Jon sees Ari and Jade off, seeing the escort of guard.  He does stop the detachments leader "I expect no harm to befall them while in your care.  If you fail, the King will be the least of your worries." he says with an unusually icy calm and his eyes convey that killer instinct honed through years of practice.

The way the leader of the escort detail goes pale shows that he clearly takes this threat-- and his duty today-- extremely seriously...

*nods* and watches until the carriage is out of sight, Jon heads to the stables to find a mount and to look for Ballad. "Well, this will be interesting. I hope we can some to an understanding. I am concerned that she will try to go alone.  I don't want to lose her, or any of them." *sighs* "She is so much a like A Fae, how much is real and how much is illusion and misdirection?  Who is the real Ballad?  Mystery wrapped in an enigma."  finds a stable hand and picks out a good horse, a mare black as night named "Sable". "Thank you." he says to the stable hand.  As he waits for Ballad, he gets use to Sable, he talks to her calmly and they get to know one another.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

Sometimes dashing is more than just a stylish air. Sometimes it’s a verb. Observe: Ballad — generally possessed of a dashing, poetical air — dashed from one place to another. She paused at her room, flung on her coat, her horn, her hunting knife with its sheath, her bag, pausing for a long moment to regret her lack of a hat (even if the braid-mohawk is high and would necessitate a strange angle).

When she joins Jon, a little late, there’s some high color in her cheeks and her stride is long. “Hail, Jon ab Eric!” she calls, before she’s quite reached the stable yard. “What a fetching steed! Let me fetch mine, and we’ll be off.”

And so she does, sailing into the stables proper to make acquaintance of whoever the stable master on duty is. She's would normally pass a lot of time with New People, but she keeps it snappy this time.

*chuckles* "Hail and well met Princess Ballad!" *smiles* when she comes out. "You are just fashionably late. All perfectly Fae of you."

Ballad’s horse is called Moonlight and she has a gleaming, silvery coat. Moonlight has black hooves and a black tail and black like smoke through the feathers around hose black hooves and Moonlight’s mane is a tarnished dark sort’ve half-black half-grey with striking streaks of silvery white. Moonlight’s nose is also darker than the rest of her; striking is the word, all ‘round.

"Oh? Well... Why not do a thing perfectly, I always say, even if I don't know what the thing is," Ballad says, easygoing. "To you, that is." She accepts a boost from a stable hand to mount and murmurs into the horse's ear for a moment. You're very pretty and dashing. Please don't trample me. Something like that. It's always good to set expectations with a new partner.

Once they're both mounted, off they go! The only direction Ballad has is 'toward pretty things,' so probably around the mountain. "So tell me about these Fae of the Faewylds, Jon. What are they like, other than frequently late?"

*smiles* move along at a nice pace, close enough to talk normally "There are several different Fae, broken down into 3 large groups.  The Light Fae, the Dark Fae and the Severed Fae.  The Light Fae rule from the Seelie Court, they consider themselves "Good".  The Dark Fae rule from the Unseelie Court and are considered "Evil" by most who encounter them.  The Severed Court are a mix of Fae from the Seelie and Unseelie Courts and other races.  Each court is lead by an 8 Arch Fae "Royal" Families.  The Seelie and Unseelie are nearly constantly fighting with each other.  This lead to the creation of the Severed Fae.  The Severed was formed by the son of the Unseelie Court who fell in love with a daughter of the Seelie court.  They renounced their families and struck out on their own.  Many other Fae, tired of the unending wars, joined them.  It is with the Severed that Eric left my mother."

*chuckles*

"Very dry, I know, but bare with me, this foundation is important." he looks around, staying alert a they are now out of sight of the castle. "The Unseelie are beautiful creatures with an unnatural ethereal beauty that goes from mesmerizing to frightening.  They tend to tease and tempt other Fae and races for their own entertainment. But they are dangerous because once they see something that they want, they take it and it is theirs until they tire of it.  But they don't usually set out to harm others."

*smiles* "You, Aunt Florimel and Jade could easily pass for Unseelie, just based on your beauty." He looks around scanning for any trouble and gives Ballad a chance to ask any questions.

Clip-clop, clip-clop. Measured gait, easy-to-converse pace. Ballad’s air is one of open inquisitiveness; when she does glance at Jon as he speaks, she’s all animated interest. A laughing look at the comparison to Florimel and Jade. (Ballad's is certainly lovely, a beguiling charmer, a flashy charismatic, give the Devil a run, and she's played quite cavalier with hearts out in shadow, but in loveliness she's no Ariadne, Jade, or Lance.)

"I see! But then when you've compared my manners to your Fae, which are you: Mesmerized, frightened? Or certain you're in the presence of evil? I can offer up a rather decent sinister chuckle. Would you like to hear it?"

If he would like to hear it, she provides. Who's she to disappoint?

But she does have a question: "Then were you and your mother the only 'mortals' in this Severed Court, not that you really count as 'moral,' but... well, you take my question. What was your status there? A happy one, I imagine?"

*smiles charmingly* at her question "Neither, more guarded.  You see, I have a slight advantage against beguiling beauties, being raised around such individuals, gives one a certain perspective that makes it more easily to recognize and resist." *chuckles* "by no means does it grant immunity or anything.  But against a passive or general "I'm charming aren't I?" or "Look how gorgeous I am", it is easier to see through the illusion." *smiles* "If I wasn't raised around such beautiful and terrifying creatures, I would probably be drooling after Jade, Ari or You like a love sick pup." not even realizing that you could apply that to Lance *laughs heartily* "I would love to hear sinister chuckle, but I don't feel I am in the presence of evil."

He composes himself and is quiet for a moment with her next question. "Yes, there are other mortals there.  Some naturally 'corrucing', some transplanted, some taken from other realms."  he takes a moment to look around again "The Arch Fey seem to have the ability to open portals to other realms, what I now know are Shadows, for a short time. When they do, many of the Fae travel to other lands for fun, plunder and breeding stock." he looks very sad as he says the last bit. "As for my mother, father and myself, we are Nobles in the Severed Court.  My mother being Queen, well now  Former Queen, was granted the same respect as an Arch Fae...." he then looks concerned, "Does that mean, she will lose her Rank?  Will we need to evacuate?  I mean is no longer Queen.  I might need to speak to the King about that before I return home and new of my real father's death is announced." but it passes quickly. "So we were safe.  My mother was happy, she loves the intrigue of the courts.  Me, not so much, which is why I became a Ranger.  First non-Fae to become one in fact, but now that I understand my heritage it makes sense.  So it isn't as special as it was." you can sense that his sense of pride in the accomplishment has waned since discovering the truth.

*smiles* "I assume that you know how alluring and beguiling you are, correct?  It isn't a subconscious thing that you do without realizing it?"

“I suppose I don’t understand what the illusion would be,” Ballad tells Jon when he says it’s easier to see through the illusion of passive charm or gorgeousness. “Sometimes things just are what they are.”

He says if he hadn’t been innoculated against beauty he’d be lovesick and Ballad’s dimple briefly appears, amused; she strokes Moonlight’s mane, tangling her fingers in the tarnished gray, letting herself be enamoured of the mare’s warmth and solidity, her shine. And she does provide a sinister chuckle. It’s not bad: wickedness in the heh heh, like candle flame smoke stain on the ceiling of a cathedral.

She listens, and then shakes her head. "They may not be opening portals to other shadows - that is not, usually, an art that can be possessed by those who aren't of Oberon's line. Your shadow may simply contain worlds. Then again, there are the gray men, so what do we really know?" She frowns suddenly. "Sorcerers are wily."

The frown stays, although becomes more thoughtful, as Jon discusses his mother's status. "Why would you need to announce your father's death in the Faewylds, if you're concerned it will discomfit your mother? The Faewylds are just a shadow. They aren't Golden Circle, are they? If my understanding of Amber's history is accurate, Amber has hardly rated its queens very highly, but there's always 'dowager queen'; one might not be said to lose one's title just because one's husband is dead or one is in exile." A pause. "You don't think your accomplishment special any longer? But why not?"

Jon looks surprised as she responds to a private thought, but doesn't say anything. *smiles* "It is possible that the Faewylds contain worlds within it or other dimensions." *shrugs* "I agree sorcerers are wily, but luckily enough for me, most that I know are good like Jade and Maya." he looks concerned again, "Well, it wouldn't be like an official announcement or anything, but once I tell my mother what's happened, it will get out and spread." *chuckles* "there are always spies, especially at court.  Sometimes, they are even your lover or so I've been told."

*sighs* "While the Severed Court is run democratically, just to annoy the Seelie and Unseelie, they are still Fae and some in the court resent my mother's rank, especially being Non-Fae and an Outsider.  But, when a being like King Eric shows up and says protect my wife and unborn child, most people would.  At least based on what I've heard about my father.  Apparently he was a bit direct."

he pauses for a few moment to collect his thoughts, still keeping an eye out for trouble.

"Well, it is not as special, because I'm not really normal or mortal like my mother and father, er step-father.  So accomplishing a feat that no other mortal has, it isn't true.  Yes, I still have to put in the work and I was not given any slack or special treatment.  But, I am the fist of our kind to obtain that rank.  But I am sure that Ari, Lance, your or Jade could attain it if you put your minds to it.  Just like the Fae to take up that path."

*smiles and chuckles* as he circles back to her first question/statement "So it IS subconscious, that does explain alot." he looks her in the eyes. "I can tell that there more to you than the cavalier, social butterfly, nair-do-well image that you present.  You have an innate beauty and charm about you, but so does Lance and Ari and Jade.  But you are hiding something.  Something behind the smile."

Jon’s first remarks get a thoughtful hmm. Clip-clop, clip-clop, go Moonlight’s hooves. She glances at Jon again when he mentions Eric. “I never met him, but I’ve seen his card. He had quite an air, at least in portrait. A dish and a half. What d’you know about him?” Her tone is not tentative. Tentative isn’t Ballad’s general style. But her curiosity is tempered by the understanding that he might well not want to discuss it, and so, too, her glance is eloquent of this understanding.

His answer about his accomplishment has her glance at him again, full thoughtful. “These Rangers of the Faewylds; they’re military, yes? Highly regimented, scions of order, strict playbook,” a nonchalant wave, “etcetera? Do you have a code?”

And then Jon circles back to a subject she is disinterested in discussing. She crinkles her nose, her dimple appears again although her eyebrows draw together; when she glances over at Jon this time, he's gazing so earnestly her eyebrows quiver, wavering between expressions. "Jon," she says, and there's helpless laughter riding his name, same as any air before a storm full of moisture. "I don't know what you want me to say to you. Sometimes things just are what they are, although... A ne'er do well? I promise you I do well quite often! Sometimes things go a bit corkscrew widdershins, but I do strive. Striving's where the fun is, isn't it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

*smiles* "I don't know a whole lot actually.  Most stories from my mother about how he was trying to unit Amber and defend it against its enemies.  Which at some point included Corwin.  And that he could be very unforgiving when dealing with people." *shrugs*

*chuckles* "Yes, but they are not regular military. Rangers perform all of the same duties as a huntsmen, but we serve the court more than the local communities.  Above the Rangers are the nine Wardens, who are the best of us.  And then the five Grand Wardens who run the whole order of Rangers.  We are guardians of the Faewylds as such our oath is "To protect the balance of the Faewylds, Serve the Courts of the Fae, so long as they are fair, but above all else serve the people of the Faewylds, be the arrow of light in the darkness and wall against tyranny." and we get to do this because the Grand Wardens are the equal to any Arch Fae, so there is a level of autonomy that the Rangers get that the Military of the Courts don't get."

*smiles* and becomes serious again. "Ballad, I'm concerned.  I'm concerned for you and for the others.  If we are going to take the fight to the grey men, we need to trust each other.  You are the only one that I can tell who has real experience.  If it pretty clear that you are trained, but I don't have a gage yet of your skills." *sighs* "I want you...I want to, more than anything..." he pauses trying to figure out how best to say it.

As Ballad thought: military, and elite military at that. She seems pleased to have had her guess confirmed. "Did you come up in some sort of unit? How are the Rangers of the Faewylds organized?"

And then, he’s concerned. Here we come to it! Ballad strokes Moonlight’s neck again and, although at first she's quite content to wait for him to find the right words (to boss her, she suspects), she's impulsive. So she says, with a lopsided smile - "I think the words you are looking for are 'take your advice.' Did I guess? Do you want my advice?"

*chuckles* "No and Yes." *Chuckles* "I want to trust you and would like you to be...Second in command when we five go into the field.  So that if something happens to me. I want to make sure that everyone gets back if I don't." *sighs* "It is why I wanted you promise not to go off on your own and investigate the Grey Men.  And you wouldn't commit to it. Even though it is too dangerous for any of us alone." runs his hand through his hair. "I don't want to lose you, Jade, Ari or Lance." *sighs* "But I am afraid that you will disregard the danger and go anyway." he looks up, concern evident on his face. "Promise me this much at least, wait until I walk the pattern and we go together.  That will give you the best chance at success."

“Why, I will try to take your offer as a compliment. You are fresh-faced.” Ballad whitens, and her heartrate kicks up, and she keeps her eyes ahead. At first. “But Jon, why would you be in command? What ‘field’ do you imagine us taking? And why don’t you imagine us each in command of our own regiment, working together, none set above the other? Why do you think you, above any of the others, will give me the best chance of success? And why exactly do you think I will disregard danger? Because you have marked me a beguiling ne'er do well? But why, Jon?”

*smiles* "Right now, as we are today, it seems that I have the most direct experience in small unit tactics.  Which is why I would be lead.  As for the field, everyone wants to hunt down these grey men and their origins.  While, I do not expect us to solve the mystery and stop them by ourselves, it is inevitable that we will face them in combat, probable is a shadow like where your Colonel is from.  When that happens we need to be able to work as a team.  Coordinated, protective of each other, supporting each other's strengths and covering for our weaknesses.  That, in the beginning, will take a leader." *smiles* "In time, with practice and experience, I don't see why Ari, Lance, Jade or yourself couldn't each lead a regiment.  Especially if we get the foundation down, working as a unit requires a different mindset than handling things as an individual." there is no deception or hidden meaning, he is sincere and honest.

*smiles* "But at the moment, I am not talking about the future, I am talking right here and now.  And right now, I wouldn't trust any of us to lead us as we are today.  And I am fully able to admit, in the long run, I may not even be the best to remain as leader. Jade, Ari, Lance or You,  may end up being better suited as the team lead.  And I am looking forward to finding that out. But we will only know that if we begin somewhere and that is what I am offering right now.  Is that beginning." his concern for the everyone is evident.

He runs his hand through his hair again and *sighs* "And why me, why do I feel I give you the best chance?  Because it appears that I have the most experience in life or death combat out of Jade, Lance, Ari and I.  Further, my skillset is designed to for information gathering and scouting.  If that is really what you are planning to do, then I have the skill set to assist with that.  I am also a trained tracker and hunter.  While the specifics might differ, the general principles are the same.  While it is true, where you plan to go, I won't be able to necessarily tell the different between a dragon and manticore, but I would still be able to track people and animals.  And if a fight does find us, I am also capable in either melee, close or long range combat.  Which gives us options." *takes a deep breath* "And that is why I think I would be the best choice in the here and now.  Long term, with Practice, Jade would be better and infiltration based on her Magic alone." *smiles* "Now, if you are planning on fighting the enemy head on, then right now I would say take Lance and Ari.  While you will be lacking in Range, because I don't know what Ari's "Guns", but that can be made up for with a bow or crossbow.  Because Ari and Lance seem like they are fighting types.  Again, until we practice with each other and get a feel, I can't better evaluate them nor compare myself to them."  he is honest and open with his concerns, there is nothing being held back.

*laughs* at the disregard danger comment "By your own stories, even half true, you've already put yourself in situations that were more dangerous than you initially believed.  Because when I asked for you to promise to wait until we've all walked the pattern and had some practice together, you deflected. You wouldn't commit.  Yes, you said you would train with us, but again the was dodge." *smiles and chuckles* "You are correct, you don't disregard danger, you underestimate it or worse overestimate your abilities.  I can't tell which it is. But that kind of luck, can run out and if you are by yourself, it could be the end.  And that is what I'm afraid of.  And why I'm concerned." *Sigh* "I don't doubt your sincerity to train with us or work with us. I would have the same reservations if Jade or Ari or Lance did the same thing."

Here is where Ballad interrupts Jon. It seems that I have the most direct experience in small unit tactics. “Does it? Why?”

Here is where she gives him a look that’s equal parts astonishment and irony. In time, with practice and experience, I don’t see why Ari, Lance, Jade or yourself couldn’t each lead a regiment.

Ballad is upset, and surprised to be as upset as she is. There’s no mystery about it. The more Jon speaks the more upset she becomes. The line of her mouth is flat, the cant of her chin imperious; self-possession does not equal cool-headed, poise does not equal self-control, and there’s this quicksilver lickety split tension coiled in her shoulders. The suspicious might wonder if her eyes weren’t wet; their blue seems bluer, somehow, elfhame after a heartbreak.

Here is where her fingers curl tightly in Moonlight’s mane, glad the mare cannot feel just how tight the grip is. Again, until we practice… Or maybe that’s when Jon laughs, and chuckles, jovial, jovial.

Her eyes go wide (and she goes whiter) when he tells her she is correct, she doesn’t disregard danger, she underestimates it or overestimates her skill, and that's when Moonlight's clip-clop, clip-clop ceases. Ballad pulls the horse to a standstill. There’s a basilisk in her crest; maybe here it is, too. The Look she gives, eloquent. She means this with the whole of her passionate heart: "You are a condescending ass. ‘By your own stories, even if half true.’” An echo. “Pray explain what you mean by that. What stories?”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:53, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

'Does it, Why' "Based on what everyone has said about their pasts so far."

When she stops her horse, suddenly, he goes a bit further, then turns his around and face her.  He looks at her with a sadness in his eyes.
'condescending ass' "Not really, there was nothing condescending or patronizing in what I've said.  You asked specific questions and I explained why I thought what I do.  Was it analytical, yes, but that is what you asked for, the reasoning. If I was truly condescending, then there would've been no room to acknowledge the potential of anyone else." that sadness evident in his tone.

He looks her up and down, trying to understand the person in front of him. "The description of your attack, the swamp that you were in.  The details, you deliver with a Bard's flare and fancy.  Off hand comments of other adventures.  They are like a fairytale and you are both the Bard and the protagonist.  But every fairytale has truth within.  I just don't know how much from 100% down to 50%, so the worse case was half true. And that is what I went with.  I will concede that my wording originally obviously did not covey that." *sigh* "Ballad, don't think for a moment, I that I don't find you impressive.  Because I do. And perhaps that scares me a bit as well, I don't know."

He takes a deep breath and looks her in the eyes "I apologize for upsetting you and insulting you.  It was never my intent.  But intentions don't matter, only the result." his tone in genuine, sincere and apologetic *sighs in resignation*

As with everything over the last few minutes, there is nothing by sincerity, honesty and concern coming from Jon.  There is no arrogance or attempt to manipulate or misdirect or confuse.

he thinks to himself "Well, I messed this up.  I answered honestly and to the best of my ability.  Perhaps it is best this way.  Perhaps, I did read everyone and everything wrong. I always knew I was the least necessary and most expendable of the five of us.  I just didn't think I would not even get to start."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk  As I read the exchange, this was playing in my head.

“There is no shadow from here to the Courts where the phrase ‘If I was truly condescending’ can be anything other than truly condescending,” Ballad says, hotly. Moonlight becomes restive, catching some of Ballad's mood, and Ballad spends a moment getting her mount back under control. Jon's sorrowful eyes, however handsome, fail (at first) to move her. He looks her up and down: and there she is, astride Moonlight (shhh, girl), not riding off yet.

As unhappy and upset as she is, she listens intently to his description of her stories as fairy tales. What he thinks fairy tales are. Bard and protagonist: as if all bards weren't the main protagonist at all times. “Then it’s unfair of you to say I ‘put myself’ in situations ‘more dangerous than I initially believed’; as if I invited the gray man more than you or any of the others did; as if I regularly fling myself,” and Ballad dramatically pulls at her coat, to bare more of her torso, “on a crossroads and say, Hallo! Enemies of Amber? Bring your talons! Oh dear, where did I put my weapon? You — ”

But then ...

... He apologizes. He apologizes sincerely, honestly, and without evidence of arrogance. It quite takes the wind out of her sails — the immediacy of her anger wicks away. Ballad can hold a grudge with the best of them, but it isn't her first instinct.  She takes a quick, sharp (uncertain?) breath. Her mouth softens, though she keeps her chin lofted for a moment. Her lashes sink, and so does her gaze. For a moment. Then: "Thank you for saying so. I accept your apology."

She urges Moonlight forward, bringing the silver and soot mare beside Jon's steed. She holds out a hand. It's for him to take. She probably won't try and pull him from his horse if he takes it... That doesn't seem to be at all the mood, which is quiet. Although if he hesitates, her expression becomes a dare.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

*nods* in acknowledgement and reaches out to claps Ballad's hand without hesitation. He says nothing, because the moment requires none.

Ballad doesn't linger; she clasps Jon's hand, nods (incisive, decisive), then drops it. Then she guides Moonlight in a full circle around the young prince of Amber until their horses are facing the same direction again. "Well, Jon?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

"Thank you." sincerely and honestly then *smiles warmly* "Lead on My Lady." no arrogance no patronizing nothing but respect and sincerity in his tone and mannerism.

Ballad, surprised, is studious of Jon for a moment. That was easy? Then — a smile in her eyes, star-bright, ‘cause why not be hopeful this is the beginning of a beautiful understanding? “Oak and ash, Jon! Don’t come over humble, now. You know I hope we’re all going to be friends.” Their ride takes off in a meandery way that is vaguely castlewards instead of away, though not exactly the path they took to get where they are... "About this training you want everybody to do... Do you have any tutors in mind?"

*smiles* "I too hope we will all be friends." he follows her lead "If, I were home, yes.  First, I want to figure out what everyone is good at and equally what they are interested in.  As an example, Ari said she has an affinity with Axes, but only really has her performance fighting.  She did mention that her dad gave her a familiarity with "ancient" weapons.  So hopefully that means she has the fundamentals.  Further, I don't know what "guns" are, so hopefully we can figure that out.  So I would test her current skills and then see if we can find a master to train her further.  The same for you and the others, including myself." pauses "Then we start on team work, nothing with weapons or anything at first, just getting a feel for how we move and react. *chuckles at a memory* then looks at Ballad What do you think one of the most unexpected skills would be for to train teamwork to a group of Woodsmen and Woodwomen?"