She nods slowly at parts of his words to her at sometimes the nod speeds up when he talks about how exhilarating and humbling the Pattern is.

"When I walked it, I was proving something to myself. The Pattern brought up doubts as to whether I was truly of the Blood of Amber. I think that was the hardest part for me but when I made it to the center, all my doubts vanished. As much as I loved being there for you and Ariadne and Lance. I don't think I would have traded my personal accomplishment, for the pageantry. Though I admit knowing you, Ariadne, or Ballad would be there for me to dance, and lift cups. It would have made the walk so much easier. We look out for each other like we should and that lightens my heart."

When he caressed her cheek, her eyes fluttered a moment then she closed her eyes. The nod to his words was slow then.

When he gestured around, she opened her eyes. Then he made the compliment of being his Sea Princess. She smiled and said, "Careful, you will charm the shine off the stars, my handsome, Hawk."

Jon smiles at her words. "Just speaking the truth as I see it, M'Lady." he says softly with a short bow.

Jon nods "While I would've loved to be there for your walk, I agree with you on not changing it.  It is part of who you are, the circumstances are as much a part of completing it as the walk itself." he looks up at the stars "Had I tried to walk it as soon as I could, I am not sure I would've made it.  There was too much...anger, disappointment, mistrust in me. It took meeting you, Ballad, Ari, Lance and Janessa to make me re-examine things." *chuckles* "So, no, I would not want to change who you are..." he looks her in the eyes and smiles.

"I must learn more of the world you're from. I am sad that it made you feel angry, disappointed and untrusting. That used to be the way of things here, I hope that we can change that for everyone. Our aunts and uncles, I can sense are trying, trying to be better people around us."

She meets Jon's gaze then smiles, "You do change people though Prince Jon, as I hope that I do. It is the way of many worlds."

Jon smiles "Yes, you do and for the better." he sighs "Indeed change is the one constant in our lives and the past is in the past.  We can't change that nor should we try." he nods "I look forward to taking you there soon, so that you can meet my mother and father. You will love it and fit right in."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Wed 20 July 2022.

"I would like that, to meet your mother. So do you think I would fit in, in your home shadow ?" She looked into Jon's eyes with her own deep green ones.

A small smile on her lips as she thought about it in her head.

Ariadne,  not wanting to disrupt the conversation,  turned to admire the view

Jon's smile gets bigger "You definitely will fit right in.  Your grace, charm and beauty are on par with the noble Fae." a soft chuckle "You will be the talk of the castle.  Trust me." pausing "And don't forget, I look forward to seeing Rebma with you, seeing your home."

Hearing someone quietly approach, Jon breaks eye contact with Jade and looks behind her towards the path and see Ari nearby.

Jon whispers to Jade "It is now almost a reunion, Ari has joined us"  Jon raises a hand in welcome.

"Ari! Glad you're here.  Come join us."

"Hello cousin ! Congratulations again to make it through the pattern then up the stairs to here on the same day. That is definitely an accomplishment." Jade has a wide happy smile as she regards Ariadne.

Ariadne stepped forward.
"This was supposed to be some huge achievement,  but it's really just the very beginning of things, isn't it?"

"It is a HUGE achievement yes. Though it is the key that opens infinite doors to you now. It also puts you on more even footing with our enemy who seem to have some capacity to move through the shadows."

Jon nods "This is a big achievement for us, it proves beyond any doubt that we are children of Amber." smiles "But you are correct, Ari, this is just the first step into a whole new existence for us.  And that does take some wrapping your head around."

Ariadne smiled, but also shrugged in a forced nonchalant way
"So, is there some Pattern Academy we have to enroll in, or do one of these old people just take us to the woods and let us 'have at it'?"

"Your asking the wrong person." She laughs lightly.

"A majority of my learning was self taught, though if one is willing to teach you then take them up on the offer."

Ariadne blinked in surprise
"Self taught??  Wouldn't that be...dangerous?"

"It was, yes but with time I became better at avoiding some of the pitfalls. I am good with a lot of the magical and mystical practices and so it may have been slightly easier for me. I really don't know since I haven't had anyone to compare it too."

Jon shakes his head as he gets a bit of an amused / awed look "You are amazing Jade." then his expression changes to a more thoughtful countenance. "But I guess that makes sense though, given what we know of the elders.  I doubt they were big on helping each other, I wonder if King Oberon trained them?  Yet, my guess is that they were left on their own to figure it out."

"Well, Julian seemed like he would be willing to help and we can always ask the king, or even our aunt Florimel. I bet she gave Prince Lance some pointers. Ballad was going to go into shadow with me and she seemed the type that was self taught also. The both of us were going to help you if no one else." She said to her cousins.

Ariadne nodded thoughtfully
"That sounds like a plan, asking around for tutors, and then teaching ourselves if no one else can be bothered "

*smiles* "Well, we have an advantage.  We have Jade, Ballad and Janessa who can help us master this ability.  So we won't have to go it completely alone."

In reply to Jon (msg # 88):

Ariadne chuckled
"I'm definitely glad we stick together "

"Well we have been only children, or even parentless children for a long time. It is good to have family now to count on and even help out. I know that didn't used to be the way but hopefully we find some strength in our friendships !"

Smiles "Indeed, I feel especially lucky to have met and bonded with you all.  You have helped me immeasurably already."

"So, now that we all have the pattern and I have given some cards to everyone we should be able to keep in touch. I will try to make further cards so that you can have full decks. I think that will be my major contribution during this war. The King seems to want me to make more cards for the family and I would be more then happy too. I will also work to provide magical support. I know we have been training but." She sighs.

"I don't think I am one of Amber's rising warriors. I do think that you two are Lance as well. I am not sure about Ballad or Janessa yet though Ballad seems like she is good at anything she puts her mind too." She brought back her smile.

She then folded her arms, "Of course that doesn't mean I am giving up. I might just surprise you now that I have my new Parasol !"

Ariadne chuckled and smiled at Jade.
"I'll admit that I've never been in a real war. My part of Earth is privileged like that.  But I've studied history,  and played in enough fake wars,  that i understand that while the gun toting or sword swinging soldiers get a lot of the glory, their efforts would be minimal without the people back in labs and factories making new and better weapons.  The people who make weapons more dangerous,  to say nothing of those who help with medicine,  transportation,  and communication.  Without them, people like me are just a bunch of idiots running through the mud with a sharp stick. "

"Thank you Ariadne." Jade welled up with emotion and hugged her cousin.

"Thanks, I think I really needed to hear that."