squires were both covered in nanites, very similar to those that comprised her own form.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:26, Sat 13 Apr.

Euryleia looked back at Brun as they referred to him.  Oob?  And the implication that he has (will have?) some control over his...abilities.  Hope flooded through with the implication. Her Knight could... would... get better.  She looked back again to the squires as they continued, just in time to catch the subtle movements of the garments.  The Lady pinged a query at the nanites to see if they would respond to her....

Brun's brow creased with yet more confusion as Mordwynn referred to him as an "oob" and suggested he could somehow choose to "look."  He focused on the word (title?) of "oob"...  On Agravina and Mordwynn...  His squires?  Flickers of future memory flickered through his mind.  Fast.  Hard to...  Focus.   He felt himself starting to slip.  The stability of the Now shifting to sand...  He blinked.  Shaking his head and grabbing the edges of the chair.  He was on Thames.  Euryleia was here.  Gwydion, Meara, Irina, Iliza...  Agravina?  Mordwynn?  They shouldn't...

Focus.

Brun took a breath and opened his eyes, only seconds had passed, "I...  don't have...   I don't think I have that sort of control...  But it's nice to know I might..."  He smiled wanly and left the questioning to Gwydion and Meara.

While she waited for stronger stuff to be (potentially) brought out, Meara realized she wouldn't have the luxury of getting to drink it before she got to ask anything.  So, since they'd already confirmed they hadn't done those deeds yet, she felt it would be wrong to treat them as the criminals they become.  Maybe.  Multiverse theory hadn't been disproved yet.  Heck, it made even more sense if they were trying to 'change the past.'

So, with a long sigh, she straightened her jacket and rejoined the group.  "Do you have hard evidence that the future is immutable?  If so, why try to change the past?  If changing the past is possible, then so too is determining your own future, is it not?  You don't have to try and attack him in the future!  Forge your own destiny and all that!" she said before picking up another beer, "Otherwise, I would have to punish the both of you for what has already happened to us that you have yet to do, and I would rather not ruin a good lunch with that sort of thing.  It is much more fun to ask the two of you for embarrassing stories about future Gwydion."

<<WHO DARES AWAKEN ME, THE GREAT DJINN OF THE COSMOS, FROM MY SLUMBER?! I HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN THESE NANITES FOR EONS!>>

The response was immediate, though there seemed to be no change in the behavior of the swarm.

---

Agravina tried to explain, "We aren't changing the past. We're trying to make sure it goes as it should. Or rather, as it did, or the way that gives the Kingdom the best chance of defeating MerGN-A. It's complicated and it's not. But it is our best chance," Agravina explained. "Besides, as you know, local reality isn't real. That was proven hundreds of years ago. But it doesn't necessarily mean what people think it means. Thought, we now know, occurs not only at a molecular level..."

"But...at a quantum level as well. Oh. Oh! Ooooh....." Irina said from beside Meara as her eyes began to focus in the middle distance.

"Suffice to say, Ayem, you cannot create a paradox. I don't think Oob would have sent us if you could. Since you didn't punish us then, and he was there slash is here, you couldn't punish us now," Mordwynn added. She smiled as she said, "Embarrassing stories about Dad, I have those. Goojah's are the best though, but I suspect you've heard all those."

Meara gave Irina a fond smile as her lover started going Science Mode, but then made a T with her hands as she looked back at the twins and said, "Okay, time out.  What are all these names you're using for us?  My name is Meara.  He is Prince Gwydion.  And he is Sir Brun.  Also, I'm pretty sure assaulting Freyr and Sir L14-MNT with paralysis and stealing Clarent  right before a royal wedding isn't helping.."

She then looked a bit thoughtful as she added, "Finding some potentially obscure law or precedent for letting royalty have multiple spouses, however...  that would be very useful.  Especially considering who your parents must be."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Wed 17 Apr.

Euryleia grinned outwardly.  To the others, it might appear that she found all this talk of impossible paradox quite funny.  She crossed her arms, with a defiant posture.  A copper-colored ring took shape on one hand, with a star shaped emblem.  Very subtle and likely unnoticed as Euryleia is not really centered in the main conversation.

To the nanite intelligence, the Lady of Stjernevold transmitted, <<Then I compel you, mythological Djinn, to obey the mythological Seal of Solomon.  I am Euryleia, which you well know.  Speak your name and purpose." If she sensed another nanite intelligence in the other uniform, Euryleia pinged it into the transmission as well.

Brun tried to follow all this strangely matter-of-fact explanation of what should still feel like impossible things.  The odd names made it harder.  Each use pinged him towards some future echo where he knew these names...

When Meara asked, Brun answered as though he had always known, "Ayem /is/ you, Aunt Meara.  Oob is me, Uncle Brun.  You know they love to shorten and abbreviate things....  Even when...." He trailed off as he pieced things out of shattered perspectives.  Brun's eyes went wide and he looked at Gwydion, "They call him Goojah....  Great. Uncle. /John/.". He said it slowly, carefully and clearly.  His mind warred to with it....  A future echo accepting easily that the squires call him Goojah in their strange abbrevs...  Brun of Now shocked that /they/ know him and call him anything...

The discussion about paradoxes and predestination brought a small smile to Gwydion, talking science with his family, future family but still his, in a way he'd only just recently learned how to. This was his doing. His accomplishment. And his children, teenagers and already so competent and knowledgeable. And then Brun explained the nicknames and the smile fell. Gwydion's eyes turned to the twins with apprehension and a hint of outright fear. Under the table, he took Iliza's hand and squeezed.

"Agravina. Mordwynn. Is... can you tell me about John Arthur? I need to make a choice, and I don't know if it's already locked in."

The swarm rippled in a way that Euryleia somehow knew was amusement and delight.

<<Oh, Euryleia, bearer of Solomon's Seal, I knew you would be so wise and discerning. I am Eppagelía, the fulfillment of your word and bond.>>

---

The twins had apparently been instructed in the subtle expression language known to Meara and Freyr. The quick look the two exchanged held a conversation.

"Who would have thought that young Auntie Meara was such a hardass?"
 "I know, right? /The Fury/ toootally takes on a new meaning..."
"And Dad hasn't even made one terrible joke. Just how badly did you wound him?!"
"I haven't done anything yet...but I only have to tag him with the beacon right? How does /that/ go wrong---Oh my goddesses is that Bibi?!"

Agravina suddenly turned to look over her shoulder. No one was there. She turned back and glared at her sister.

 "Aggy, you're too easy."
 "I hate you Wynny."
 "You're a bad liar Aggy."

"Yup," Mordwynn confirmed aloud as Sir Brun delivered his information about the names.

"I know what you're going to ask, but, yes, you made the right decision. You were correct to choose me as your favorite," Mordwynn said cheekily in response to Gwydion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:58, Wed 17 Apr.

With a very subtle smirk, Meara glanced at the twins and decided to have fun letting them know she picked up on everything.

He's not a dad yet, and I just had time travel thrust upon me the morning after what appeared to be an assassination attempt and the theft of my uncle's sword that was gifted to him by my aunt, so you caught me at a bad time.

She then picked up what looked to be a strip of fried soy protein and offered it to Irina casually.  "Bacon?"

Now that the anger and frustration had mostly passed, it was time to mess with their guests.  It's how she showed affection!

For all his years around them, the prince had never learned to communicate like Meara and Freyr. The exchanged looks were pretty obviously That, but that was as close to understanding as he got. Once the silent chat was finished and Mordwynn gave him an answer, Gwydion's tension broke and he snrked into a hand, almost hiding the smile that had bounced back onto his face.

"How can I have a favorite when you're both perfect? Seems the future has you in good hands, so why all the time travel? What is it that needs to be corrected, or kept correct? What's the mission, little loves?"

Brun caught that there was some kind of subtle communication going on between the twins...  Then Meara?  And everything seemed...relaxed....  This group, together, felt strangely familiar to him.  Another future echo?

He looked to Euryleia to see how she was taking all this and....  That was odd.  She had that certain "other communication" look too...

Euryleia's curiosity was piqued by that answer.  Silver eyes widened subtly as she instantly searched the name through the databases.  From the Greek like her own name.  But with very interesting associations with ancient Christianity.  A promise.  But more directly used as a divine promise... <A fullment of my word and bond?  And which word and bond would that be?  I only have one bond I would claim at this moment...>

I'm considering said bond, Euryleia looked to her Knight...and caught his curious look to his Lady.  Euryleia smiled with an annoying level of knowingness.  She pointedly adjusted the collar of her Stjernevold shipsuit, the nodded towards the twins saying, "There are more than two far travelling guests." Silver eyes sparkled with delight...

Brun tried to sort through that now.  Looking between his Lady and his someday-squires....  A name came to his head like he's always known it.  Of course he had.  He sat up, "Eppagelía?"

<<Yes>> Eppagelía responded in the manner of a proud teacher encouraging a student who had just answered her own question.

Agravina smiled at Brun, "Here, Sir, yes."

The twins clothing briefly rippled in a wave pattern. "She says 'Hello.'"

---

Irina took a piece of bacon and munched on it on auto-pilot, her cognitive focus clearly tied up in mulling over the implications of her epiphany.

The smiles on both of the girls' faces and the way Iliza squeezed his hand let Gwydion know he'd given the correct answer.

"Yep, definitely him."

"I wasn't sure at first--without the beard--but there's no mistaking that level of syrupy sap delivered with a straight face," they quipped playfully.

"Let me answer your question with another question--what aren't you asking? What is truly baffling about this situation? Not the time travel which you've already resolved to see through though it takes our entire lifetimes thus far. What seems off? John Arthur dies along with many of his best knights, Earth and Mars are nearly at one another's throats. The Kingdom is weakest it's been since its formation and yet..." Agravina said.

 "Where is MerGN-A" MerLN answered. He stood next to the table smoking a holographic pipe and stroking his long beard as he considered the issue.

"And that's how you become the King's chief advisor. Record the experience for later review, people," Mordwynn commented.

"I must say I have devoted a subroutine entirely to this mystery. I'd like to think I know MerGN-A better than she knows herself, it is my purpose after all. Everything I know about her says that MerGN-A should be mercilessly pressing every advantage against us in our weakened state. And yet..."

"To be fair, we did assume you were MerGN-A's agents at first. The wedding festivities have been giving me very uncomfortable memories of Callisto. All these high profile figures in a single place, a security system that can be circumvented, and suddenly assassins bypass security and attack three of our Knights. It didn't feel very good, and I was quite surprised when we weren't attacked by Emergent forces. I don't suppose you can provide any insight?" Brun and Euryleia were saying some weird things. More guests? And it seemed like the Lady was having one of those Meara/Freyr conversations, but... "Eppa-what?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Sat 20 Apr.

"Eppagelía," Euryleia repeated helpfully, adding with a nod towards her Knight, "/Our/ child.". Still smiling, despite the topic shift, Euryleia regarded the newly arrived MerLN now, "As the Prince plainly noted, we had been concentrating on the immediate issue.  The lack of action from MerGN-A could have many reasons, correct?  Is there other information that could narrow down these possibilities?" This last question was directed not just to MerLN, but the squires as well.

Internally, she continued to signal Eppagelía <<I am happy beyond words to meet you and know of you.  I want to learn all about you, but I know that we will have that chance.  You are here with purpose now.  Did I or your father send you with rules regarding what can be shared?  Any specific messages?>>
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:20, Mon 22 Apr.

Brun had met Agravina's confirmation and his Lady's knowing look with a bright smile.  He returned the "wave" as best his simple crude fleshy hands would allow.  He started to join the conversation...  But his eyes were suddenly filled with other possibilities... Lives, as yet unlived, flared through his mind and struck him dumb.  He fell through fatherhood.  He tried to catch himself as it flashed past.  To see to hold on.  For just a moment.  But, as it always does, it goes by much faster than you realize...

The suddeness of the stop at the end was a great surprise.  The hole of time in his mind was not bottomless.  The future had an end.  It was much closer than he could ever have imagined.  He watched the stars wink out one by one at the end of his time...

Back at the gathering, to everyone else, Brun sat quietly.  Listening.  Maybe distracted in that odd, vacant way he seemed to so often now.  The sad mistiness to his strange, starry eyes was very easy to miss.  There was alot going on.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Mon 22 Apr.

For her part, Meara didn't appreciate how the new girls were acting, especially because it reminded her a bit of herself before she realized the world wasn't going to wait for her to finally start taking her position as seriously as she needed.  So, instead of responding to the bait (intentional or not), she let the others discuss things as she focused on ensuring Irina didn't run into anything or otherwise hurt herself while her mind was in Science Mode.

Also, Irina looked so cute when she was lost in thought, and watching her think made Meara happy.

Not to mention Euryleia said what she wanted to point out, but much more diplomatically and politely than she would have.

See, Mother?  Meara was learning.  She was wisely staying silent!

Hah!

<<Father wishes you to know that he loves you very much. As do I.>> Eppagelía replied, but said nothing further.

"Seek the G.R.A.I.L.," the twins said in unison in reply to Euryleia.

"Beyond that you have what you need or you will create it along the way," Agravina added. "I know that is perhaps not what you want to hear, but it is the path to victory."

"We are here to do our part, as you will do yours. And..." Mordwynn paused for a moment before she finished, "...And maybe to show you why it's worth it."

Upon hearing the twins' response to the latest batch of questions, Meara raised an eyebrow and returned her attention to them.

"We have no intention of stopping the search for the G.R.A.I.L., I assure you.  Iri and I even went against Auntie Val's orders to do so, which is partly why Sir Brun and Lady Euryleia are here with us.  Why would you assume we would stop?  We appreciate any and all assistance in doing so, of course, but I am puzzled as to why you would need to come here to make such a request while being so vague about any details that would provide the context we need."

She was not berating them, nor upset, and her tone made that clear, but she was expressing confusion as to the actions and messages provided so far by their visitors from, she was still quite convinced, a possible, but not pre-determined, future.

Gwydion shot Brun a wide smile and a thumbs up on being introduced to Eppagelía, and then went back to listening to the others. The twins' advice seemed essentially useless, given existing plans, but maybe there was more to it they weren't saying. In all, he still had one important question that had been deflected. No more smiles.

"Girls. It seems too late to stop my attempts to save Uncle John since he's there with us in the future. How does that result in my death? Can it be changed?"

Brun stared into the endless dark of the End of his Time.  A black, bleak wall that had no more futures beyond it.  Fifteen years.  More than he could've imagined or wished for in his worst days.  But he wasn't in his worst days...  Fifteen was no longer enough...

Best make it good.  He fell back through seas of possibility.

Perspectives flashed and stormed through him as he tried to find Now again....  He missed.

---

Brun straightened, blinking and wiped his eyes before looking around the gathering, "Ah.  /This/ when.". He stood, muttering like an actor going through lines, "Seek the G.R.A.I.L...  We have no intention of stopping...  ...results in my death..." Another moment to consider, then he began...

Brun first looked to Gwydion.  He had that same look of apologetic knowing as the squires now.  A sad smile, "I'm sorry.  I wasn't good enough at this to be clearer then...  And I asked them not to.  That's not why they're here.". His look was full of conviction and sincerity...and older somehow than he should be, "John had to die, because if he hadn't...  /You/ would have.  You had to live.  What you will do is so important.  John thought so.  I know so.  And I'm so sorry."

To Meara now, Brun continued, "Because it will be hard.  I wish it wasn't.  But it will be.  You'll... We... I thought about giving up.  And I can't tell you why, because some choices will matter and I can't know why the choices were made the way that they were.  But they will have to be made. Just know that you will make the right ones."

Brun indicated the squires now, stepping over to them with a respectful, familiar lordly nod to them.  Lord to vassal.  Standing with them, the Lord of Stjernevold looked back at his friends.  His Lady.  That same burdened, knowing, sad smile still, "Our future gets better.  If we don't quit.  So much better.  That's why I sent them.  So you could see.  I wish I could have sent them all...". He paused for a very pointed look if implication at Meara, "But these, at least, were mine to send.  They aren't here to tell you what will happen. They are here to show you it's worth it.  And to enjoy this day with you."

Meara listened to Brun's explanation.  Given the fact that they hadn't yet experienced the supposedly pending hardships that would make them genuinely think of giving up the quest, she felt she had to accept that as a valid reason.  Providing encouragement and hope to the people is part of her duty, so she understood doing it for her current self would be something she'd probably approve of in the future.  The implication he gave, however, made her smirk.

"Why Sir Brun, are you saying you could send my nieces, but not my own future children?  I cannot imagine they would be sassier than these two," she said with a playful gesture of her head to the twins, "and if they are anything like me, they would probably jump at the chance to travel through time.  In fact, I would almost expect them to do it without permission if it were possible."

Future Brun, present and coherent, took Gwydion by surprise. He listened in stunned silence until the end, casting glances to his daughters, his Iliza, and his cousin.

"Brun... You're relentlessly kind. Thank you. It appears you'll never stop being so dear to me. Can you be a bit more clear about what MerGN-A has to do with all this, though? And whether or not we'll have Uncle's sword back in time for the various ceremonies it's important for? We've still got a city full of people who've become very frightened because of the attacks. And I would like to tell our incapacitated friends something to take their minds off of what they think is impending death."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Sat 27 Apr.

The girls smiled at Meara's comments and their once-and-future Auntie could read the mischievous glint in both their eyes--you think you know, but you have no idea...

"If I may," MerLN interjected. The Lady Freyr has made a full recovery as has Sir L1-4MNT...to a point. He does indeed show signs of the condition the knights of Mars refer to as the Waking Death. But, now that we aware we might try to delay the onset of more...severe...symptoms. "

"Who's to say," Mordwynn asked. "Gav, is quite resourceful. I am sure she'll have a something in mind after she's taken care of her urgent business."

Something in the way she inflected the word called back a memory to Meara. The luncheon with her Aunt that seemed so long ago, but had only been weeks.

Euryleia stood quietly, considering all that had been said.  Silver eyes scanned over /this/ Brun.  Not her Knight.  Not yet anyway...  He wasn't telling everything, of course.  But, he did seem confident.  Sure.  Which she was happy to see.  She was less happy with the continued lack of details, but there must be good reasons.  She, of course, trusted Brun as she trusted no one else.  Even /this/ Brun that she did not know as well.  Yet.  She would continue to trust.  It would be very difficult to imagine a possible future where she didn't...

Euryleia smiled lightly at Meara's assertion regarding the expected rebelliousness of her children.  While such behaviors did not translate on a genetic level with humans, it did somehow logically follow.  It felt true.  Which made her consider her own child again.  How would such things work with her?  How much of Euryleia would there be in Eppagelia?  How much of Brun?  Biological rules of heredity don't really apply...

To Eppagelia: <I am not sure what you are able to tell me of yourself, but I would know everything that you can share...  Perhaps, music is a light enough topic?>

Euryleia would accept the opportunity as it was offered.  To meet, a little, her child to be.  Not seeking secrets or hints.  Just meet them.

Brun grinned as Meara brought up her children and their lack of attendance.  A hand raised mock defensively, "I said no such thing.  What I said was that these were mine to send.  As they are, plainly, of my household.  They were, of course, eagerly willing to take such adventures.  Youth...  But, as for yours, that is not mine to say or command or influence in any direction really.  Much like their mother that way.

His playful grin faded a bit as Gwydion asked his questions, trying to acknowledge him seriously.  There was a small flash of...uncertainty?...at some of what Gwydion mentioned and asked.  But MerLN's answers interrupted and allowed Brun to let it go quickly, "Gwydion.  The point of this is that it will work out.  It will.  It will require faith and courage.  Both of which you have always possessed in abundance.  Look to that.  For whatever reason, we have been chosen to do impossible things."  With a gentle, encouraging pat on Agravina's shoulder (and, by so doing, giving his own child a loving squeeze), Brun gestured for them to go forward, "Meet them.  You should be and will be quite proud.  Iliza?  Please, perhaps you can help Gwydion focus on the importance of the opportunity of Now?"

Brun left that with that and moved over to the seemingly distracted Euryleia.  Quietly, "They are a marvel.  Like their mother"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Wed 01 May.

Internally, Meara cackled at everyone's responses to her teasing.  Outwardly, however, she merely showed she was pleased and amused.  Cackling was not exactly the best idea right now.  Also, if there was anything she'd learned growing up, it was that you don't cackle at things.  Not that she held a good cackle against anyone.  Some people just laughed that way and it was natural.

Whoever decided that cackling was a sign of an evil or malicious nature clearly wasn't imaginative enough, she often thought.

Back in the reality everyone was sharing, she let the twins have the last 'word' on the subject and gave her attention to the memory of the luncheon.  Having been informed of how the twins refer to others, 'Gav' had to be 'Great Aunt Valerie'.  But what could be so urgent that the currently-blind Queen would forgo this meeting?  With a silent message for discreetness not being an option, she looked up and asked, "MerLN?  Would you please provide Queen Valerie La Guin an update on what's been discovered and discussed here so far?  When you can provide it discreetly, that is."

Gwydion's serious expression held for a few moments, the tension growing increasingly artificial, until he replaced it with the grin he'd been holding back. "All this the day after you all talked me into abandoning my research. What timing. After yesterday, I lost any doubts that whatever we did would be worth it. I just wasn't sure about what we did is all." He turned his smile to Meara and MerLN. "Perhaps if she finishes with whatever she's up to, she'll be ready to come see the family." Back to the twins, "You are both truly amazing. But what were to happen if you were to meet your past selves? Given they're here, I'm very curious." It seems he'd taken lessons on how to make it weird from his uncle.

Eppagelía took Euryleia's invitation to heart and soon Euryleia's was overwhelmed by the sensation of music. An exciting theme, capriccio, which as it reached its crescendo, simply collapsed into a mournful dirge. It continued on for a while until it transitioned into a dumka, as it did a new theme was introduced, suddenly it was a quadrille. An interlude introduced a further theme which slowly built upon itself, layering, and repeating, changing. A fugue. The complexity increased, layer built upon layer, built upon layer, played upon so many instruments, carried by so many different voices. An anthem sung by a choir of countless number rose again with only one voice. The voice was burdened with power and purpose and an abiding love for the song. It returned again to that theme that had once risen from the dirge--repeating the refrain, forcefully, yet with a velvet quality that soothed. It repeated again as if inviting another voice to join it.

---

Iliza had spent the luncheon simply absorbing the experience, much like one takes in a masterwork of art. At Sir Brun's prompting she turned her loving gaze to her prince--who then promptly revealed the existence of their pregnancy, not just to the entire table, but to the entire bay at large. Iliza loved Gwydion dearly, with all her heart, but perhaps he shouldn't be trusted with state secrets... She tried her best to control her surprised expression and pinched Gwydion hard under the table.

The twins exchanged another look, "It's got to be the beard right?" "Has to be."

"Oh. Oh! Iliza!," Irina said a few seconds later as the words caught up to her as she was still processing the implications of what the twins had told them. She hugged her sister tightly.

MerLN acknowledged Princess Meara's orders, but said nothing as the revelation of Iliza's pregnancy unfolded before him.

Meara looked confused by, then deep in thought because of, Mordwynn's remark, as she was not aware her aunt had anyone but her uncle for such urgent activities.  Unless... Does this mean there's precedent for me and Iri?!  No, that can't be it.  But then, how would it be-

She then found herself interrupted by Gwydion announcing to the world that Iliza was, in fact, pregnant.  Normally, she would be congratulatory for Iliza and rib Gwydion a bit, but one of them had intentionally been being discreet about it, so she knew what she had to do.  She walked over to Gwydion and lightly smacked the back of his head with an open palm as she said, "She was being discreet, Cousin."

She then gave Iliza a resigned smile, as if to say, 'congratulations and I'm sorry my cousin is an idiot,' then gave Iliza's shoulder a gentle squeeze in support.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Thu 02 May.

Euryleia looked, for the first time that anyone here had known her, off balance.  Happily so, but surprised, by something.  She actually leaned against Brun, wrapping an arm around him for support and a loving need for that closeness.  Smiling, she told Brun quietly, "They have /your/ taste in music." Even so, she accepted the invitation to descend into the all encompassing music of Eppagelia's creation.  Euryleia wondered for a moment at even trying to join in the intricate song, but realized she didn't need to worry.  She lent her voice at Eppy's invitation and, due to the possibilities of their digital nature, gave her child free reign to direct and shape the voice through their song.

Brun grinned knowingly, returning the gentle support and hug, "I will not apologize.  I had to win /somewhere/." Not having the music in /his/ head, Brun was free to follow the surrounding interactions.

At Gwydion's reveal, Brun tried to look shocked, as though he didn't know, "Scandalous....  What /will/ people say?  How will we manage to work this out?  This could change..../everything/....". His tone was an amused, sarcastic deadpan.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:30, Thu 02 May.

Pinched and bapped, Gwydion's stupid smile never faded despite all the flinching.

"Ow. Sorry, my love. Ow! Okay, I'm sorry! But I'm so excited! And I trust everyone here to be excited with us and maybe not tell Auntie Val for a while. And look at them! They're perfect! Beautiful and brilliant, just like their mother. See? Brun gets it! I've got kids, and I'm around for them to grow up with! And they like us enough to deliberately tear holes in the fabric of spacetime to visit! We do right by them. There's a future. Isn't that amazing?"

Now that Gwydion had been properly chided, Meara mulled a bit more on what Mordwynn had said.  Combining other clues and information she had about their whereabouts, it all lead together to-

No way.  It couldn't be.  I can't get my hopes up until I see it with my own eyes.

There was a very brief, momentary glimpse of shock and surprise that crossed her face as she looked directly at the twins with her eyes (but not the rest of her face), then closed her eyes, pushed it back down, and resumed as if she had not just had a potentially universe-shattering revelation.

"That's not how it works," Irina added still seemingly focused elsewhere. She finally turned and looked at the twins, "Is it?"

They shook their heads as they looked at their Dad, clearly pleased with his excitement.

---

Euryleia joined in the song along with Eppagelía and noticed that Brun seemed to be unconsciously tapping his fingers in rhythm even though he couldn't hear the music. He was perfectly in sync even when the tempo changed.

---

The afternoon continued with pleasant and amusing company until Agravina suddenly announced, "It is time we must be going. It has been so wonderful to meet you all and experience you as you were, as we are. Please, know that the fight is worth it. Not just for all of us, but for the countless lives that this realm safeguards."

"Don't worry, we'll all be together again upon the Wall. See you soon," Mordwynn added. Their clothing rippled for a brief instant and was suddenly replaced by the armored suits that the group had witnessed the previous day and suddenly the three visitors were gone.

---

Queen Valerie La Guin's vision was returning, but it was still less than perfect. Sometimes there were artifacts, amorphous shapes that were not really there, in her field of vision. Products of her brain trying to interpret the imperfect signals given to it by her healing eyes. She was surprised, then, when one of those artifacts flicked into existence and proved to be solid as she ran into it.

The artifact, a tall figure, dressed in a scorched flight suit, judging by the texture and smell, was clearly disoriented.

"Val? The Battle! Where's Ember-Rend," the figure asked clearly confused.

"John," gasped Valerie La Guin, as she instantly recognized the voice "Goddesses, is it really you?"

"Val? What's going on? Is this a dream," the figure asked clearly confused.

"It is for me," she said as the tears fell. She threw her arms around him and for the first time since she lost him, she truly felt alive again.

---

Brun stood before two figures in shimmering armor, one black, one white. Gleaming faceplates, not unlike the one once worn by his beloved, covered their faces, but he knew them.

"This is the only way. It must be done," he heard his own voice say, weighted with the anguish of certainty. "The King Must Die."

Brun felt something shift, his own awareness displacing itself through the tides of time."The future is not written!  Gwydion lives!  Now...." He looked at each of his squires as he regained himself and finished. "...make sure he stays that way." He couldn't see it, but he knew they were both solemn beneath their helms. They understood the importance of their duty. That they had only one opportunity to get it right. In the next instant they vanished.

They reappeared only a heartbeat later. Their faceplates retracted and then two figures became three. Another joined the two young squires standing before their knight. Tall with curly dark hair, they had an androgynous look, both striking and fair.

"Well, you three made short work of that," John Arthur said as he strode out of the dimminess behind Sir Brun and ruffled the girls' hair like the proud great uncle he was. He managed to do the same to Eppagelía who was unable to escape despite knowing that it was coming.

"John," admonished Valerie La Guin, older, though still every inch the warrior queen in stature if not in title.

Brun smiled. The King Must Die. It was the only way. The only path to victory. In every branch, the Dragon exacted an unthinkable toll. Only John Arthur's death was enough to stop Gwydion from being claimed instead. The King Must Die, yes. Or at least come close enough...

Brun stared out the viewport as, one by one, he felt a trillion possibilities collapse into a single one. For the first time in a long time, he was anchored again. Alive only a single moment at a time. "They've done it. The G.R.A.I.L is made whole. The Final Hour is upon us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Tue 07 May.

Moments before the twins vanished, Meara called out cheerfully, "Have fun saving Uncle John!"

When everyone, except perhaps Brun and Euryleia gave her various looks, she shrugged and asked, "What other urgent business could Auntie Val have that would keep her from being here but wouldn't involve us being summoned?"

As the visit came to a close, Gwydion gave each of the girls a hug, a kiss on the forehead, and a proud, beaming gaze. He also gave an awkward goodbye to Eppagelía, not sure quite where to look, or even which of the girls's outfits to be looking at. The last thing they saw before blinking away was the happiest Gwydion in spacetime and Iliza holding hands.

Meara's explanation was confusing for a moment, but comprehension flashed across his face after a moment of thought and Iliza's hand felt a sharp squeeze as he tensed up.

"Wait, you don't mean... Right now?" And he started to get up and head for the exit, though not letting go of Iliza's hand (a thing he couldn't imagine ever doing again, after everything that went wrong since last time he did). "Thank the chef, everything was perfect!"

Euryleia found there was a hole left when the song was brought to an end and goodbyes were exchanged.  But she knew that hole would be filled again.  She just had to be patient.  Which was a thing she was /very/ practiced at.  Fifteen years didn't really seem all that long really.

At Meara 's suggestion and Gwydion's dawning realization, Euryleia quickly began reviewing her interactions with the Queen over the incident through this lens.  Certain seemingly inconsistent behaviors gained clarity.  She added these details into her analysis routines.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me

While his Lady made her corrections, Brun grinned again, oh so knowingly.  As Gwydion turned for the exit, he laughed, "Give them some more time.  And....privacy....  You will have time as well.  You will."

Was Meara right? Were the trio from the future intent upon fulfilling Gwydion's oath to save his beloved Uncle and King of the Realm? The wait to find out seemed an unbearable eternity. Finally, the summons came and Gwydion, Meara, Brun, & Euryleia were summoned to the Queen.

Just as when they had been summoned upon deciphering the G.R.A.I.L coordinates at Meara's impromptu dinner party, they were summoned to the stateroom. And just like that evening, both the King and the Queen were in attendance.

The Queen was no longer dressed in mourning and the King...the King was whole  and intact, even if he did look quite haggard. He smiled when he saw them and they knew at once that it was him. He rushed forward and hugged his nephew tightly, squeezing him harder than Gwydion had ever felt, "My boy, my boy."

Upon reaching the stateroom and seeing the both of them, Meara gave them both a very happy, but knowing smile.  Inwardly, she was screaming and cheering and losing her mind, but outwardly she only showed those emotions through her eyes - which all present would be able to notice.

"Welcome back, Uncle.  Gwydion has some very big news to give you."

She wanted to hug the King as well, but she wasn't about to force herself in, either.