(Some of you haven't been here before, but this is not the same as the Great Hall where you were last night-- it's on an upper floor, and a little less fancy (although almost anything is less fancy than the Great Hall)... Unlike the Great Hall, this room has a nice view, though)

Jade is all made up for the following morning though there was a tiredness about her eyes.



Hiding a yawn behind her hand.

"Good morning everyone."

Walking into the Dining Hall, Ariadne still looked around like a tourist more than a family member.  She was wearing more of her Earth clothes, dress slacks, a plain but dressy blouse, and her leather jacket.
She had considered dressing in some of her mother's formal looking dresses for this first meal with her extended family, but it felt strange, and she needed a bit of the familiar at the moment.

She nodded to Jade with a smile, looking around for a good place to sit.
"I don't want to sound too posh or anything, but do we get our own food, or is someone bringing us, like, menus or something?"
She sat down beside Jade.   Ari looked at her green haired cousin with an apologetic smile.
"I promise I'm in a slightly mood than I was yesterday.  How are you doing?  I slept fairly well, considering I had the weird feeling of sleeping in a haunted house all night."

Jade gave Ariadne a soft smile, "I have never eaten with a group yet, so I must admit I don't know. I do know in Rebma staff always came out to attend the royals. They didn't have menus though." From the way it was spoken it didn't sound like she ate with the royal family of Rebma.

"I am glad you slept well, me my head was full of nightmares. Those Grey men featured in them. Speaking of I learned some weaknesses we might be able to take advantage of. It would appear that tough skin also conceals tough bones. Their skull is like a helmet. At any rate one should attack their eyes, and head not even the neck but the head itself. They can be confused and suffer stun and shock. Trying to break their bones or cut them. They can bleed though they bleed slower then you or I. I suppose a piercing weapon might do well more so then a slashing one. Like when I used my heal the point of it did seem to hurt the one I was fighting with."

Ariadne nodded, listening thoughtfully
"When i pepper sprayed them, they definitely noticed that, if i remember correctly.   So, their skin is like chain mail, good at absorbing hits, but vulnerable to piercing?   Good to know"
She remembered her father's lectures, his weird obsession, with medieval armor and weapons.   Ari had always thought they were neat, but never completely understood it.
Now, of course, things made a lot more sense

Jade gave a kind of odd questioning look.
"You sprayed them with pepper ? You carry pepper with you ?"

In reply to Jade (msg # 6):

Ariadne chuckled, smiling wryly
"It's an Earth invention called Pepper Spray, made not from the black pepper found at a dinner, but from much hotter peppers found in nature that are almost too hot to eat. And it's condensed and concentrated further even from there.   When sprayed in someone's face, it's extremely unpleasant, to the point of being painful and making it difficult, if not impossible, to see and breath.
It's a popular non lethal weapon on Earth.

Jade nodded slowly, "So they used alchemy to turn a hot pepper into an non lethal potion of some kind. Clever !"

"We should try to acquire more. Perhaps loud sounds or bright lights may do the same."

Ariadne grinned at Jade's way of speaking, and nodded
"Perhaps a field trip to Earth might be in order. "

"I don't see why not ! Yes let's you can show me your automobicycle."
Jade smiled warmly.

She saw the servants and had them make breakfast for her. Picking out what things they had so no one would have to go out of there way.

Ariadne grinned and nodded, though she winced as she reached for a glass
"I just need time for these damned knife wounds to heal."

"You will heal up, I am sure of it. Just need some time. Oh, were you able to find your father last night and find out how he is doing ?"

Ari shook her head
"No, they told me he went to bed after speaking with the king.  I know these last few days hace been hard on him as well"

*smiles* as he enters room and sees Jade and Ari already present "Morning Ladies.  I hope you slept well."

Nodding to Ariadne, "I don't blame him. I am sure you will see him today."


Jade brightened and looked to Jon, "Good morning Jon, I do hope your all healed up." Her eyes though bore the lines of not sleeping so well.

Ariadne nodded to Jon with a smile
"I slept well, though my body didn't cooperate "

*nod* "I slept well, but I am not fully healed.  The one wound was deeper than I thought." *smiles at Jade* "Though it means I probably won't be walking the pattern this morning.  Maybe after a bit more rest, my body will heal.  Sadly I could not find anything in the infirmary that Lance or I could use to accelerate our healing." he then chuckles as he notices the bags under her eyes. "I see Ballad kept you up late." *nods to Ariadne* "I understand that.  Well, we are at least in good company, with good food, and should be safe enough to recuperate." he sits down across from Jade.

Hmmmmm? Jade tried looking at her reflection in the well cleaned spoon without trying to draw attention.

"We were both up late yes but she didn't keep me up. I fell asleep in the library. She has a more eclectic style of research then me. I did find out some things about the Grey men."

Ariadne nodded
"I'd love to hear what you learned, Jade"

"I shall Ariadne once everyone is here." Giving her cousin a nod and then to Jon, "Just let the staff know what you would like."

Feeling a little self conscious, Ari waved to get the attention of staff, asking what her options were.
She'd grown up with a housekeeper who regularly made breakfast for her and her father, and Mrs. Dunfee knew what Ariadne liked for breakfast better than she did herself.

  Lance enters, trailing Jon.

  "Morning everyone!" he says looking somewhat less enthusiastic than he had the night before.

  He gives his breakfast order to one of the servants.  Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast with butter, juice, and coffee if it's available.

  He finds a chair and sits down.

  "Well, I'm not going to try the walk this morning.  Best to wait until this cursed wound heals up fully, I think.  If anyone else id going to, I'll come along and cheer for them though."

"Good morning Lance !" Jade said cheerily.

"Not to worry, I don't think anyone is going to walk the pattern today."
Cheerful but looking tired.

*Smiles* "Yes, we listened to our resident experts advice" he places his order or bacon, toast and eggs. Looks around "So where is the bell of the ball?  Being fashionably late?" *chuckles* "So like the Fae"

"She researched more, I saw her bringing a bunch of books to her room. So she might still be asleep. Maybe you will all heal up at the same time and we will get to see you all walk the Pattern."

Jade looks to the door for a few moments.

Say the devil's name often enough, and she appears? Maybe it's something like that? Regardless, here's Ballad! The very picture of radiant health and bright-eyed readiness for the day.

Fashion notes for the curious: Today Ballad’s hair is a silvery gold cloud; gathered into a messy mohawk braid, with twists and tucks here and there, into which black jewelled combs gleam, quite fairy tale punk or otherworld haute couture. Her tunic is v-necked and the pale green of winter ice, belted (the belt’s black) tight at the waist, with great swoopy sleeves and a kiss of silvery embroidery at the wrists and elbows, also little, tiny black freshwater pearls. Dashing boots, black, well-fitted trousers, and she’s ready for adventure or stay-at-home languor.

First things first: “Coffee, my wondrous, fair-handed purveyor of the first delight of my morning!" she hails a, possibly by now wide-eyed, servant. She draws said servant in Conspiracy, miming a flask-pour, "And I wouldn't be at all put out should you put in a drop or two of something yet stronger." Aka, Amber-equivalent-Irish Coffee, please. "To break my fast, I shall be carnivorous; bring me something with meat."

Then a beeline to her cousins. Now, bees don't actually fly in a direct line. They explore, they meander, so what this really means is she takes the long way to her cousins' table so she can look out the window at the view and perhaps collect coffee ere she even sits down, but sit down she does with a, "Hallo, friends! Good morning that has you in it."

"Hi Ballad, we were just talking about you. I hope you slept well."
She gave her cousin a bright smile. She wondered if Lance might not get a chair for her.

"I was going to share what we discovered last night."

*grins* "Ah, there she is. You look well rested." waves her over "As Jade said she was waiting for us to Assemble, before revealing what you two discovered."

"Yes and now that everyone is here, I will begin."

"In an account by the King himself I discovered a passage where he describes battle with the Grey Men, and some of their strengths and weaknesses."

She looked to them all, "As some of you have described their skin seems to be tough perhaps like leather armor, but also their bones are thick and strong. Cutting them with slashes or trying to break their bones is so difficult you may wish to use piercing weaponry, arrows, spears, bolts, a good trident instead. Their head not including the neck is their weak point but still remember it's skull is like a helmet. The eyes are a weak point if your close enough to take advantage of it. They can also be confused or dazed if struck in the head. So they probably have evolved away from needing to bite, though with those teeth they haven't completely moved on from that. I spoke a bit with our cousin Ariadne here, who used an alchemical potion made of hot peppers to spray these beings and it proved to work. So certain attacks beyond those of war might prove useful. Poison, herbs, certain extracts from animals or plants. So we now have a more complete knowledge of what may work well against these beings."

  Lance does indeed offer a chair to Ballad, and to any of the ladies who have not yet sat themselves.  He moves with the occasional wince as his wound reminds him that it is yet there.

  "I wound up stabbing mine through the throat.  That seemed to do the trick.  Fire seems to have some effect on them too, but not more I think than upon anyone else." 

  Seeing that everyone else is seated, he reseats himself.

  "First night in a new place, guess I wasn't quite tired enough to sleep well."

"I had nightmares, about these Grey Men. So I didn't sleep well at all."

Looking to Lance, "Stabbing that makes sense. I think the piercing nature of that probably helped more then a slash would have." Realizing her nerdy bookworm studiousness was showing she got quiet and enjoyed her meal for a bit.

Ballad looks inquiring when Jade says they were just talking about her, in case it was something other than where is Ballad anyway. She is an impartial bestower of smiles; everybody gets one and she really does seem pleased to see them all, because who wouldn’t? They’re all so pretty it’s hard not to gaze: Lance's golden divinity, Ariadne's heartbreak intensity, Jade's exquisite dreamy shimmer; even Jon, classically handsome.

Though as Lance is the one to offer her a chair Lance is the one she bumps against, a physically affectionate thank you, before she drops and crosses her legs leans back general swagger etc. He also gets a close look when she catches a wince, and here's another inquiring look: you okay?

“What ‘we’ discovered?” Ballad says, sipping her coffee, thank you very much to the servant who brought it. “You’re generous; I got nothing useful out of the books last night.” She offers Jon a smile-only-in-the-eyes when he says she looks well rested, then listens to Jade's discovery and Ariadne's contribution.

"That's interesting about this pepper spray stuff. Perhaps useful for a trap, if only we can construct a net or cage that they can't bite or slash their way out of. I have a tooth we might use to test materials." Yes, that's right: she is nonchalant about ownership of a gray man's tooth. Don't ask.

The reports of troubled sleep get sympathetic looks. Her default is vivacity, is passion - and that sometimes broadens to compassion. "I'm sorry to hear you didn't sleep well." That's to Jade and Lance, and perhaps to Ari and Jon as well? She includes them in a thoughtful look before asking Lance: "But then you'll be waiting to walk?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Fri 27 Nov 2020.

  At Ballad's inquiring look, Lance gives a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head.

  Shortly after, when she asks if he'll be waiting to walk he nods sheepishly, "Yeah, I don't think I can handle it today.  Thinking I'm going to grab a book and retire to bed all day and see how I feel tomorrow."

“Will you want company later?” She’s offering. “Perhaps the library will have a copy of that Earth play and we can do a restful read aloud.” Here’s another smile that’s only in the eyes.

To the general table: “Actually, fellows--what are everybody’s plans for today? Ari, will you be spending it with your Dad, or can I tempt you to Bloody Mary's this evening? Jon, what about our ride? It doesn't need be midnight. Or are you walking? Jade, for you will it be library and time spent with your mother?”

  Lance nods at Ballad's suggestion, trying unsuccessfully to mute the blush and grin that comes along with it.  The thought of laying in bed with Ballad and Midsummer is something he would dare not voice lest it burst and vanish like a soap bubble.

  "That would be wonderful, Ballad."

  In his head he wondered how he could manage to have some brie and sweet grapes and a bottle of Beaujolais at hand without looking too much the obvious.

"I am not sure if my mother will be free, though I hope so."

Jade looks a bit lost in her thoughts for a moment.
"I will have to see if she is here now."

Ariadne nodded in thought
"I definitely need to check in with my father, but I'm sure he's busy catching up with his old friends as well.  Though I'm sure he'd want me to meet my new family too.  So Bloody Marys sound delightful, I'll admit.   i need to take it easy for a bit, as well.  These Grey assholes leave wounds that are hard to heal, it seems."

The servers brought Ari a plate of pancakes topped  with fruit and syrup, with a side of ham and eggs.
She dug in hungrily

“Then it shall be,” Ballad tells Lance, her glance at him a promissory note.

“I hope so, too,” Ballad says to Jade, ardently, with her whole heart there on her sleeve, and no little desire to corrall her elusive enchantress aunt—and for Jade to get some time with her mother, that too. Ballad expects Flora to want to spend time with Lance, as well. Half-expects it, anyway.

And to Ariadne’s more-or-less-yes to a Bloody Mary’s jaunt, here’s the curl of a grin: “Like I said before, from what I’ve heard it’s a bit of a — what’s the right slang? Rather rough, but if you’re up to it, I’m there with bells.” More solemnly: "But Ari, I'd truly count it an honor to meet your Dad. What's he like?"

Ariadne, despite being obviously a bit stressed and distracted, smiled at Ballad's question about her father
"My father is a surprisingly quiet man, considering he's from this place originally.    He's a scholar and historian, or at least he was there.  I always thought of him as a bit of a stuffy intellectual, to be honest, but he always had a good heart and a good grasp of any situation, and all this happened so fast that I'll admit that I never really knew who was here in Amber, or if he was different. "

"If my mother is not available do you mind if I join you two ?"

“I realize I don’t know how you came to Amber; only the instigating incident. Did your dad have a card and pull you here after the gray men struck or did one of our aunts and uncles happen along?” Ballad says, thoughtfully. "What sort of Earth history did he study?"

And then, to Jade, with another curl of a grin: "Why, I wouldn't mind at all a girl's evening gallivant. Restful gallivant. And anyway, even if Aunt Fiona is available, we've a whole day to spend until evening comes, so you're welcome after a day of maternal storytelling too."

Ari nodded to Jade
"I'm happy to have you along, Jade.  Please feel free to join us"
Then she looked at Ballad with a wry smirk
"He studied Earth's ancient history, becoming an expert in and collector of ancient artifacts and technology, like swords and crossbows.   Now, of course, it seems like he wasn't just becoming a convincing part of my world, but was also indulging in what was somewhat familiar to him as well.
He didn't have a way to return to Amber.  He had to depend on my mother for travel. So when she died...."
She paused, sighing slightly at the terrible memory of the confirmation of her death.
"When she died, he and I were essentially stuck in Earth, even if I didn't know that.  After the grey men attacked, we had a visit  from Uncle Gerard, and he had a card."

"Great, I will probably have to dress different for a place called Bloody Mary's won't I ?" She looks to Ballad for confirmation.

Jon has been sitting back watching the interaction of his new family, not purposefully but more out of habit. *smiles at Ballad* "Yes, I am looking forward to our ride.  But it sounds like your day is full already, so it might be a moonlit ride after all." *shakes his head* "While, I am not as injured as the others, I am taking Jade's advice and waiting until I am fully healed to walk." He looks around the table and smiles warmly at his family, this is probably the most relax that the group as whole would've seen Jon since they met.

"I think it would be great, if you all walk on the same day."
She smiled softly to them all.

"I don't think we will be at this Bloody Marys all day, so you don't have to push your ride all the way till moonlight time, though Odile did say it will be a full moon and I still want to see your reactions to the city in the sky."

Ariadne raised an eyebrow at "city in the sky", uer expression clearly saying "do i REALLY want to know??"
Instead, she smiled at Jade
"I'm not sure if there's a place here in Amber called 'Bloody Mary's'', but the Bloody Mary i was talking about is the name of a drink, with alcohol and tomato juice.   Depending on where we go, we definitely won't be there all day.  If we have homicidal grey goons after us, we shouldn't indulge too much in drinking, anyway "

*smiles* and Nods to Jade "Then that is something else I have to look forward to today." *nods* To Ari. "Good point. But, I from the sounds of it, today is going to be a day to connect or reconnect with your parents, resting and recuperating.  All of that takes time, and time marches on even when we don't realize it." shakes his head from the gloomy thoughts. *grins* "We should make this a tradition, when any of us are here, especially when all of us are here, we should have breakfast together to renew our bonds of friendship and family, just as the day starts anew." he lift a glass of orange juice. "To my family, I am very happy that we've met and I am looking forward to knowing each of you better." Jon seems to be in a reflective mood this morning.

Jade will lift her glass to the toast.

Ballad’s ardent attention goes to each as they speak. Her interest in Alva Arrington’s and Ariadne’s life: evident, because she’s an eloquent girl. All passion and compassion, see, still. “What’s Gérard like?” she asks, after a hesitation. “I’ve never met him.”

Jade wants to know if she should dress differently. Ballad studies Jade’s clothing with surprise, as if she’d never what to wear so much as a thought (true). And looking at Jade: well, it’s an absolute pleasure. “That is a very beautiful gown,” she says, judiciously. “Were it mine, I might worry I’d trail sleeves or skirt through less than savory floor sludge. I’m just going to wear this. But I suppose going early into the city to do more shopping would be useful, too; I know your shopping excursion was interrupted.”

Ballad echoes Jon’s toast with what’s left of her spiked coffee, and offers him the curl of a grin, too: “It’s a nice thought. I wasn’t envisioning Bloody Mary’s right after breakfast—it is a place, Ari, and if it seems too rough and tumble, we can go to Emily's instead. But I was thinking ... more in the early evening around or just after supper time, once everybody’s had their day. Jon, shall we go riding at 11? Lance, may I visit you for reading around 3? Then, Jade, Ari — we could meet at the library at our convenience after that?”

She crinkles her nose, eyes gone suddenly laughing, albeit at herself: “I do like to have things to look forward to. And,” observe, Ballad rests her elbow on the table (like a monster), cupping her chin in her hands, silvery gold braided mohawk all rakishly a-flop as she inclines her head, “Tir-na-Nog’th rising is certainly one. I’ve…” She trails away, pensively, even so a brief shadow on her brow, though her tone’s all quiet anticipation. “It’s been quite a while.”

...And wouldn't it be a good idea to remake Tir's acquaintance, up close and personal? Hmm.

"Wonderful, shopping sounds wonderful to me. Less Grey men, more fashion choices !" Jade brightened notably. She then looked to Ariadne, "Oh you just have to let me help you find something to fit in."

She gave Ariadne a winning smile.

"I never had cousins, I feel like all of us together shall have fun on our excursion."

She then gave Ballad an odd look, "Can you fly ?"

*chuckles* "I see you like a full dance card, Ballad." he then nods "Riding around 11 sounds good.  Though, I would prefer to escort you three for the shopping excursion.  I will stay at a discreet distance, so that you can gossip in safety, but close enough to provide assistance." *smiles at Jade* then *nods* to Ari. "I did make a promise.  And I am a man of my word."

Jade inclined her head to Jon, "Thank you Jon, four of us should be formidable if these Grey men show up."

"I am sure we could find some weapons here to bring along with us." A stern nod of her head.

*nods* "I can loan you the Rapier." *smiles* "Ari, has at least a knife.  But I agree, I am sure we can get a few things from the armory."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:18, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

  Lance had raised his glass along with the others at the toast.  For the most part he listens silently as plans are made among his cousins, but his gaze lingers mostly on Ballad.

  The line of self-doubts parade themselves past his consciousness, sticking their collective tongues out at him once again.  Such was the angst that plagued him.  He could see that Ballad was the type of electric personality that connected with everyone she met, and he could see the things about his cousins that drew her unto them.  Jon was strong and confident and kind, and always seemed to have the right thing to say.  Jade was exotic, and had knowledge of places and things that would fascinate anyone.  Ariadne had a quiet, yet palpable physical energy and intensity about her.  All of them were attractive, and interesting, and smart.

  And then there's me.  What do I have to offer that the others do not?  I'm surely not the strongest, nor the smartest, nor the most interesting.  I trip over my own words, and I dream of things that will never be.  I know next to nothing about Amber or other realms.  I have no doubt that any one of my cousins is a match for me with a blade.  So, what do I bring to the table that would even remotely be of interest to someone as amazing as Ballad other than a love of Shakespeare and plays and poetry?

  Lance didn't have an answer.  He knew that his jealousy was petty and undeserved and unjustified, and that it was base of him to feel such things.  Still, it was part of what he had wrestled with all his life.  He never believed himself good enough for anything.  He had always thought himself as something cast aside, flawed, unwanted.

 You desire that which is not allowed.  Your own cousin?!  How could you?!  Even were it not incestuous, you could never make her happy!!  You are a fool to dream of it, and an ass for believing it possible!  Look at her!  She's amazing!!  Your clinginess would chaffe at her, and she would come to despise you.  And you, Lance, what are you but a child given away!!  Lance, you are as a liability...a risk to your own mother should you mess up and become something that someone could use against her, or the rest of the family. 

Ariadne raised a glass to Jon's toast as well, smiling wryly at the thought of o "juice toast".
She smirked at Jon
"I'll admit that normally wanting or needing a man to protect me would bug the hell out of me, but I'll concede that these aren't ordinary times.   With these Grey goons, I'll put my ego aside and thank anyone for whatever help I can get.  But don't worry about trailing behind like some hired thug.  I've never been someone to indulge in silly gossip, only serious gossip.   And you, and Lance, for that matter, are more than welcome to join in.   Even when I 'gossip', i try to never say anything that the world can't hear."

She sighed, looking determined
"I'd like to hear about the guns that you have here, but if not I'll definitely like to keep borrowing this knife.  I'm wondering if a stiletto, something all point, would be good against these grey dinks as well.   I learned how to fight 'prison style' for a....well, a play i was in..."
She nodded to Jade, and perhaps any others who wouldn't understand what a television show was
"and if piercing weapons do more damage , then that's the way to go. "

The short haired brunette smiled ruefully at Ballad.
"Uncle Gerard came at a bad time,  when my father was bandaging my wounds, so i wasn't feeling very sociable, so I'll admit that I wasn't paying enough attention to him as i should have.    My impression of him was....well, Bigness is the best word to describe him.  He seemed larger than his actual size, it that makes sense.   He reminded me of old stories our groundskeeper told about Paul Bunyan, a mythical lumberjack the supposedly lived in the northern woods, who was 50 feet tall and could chop down a forest in an afternoon. "
She gave a wry chuckle at the silliness of it
"As far as him personally, i got the impression that he definitely wanted to help, but other than punching people he was at a loss as to what to do.  But he was very supportive and patient, especially since i was still freaking out about the attack."   

Jade smiled, "After meeting Gerard I have to agree, biggness does well to describe him. He seemed nice enough too bad I didn't have more time to get to know our uncle."

"Fifty feet tall, your world has giants !"

Ariadne grinned and chuckled
"Well, technically they are just stories.  Tall tales that people tell for entertainment.   Of course, this time last week i would have believed the same thing about the Grey Men.  So I'm wondering now how many other myths might actually be real.  In my world, there are plenty of stories about monsters and magic, but most people don't believe in them.  I'm starting to have some doubts about everything now, though "

"Oh, fictional tales, or perhaps there was a time when such creatures could cross into your world and people remember it."

She makes a sweeping motion to the windows, "After a hundred years the people might tell tales out there about the wyverns or manticore as if they didn't exist."

Ariadne laughed
"Thwt might be what happened on Earth.  Or at least someone like my parents went there and told stories about them"

Nods happily, "Tell us more of your world Ariadne. It seems very intriguing."
She looked to Ariadne and Lance with interest.

Ariadne smiled a little awkwardly, shrugging at the question
'Well, I'm. not sure where to begin, honestly.   I don't know enough yet about Amber to make a full comparison, I'll admit, but Earth, to my eyes, seems to have much more advanced technology.  Electric lights, automatic vehicles, advanced guns and easy to make food, for a start.  But all that technology has its down sides as well.  Most of us, at least in my area of Earth, live a life of leisure and safety that leaves most of us unprepared for invasion by Grey Goons of Death.  My father made sure i had some training with old fashioned weapons.  I thought it was a bit odd back then. Now i can see why he did it"
 

Jade nods.

"I read a bit of your shadow and it does seem more advanced. Hmm you told me your people conquered your world and were the only species that live there. So it is not surprising they live a life of leisure instead of war. It must be nice to have that brotherly feeling with fellow shadow folk knowing you have achieved so much. Your world must be peaceful."

Ballad chokes (genuinely surprised) on her coffee and must reach for a napkin to mop up some spilled liquid. “Fly?” she echoes, husky-voiced, a little wide-eyed (startled). Pause. “Like, er... into action or a rage? Why do you ask?”

She, expressive creature that she is, looks unenthusiastic at the gallant offer of an 'escort,' because after all she's easygoing but proud, but she doesn't try to turn the ship. Once Jon and Lance have been made welcome, she says to Jon, curiously, "You mentioned a promise last night, too. What promise did you make? 'Twas an oath?"

As weapons are discussed, Ballad finishes off the greater portion of her carnivore's delight breakfast pie. After swallowing, she says, "Weapons might be purchased in town; there were plenty of weaponsmiths and armorers hawking their wares yesterday, and..." Infinitessimal hesitation, this time. "Well, have you ever thought of an ax, Ari? Or a hatchet? Guns don't really work well, if at all, in Amber."

She looks between Ariadne and Jade as they embroider on the legend of Gérard. "You've a way with words," she says. Soft, the echo: "Bigness. I can just see him, described so. Thank you. As for myths, Aunt Flora said as much: that our relations have inspired legends and myths on Earth, and elsewhere."

She joins Jade in looking at Ariadne and Lance in interest when Jade asks about Earth.

Jade turns to Ballad, "Oh, you spoke of Tir like you have been there. So I wondered if you might not be able to fly to get up into the sky like that."

"Oh." Her eyebrows quiver briefly, between expressions. "I have been to Tir-na-Nog-th, but I didn't fly. I just took the stairs."

Blink momentary dumbstruck look.

"There are stairs !?" Eyes shimmer with excitement.

Ari froze when Jade spoke of Earth being a world "of leisure, not war", and had the grace to look chagrined
"Well, it's, um.....you know what? It's not important.   Anyway..."
She got a ote thoughtful
"I actually found the most beautiful battle axe in a closet in my mother's room last night.   It was almost more artwork than weapon.  But, it was also something that looks a bit large and awkward for a shopping trip.  A hatchet or hand axe also feels a bit ostentatious, but it might not be a bad addition to a belt dagger. "

"Oh I would love to see that ax."

Tilting her head, "I wonder if my own mother had a special weapon."

Ariadne smirked
"From what I've heard so far, most of these people can probably have access to all sorts of weird stuff.  "

Brief, lopsided quirk of her mouth at Jade's excitement, a (barely [here's mischief]) restrained sparkle in her eyes. "There are. Sometimes," she replies. "There are stairs to Rebma, aren't there? What do they say of Tir-na-Nog'th in Rebma?"

"I wonder if your mother can draw cards and would consent to be our generation's royal artist, as Dworkin was for Dad's," she says when Jade wonders about her mother's special weapon.

To Ari, quite interested: "What made the ax so beautiful? Craftsmanship or is it made of an unusual material, like black glass or silver?"

Jade said, "We know it is a city of cloud and starlight. Like a star visiting from the sky. As to stairs to Rebma, yes Faiella Bionen. I will show people the way when we visit Rebma. It is the safest way."

Jades eyes widened as the cards were mentioned, "I can ask. Perhaps this is so."

Ariadne nodded thoughtfully to Ballad, pondering
"Well, it's a beautifully made weapon, certainly, with a haft that seems to seamlessly meld into the blade, and I can't even really identify what kind of wood, if it's even wood, that the handle is made from.  And the metal looks different from anything I'd seen before.  We don't have 'magic' on my world, as far as i know, but I'm seriously wondering if that's what that was."

She listened intently to the talk of this city in the clouds, not really making heads or tails of it

  Lance listens quietly, pushing himself to clean his plate despite his lack of appetite.  Waste not, want not.

  When Jade asks Ari about Earth and how peaceful it must be, he considers telling his cousins about how well Earth had perfected mass killing and nuclear devices, but refrains.  He didn't need to let his off mood ruin his cousins' morning.

  They talk about heirloom weapons and cities in the sky and magical cards.

  He finishes up his meal, pushing back the plate.  He knew he was in a bad frame of mind, and also knew that at such times he should just keep quiet.

“I think I’ll join Jade in saying I would love to see such an ax,” Ballad says. A pause. A smile, more suggested in the eyes than anything else.

Lance seems awfully quiet today compared to Lance yesterday. Ballad notes; but does not, yet, comment. Her cousins all (and her uncles, and her aunts; the whole pack of relations who have yet to spend much time with her) will learn eventually that for such an impulsive, moonlight and firelight spark of vivacity, she's awfully willing to wait for the right opportunity. It always comes. Eventually. Twenty years from now: Hey Lance, remember how quiet you were that first breakfast we all had together before the bad things really started happening? What was that about? Maybe sooner. Time will tell.

"Interesting. I think of it less as a star visiting from the sky and more as Amber dreaming itself out of moonlight. It's all moonshine and haints, shadow and echo, and so dangerous. The stair is dangerous and its halls are dangerous and its dangerous to pause for anything. It is one of the loveliest, the most eerie places I have ever been. The whole time you are in Tir-na-Nog'th it's impossible to be certain it won't vanish beneath your feet, but it does feel... Unending. Forever." Although the talk of the sky city is spurred by Jade, some of that was also for Lance, Ari, and even Jon's benefit, so they know what Tir-na-Nog'th is.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

Ariadne smiled wryly and chuckled
"Just when i think this place can't get any stranger..."
And she nodded
"I don't know if she would have disapproved, but I'll definitely show you after breakfast, if anyone wants to come along."
She nodded around the room, showing everyone else that they were invited as well

  It was worth a look, Lance decides, and from there he would peel off to the library to see if they had the complete works of Will Shakespeare available, and maybe a book on the geneology or history of the royal family.  It might prove worth knowing about the exploits of his family.  Then from there it would be back to bed to read and rest while his cousins went off on their adventures together.

  Hopefully he could shake his brooding mood before the afternoon.

Jade's eyes fell on Lance and narrowed slightly.
She poked him with a finger, "You are formally invited to the conversation cousin." A warm smile then.

"I am sure you have a lot to add, tell us about yourself and your view of Shadow earth." Her eyes danced with merriment.

*smiles* as he watches the interaction of his family and friends.  "Yes, each of them is a friend first and foremost, family relations are secondary.  Jade is right, this is how it should be.  Ballad seems to be on board with the potential "ending of family drama".  But again, I still can't read her.  So like the Fae.  But I can't let my suspicions rule *sigh*." he looks around, eyes resting on Lance, "He is our paladin.  I can tell, when fully healed, he will be our bulwark in the formation.  Our anchor." glances at Ariadne, Jade and lastly Ballad " Ariadne too, she seems like that type of as well.  With the two of them on the front, Jade behind assisting with her magic.  That leaves Ballad and I for roving support.  But again it all comes back to Ballad."

His thoughts are interrupted by Ballad's question.  *smiles* "Well, you see, I met Jade very soon after I arrived and I had nothing with me but by pack and the clothes I was wearing.  She immediately and without any hesitation loaned me 8 Remba Gold coins to have Odile purchase some extra clothes." *smiles fondly at the memory* "At the time, I didn't know I had anything more, so I offered her my services as guard and escort as it was all I had to repay such kindness and generosity.  I promised to protect her." *grins* "So for the time being, I will continue to do so.  But *he stresses* it is also why I want to train with her and all of you, so that we individually and as a group, we are better prepared when the unexpected occurs.  That is also a form of protection."

He listens some more and Tir, "That does sound like an enchanting place.  Like most beautiful things, there is a danger hidden by that beauty." his eyes can't help by briefly glance and Ballad.

*nods* "Indeed it does sound like a mighty weapon. In my room, there is a mighty blade.  But until I get a Baldric for it, it is too unwieldy to just carry. And it wouldn't do for this excursion."

Ariadne gave Lance a wry smile
"That's true, Lance, I'd love for them to get a second opinion about our home world, so they know what not crazy.   Earth is a huge place, but I'm sorry we never ran into each other.   I wonder even if our parents even knew the other was there"

“Oh, thank you!” Ballad says when Ariadne offers an ax-viewing, all bright-eyed, and executes a (look, she’s a flashy creature, all razzle-dazzle glamoour) twist of her utensil before tucking into the carnivore’s delight pie and finishing it off handily. Properly motivated, one does not linger over the last, cooling crumbs.

"Ah! How gallant," she says just before Jon says But, beginning to stress the importance of training, and then she listens. She glances at Jade, and her eyes crinkle at the corners, though her attention does seem a little distant, however briefly.

Come back to the conversation, Ballad. Time enough for thought later! "I'll pile on you too, Lance; do regale everybody! Oh! Lance! Maybe there are parts for Jade, Ari, and Jon in the play? What d'you think?" She gently pushes her (empty) plate away and takes a final sip of her coffee. There! Refreshed. "We were talking about putting on 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Aunt Vialle is tentatively on board to participate, too. Do you know that Earth play, Ari?"

Tentatively on board counts as on board when one is as exuberant and let's get down to business as Ballad.

Jon finished his breakfast, pushes the plate and then sits back and just enjoys the atmosphere. "I look forward to riding with you."

Ariadne blinked in surprise at the mention of a play, and at first she had thought she'd dozed off and missed part of the conversation
Then she realized Ballad was referring to something said earlier in private
She shrugged, actually slightly surprised that even the works of Shakespeare were known here.
"I'm somewhat familiar.   We studied it in school, since he's considered one of the best playwrights of our world, though I'll confess that he more of a fan of more modern works.   Still, I've got some experience with plays from several angles, so I'd love to be part of the production, wherever you might need me."

Jade looks wide eyed and hopeful at Ballad and Lance.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

  Lance manages to break out of his own head long enough to give a genuine smile. "Midsummer, perhaps the bard's best work in my opinion.  Of course, all of you are welcome to participate.  It will be a marvelous telling of that masterpiece, no doubt."

  He gives himself a mental shove.  Stop being a wet blanket, brood on your own time!

  "Ballad has already been awarded the part of Puck, a faerie and a chief protagonist.  I myself would play Snug the Joiner who plays a lion within the play within a play.  Vialle, of course the Queen.  All other parts are up for grabs."

In reply to Lance (msg # 84):

Ari nodded thoughtfully at Lance
"I'll have to brush up on the play, since I haven't read it since high school.  The only Shakespeare I've been involved with since was an all female version of 'Romeo and Juliet'.  But I'm definitely game for whatever part needs to be played"

"I don't know, what parts there are, will it be required that we know the technologies of the Shadow earth ?" Jade seemed giddy to hear about a play and to actually be invited to join it.

Ari shook her head
"Shakespeare is from a time of technology similar to what's here now, so it's actually pretty comparable "

Looking to Ariadne, "Wonderful, yes if you can find me a part I would love to join the play."

Even a bit part would be fun though who would the play be for. She was prepared to learn what she could.

"I just need to find out what you wish for me to do."

*chuckles* "You have a eye for casting Lance, a Faerie, sounds perfect for Ballad." *shrug* "I don't have much acting experience, so I'll be counting on you Lance for direction on where I would be the most beneficial to you production."

Ari cocked her head
"So, is this just an informal thing just for us, or were you planning to perform it for the kingdom?  Like some kind of "Children of Oberon Acting Company" production?"

  Lance shrugs. "I don't know, I thought at first just for family, but the people might enjoy it as well, maybe a gift from us to them.  But that raises a concern, such public performances would raise an issue for safety of the family, all gathered together with much public access would be an opportunity for any enemies we might have.  Especially with the Queen taking part."

  "As for roles, I could see Jon and Jade playing Lysander and Hermia, a  pair of young lovers who get mixed up by one of Puck's Spells.  Ari, hmm, depending on how much spotlight you want or not perhaps Titania, or I could see you playing a wonderful Nick Bottom."

In reply to Lance (msg # 91):

Ari chuckled
"I've played parts for men and women plenty of times.   I'm up for anything "

“Vialle did say she thought such a thing might strike a positive chord for the kingdom; a ‘celebratory performance,’ didn’t she say? I confess my first fancy was for something more informal, or at least less full of pomp. Perhaps in public, but without advertising our identities beforehand — just, you know, for the fun and energy and challenge of the thing. But perhaps it should be more full of oomph! Anyway, it could be a fun way to get a feel for some of Amber’s citizens. Y'know, when we make sets or costumes or,” a shrug, eloquent. Ballad's arms are folded on the table as she waits for everybody to finish their meal, just lazily basking in breakfast conversation, pleased and surprised by what's really quite a homey scene.

Jade will show up for breakfast in one of her new dresses. She seems in good spirits and none of the tiredness about her eyes like the previous morning. Jade has a copy of the complete works of William Shakespeare. Filling a mug of coffee which she drinks while looking out of one of the windows waiting for the others.

  When Lance arrives he’s wearing a simple tunic, like this but with gold trim.


  He’s sporting dark gold baggy trousers beneath it with knee-high boots and his dark sunglasses.  On his belt is a small pouch and his sword.  He’s carrying the rest of the Shakespeare books for those who have not taken them as of yet.  He opts for water instead of coffee.

  “Morning Jade!  Dressed to kill, eh?  We the first awake?””
This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

"Good morning, it seems that way." Jade smiles pleasantly, setting her coffee on the sill and doing a slow spin.

"You like it ? It is a bit of a different style for me."

Retrieving her coffee and book she makes her way to the table.

"Did you sleep well ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:22, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

In reply to Jade (msg # 96):

“It looks very nice, and yes, I slept pretty well.  Sort of screwed up and forgot to take out my stitches, so that left a scar, but otherwise okay.  How was your night?”

"I had a really good night and healed up. I am hoping today goes as well."

She then taps the book, "I read the two parts in the play, I should ask Jon what he wishes to play in it, and Ariadne as well. Oh !"

She opens her book and flips through it, she had inserted some pictures of the various characters throughout.
"Visualization helps me so I gave a face to the various characters. What do you think ?"

The work is sketches but detailed ones of the various characters.

  "I've seen this play domne in a lot of different ways.  I like the sketches, but I think I'd darken the Oberon one up a little.  He's always been played as a little ominous and foreboding.  Guess that's how they accentuate his mega-powerness."  Lance nods. "Which part were you thinking to take for yourself?"

"I am siding right now a bit more towards Hermia. Are you going to be in the play yourself, Lance ? What part are you going to play."

She looked to the picture of Oberon.
"That should be easy enough to do with shading and darkening the shadows."

  "I was thinking Snug the Joiner, aka the Lion.  Easier to remember all the lines than the main characters.  If need be I could play something else.  Maybe Bottom the buffoon, but that's a pretty major role.  I'd rather the big roles go to those who enjoy the spotlight more.  Who would you picture the others playing if you were to cast it?"

Jade smiles, "Ballad is puck, in my more mischievous moments I could be too but she seems perfect for it. Vialle naturally could play Titania. Jon, Demetrius or Lysander. Hermia is supposed to be short so many it is not the best role for me. I like her though. Ariadne could play her I think. Did you invite any of our elders to take a part ?"

  "Only the Queen so far.  My mother will likely join in, and the play wasn't in the planning stages yet when I met the King.  I haven't met anyone else yet.  Originally, Ballad and I had thought to entreat one of the local acting troupes to perform it, but then we seemed to have shifted to making it more of a family kind of thing." Lance says.

  "Do you think anyone else would be interested in it?"

"Your mother most definitely, she is so pretty she could easily play Titania as well. I wish you could get Ballad's father into it, I know he is busy though in Arden. Have you met Gerard ? He is huge, not sure what he could play but he is the perfect imposing figure. Llewella likes her privacy so I don't think she would be interested. My mother would be the perfect Hermia to be honest she is petite and smart. She is very busy with matters of the crown and our safety though. I am worried about her." A small pout formed because she truly was worried.

"Lance, what is Athens ? I know it is a place but I am unfamiliar with it."

  Shaking his head, Lance smiles. "I haven't met Uncle Gerard yet, but I'm told he's the family strongman."

  Jade asks about Greece and Lance explains, "Athens is a city in a country called Greece.  In ancient times,  Athens was a city-state, that often warred with other city-states.  I've never been, but I'm told it's beautiful.  The Greek Isles are sort of an archipelago.  They were the root of modern civilization on Earth.  It was from there that mathematics and astronomy and philosophy were born.  Their architecture was massive, with huge columns and such."

  A pause. "Your mother is a sorceress, isn't she?  Like you, only with red hair?  I have to admit that magic scares me somewhat.  I mean, real magic, not the sleight of hand kind that we had back home."

Jades stares at Lance for several moments.
"Those things were claimed born here and then reflected out into the other worlds. So this Greece sounds like it is similar in some ways to Amber. A birthplace of civilization."

She smiles and then the bit about her mother and she blinks. Then starts laughing but covers her mouth.

"Lance, yes my mother is a sorceress. Even before I knew she was my mother I knew of her. Her name is Fiona. Saying she is a sorceress is like...saying the sea looks blue. I can't compare to her at all but it is because of her that I have the gift. Magic is more prevalent in Rebma, but even there where magic is more powerful Fiona is feared. So, I can understand you being afraid of magic. I am a witch like my mother, but she is the epitome of witches. I love her dearly, now that I have the chance to know her."

  “Maybe Ancient Greece was a reflection of Amber then.  That kind of stuff seems so unfathomable to me.  Different realities and all that.”

  Lance sees Jade laugh, and it’s good.  It made him happy to see his cousin happy.  She explains about Fiona.  He chuckles.

  “”Where I grew up, the word witch had very different connotations.  It was something to frighten children with.  They were depicted as shriveled old crones with warts on their noses who ate children... but I can see that’s not the case here.  We had some in our modern times that saw it as a religion, tried to do good, sympathetic magic.  I’m not sure that it actually worked at all, but they seemed to enjoy it.  I think they had a ritual holiday orgy or something like that.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

"Oh ! I'm glad I am not a witch from shadow Earth then. I dont think I would like a wart, or being a crone.  We don't eat children Lance. Shriveled crones having an orgy,  yuck." Jade makes a bit of a disgusted face.

"It is simply a term to describe a female wielder of  magic. Though it is a term with fear behind it."

She looked distant for a bit.
"That sailor who accused me of sinking his boat may have run into a vengeful witch.  Or simply  hit a reef. We get blamed for nautical misadventures.  The Rebman people  are merciful  but in the past we would get upset when people rained garbage down on us, or worse bodies.  In that war twixed Eric and Corwin that happened. "
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

  Lance nods.  "Sounds like justified anger.  Nobody wants refuse raining down on their heads, especially dead bodies.  Back on earth, people polluted the seas very badly.  It's awful.  Some people try to stop it, but they are outmanned.  It's just that most people didn't seem to think about their actions."

  A sip of water.

  "So, what kind of magic do you and your mom do?  Is it like lightning bolts and fireballs out of your fingertips, or teleportation, or what?"

"What do the aquatic people of your world do with palooting being such a problem ?"

Looking in her mug and taking a sip.
"Oh it's gone cold."

She motions for one of the servants to refresh her coffee.

"What type of magic, well you know of the cards ?"

  Jade asks about the aquatic people.

  Lance replies, "There aren't any.  There are legends of an ancient city called Atlantis under the sea, but nobody has ever found any evidence of it.  It's been mostly chalked up to myth and fairy-tale."

  She mentions the cards.  "Yes.  That was how my mother brought me here.  She did something with a card and then poof, we were no longer in her kitchen, we were in the library here with uncle Random..  I really don't understand any of it at all."

A small pout.

"No aquatic people ? That is sad." listening as he speaks of this Atlantis. She nods slightly.

She then nods more smiling, "Yes the cards allow one to teleport ! It is a bit of magic tied to the pattern. Now my mother can do a great variety of magic I would not place lightning  or fire beyond her capabilities.  As for myself I tend towards enchantment and illusions. Though as I learn more I won't be limited to that."

  Lance's eyes go wide. "Enchantments and illusions?  So, like you can make a magical sword, or make someone think there's a bridge over a chasm when there isn't one?  Remind me to never get on your bad side!"

"It takes a bit of time to make things like a magic sword but it is possible. "

Drinking some of her refreshed coffee.
"Ahhh much better."

"Indeed, I can also detect magic Like Deirdre's ax and Jon's father's sword.  It usually doesn't have a  detrimental effect like with the ax."

In reply to Jade (msg # 114):

Lance looks down. "Don't beat yourself up over the axe thing.  Sometimes things just don't go like you hope, right?  Yesterday kinda turned into a train-wreck....or a carriage wreck, I suppose.  Me getting drunk probably didn't help anything either.  I'm sorry for that, and thank you for seeing me safely home.  I mean it.  I just gotta figure some things out, that's all."

"Your welcome, Lance."

She nodded, "You and Ariadne are dealing with a whole different world. I can only imagine what that would be like.  So not to worry. people all handle things in their own way.  You feeling better this morning  ?"

  He shakes his head. "Well, my wound is somewhat better, and I'm not drunk, and I rarely get hung over, but you know, the other stuff.  I really thought that Ballad and I had connected, and then we met up with you and Ari and Jon, and I saw that that's just the way she is with everyone she meets.  Back in my home it would have been flirting, showing a romantic interest, but maybe things are different here.  Then there's Jon, and well, maybe he's like Ballad in that way, or maybe he's got intentions.  I don't know.  Either way, seeing Ballad respond to him...well, it makes me crazy.  I don't want to be jealous, god knows I have no right to be and I shouldn't be, but there it is."

  Lance shrugs.  "So I just have to put on a brave smile and pretend that it doesn't hurt, right?  Maybe someday it won't."

Jade nods and humms a bit.



06:34, Today: Jade rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,2.  Disguise Self.
-1 to my next magic roll.



Jade now looks like Florimel.
"That's right young man, sometimes life hurts but you just have to put on your crown and shine." She flashes a bright smile.

Letting the disguise fall away after that.

"Sorry, I just wanted to show my illusions off to you, as I realize you have never seen me do that." Jade is back to herself.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

  Lance actually jumps back in his chair as Jade does her Flora illusion, his sunglasses falling partly off.

  "Holy smokes...that...that was your magic...an illusion, right?  I mean, you didn't actually turn into my mom, did you?"

  Inwardly, Lance muddles through the implications of magic.  He could easily find himself speaking to someone pretending to be someone else, maybe even taking orders from someone who wasn't who they seemed.

"It's just a bit of magic, I can look like different people. It is one of my magics. Ariadne didn't believe in magic and I made myself look like her, then like her with my green hair. I just feel safer using magic around all of you. I thought you might get a kick out of it, but I see all I did was frighten you."

  Lance shakes his head. "Not frightened, really, but startled.  I have to admit, it's pretty cool, but yeah, maybe a little scary too.  Say someone did that and pretended to be the King and issued orders that put the family in danger.  Is there a way to see through something like that or detect it?"

She nods, "I could detect it, but I would need to be looking for it. I'm not always looking for things like that so I guess what you say is possible. Maybe ask to shake the kings hand might work. It might feel different. Though be warned Lance, our enemy from the Courts of Chaos, they can actually change into people and things. Another way I guess might be asking lot's of questions."

  "Wow, that raises a lot of potential difficulties.  Enemies that can look like us.  Well, if you ever see me and think that I'm not me, just ask me what my house is attached to.  The answer is a Little Red Express truck.  If I can't answer that, then stab me."

Jade nods and though she looked tense she relaxes some.

"I am glad your not upset. I meant what I said though when I looked like your mom. Sometimes life is painful, and sometimes all we can do is smile and be the best we can be. Now though you see why I don't tell people I am a witch. It startles or frightens people."

  Lance nods. "I'm not upset, after all, it was good advice.  Seemed like something she might say.  Yeah, being a little different isn't easy, but we are who we are, right?  People will either accept it or not.  You showed a lot of class by taking the high road yesterday at the bar."

Jade nods, "No one needed to get hurt, it only inconvenienced our evening. Who knows what would have happened with everyone drawing steel."

Jade rises after she is done with her coffee.

"Well, there is something I need to do. I will try and be back as soon as I can."

She tells Odile to stay and have breakfast. She will be back.

Jade heads off to do something.

  Lance orders some breakfast and some coffee once he finishes his second glass of water.  He keeps his sunglasses on.  He could always explain it as light sensitivity due to a hangover.  That would cover him for not talking overly much too, and that would be in line if it were true.  It wasn’t though.  The three pitchers yesterday had made him a little bit tipsy, but the Amberite metabolism prevented such things pretty well.  No, he was wearing them because he didn’t want the others to see his eyes.  They were too expressive.  He could smile and make himself look happy enough, but his eyes held the truth of it., and he really didn’t want his cousins to see it.

Gone for only twenty minutes or so Jade returns to actually have breakfast not just coffee.

"Hi Lance."

  “Good morning again, cousin.  That was quick. “ says Lance with a smile.

"I only needed to see someone a moment. Have you registered your heraldric symbol ?"  She picks out a nice hearty breakfast then joined Lance at the table.

  With a shake of his head Lance replies, “No, I haven’t.  I’ll have to put it on my to-do list.  I think I may make a change to it before I do though.  What is yours, if I may ask?”

"Well I had planned on a shooting star crashing into the sea, though Amber's greatest traitor apparently had a shooting star as theirs. So I am changing mine too. I think a light house wrapped in tentacles might work."

Jade shrugs slightly.

  “Sounds good.  Are the tentacles attacking or protecting it, or is that up to interpretation?  Ooh, that reminds me, are there sharks in the ocean here?  We have them back home and it’s terrifying.  I mean, magnificent creatures, but they sometimes attack swimmers and surfers.  There is this show on tv called Shark Week every year.  Tv?  Umm, like recorder mini-plays that you can see at home on a special device.  Anyway, I always wanted to take up surfing, but I’m sort of scared of the ocean because of sharks.”

"Yes there are sharks and other predators but we tend to keep the seas near Rebma and Amber free of the larger of such creatures." She smiled talking about something she knew about.

"Attacking or protecting. I like that !"

"I shall need to think about it."



made 2 posts

  Lance sips at his coffee.  “So, what are your plans for the day?”

"A bit more research later then I should be free in the afternoon. How about for yourself ? Going to look for stage set designers ?"

  He shakes his head.  “I’m going to have a talk with my mom if she’s around, then figure things out from there.  Probably not doing anything with the play today.  It’s going to be a long-term project, I think.  Maybe I’ll go for a walk and see the countryside...find a job, earn my keep, make something of myself.  Don’t want to be mooching off the family fortune forever.”

Jade would have poked Lance but he was across the table and the table was wide.

"Lance, enjoy yourself first. Don't be so quick to try and seek out a job.  Your in a castle not as some tourist but as the member of the royal family. Your mother is now in your life and you have cousins who wish to spend time with you.  Soon you will pass a test that will more then prove your worthy.  Your a wonderous, magical being Lance. If you must have a job speak with the king. I think you would look quite fetching in military uniform. Remember first we must deal with the gray clouds above our heads, the enemy who tried to kill us."

"Oh, I was thinking I might find some poor farmer who's horse was too old to pull a plow anymore and take over for the old mare in exchange for a few wrinkled apples to eat and a stall with some hay to sleep on." Lance laughs, "But the grey menace is perhaps a bigger priority."

Jade holds her face from showing the horror as Lance speaks. Finally as he ends it she relaxes.

"Sarcasm I will simply hope that was sarcasm.  I'm trying to be serious you goof."

  Lance starts on his second cup of coffee.  "It just feels weird, you know?  Walking into a store and telling them to charge it to the castle.  I was raised to either earn something, or do without.  You know, if I wanted to get a gift for someone, it should mean something more.  It should be something I had to put effort into, else it's meaning is diminished."

Jade nods, "I can understand that but aim higher. I mean, I dont want to look out in the fields and say, "Oh that's my cousin the mare replacement. Aim higher be a glorious stud at least. "
She smiled then.

"All joking and sarcasm aside.  I was always at Queen Moires beck and call.  Jumping like my dear new friend Odile. So yes I do know what you mean by earning. I guess I am just grateful to find all this out about myself and to have my mother back in my life. I want to embrace being a royal.  All that comes with it. I mean, look at these beautiful clothes we have. I never got to wear such things below the waves.  We are from different worlds Lance, but I hope we get to learn eachothers perspectives. "

  Lance laughs, "More a gelding than a stud, methinks.  But you're right...aim higher.  I can probably pull two plows!"

  He holds up his hands in supplication, or at least to block and croissants that might get thrown.

  "I'm sure we'll get to find out quite a bit about each other's lives, with all the years ahead of it if I don't manage to annoy someone enough to gut me and do a right good job of it this time."

  He scratches at his wound.  "Damn stitches itch."

"Remember if you must, rub at your wound don't scratch.  Do you need to go to the infirmary  ?" Jade looked concerned.

"I have healed up myself, but you may have been injured worse then me."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Tue 15 Dec 2020.

  “It’s nearly healed, but I forgot to take the stitches out yesterday so it healed over them.  Gonna leave a scar.” He muses.  “I’m sure it’ll go away eventually.”

"I hope you will be able to find a way to make the scar go away. Your mother told me there are whole worlds out there that we can find that accept us as leaders. So perhaps there are worlds where scars can be made to vanish. "

  Lance quirks his head while nibbling on some bacon.  "So, how does the whole shadow thing work, anyway?  I mean, how do we find the different worlds?"

"You should ask your mother, or Ballad. I have walked the mirror reflection of the Pattern but I have not truly travelled shadow. Though after walking the Pattern you will know what you are capable of and how. It involves movement and focus each little bit of movement once you get past the Coral road... Well for you Arden and you can enter new worlds. Take a step and imagine a patch of yellow grass instead of green, another step and a hill now has yellow grass, another step and you look over that hill to a field of yellow grass. Each of those it's own world, the only difference being the yellow grass presence in it. The more you picture in your head as you move, the more changes you can make or find."

  "So, do we create it as we go, or is it already there?  And is it really real?  And we can find whatever we want?  Like, say I wanted to find a world where a certain someone felt the same way about me that I do about her?  What happens then?"

Jade tilts her head, "I truly don't know, perhaps someone who has travelled the shadows could tell you more. I think you might find a shadow of Ballad that would love you as deeply as you love her but your subconscious might rear it's head and change things from what you desire to what you think now about your relationship."


Perfect time for Ballad to enter.

  "Whoa...wait...are you saying that there are copies of all of us out there?  That's kinda creepy."  Lance asks, concerned.

"Of course why would there not be shadows of us, as there are shadows of Amber." She seemed surprised at his surprise.

In reply to Jade (msg # 154):

  "So, I might not even really be me.  I mean, what if Flora picked the wrong one by mistake?  Maybe I'm just a copy of me?" Lance asks, trying to wrap his head around it.

"Silly your mom would never mistake you for a copy."

"Don't make me turn into your mom and tutt tutt you." Jade smiled.

  Lance goes back to eating, pondering it all.  It was a lot to take in.

Jade looks over, "Don't worry if she is wrong you will just explode on the Pattern and she will go look for the real Lance."  She did very good at looking serious and not laughing for almost twenty seconds.

  Twenty seconds is a long time to contemplate death by explosion.  Lance turns pale and chew the same bit of food for that long, then she laughs.  Lance waves his fork.  “Now that, young lady, while quite a sight to behold, is a frightening proposition.”

"I am sorry Lance, I just wanted to get a rise out of you. You have been so down and self defeating that I wanted to shake that up."

Jade said, "Were all here together with parents who arranged for us to get safety here in the castle. I don't think such a mistake has ever been made like that. Your mother I am sure has been making sure you were ok even if she never visited herself. I think my own mother did the same. We are lucky to have our mothers now. We should be there for Jon and Ariadne who don't have their parent here. I know there is a hero in there and it starts just by being peoples friends."

“You’re right.  I know I should be better.  A better friend, a better cousin, a better son.  I should be better at dealing with....well, you know.  I probably look at a lot of things the wrong way, and god knows I haven’t said or done the right things.  I don’t know if I can, at least not right now.  Going from being entirely alone to suddenly having family.  I have to establish some kind of a relationship with my mom, and I don’t really know where to begin.  Then there are the cousins, and That all has brought out a lot of feelings, most of which aren’t doing me any good.  Quite the opposite, really.  Then there’s all the expectations attached to being a part of a royal family with wealth and influence and immortality.   Forever is a very long time. And what if I never get myself together?”

"Well, that is why you make friends Lance. You see the friends you make among family and others are the people who will support you. You have people in your court now, including myself. We all have self doubts and perhaps abandonment issues. I know I do from time to time, so it's not just you. You will be able to overcome those things Lance. Time really should help, think about how many things you overcame from when you were little till now. Each hurdle you overcame. We all need to get used to being royals, I think Ballad and I are dealing it the best with Jon a close second then Ariadne and you. If you ever need help find one of us and yes even Ballad. Don't make the mistake of hiding away from her since she would cheer you on if you give it a chance with no expectations. We did have fun with those silly songs at the bar and you stood up for me. It could have gotten dangerous Lance but you put yourself at risk for another. Your a good person, I see it and the others see it. We just have to work on making you see it."

"You will have to get used to me teasing from time to time, I do that with people I like."

  “I can handle being teased, so no worries there.  I just have to figure out when it’s teasing and when it’s not.”

He pushes back his empty plate, gulps down his coffee, and rises.

  “Well Jade, it’s been a pleasure.  I suppose the others were out late partying and aren’t making it down for early breakfast.  I’ve got to get my day started though.  Have a wonderful day, cousin.”  Lance gives hers bow before turning to leave.

"Alright, farewell Lance. See you later." She says pleasantly.

Though she is curious where everyone else is.

As Lance is leaving, Jon arrives. "Morning! Lance Jade!" offers his hand to Lance "How are you this morning?  Did you get the cake?."

Jon is dressed in his armor;
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/file...200.jpg?v=1588107828

"Ah good morning Jon. How are you feeling ? All healed up ?"

"Yes, I am fully healed.  Thank you for asking."

"That's great, I healed up too." She gave a bright smile.

"I hope the other two are ok also."

*smiles* "I'm sure, they hit the bottle a bit hard last night. So maybe they just need some time to recover."
Looks over Lance, "You seem to be doing better today.  That is good.  You had us worried."

  Lance keeps moving as Jon enters and asks him about cake and all.  He looks at the electronic watch on his wrist and frowns.

  “Cake, no, I I haven’t tried any cake.  I imagine it’s marvelous though, you should have some.   Oh, look at the time, I’m already late!  Doing just ducky, but gotta hurry!”

  It seems that his pace quickens as he goes

Ariadne walked into the dining hall, dressed in some of her new clothes, a leathery gambeson with  thigh high leather boots that fit her like a glove.

"Good morning, everyone!  Something about this place really stimulates the appetite.  I feel like I could eat a horse."
She paused, looking suddenly self conscious.
"That's just an expression in my world.  You people don't actually do that, do you?

She saw Lance and smiled.
"How are you doing today, big guy?  You're not leaving already, are you?  I was looking forward to comparing notes with my fellow Earth immigrant. "

Jon is confused "Well, Ok.  See you later!"  He calls after.  he looks to Jade, "that was odd."

Jade smiles at Ariadne, "You look most cool, cousin."

She gives a little wave.

*nod* "Looks good on you. Like it was meant for you." *smiles* "Picked this up on the trip with Jade, yesterday?"

"It looks most fetching on you as well !" to Jon.

Jade will look to see if they might be able to stop Lance.

Ariadne nodded to Jon with a smile, as she took a seat.
"Yes, I tried to not buy anything all day, but it's impossible not to shop around her."
She grinned playfully at her green haired cousin. As she sat down, she bumped her belted sword against the table leg.  Muttering a little, she adjusted herself a bit before settling down in her seat.
"Sorry, I got this sword this morning, and I'm still getting used to it."

Jade giggles a little, "Guilty, oh and it does take a little time to get used to maneuvering with a sword at your side."

"I've only worn them a few times, and I've always been able to give them back to the props department before I had to sit down anywhere, usually."

"The omelet is good this morning." She suggests to her cousins.

Ariadne requested an omelet from the cooks, asking for extra meat and cheese and veggies.   Along with several glasses of apple juice.

In reply to Ariadne (msg # 171):

  Lance does the whirl and walk backwards a few steps thing as Ari enters and addresses him, but keeps moving out the door, tapping at his watch.

  "Oh, hey Ari, we'll catch up a little later, probably.  There's copies of Shakespeare on the table for everyone.  Great outfit, have some cake for me!"

  It seems like Lance is a man on a mission, sunglasses on, moving with purpose.

"So you two, what do you have planned today ?" She regarded Ariadne and Jon.

Ariadne narrowed her eyes in annoyance as Lance walked off, clearly not happy with her fellow Earthican leaving, but she sighed and took a sip of her juice and looked over at Jade with a smile.
"Well, I'm not sure what is going on.  I'm still healing, to be honest, but I'm interested in doing some proper combat training.  I learned a bit, but need more practical training."

"I will be busy in a couple hours, and then I will be off to the Herald to add my symbol to the registry if I have time to today."

Ariadne looked at Jade with confusion.
"I'm sorry, Do What now???"

"The research or the Herald ?" She looks to her cousin.

"I can put off what I was planning, if you would like to spar a bit Ari." *grins* "Your own Heraldry?  Don't you just inherent your mothers?" he asks a bit confused.

In reply to Jade (msg # 186):

Ariadne shrugged.
"Both, I guess.
I'm not sure how heraldry works on Earth, but there's not many people there that have them."

"I am going to study the pattern for a while, I arranged for us to get keys to the Pattern room. Keep them safe. The King is going to give them to us later. As for the Herald his name is Ezra Braithwaite and he lives in the city. I looked at some of the heraldric symbols of our aunts and uncles and parents. I am going to have my own added to the registry. If you want you could come with ?"

Ariadne nodded, clearly unsure but intrigued.
"Training is probably more urgent, but I'm definitely interested in all this as well.  I'm not even sure what my mother's heraldry was, to be perfectly honest.  My father probably had it in the house, as some generic medieval symbol, and probably just never told me."

"Black backdrop with a silver Crescent Moon." Jade tells Ariadne.

"Your mother like Ballad's grandmother liked moon symbology."

Ari looked thoughtful.
"I'm not even sure what I'd want.  I'd have to see what my mother had.  And my father is a member of one of the noble families here somewhere.  I wonder if he has one as well?   A combination of the two is usually done by royalty in other countries on Earth, after all."

"Ezra, should have both in his possession.  It is his job and probably passion. If you wish to come with me when I visit him I would be happy. "

"Hmmm, I guess, I already updated my mothers.  Originally it was a white hawk on black.  In the Faewylds, when I became a Ranger, I adopted this one" Points to his left shoulder of his cloak.


"Maya helped me with drawing the knotted hawk in gold." *smiles* "When you two get back, Jade, perhaps you and I can figure out how to represent my father."

Your father's symbol was crossed blades. I believe in your room it can be seen. You know, you could come along as well Jon, unless you have something else to attend too ?"

Jade looked to Jon for a few moments.

*smiles* "Thank you. But, I don't want to intrude.  And I don't want to crowd Ari or you." he thinks for a moment "I had never considered Eric's heraldry, granted I didn't know what it was until recently. But you got me thinking and I guess it would be an insult if I didn't include some aspect of his in mine."

Jade nods, "I am sure that Ezra can help make your heraldry with the information that you are Eric's son and the hawk symbol you now have. He might have ideas to help you make something unique."

"We should be able to get a carriage as Ezra lives in the city, not within the Castle."

Ariadne chuckled at the thought of getting another carriage
I definitely miss my motorcycle "

"Well, perhaps once I know about them more I will try to make you one powered by animals. Maybe really fast hamsters or a small dragon."

"Or steam! There are some gnomes back home who are trying to make perpetual steam engines to power golems and horseless carriages." he then looks at Ari "Is that what your Auto-Cycles and Motor-Mobiles run on?" *smiles*

"That reminds me, did you bring your card with you this morning, Ariadne ?"

Jade looked to her leather clad cousin.

Ariadne have Jon a half nod.
"The first primitive ones ran on steam, I think, but later we invented combustion engines and electric motors.  Actually, your gnomes might be headed that way as well, depending on what your world's natural resources are."

She looked at Jade with a nod.
"I have it with me.  Hold on."
She dug into a pocket in her outfit.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

"You described it last night. A card that you and Lance have that doesn't allow transport but does let you see and talk with each other."

Ariadne nodded.
"Unfortunately, it's not working.  Like, at all.  it won't even power up and glow.  I mean, I expected that I couldn't connect to the network of other phones or whatever, but I can't even get it to light up. "

She out an object that looked like a very thick trump card, with ridges and a smooth surface on one side, made of a strange material that was sort of like metal but sort of not

Jade nods taking it and looking at it. She runs her fingers over it.
"It's heavier then a card, I like this smooth side."

Jade is certainly examining it. "What do these small moving parts do ?" points out the power and volume buttons.

Ariadne shrugged, with wry resignation.
"If it worked, those would control the volume of the sound it made, and the brightness of the light on the screen, and so forth.  But I'll need to take it back to Earth some time.   Honestly, I was assuming that it would run out of power eventually here, but I hadn't expected that it just wouldn't work at all. That's just disappointing.  And means that I will never be able to ride my motorcycle here, either."

Jade hands the card back.

"You never know, you just have to be persistent. I am sure you could find something similar. Prince Julian has a really fast horse. Perhaps you could find something like that."

Ariadne smirked.
"As fast as a motorcycle?   I seriously..."
Then she caught herself, shaking her head.
"You know what?  I'm not even sure I want to know how that conversation ends...."

He joined Ariadne and Jade at the table and orders Bacon, Eggs, Toast and Hashbrown to the servant. "Thank you." He looks at the Card. "Hmm, interesting.  It looks more delicate thank I would've expected."

Smiles "We can check with the gnomes back home, maybe they can do something for your Motor-Cycle"

Ariadne nodded, smiling.
"I don't want to make a big deal about wanting the technology of my world, but I'll admit that depending on horses for transportation just feels kind of awkward."

Jade was about to speak, but Ariadne shut her down.

"I have about an hour or so, before I start back in on research."

Ariadne looked at Jade.
"An hour for this heraldry thing, you mean?"

"Oh no, I am waiting for King Random to make our keys. I am going to collect mine then. After that I am going to do more research and when I am free, it is then that I am going to go visit Ezra and speak to him about adding my heraldric symbol to the registry of such things." She smiles a bit.

Ari nodded, nonchalantly.
"I can meet you then, if you want some company.   About when were you headed to your herald guy?"

"Yes, I would like that. I will have a servant or myself look for you. I will make sure the carriage is ready as well."

Jade looked to Jon also, "You could join us too if you want."

Ariadne chuckled.
"This is why my phone would be useful.  So we don't have to play 'Hide and Seek' all the time.  Well, I suppose that I can hang out with Jon, if he's up to still doing that training, or I can find something else to do if he's busy."

"How about we all train and get our keys together ? That is certainly a good way to kill an hour or so."

*Nods* "It would be my pleasure to join you both." *smiles at Ari* "Absolutely, I look forward to it." *grins* at Jade's suggestion "Perfect."
He then eats his meal with gusto and a contented smile.

"Ok as soon as we are done here. We can search out the training grounds or use the courtyard. Ballad mentioned a master of arms do you think we will need them or should we just keep todays training to ourselves ?"

*smiles* "Today, just us. We are really just testing things out and getting a feel. I am confident enough and proficient enough in the basics." though I would prefer the training grounds, because they will have training weapons and we can test out a few different weapons."

Jade nods.

"Good I look forward to it." Jade looks then to Ariadne, "Ariadne, do you know how to ride horses ? I do though I am trying to get better at it."

Ari shrugged
"I know the basics, i suppose "
She chuckled

"My father made me take riding lessons when i was younger, and of course now i know why, but at the time it felt weird and pretentious to be riding a horse, so I didn't keep up with it.
It's kind of ironic, really.    When automobiles were first invented, everyone used horses and only the rich could afford automobiles.    And now automobiles are plentiful, and horses are considered something that mostly rich people have. "

*chuckles* "that is a funny juxtaposition" *smiles* "Your world sounds so fascinating and contradictory"

"I'm a little worried about Ballad. I thought she would be here by now. Did she tell either of you anything last night ?"

Ari shook her head
"No, I'll admit that I haven't kept track of anyone here"

Jade will get up when she sees people finishing off their breakfast.

"Let's find the training hall."

Jon will have a servant request Rory, if he is available, to join us in the training hall.
"I'm concerned about Ballad as well, perhaps we should wait a little bit longer or check in on her at her quarters before we head to the training room."

"We can do that, yes. Though perhaps she is sleeping in ?"

Will write out a little note for Ballad that we are in the training room if she wishes to join us.

Jon, Ariadne, and Jade.

To slip under her door since that way we don't wake her by knocking.

  With the coming of the dawn, the blonde young prince arrives, dressed in his colors and carrying his blades.  His card of Flora now within the lovely carved box which is in turn within his belt pouch.  The first to arrive, he takes a seat where the sunlight streams in upon him.  He orders a suitably large breakfast.  Fruit, coffee, eggs, ham, bacon, sausages, and of course, more bacon.  It was a new day, and freshly returned from a mission, he was feeling a bit more like himself.

(NOTE: if any other PCs come in for breakfast at this point, they will notice that Lance is looking even more fine than the last time they saw him.

A potion given to him by his mother (and the fact that he leveled up) has had an unexpected side-effect of raising Lance's looks from an "11" to a "12."

To review:
9 = TV star pretty
10 = Movie star pretty
11 = Movie star on his/her very best photoshoot day ever pretty
12 = One notch above that, seriously are you kidding kinda vaguely supernatural level I woke up looking like this, I'm not even trying pretty. Causing traffic gridlock downtown pretty.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Sat 06 Feb 2021.

Muahahaha!!!  Just wait until 13!!!

(I do NOT plan to let you get to 13... at least not by just leveling up. You're gonna have to go on some kinda major quest (and succeed) to get to 13...

...Come to think of it, I know what that quest would be, too...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Sat 06 Feb 2021.

In reply to The GM (msg # 233):

Gonna have to add a quest to my to-do ASAP list then!!!

(You might ask Laurence about legends involving magical levels of attractiveness...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:56, Sun 07 Feb 2021.

***We will be arriving, sorry for keeping you waiting. Breakfast before Jon's Patternwalk***

(OOC: Uh... I have NO clue where Ballad will be 'in a week'... so I suppose I'll be missing this breakfast! I'm sure she'll see and be *_* by New and Improved Lance eventually! :grin: )

((OOC:  in a week?  If that’s where this timeframe is, it, that leaves about a 2-3 day gap for Lance..  I have this as about his day after the beach  party, or possibly 1 day after that))

(( GM will I be able to be here for breakfast, or will Jon and Jade be at the Tower ? ))

(Jade, my personal opinion is that the time threads are going to have to take care of themselves at this point... But I am also discussing this exact type of matter over PM with another player... How about if I said, For The Moment, Please Stand By...?)

(ok)

Lance, morning of day 5:

  Lance sits, eating his breakfast and working on his to-do list for the day ahead.  Jon and Ari’s big walk was a few days away, so today would probably become follow-up on a few personal projects.  He wanted to see the taxidermist to get that one thing done, and the armored to see what they had finally come up with, and a sword smith to get some custom weaponry.   He needed to get banners made as well, so his colors could fly both inside and outside the castle.   And a set of small brushes and paints, of course.  Looked like a pretty full day to be spent in town.

  As he dined, the serving maids doted on him as much as they dared before a more matronly servant appeared and shooed them off.

  He still needed to do some reading on the places he planned to go, so he’d have to put in an appearance in the library for some new reading material at some point, maybe early in the evening.  Hopefully after another good night’s rest or two he’d feel truly at his best again.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

Lance: morning of Day 5

 The dining hall was unusually quiet this morning, especially at such an early hour.  Lance enjoyed the relative solitude, spending a half an hour over his breakfast.  When he wipes his mouth with his napkin and places it on the empty plate to leave, he guesses that it’s barely after seven o’clock, maybe seven thirty. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm, and the second mouse gets the cheese.

  The young prince doesn’t tarry or dawdle of the meal, just finishes up and heads out on his errands for the day.  He planned on walking down into the city.  He estimated that he should arrive right around when most of the shops opened.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

Jon: Morning Day 4
Jon slept well after the beach party and woke refreshed.  He spent the first hour in the training hall running through what was his usual morning work our regime. Now clean and very hungry, he heads to the dinning hall.

Smiling he sits down and places his order of eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast.  He also orders tea and orange juice.
"Hmm, today Ari and I get to locate a trainer or two, check on the training supplies and then try to corral the others into a routine." he thinks to himself as he is waiting for his food.

Jon chuckles softly to himself "I should add heading into town to getting some extra clothes.  My armor, my travelling court clothes and the fancy outfit are all I have.  And Dad's stuff isn't comfortable."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Fri 12 Feb 2021.

Day 4: Morning - Day after the beach scene.
Jon now realizes how lonely it is to be the first to arrive and breakfast.

As his meal arrives, he eats slowly and thinks about various items on today's list.

Jade swept into the dining hall all swishes of her long gown and the sparkle of the morning sun coming from the windows causing the gold highlights to shine. When she saw Jon she smiled warmly to him.

"Good morning Jon."

Jade made her way over to the servants to ask for the breakfast she wanted. She then poured herself some tea and flavored it with honey.

Striding back to the table she joined Jon.

Jon stands as Jade approaches to sit down and gives her a brief bow. "Good morning Jade, did you sleep well?" he smiles.

"Yes I did, actually the best I have in a while. How about yourself ?"

She sipped the tea waiting for her meal.

"Did you enjoy Ballad's beach pic nic party ?"

*nods* "Yes, it was a good night's rest."

He gets a fait hint of a blush "Yes, it was an amazing night." and he gets a faraway look for a moment as he recalls all of the fun. "That makes two in a row.  I've seen some wonders back home, but here is just so new and different." *grins* "And I've found wonderful friends and family.  I still can't believe it has only been three days."

Jade nods.

"Three nights, has it only been three nights ? It feels like more then that. We have been doing so much. I agree about family and friends. We haven't even met all our uncles yet. Some of our elder cousins too. I hope to explore Amber more there have to be so many secrets and wonders here." She had a kind of dreamy look.

*Smiles* "Yes, I agree it feels like a lot more.  But its only been 3 days." *nods* "I agree so many secrets and new things to see and explore.  I look forward to the exploration."

Jade smiles, "Look at some of the things we already found. We discovered information on the Gray men, some possible weaknesses, their strengths, Ballads information on them gathering in shadow. We discovered your fathers sword was magical, and Ariadne's mothers Ax. Ballad and I found a magical alcohol. It is funny, at home they told me Amber is much less magical then Rebma and while that may be. I have found many magical things to hold my interest here."

Jade thanked the servant when her breakfast had arrived. She started in on it.

"I hope the others arrive soon."

*Nod* "Well, not as much magic as back home.  But the power of the magic we've found is potent compared the to common stuff back home." *smiles* "I can't wait to take you there.  You and Maya are going to be best friends, I just know it!" he ends with a bit of excitement at the prospect.

Takes a bite of his eggs. "But nothing back home compares to the beauty of Rebma that you showed us last night.  I am also eager to visit Rebma." there is a bit of awe in his tone.

*nods* as he finishes his breakfast. "Well, you and Ballad were definitely tired. Ari helped out cleaning up, so I am sure they are just sleeping late.  I hope Lance is OK, out on his mission."

"Oh please tell me more about Maya, you have mentioned her before. Don't worry, I look forward to showing you all Rebma. I know a lot of sights there that will be fun for us. Also you can go in any direction in Rebma since you can swim."

*smiles* "Well, Maya is my best friend back home.  Her mother was my wet nurse and nanny; which means we are only a few months apart in age. For the first 12 years of our lives, we were nearly inseparable." *grins* "Much to my mothers annoyances, especially the last few years.  After all, I was royalty and Maya was just a commoner." he says with a mock-snotty royal affection *chuckles* "But Maya was special" he gets a faraway look for a few moments. "She was magical.  Extremely smart and at least as pretty as any of the Fae my mother thought were better company for a young prince." he looks at Jade and smiles "Maya, was a natural born mage.  starting around 9, she was able to do little fireworks and stuff.  So, I convinced my mother to have the court mage teach her.  Surprisingly, my mother was happy with that." *sighs* "Ah, childlike innocence. If only I knew what would happen.  So Maya started working with the Court Mage and she skills improved rapidly.  She was also a skilled craftsman, especially with leather and cloth.  Then on her twelfth birthday, she was selected for the Royal Academy of Mystical Arts (RAMA)." *smiles*

He sits back, "You have to understand RAMA is a big deal.  It is one of the few institutions that independent of the three Fae Courts.  Because all Royal and Noble Fae who have even the slightest hint of magical ability" leans forward to whisper conspiratorially "and some who don't but should have." he sits back. "So a commoner being accepted was a big deal.  But like I said, Maya was magical."

Ariadne walked into the room.  She was smiling,  though they saw hee stifling a yawn.  She was dressed in what seemed to be women's riding pants, with a matching blouse and vest over it, which showed off her athletic figure well, with just a hint of cleavage.
At her side was a long dagger, held in a leather belt, and the ensemble was completed by tall leather boots and a dark half cloak.
She nodded to everyone
"Good morning, everyone.   i hope I haven't missed anything exciting?"
She went to help herself to some juice, pancakes,  and bacon.

"You sound very fond of her, I started displaying magic at a young age too. So we would have that in common. In Rebma the gift is strong in female lines but occasionally men have it too. If a girl noble or commoner displays it then they automatically are considered Sirens which does much to boost ones standing in society. Usually they can find work for the crown or guilds most easily since their magic could be put to good use. There are occasionally rogues who become sea witches doesn't mean they are bad just that they are free to sell their services. They hire on to ships to get them through sea storms, or guide them safely through dangerous reefs. There are some bad ones though who would just assume sink a ship and claim the wreck in the name of heretical sea gods, or themselves."

"That school seems amazing, maybe I can see it though my mothers homeland Parthi has schools of magic as well. I would love to see those and meet some of my mothers teachers. That would be amazing. Yes, I think Maya and I could be fast friends, so she is a fae then Jon ?"

Turning as Ariadne entered, "Good morning, I heard you helped out after I fell asleep with the clean up. Thank you Ariadne, that was most kind of you."

Ariadne gave a sardonic half smile and shrugged
"No Biggie.  I was raised with a housekeeper who cleaned up after Dad and I, so I suppose i grew up a bit spoiled and pampered,  but I've lived on my own long enough that I'm not adverse to cleaning up a mess i helped make.   How is everyone doing today?

"I am doing quite well, I think all the activities I have been doing helped me get a really good nights sleep. Did you enjoy yourself last night ?"

Ariadne nodded as she chewed her bacon, and washed it down woth juice,  before responding
"Yeah, it was a good night.   I've been to many wild beach parties,  but last night was wonderful.   Classy and relaxed,  with good company and great food.  And you couldn't beat the scenery "

In reply to Jade (msg # 257):

*nods* "I didn't realize how similar you two were.  I bet you will be best friends." *smiles happily at the thought* "Yes, she is a Fae.  Arber-elf to be specific.  They are the most common of the Elven Fae."

*nods* to Ari as he stands and gives her a quick bow. "Morning!  Our Warrior Princess!" he says enthusiastically.  It is clear that Jon is happy that he found a princess title for Ari like he has for Ballad and Jade.

"Yeah, Ari was a big help." he says earnestly.  "I am doing well, and you?" he take a quick look over. "I see you are ready for a day of adventure! And lots of walking" Jon chuckles merrily at the last bit as he expects much traipsing around Castle Amber today.

Jon nods in agreement "Indeed, I agree, the scenery was great.  The whole thing was a great. I hope we make sure to take time to do it again."

Jade nodded, "Arbor elve, I shall have to remember that."

"I agree if were ever in battle I hope Ariadne is there." Jade smiled.

Jade looked to Ariadne's attire, "I like your outfit, your so bold and different. Is Jon right, are you prepared to adventure today ?"

Ari chuckled at her dramatic cousins,  smiling affectionately
"I'm always prepared to go on a crazy Adventure in this place, but I'm definitely also up to some more sparring or something similar.    I'm still pretty tender,  but I'm hoping to be healed up in a few days. "

Did somebody think 'dramatic'? Did somebody say 'adventure'?

Ballad doesn't miss her cue. This time. The doors are flung open with barely contained exuberance. Ballad, with a fine sense of drama, peers into the dining hall; when she sees her cousins, she decides to enter, striding (swaggering) over: a most Romantic figure, from her ex-tremely dashing coat, the dreamy iridescent top (which probably has poetical sleeves, but since her coat's on, who can tell?), the gleaming darkness of intricate embroidery, a journey bag at her side and her pale hair gathered up in yet another fantastical braided hairstyle.

She pounces Jade with a hug, she scruffs Jon's hair, she hugs Ariadne too although with much less pounce (and, of course, only if Ari doesn't seem like she's going to recoil), and then she pulls her chair out, spinning it around on its back leg before she sits in it. Properly. One never knows what Bastion of Etiquette might wander in.

"Fair morning, you beauties! Keep talking, I'll catch up." One of the servers comes on over with a coffee and a flask in case Ballad wants the coffee spiked. She doesn't today.

Ariadne definitely didn't recoil, and seemed more amused than put out by the impulsive hug, giving her beautiful cousin a quick reciprocating pat on the arm as the blonde Force of Nature passed by her.

"You haven't missed much, Ballad.  We were debating doing some more sparring,  or perhaps something else to 'test our mettle', as the knights of Old used to say "

Jade throws her arms around Ballad.

"Good Morning ! You look so ready to take on the world."
She smiles from when Ballad throws open the doors to the pounce hug.

"How are you ?"

*grins* "Morning, Ballad" Jon says with mirth in his eyes.
"Indeed, you missed nothing of importance yet."

A small sip of coffee, although it seems more for the sociability of it than any deep-seeded need. “‘Test our mettle’? Why, that sounds like apples and moonshine.” Which means: fun, or good, based on the way she says it. "What sort of things will test your mettle? Is everybody back to perfect healthfulness then?"

"I'm aces, thank you, Jade. And all my threads are 'ready to take on the world' threads! Quite frankly, the world should really prepare itself to take on me. ...Though I did have vivid, albeit perfectly average, dreams. I remember... giving Uncle Random a hug and his money belt disappeared. Enter Dad, stomping into our tete-a-tete all j'accuse," she widens her eyes, in a j'accuse! way, and follows it up with who-me even-dream-me-is-innocent look.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

"I am sure dream Random lost his pouch in his room. Probably under the bed or something." She waggled her eyebrows and then.

"Oh, I am supposed to see the Queen. She is a Narwhal worshipper too and said she would have something for me today. Anyone wish to join me ?"

Ariadne looked at Jade thoughtfully
"I don't think I've met the queen yet.   I'll join you,  if you don't think she'll mind"

"I don't think she will mind. She might like to meet with you. Vialle is lovely she is from Rebma like me." Jade says happily.

“I have business this morning in Arden, but give Aunt Vi my affectionate regards,” Ballad says. "She is a very kind woman." That, for Ariadne's benefit. Maybe Jon's, too. She adds, curiously, "Why do you worship the Narwhal, Jade?"

"I always have, it is the state religion and I like the Narwhal, such a kind and noble being. The Narwhal has qualities to aspire to like wisdom, empathy, playfulness. Seems like someone I would like as a friend. When I was growing up it filled the void of not having parents."

Ariadne concentrated on her meal as Jade discussed her religion

*smiles* "When is your meeting with the Queen?" He looks over at Ari "Ari and I were going on a search for a couple of combat instructors for all of us.  And I don't know about Ari, but I need to get some clothes.  I only have my Armor, these and the super fancy outfits for Tir."

"After breakfast, if you wish to come along that would be fine. I am sure she would like to meet you as well. She was so nice to me, reminding me of home and just being someone to talk to for a bit."

Ariadne smiled,  almost self consciously
'I bought a number of outfits when i was shopping with Jade, but I'll happily join you for more shopping,  Jon.  Honestly,  it's probably not a bad idea to adopt some kind of a 'buddy system', watching each other's backs, while those grey scumbags are still at large "

*nods* "Thank you for the offer Jade.  I want to meet the queen, but I want to get us some trainers first.  So that we can set-up a routine and a schedule.  We have, individually, a wide set of combat skills and experience.  But we haven't worked as a team or a coordinated unit before. Thus we'll need probably a couple of trainers." he looks a little sad, but resolved "Please give her my regards, though."

*smiles* "Thank you Ari and I agree.  Your buddy systems sounds great.  Is it a form of teams?"

Ari chuckled wryly.
"Yeah, sorry about that.  I forget that most of us from Earth talk a bit more casually than you folks.  The 'buddy system' entails having us trying to travel only in pairs, so no one will be caught by themselves, alone and outnumbered, which, if I remember your stories correctly, has happened to all of us."
She cut off a piece of pancake and dipped it in syrup.  She'd presumed that it would be like the maple syrup, perhaps even like the high end stuff from Vermont (having been raised in New England, she was used to a lot of 'syrup snobs').
But this stuff...she could easily believe that the people here who harvested maple syrup had been doing so for a hundred generations, refining their technique and their artform until it was absolute perfection.
So much of the food here in Amber was like that.   Most of it was simple food, even primitive by Earth standards.  Meat pies, pastries, roast chicken and pork, and braised vegetables.  But the sheer quality of the meals, from the steak all the way to the dinner rolls, were so well done that it made the menu at Spago's taste like a happy meal at McDonalds.
Ariadne was still contemplating when it would be safe, or prudent, to leave Amber to resume her life on Earth, a life she wasn't quite ready to give up.  Now, though, she was concerned that taking meals on Earth would feel like she was eating nothing but Lunchables, and would pine for the repasts back in Amber.
Smiling at her own musings, she looked at Jon, a forkful of syrup soaked cake in her hand.
"I know that technically time is of the essence, Jon, but a short visit couldn't hurt, right?   Or, if you think there's no time, I could join you instead.  I mean, the queen isn't going anywhere, I suppose."

*smiles* "Yes, we have the time.  Since we are looking for them, it is not like we have an appointment to miss." he turns to Jade and grins happily, "We will be happy to join you."  *nod* "Indeed, that is a good name for it. And now that I understand it, I agree even more that we should enact it."

Ariadne nodded.
"Perfect.  Let's check on Her Majesty and say hello, and then head out to find this trainer."
With a smile, she popped the pancake bits into her mouth.

Jade nods and works on finishing her meal so they can meet with the Queen.

She is happy to see her kinswoman again.

(Hm... Use the Halls of Castle Amber thread for Vialle, I think...)

Day 4 - Somewhere around 1:30ish.
Jon collects his lunch, the special of the day, finds a couple of seats for them.  He waits for Ari before he begins.

Ariadne sat with her baked chicken, roasted potatoes,  and what she'd been assured were parsnips.
Ari chuckled
"I'll admit that I'm still not entirely sure if the food here is healthier than what i was having on Earth.   It's greasier, but it seems like a 'higher quality grease' if that makes sense.  It's definitely hearty food, but I'll have to make sure i stay active,  or i might start putting on weight here."
She set her flagon of lemonade by her plate.  It seemed like such a fancy cup for lemonade, but then everything was fancy and stylish here.  Even the mundane miscellaneous items, like soap and bathmats, looked like they'd been made with painstaking care by master artisans.
It was like living in Disneyland.

*chuckles* "Well, I don't understand the grease thing. It's comparable to normal food. But it is a higher quality than I'm used to.  After today,  I will definitely be getting back to basics. Up early for a run and practice my archery before breakfast."

Ariadne nodded,  though she smirked almost playfully and groaned.
"That's not a bad idea.  If you know a place to run, here, I'll join you if you wouldn't mind the company.  I guess my vacation is over."
She smiled, looking amused
"Though archery is something I've definitely only tried a few times.   I'll need some work on that.   I never really needed, or wanted, to do something so old fashioned on Earth, but if guns don't work here...."
She shrugged,  as if "guns don't work here" is still a phrase she couldn't get her head around.
"...then i guess shooting arrows at stuff is the next best thing.  I can only carry a couple of throwing axes at a time,  i suppose "

*smiles* "Company is always good for a run.  I figured, I will run from the castle out to the field where I went riding with Ballad and back.  Probably not as far since we were on horses.  But it is an area that I am at least familiar with."

Jon gives an amused laugh "Old fashioned." shakes his head "Well there are two basic types of archery, Bow and crossbow archery.  So we will have to see which one works better for you."

*nods* "Indeed, and too many would weigh you down and make it hard to move."

Ariadne smiled,  and shrugged
"It almost feels like I'm creating a character in a story,  I'll admit.   Playing around with a crossbow and a longbow, with  a pair of throwing axes on my hips?  It almost doesn't feel real"

Jon gives Ari a warm smile. "I can understand that.  Some of the things you told us about your Earth are mind blowing.  Like the the Autocycles and Motormobiles.  Your magic Card. And I still don't understand what a gun is, but they sound really important on Earth.  I have trouble picturing some of these things."

Ariadne chuckled wryly and shrugged
"It feels weird to think about my world as a 'magical place', but i suppose from a world with a lower technology level,  it might seem that way.  It's got lots of flaws, compared to Amber,  but it's also very advanced,  with many things moving faster and being more rushed.  Weapons that send projectiles faster than the speed of sound, routine communication with the other side of the world,  access to the world's knowledge at the touch of a button.  We take it for granted , and some people, perhaps even my father,  think we're poorer as a civilization for it."

Jon looks in awe as she describes some of the technology "I don't understand that.  I would think that would bring you together more.  Being able to communicate at will over long distances, access to knowledge.  Many misunderstands could be resolved instantly." his face still showing the signs of disbelief.

Ari smiled ruefully and shrugged
"You'd think so, wouldn't you?  And it has, to an extent,  but....well, it's hard to explain.   Easy access to information has made a lot of people lazy, and it can be easy to trick lazy people.   They know the informationis out there,  but knowing how easy it can be accessed somehow makes the information less important.   So when someone else claims that something is so, many people just accept it, because they don't want to spend time on their own research."
She sighed
"As much as I hate to admit it,  many of my people have become obsessed with leisure,  and have lost the drive to work hard, because most don't have to."

Jon shakes his head in disbelief "That is just inconceivable to me. I mean, to a degree, I understand. Because we haven't had to do much these last few days.  But we are starting to ramp back up to a full training schedule. And why would anyone just accept another's word, unless that is a trusted source like your King or commanding officer.  Or for us here, Ballad and Jade.  But if some random person in town told me something, I wouldn't believe it until I checked it out." he sits back.

"Your Earth sounds like a study in chaos and contradictions."

Ari smirked wryly and nodded
"It's definitely a place of contradictions,  and certainly full of glorious chaos.  But I'm sure if you found some old timers around the castle, they might gripe about how 'things were better in MY day!', or something like that. "
When she said the quote, the brunette affected a bit of a cockney accent, as if imitating some rough soldier from yesteryear
"Progress is a wonderful thing,  but sometimes there's a price "

*chuckles* "That is true." he says thoughtfully "I guess it really is a matter of perspective." he gets a far away look on his face as he seems lost in thought for a moment.

Sitting up, "I do still look forward to visiting Earth, especially if the whole group of us go." gives her a wink "safety in numbers, after all".

Ariadne chuckled wryly as she took a sip of her drink
"I'm almost afraid to take anyone there now....i feel like I've built up my home as some kind of gladiatorial arena or something.   And perhaps I'm actually painting it with a bad brush as well, focusing on the negatives.  There are more relaxed areas, with slower lifestyles.   In smaller towns and some of the more wealthy areas.  My father's home, for example,  is probably an homage to Amber,  in its own way "

*nods* "No worries, I don't think it is a giant arena.  Just a very different place.  Perhaps a bit dangerous."

Ariadne nodded,  giving a half smile
"It can be dangerous if you don't know what to expect,  but oddly enough,  most of it is pretty safe.  There are different areas of danger around the world , but a majority of the people in the area where i live have never had to defend themselves in a fight, and don't ever expect to.   Magic is considered the stuff of children's books,  and those grey jerks would literally cause a global panic if people knew about them. "

*chuckles* "Well, that is true of any place though.  I am sure if I go to the wrong part of Amber City, it could be quite dangerous for the unprepared.  And back home, definitely there are areas you don't want to go without the proper training.  But the vast majority of the people are similar to yours, they don't really expect to fight to protect themselves.  Though I guess they are better prepared for it." he muses.

*smiles* "But I am also looking forward to taking you all to my home as well.  I want you all to meet friends and see the world I came from." there is a wistfulness and excitement that is reflected in his eyes.  Perhaps a tad bit of homesickness?

He sits back. "I also hope to go to Rebma to see Jade's home and Ballad's as well." he gives a light laugh "I guess with you and Lance we can kill two birds with one stone."

Ari nodded as she chewed her food, thinking about Jon's words, and after she swallowed she spoke
"Ironically,  it might seem like Lance and I came from two separate worlds.  It sounds like my upbringing was more affluent than his, and we had very different experiences in our youth. "

*nod* "I can see that.  It would be like if one of the Seelie were also an Amberite. They would have a completely different perspective."

Ariadne cocked her head with curiosity
"Oh?"

*Nods* "Yeah there are effective 3 kingdoms or Empires or Queendoms depending on your point of view.  You have the Seelie or Light Fae, the Unseelie or Dark Fae and the Severed which is made up of members of the Seelie, Unseelie, humans and other races that banded together against the Fae Courts.  I was raised with the Severed.  Which is a democratic monarchy, my mother serves the Chancellor as an advisor to the court."

Ariadne raised an eyebrow,  clearly intrigued
"So you have essentially three kingdoms, all three,  for all practical intents and purposes,  disliking the others?"

*chuckles* "Pretty much sums it up.  And right now, they are pretty much equal in power, so there is an uneasy truce between the three.  Besides, the Wardens will keep the peace.  Nobody wants to go against the Wardens.  They are independent of the Kingdoms and the 9 of them are powerful enough to defeat any of the factions." there is a bit of awe in his voice and his eyes go a bit wide as he talks about them. "They are the ultimate authority for the Rangers.  We rangers are technically 'on loan' to the kingdoms' military."

Ariadne nodded "So, where do the Wardens come from?"

"The Wardens are usually Rangers who have had years of service and a gift for Nature Magic.  Usually they are Fae as most of the rest of the races don't live long enough to gain the power of the nature magic and become one with the land." *smiles* "It is my theory that there is a mystical component to the higher echelon of the Ranger's Corps, and it is a protected secret that only those chosen for the Warden's Path learn.  All told there are 14 that make up the Warden's Council."

Ariadne nodded,  fascinated almost despite herself
"Where do these 'Rangers' come from?  Who chooses them?  I'll admit that I'd love to have something similar on Earth,  since our 'global guardians' are usually just soldiers who are hampered by politics "

*Smiles* "Well, the rangers are selected from the huntsmen, which are formal woodmen.  They are masters of the hunt, patrol the woods around towns and act as wood guides between towns.  The best of them get selected to be enter the Rangers.  So these are people who have proven this skills and dedication to their people and the land."

*nods* "Yeah, I can see that.  Fae politics would have really hampered the Rangers and Wardens abilities." *smiles* "Perhaps in time, you can start the Wardens of Earth and develop your own defense force.  Independent of politics."

Ariadne nodded,  giving a half smile
"Global protectors, free of politics .  Sounds like a dream come true "

*smiles* "Well, Ballad and Jade indicate that anything is possible for us.  So, I guess it is 'never say never' is the rule of the day."

Ariadne chewed her food, thinking,  before speaking again
"I'll admit that so far i only really think of myself as 'some random woman with rich parents', and finding out that one of them was an actual princess hasn't really changed that.   I mean, money can be a force for change as well, but I'm still struggling with the concept of being able to....do....something else with the world.  It still doesn't seem real.  And it doesn't help that so many people her talk about it like it's ordinary. "

*nod* "I understand that.  I came from a world full of magic and amazing things, but some of what Jade and Ballad seem to indicate that we can do.  Seems like myth and legend to me as well." he sits back, his face goes neutral "I mean, yes, the Courtly aspects of here are easier for me, but beyond that.  The Cards, being able to travel to other worlds?  Being a royal above even other royals of my home.  Doesn't seem real.  I mean I don't feel that I have the ability to face one of the Royal Fae or a Warden.  Let alone be able to change anything."

Ariadne chuckled wryly
"It's a bit ironic,  really.   I was nearing the top of my chosen profession back on Earth,  and now i feel like that's almost beneath me.    Like I'm someone who sells turnips at a small roadside stand, and just found out that I I've inherited a gold mine .  It feels like I'm doing something wrong if i feel like I just want to go to to selling turnips "

*Smiles* "That is the an interesting comparison. But, if anything is really possible for us, then why not sell turnips." he leans forward again "Just because you have a gold mine now, doesn't negate the need for the turnips.  There would be those who depended on your turnips that would now be out of luck" *sighs* "It seems to me, what we need to do is find that balance between who are, who we want to be and who we are needed to be. Duty and desire."

Jon sits back, takes a deep breath, his eyes are kinda flat, "We can't become to self-centered nor too selfless.  Both of those paths can lead to destruction of yourself and those around you.  It is not easy, and in no way am I saying I even have it figure out.  Right now, this is just an observation.  But I have realized that we, really anyone, affects those around us in a myriad of different ways.  And we need to find that balance that works for both the individual good and the greater good." *smiles* "I'm starting to understand the saying "Uneasy is they who wears the crown." And it is just another example of how I failed."

Ariadne started to nod, then frowned
"Wait....failed?  In what way?"

Jon gives a sarcastic chuckles "So far, I haven't failed any of you.  But, because I didn't think of things they way I do now.  I realize how I've failed my people.  I chose to become a ranger to avoid and distance myself from my parents because of what I thought was a lie about my parentage and the role my mother was trying to groom me for.  I was thinking selfishly and didn't see how my actions may have caused issues for others.  Really until this conversation, I never considered the ramifications of not selling turnips as it were." Give her a weak smile "So I have lots of things to discuss with my family when I return home after my walk.  I need to make amends."

Nodding,  Ariadne smiled
"I suspect that my father had a plan for me, but when my mother never returned,  and he was essentially left stranded on Earth, i suspect he just let me 'run wild', so to speak. "

*smiles* "Well, that makes sense.  That his plans changed.  Did he ever tell you about your mother?  That she was royalty?" he asks with genuine curiosity.