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?”