(Can be used for going to see Ezra, for example)

After the time in the library Jade will move to meet with those going with her to see Ezra. She makes sure to keep Ballad's drawing and note to Ezra with her.

Ariadne joined Jade in seeing the court herald.  It didn't feel like a productive use of her time, but she was genuinely curious

Jon joins Ari and Jade as well.

"The carriage is ready. This should be fun." Jade sometimes confused her kind of fun delving into books for a more general fun everyone could enjoy.

*smiles* "Indeed.  And with the company I have right now, anything can be fun." he will wait for Jade and Ari to enter the carriage first, before climbing in.

Jade blushes a bit but slides over she loved being by the window also it gave her occasion to hide her blush.

Now with everyone here Jade tells the coachman to head out and thanks him for his service.

Ari felt strange getting a carriage to go anywhere.    Granted, it was, at least in some ways, like the local equivalent of a taxi, but it just felt so posh and ostentatious, and made her feel self conscious.   While not growing up in a castle, her childhood was better, at least financially, than most people.    Many of her fellow students back in school were at least close to her level, but when she was college and especially in Los Angeles she had met many who were poor or even destitute growing up.
It made her a bit embarrassed by her father's (well, perhaps more her mother's) wealthy life.
In fact, she might have gotten more famous faster, but she purposefully allowed other she felt were more deserving than she was to take better jobs.  They just seemed more desperate for the work.

"What are you thinking about Ariadne ? You look a million  shadows away."

"Oh I have a favor to ask the both of you, when you walk the pattern could you carry my parasol with you ? It would mean a lot to me if you did." Her wide green eyes looked to both of her cousins.

Ariadne blinked as Jade shook her from her revelry.   She smiled sheepishly
"Sorry about that.  Carriages are such an old fashioned mode of transportation on my world that it's almost only used in posh ceremonies or other overly fancy occasions.  I honestly feel like I'm supposed to be some kind of fairy tale princess whenever i climb onto one.  I guess it's just one more thing to get used for around here."
Then the green haired girl's question clicked, and Ari frowned in confusion
"Carry your....parasol?  On the Pattern?  Why?  Is that some long time tradition or will i need to break my fall or keep.rain off my head at some point in the walk?"

Feom her tone and expression, it was clear that Ariadne was expecting almost anything to be possible when walking on the enigmatic Pattern.  If Jade had said "be sure to bring a bucket to catch all the jelly beans that fall on your head (but be sure to avoid the green ones)" then Ariadne probably would have believed her.

"Well, you are a princess not sure about a fairy tale one. It's not so bad a form of transportation I hope. Is it the speed or the ceremony of it that you have problem with  ?"

Then Jade chuckled, "Oh no, While you would no doubt look lovely striding the Pattern with my parasol resting on your shoulder. The Pattern is difficult enough without having to worry about things falling on you from above."

Jades smile grew as she pictured Ariadne then Jon treading the Pattern with open parasol parrying things from above while looking Oh so pretty.

Ariadne smiled wryly
"Well, it IS slower than the used to traveling, but it's definitely more the ceremony and the implied Pomp and Circumstance of the affair.    Still, I'll be okay following local custom.  So, why did you want me to carry your parasol?"

*nods to Ari* "I'm more use to walking or horseback myself. But this does make it easier to talk and admire the scenery." he blushes slightly and looks towards a window opposite Jade.

*smiles* "I would be honored to carry your parasol with me.  But Like Ariadne, I too am curious as to why."

"When walking the Pattern, it is possible for items carried to become enchanted in some way. When I walked the one in Rebma I didn't know this and had nothing on me. So I would hate to miss the opportunity with all of you walking the Pattern. I am going to ask Lance also."

She looked to Ariadne, "Your mother's ax." her eyes shifted to Jon, "and your father's big sword, might be so enchanted. Before your walk I was going to tell you to bring an item of your choice with you as well. It doesn't always happen but when it does it is rather nice."

Ariadne nodded thoughtfully
'That's definitely an interesting thing.   If Jon will carry it, I'm okay with that, though i can too if i go before him.  Taking my mother's axe is a good idea, though i don't want to distract myself with too much gear"

*nods* "Yeah, it is a good idea to take something important to us, to see if it gets enhanced.  I will be wearing my armor, my bracers and Jade's Parasol." looks to Jade, "So what has Ballad asked us to check on?"

"I would like you all to carry it if possible. Your mothers ax is already subtly  enchanted I don't think it can get double enchanted but I am not exactly the master of such things, so I could be wrong. It would just need to be hung on a belt or something."

Jade takes out the drawing, "She wants us to give this to Ezra, and it already has her question on it."

Ariadne chuckled softly and shook her head in wonder
'We can actually make magical items?  It makes me wonder if all the magical things from legend might have been from pattern enhancement"

"Well The things the pattern makes magical are far more powerful then the average wizard or witch can make magical. Remember it gives part of it's power to those who survive it and that includes the ability to teleport anywhere at it's center. Immortality or nearly so, the ability to walk through shadow and find what you desire. So likewise a magical item the pattern creates is equally amazing. At least some legendary weapons like Corwin's Greyswandir are."

Ariadne didn't really know about Greyswandir, but she nodded, getting the gist.
"Now I'm tempted to load up with backpacks full of stuff just to see what happens "

Jade laughed, "That's the spirit !" She smiled at her cousin.

Ariadne laughed.
"I wonder if this would worked to make a "magic knicknack store" here in Amber?"

"Well it might actually turn out bad what if the Pattern choose to empower all your knick knacks but not you ?"

Ariadne looked at Jade in surprise
"Has the Pattern ever done that??  I know you weren't exactly sure how 'smart' the Pattern was."

"I don't know the Pattern is tens of thousands of years old. Im nineteen, and the history of it is kind of private. I know a bit but not the history of all the times it has been walked."

Ariadne nodded, eyes narrowed in thought
"That would be interesting to investigate "

"You should speak with King Random, he would probably know. Or perhaps one of the older members of the family. Oh, and if you ever want me to check out your mothers ax more just let me know. It might be best to do it with less people about considering what happened last time though."

Ariadne nodded, smiling ruefully
"I would like that"

"Ok, as soon as we get the chance I will do that for you. It might be nice for you to know what something of your mothers could do, or what it was meant for, uhm besides slicing and dicing."

Ariadne shook her head with a smile
"I know so little about my mother, but it's strange to think about her having a battle axe with magic powers"

"Well, I bet she never though she would have a daughter who road motorcycles and had fake sword fights." Jade laughed teasingly.

Ariadne laughed
"Yeah, i would definitely have loved to see what she'd have thought of me"

"I bet she would be proud of you ! You turned out tough, and beautiful and curious about things. You are willing to fight, and willing to judge crazy singing. I am pretty sure she would like you."

Ariadne nodded, but found that she was having trouble speaking.    Despite never having really met her mother, thinking about her was more emotional than she'd anticipated

Jade could see Ariadne getting choked up so she decided to give her cousin some space.

Ariadne shook her head, fighting to get control of herself
"I'm sorry.   I feel foolish getting choked up, like I'm some lost little girl frying crying for her mommy, or something. But i guess I'm still processing all.of this"

"It's ok. There is nothing wrong with loving your mother and being sad that you won't get the chance to know her more. I wish I could somehow help you. While we can't replace her ever, we can at least be your friend."

Ariadne shrugged and nodded
"I thank you for your support.   I grew up without my mother, so i was thinking that I  should have been used it by now"

"I grew up without my mother and now I have to get used to having her in my life. This whole thing is a big turning point in all our lives. I think Ballad is the only one who has been here and knows her father and mother."

"Well, i guess this is one of the strangest moments in all.our lives"

Jade nods, "Though I guess a bit stranger for you being from Earth and all. I guess for Lance too who is taking things harder then all of us. I am hoping he bounces back, he will need his confidence if he is to walk the Pattern."

Nodding, Ariadne smiled
'I'll try to give him a pep talk when i can.  I used to be good at it back home, though i a little out of my depth here"

Jade turned to look out the window.

"Well, Lance is from Earth, you both have the same basic beliefs and knowledge right ? That should help."

Ariadne laughed out loud at that.
"Well....there are billions of people on earth, with thousands of cultures and millions of outlooks.  But hopefully we'll find common ground "

Jade blinks and turns around, "Your shadow must be huge or very overpopulated."

Ariadne smirked
"A little bit of both, to be honest.   Our higher technology means that life is easier, and that means people have bigger families and live longer."

"Wow, bigger then our family here ! Amazing." Her green orbs settling on Ariadne.

"Wait live longer, not longer then us though, you already mentioned your surprise at your new life span."

Ari shrugged and smiled wryly
"Many millennia ago, We adapted to a world where we lived only a few decades, by having large families and societies.  So when we eventually had the technology and know how to survive for longer, we had a huge population, and only getting bigger.  It's actually becoming a problem, though I'm hoping we're still a few decades from that "

Jade tilts her head in thought

"I am surprised,  I would have thought such an advanced society with all its technological advances would have overcome instead of exacerbated such problems. "

Ariadne shrugged and smiled a bit ruefully
"Unfortunately, there's a lot of politics involved, and crazy religious nonsense.  Too many people are fooled into working against their own interests. "

Jade wonders about that, "They need a Narwhal and a good Queen, I suppose."

Ariadne laughed
"I dunno about a Narwhal, but a queen in charge would definitely be a good thing "

Jon listens quietly and attentively to the conversation.  Not having more to said than what Jade has already said, but nods in agreement regarding being friends and support her.

*smiles* "Earth sounds like it can be overwhelming. But then perhaps, that is why you and Lance were raised there? Perhaps you will be the instruments of change your Shadow needs to avoid disaster."

"So Jon, what do you think you might walk the pattern with ?"

*smiles* "My travelling armor, my bracers and your parasol.  These are certainties. In speaking with Rian, the greatsword is key to something else.  A key to what, that is a mystery I hope to solve.  But I don't want to bring it with me since it is already enchanted." *chuckles* "Maya is going to be made when I ask her for another pack and wash cloth.  But I want make sure I have one here and home."

"I hope your armor and bracers get enchanted. I don't believe I have heard of enchanted armor, being made by the Pattern unless Julian's white armor is, it can even resist fire arms."

*nods* "That would be a handy enhancement, for the armor to become nigh invulnerable." *smiles* "Which would also be nice for your parasol.  It would become a portable shield.  And strong enough that it should slow your fall, if you can hang on."

Ariadne mused, sort of to herself
"I wonder what would happen if i brought my phone?"

"I could hope, since it seems to be the patterns decision what gets enchanted, one never knows. We can all hope for something nice like that. Too bad a motorcycle sounds too big to walk the Pattern with, I bet a magic motorcycle would be amazing !"

"OH ! there is Ezras !" She points out the window at the Heraldric Scholars Home.

Ariadne laughed out loud
"Now THAT would be something, riding a motorcycle through the pattern.    But I'm sure I'd need more concentration than i could muster going that fast "

"True, you said motorcycles are fast and you really do need to concentrate. Plus peddling it your feet wouldn't be on the Pattern so I am not sure it would work but the idea is amusing, perhaps you could just bring the tires with you."

Jade gets the door when the carriage stops. Stepping down and knocking on Ezra's door.

Ariadne waited patiently nearby, distracted by other things.

Joins Jade and Ari at the door. "Is he still open?"

"I hope so, it isn't too early or too late."

"...Come in...!" says an elderly voice from inside when the door is knocked on.

Heads in and holds the door for her cousins.

Ariadne walked in, looking around

Jon follows Jade and Ari.
He looks around.

"Hello Ezra,  I'm Princess Jade, this is Princess Ariadne, and that is Prince Jon. We have come to work with you on our heraldic symbols. I also have a letter from Princess Ballad for you as well."

*nods to Ezra* "Greetings sir."

Ari nodded in greeting

"...Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Are you now? Is he? Have you now? Do you? Have you? I dare say! I dare say! You newcomers have certainly kept people running to me, these past couple of days! Meh! Meh! Indeed! I dare say!"

Ezra is a rather old man. He doesn't actually seem annoyed nor displeased-- it seems more that this is just the most excitement he's had in, um... maybe decades.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

Jade beams with a smile, "First this is Princess Ballads letter for you."
Jade hands Ezra Ballads letter.

Ari raised a skeptical eyebrow, worried that they're about to give th e feeble old man a stroke

*smiles* and leans over to Ari and whispers. "Nah, just a man who enjoys his work and sadly probably gets little."

Ari smirked, though not unkindly, and nodded

Ezra reads Ballad's note.

"Nnnn... No... no gargoyles... no gongs... no pegusi... No..."

(15:32, Today: The GM, on behalf of Ballad, rolled 13 using 2d6+2 ((6,5)).)

Ezra takes a deep, long, rattling breath, an inhalation which makes the cousins fear he may fall over at its conclusion.

But he doesn't.

"AND YET..." he says... "...No. Yes. No. No. No-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-well. It does ring a gong in my memory, ha-ha. They brought me any heraldry from the war from the Black Road battles, from the Courts of Chaos. There were two items there. There was... some sort of..." Ezra rustles through papers (there are lots of papers all around him, scrolls and books and just charcoal sketches), doesn't seem to find what he's looking for. "...There was a gargoyle of some sort on a torn and bloodied banner from some unit fighting against us in the Black Road war... I recall that... And on a... on a... on a thing, maybe... Wha'ch'callem... Cloak clasp... Something like that..."

"Gongs are used now and then here and there in heraldry in the Golden Circle... Cibola... Jaday... Tanus... Mostly Jaday, though..."

"Pegusi, not so much... I did hear of a Shadow one time... from... someone... Ah... Was it... Princess Deirdre...? Or was it... Prince Random...? Or was it... Prince Julian...? Told me of a Shadow where they believe in the Unicorn, as all good people should... but they believed she is winged... I always liked that... Don't see why she couldn't sprout wings if she wanted to, I'm sure..."

Jade takes her Journal out and scribbles down notes from Ezra's statements.

"Thank you Ezra. I will convey that to Ballad."

She then shows him a sketch of her chosen heraldic symbol of the light house of Cabra with tentacles rising from the ocean and wrapped about it. It's light beaming out over a night time sky. All in her colors.

"Mmm, mmmmm, yes, yes... And you want to register this officially, yes...?" It's hard to say if he has a problem with that exactly? Asking might just be a sort of is this your final answer, really, for keeps sort of thing...?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

Jade looks to Ezra, "Would that would be alright ?"

"Erm, well, you know... It's none of my business, of course, young princess... But ah... These things have meaning, you understand... Some might see it as suggestive of Rebma wanting to destroy the lighthouse at Cabra... and that's rather symbolic in and of itself, you know... some might see it as representing Rebma resentment of all those Amber and Golden Circle ships going by over their heads, you see..."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

"Oh, I meant it to symbolize a connection between my old home Rebma with my new home Amber and the deep connection with the sea and sky."



Jade paces a bit, "Maybe that is why Princess Llewella chose a dolphin."

Now Jade was concerned she knew having some menace in a heraldic symbol was good didn't people have dragons, and lions, and manticore. She now began to pace nervously nibbling on her bottom lip.

Considers Ezra's words.  "Jade, what it the official symbol of Remba?  The Narwhale that you mentioned earlier?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:33, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

"Yes but only the Queen would use the Narwhal in her symbol and she doesn't I guess I didn't think this entirely through. Jon, why don't you register yours I believe hawks are benevolent enough watching from the skies defending from the heavens."

Jade starts to sketch and then crinkle up page after page looking this way and that at the pictures she draws. Among the pictures not pulled out and tossed away is a picture of Jade and her cousins all smiles and mugs of ale uplifted presumably at Bloody Marys, an almost cartoon like quality to it.  Another of them at the stairs to Tir. One of Lance slamming a bar across a door a serious look on his face.  Another of Jon and Jade there first meeting. Then one of Ariadne calling Jade a fairy princess in a word bubble. A picture of Ballad among a backdrop of flowers.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

Ariadne looked at the pictures, both amused and impressed
"You're a very good artist, Jade.  And fast as well.  Nice job "

"Oh, Thank you. I drew these over the past couple of days. There a lot more simplified and fun versions of us. Here let me show you."

At this Jade looks at Ariadne then draws some ovals and a skeleton of sorts erasing parts as she goes and darkening lines as she refines things. In relatively short order a serviceable cartoonlike but realistic version of Ariadne looks back at them from the journal page.

Ariadne grinned in appreciation
"I knew a lot of artists back home, and even dated one for a while, and you're at least as good as the best of them.   That's just fantastic. "

Jade smiles,"Thank you, I like working with stone more or coral and I hear the queen works with clay. My teachers taught me thought to work out what I want before hand before I let the hammer tap the chisel."

She took the page out handing it to Ariadne.
"Here you go, a Jade original."

Ari smiled warmly
"Thank you, Cuz.  I'll treasure it always "

*smiles* "But wouldn't you technically be royalty of both?  So having unicorn and Narwhale touching horns at the base of the light house.  The would represent the both part of your heritage and not be threatening?"

*nod* "Master Ezra, it is a pleasure to meet you.  My full name is Jonathan Bishop Hawk of House Hawk of Amber, Son of Eric former King of Amber.  My mother's Heraldic symbol was a white hawk on black.  While I was raised in a shadow, I adapted my mother's symbol into this." he shows him his current symbol the "celtic" knot hawk in gold on black. "At the suggestion of my cousins and to fully represent my heritage, I am thinking of adding a red sword on the left and red branch on the right.  But I am unsure, so I would like to have your expert opinion and recommendations."

"Fine, fine, no, that's fine..."

A messenger from the castle comes in. "A message from the castle for you, sir," he says. He hands Ezra a paper, then leaves.

"Mmm... Mmmmm... Prince Lance, son of Princess Florimel..." Ezra mumbles... "Two swords, argent, crossed, field gules with border argent...  A lion argent, sleeping... heart, argent, broken in twain...  Above hangs five-pointed crown, denoting his status as a prince, that's nice, goes with the pentagonal theme of the castle... yes, this seems fine..."

Jade smiles, "Lance !" is he outside ? she asks of the messenger.

The messenger is gone.

Jade pokes her head outside. The messenger is almost out of sight... Lance is nowhere in sight.

Jade calls to the messenger, "Wait good Sir, I wish to speak with you. Do you know where Prince Lance is now, his cousins would like to see him."

"He was at the castle when he gave me the note... but he'd called for a bedroll, so I suppose he is to go out camping, either on the mountain, or somewhere in Shadow..."

"Oh, thank you." Jade had a curious look but gave the messenger a corn and returned to Ezras.

"Lance is going camping, did he invite either of you ?"

*shakes his head* "No, I haven't seen him since he ran out during breakfast.  And before that, I tried to give him space, based on your advice."

"Hmmm I hope he isn't running away from home. I thought I had helped resolve things, maybe he just needs more space in the woods."

Jade goes back to sketching and thinking about her heraldry.

How did Lance come up with such a good heraldic symbol. Wait did he say broken heart ?

Jade quirked her brows.

Another shield was drawn and embellishments were added. A border of tentacles. A series of notes the notes to a siren song of charm on a banner across the shield. Bottom of the shield a crossed paintbrush and wand. A banner of open and closed parasols scrolling across the top.

She showed Ariadne and Jon.

"I don't know, perhaps Ballad would know. I'm sure he would've told her.  Or Aunt Florimel." *sighs* "We will need to inquire when we return and before the pic nic, but I also guess that means Lance won't be joining us."

Looking to Ari and Jade. "I'm worried about him, is this normal for coming from Earth?"

"I don't know lumpy ground can't be good for resting up for the Pattern walk."

Ariadne didn't go question the messenger like Jade, but the "broken heart" thing was odd to her as well.
She shrugged when they asked her about Earth
"It's not unheard of for people who are feeling stressed out to want to have some quiet time in the woods, either hiking or camping.    I've done it myself once or twice, though I'm not an outdoorsy person.   But I'd have hoped that with the dangers we're all facing that Lance would know not to wander off alone"

"Do you think we should look for him ?" it was open for either of her cousins to answer.

Ari frowned and rolled her eyes
"Normally I'd say that he's a big boy and can take care of himself, but i suppose these are unusual circumstances "

"Broken heart on his heraldry."

Ariadne sighed in frustration
"Yeah, that definitely feels like a cry for help.  Like one of those people who loudly proclaims that they're going to commit suicide, because they're hoping someone will stop them"

Jade nods slowly.

Jade shows Ezra the new idea for her symbol, "Better ?"

Then she looks to Ariadne, "Would you like me to help draw something up for you ?"

Ariadne shrugged
"Maybe.   What is my mother's symbol again?"

She seemed distracted
'And is there any way to know where Lance went?  Is there a specific place he would have gone nearby?"

"I can only imagine he would take the road into Arden.  Oh your mothers  symbol is the crescent moon."

Ariadne nodded, thinking
"He and I haven't walked that pattern thing yet, so it makes sense that he'd be nearby. "
She frowned in confusion
"The Crescent Moon?  Really?  I wonder why?"

"I don't know maybe she loved Tir, or the horns of the moon, I don't know."

Ari raised an eyebrow
"I don't know what any of that means"

Jade draws the crescent moon with the points aimed up, "Horns of the moon." She points at the tips.

"Tir is short for Tir Na' Nog'th the city floating above that we all saw last night."

"WOW!  Jade that is beautiful." he replies genuinely impressed to Jade's drawing.

He thinks and listens to Jade and Ari. "But a broken heart, hmmm...this doesn't bode well." *sighs* "Well after the confession due to the Axe yesterday and then what Jade told me before they left Bloody Mary's.  You might be right about it being a cry for help."

he pauses and switches his train of thought "Master Ezra, switching gears for a moment.  In Amber is there any particular meaning to the symbol of a broken heart?" while Ezra thinks "Let's first confirm, if there is any, to a broken heart symbol." he says to Jade and Ari as way of explanation. "Good point about Arden, Jade."

You get the sense that Jon is trying to piece something together and come up with a plan.

"Hmm, was her pale yellow or white on black for the moon?" he askes about Diedre's heraldry.

Ariadne nodded, though she still wasn't quite understanding the connections

"Then I suppose I'll go a new way"

"Silver moon on black backdrop."

Jade leaves her newly drawn heraldic symbol with Ezra.

"I need to go leave some orders at the metal smiths for my new parasol. I will be having a nice gimmicky Parasol made to my specifications." She says to Jon.

"Mm, on a shield with tentacles bordure, musical notes on the fess... A crossed paintbrush and wand at bottom, with open and closed parasols scrolling across the top... Yes, yes, fine, fine..."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Sun 10 Jan 2021.

"Thank you Ezra, and thank you for the warning how the other one might have been misinterpreted." She gave the man a warm smile.

*nods and smiles* "Hopefully it will be more sturdy than a normal one." he pauses "Now?" he askes?

Jade nods, "I will be right back." Jade heads out she already had written up what she needed for the remake of her parasol as more of a weapon and defense. She would put in an order for the pieces at a metal smiths and also stop at a wood cutters shop to place another order. Then hurry back to Ezras.

To avoid any Gray man problems she stayed to the main streets and crowds.

There are no ambushes, attacks, nor other signs of trouble as Jade moves about the city...

Ariadne frowned in Jade's direction
"We had just said it was dangerous for Lance to be out alone, and so what does she do?"

About twenty five minutes or so later Jade comes back.

*sighs* and Shrugs to Ari "I don't know, I was going to suggest that we all go. But, she sure is fast."  he looks back to Ezra. "So what do you suggestion for Ari and I's heraldry and is there any meaning of the broken heart?"

While they're waiting for Jade,  Ari waited for the herald's answer

"I assume the young prince is broken-hearted. It could mean in love, or it often has political meanings-- many houses who have been betrayed or exiled use such imagery.

As for the daughter of Deirdre, well... these things are very personal... Although I would certainly recommend incorporating the crescent moon, or at least the colors, at least in part... but such things are not required, either... Perhaps some other symbolism associated with her mother... the labrys, perhaps...?"

Jon nods to Ezra and then sighs, he looks at Ari to see if she made the same connection Jon just did.
"Thank you Master Ezra. So to clarify, what is the meaning behind the Crescent Moon, especially as Ari's mother used it?"

"An interesting question, young prince. ...The offspring of Oberon tended to... pursue... a theme, if you will. Caine, the master sailor. Gerard, the strong, good-natured carouser. Eric, the master swordsman. Corwin, the silver knight. Random, the merry trickster. Fiona, the enchantress. Julian, the master huntsman. Benedict, the master general. Llewella, the sea-princess who chooses to stand apart from the rest. Princess Deirdre... put in much less effort toward building up that sort of theme for herself... And yet, she, too, had her affinities. If Florimel is as beautiful as the day, the lily at noon, Deirdre was the opposite-- the beauty of the night, the silver lady of the moon... She was... bah. She was Princess Deirdre. We associated her with the crescent moon, with silver and black-- like her brother Corwin-- she had a set of black plate-mail she wore in battle, but I presume that was lost when she died... She was considered the most dangerous of the princesses in terms of pure combat, yes, yes... She didn't shy away from the battles when they had to happen, did Deirdre..."

"She was the axe's curvéd blade, was cleverness, was compassion-- that perhaps most of all-- she was considered to be--" He glances anxiously at Jon-- "very caring and compassionate. The mourning was great when she died-- it still continues to this day."

"I am but a scholar of heraldry. Someone else might be able to explain Princess Deirdre better than I-- a poet, or writer, or someone specializing in the various comparative religions of the Shadows..."

*nods* "I take it that my Father had something to do with her demise? Based on your look?" *sigh* "Be at ease, Master Ezra, I may the son of Eric, but I am not my father.  I, along with Princess Jade, have vowed to leave the past in the past." *smiles* "I share Ari's sadness in not getting to meet her mother.  She sounded very interesting.  And I think that your description also fits Ari quite well."

Ezra is horrified. "Oh, no, milord! I just... did not wish to say that any one parent was the most beloved of the people when the children of other parents are present."

He doesn't wish to say it, but now that Jon's pressed further, it's clearly true-- the people of the city must've loved Deirdre best.

*smiles* "Even better!" the observant will note a hint of relief *chuckles* "There is nothing wrong with that.  Every Dynasty has a favorite son or daughter.  It does not offend me in anyway that Deidre was more popular than my father."

Ariadne was somewhat quiet as the men talked, then nodded, putting her hand fondly on the old man's shoulder for a moment
"I thank you, Ezra, for your kind words about my mother.   You've probably told me more about her than anyone else so far, evennmy father, whose grief means he still has trouble talking about her.  I'll admit that I've also considered myself more a "night" person than a "lily of the day" or whatever, so incorporating some of my mother's symbolism into a design for my use makes perfect sense. "

The old man smiles. "Just let me know how you wish to do that, princess. There need be no hurry."

Ariadne smiled at the old man
"Thank you, sir, i appreciate it.   "

*smiles* "Now you have something to focus on and make your own here in Amber."

Let me know when you want me back here.

Ariadne chuckled with a rueful smirk
"True, but now I'm feeling like i have to live up to my mother's reputation.   It's a bit daunting. "


OOC:  please feel free to come on back, cousin.  :)

Jade after her talk with the smith on the pieces and sizes of material she will need, and then a trip to the the wood carvers shop. She makes her way quickly back to Ezra's. Coming in through the door after seeing the carriage was still there.

"Good, your still here."

Ariadne smirked and chuckled
"Why?  Were you expecting us to ditch you and make you walk back?"

"Well, I was gone a while, ordering things. How are things going ?" Jade walks over to her cousins smiling.

Ari shrugged, looking amused but pensive
"I'm having a bit of trouble thinking about a good bit of symbolism for my persona heraldry.   It feels like a much more important decision than it probably is "

*smiles* "It is an important decision, for you.  It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks really.  This is a visual representation of how you see yourself today, and in some cases in the future.  Ezra is here to help us understand the symbology of our chosen crests, to let us know what has already be selected by others and our ancestors." moves to give her a pat on the shoulder "And it is not something you need to decide today, I had it easy, I already had a crest that I started with.  Jade already has very clear idea for her original and her final one; even if she didn't know it at the time.  So don't feel rushed or pressured, take your time"

"Yes, take your time. You know we will help or at least give advice if you want us too.  Should we buy anything for the Pic-nic ?"

"Master Ezra, I think for the final version, we stay on the Field of Black, with the Gold Hawk as is.  But we add a Red Sword from my father's crest crossed with an red olive branch crossed under the Hawk."

OOC:  I will try to make it an update to my current picture.  Though I in RL am a terrible artist.

"I am glad your keeping the Hawk and honoring your father. Did you add a crown to it at all ?"

"Yes, fine, fine... I like the olive branch, very symbolic..."



"Eh? Er? What's that? Are we adding a crown? Mm?"

*smiles* "I defer to the expert, Master Ezra, if you feel the Crown would be important, then add a crown in Amber's colors above the Hawk.  If you feel it is not necessary, then without is fine."

"You should it would look nice, I think it would honor your father as well."

"Ooooh, ahhh, but it is a weighty question, young prince, a very weighty question. Some might see such a crown as a reference to your father's time wearing it. Then again, making the crown in Amber's colors-- and situating it above the hawk-- might suggest your acceptance of the man who wears the crown now, and his role. ...Others might not see it that way, though... Especially those who have uncomfortable memories of that era."

Jade tilts her head, "I thought he was a good king, he defended the realm, even died defending the realm." Here she looks like she is about to defend Jon's father's honor.

Ezra simply nods (many times), finding nothing to object to in Jade's statement (actually he's having a little trouble stopping nodding-- ah, no, there-- well, no-- there. Got it. Stopped nodding. All right. Good).

*smiles* "No worries Jade, my Father's time of King came during a very tumultuous time.  At least according to his servant Rian.  So there is bound to be mixed feelings towards him." *grins* "Yes, add the crown in Amber's Color.  Let those who think what they will.
"

He looks to Jade and Ari, "About shopping for the Pic Nic, I would say we should hit the dessert shop for any treats.  But the kitchen is preparing us the baskets."

"I know, I just see it as being a bit painful for you and I don't want that. Your a good man, and it is true that your father defended Amber with his life."

She rested her hand on Jon's shoulder for a moment.

"Oh is the dessert shop where you got the cake for me ? That was really good."

Jon gives her hand a quick pat before she removes it. *smiles* "I appreciate that Jade, it means a lot."

*chuckles* "Yes, that is the one I am talking about."

Whispers to Jon, "Im going to get some pastries and bring one back for Ezra, Laurence and Odile."

In reply to Jade (msg # 160):

Ari gave a half smile
"I'll admit that pic nics have never been something i enjoyed since i was a little girl, but it sounds fun"

Jade spins on Ariadne, "Your not a hundred ! Your still a little girl."

Ariadne laughed

Jade laughed too.

"Come on, I'll buy you a cup cake."

Nods to Jade. "Thank you Master Ezra.  You assistance is much appreciated.  My last question, before shopping calls, do we send requests to you for the official heraldry from tailors, armors, banner makers, etc.?"

"Certainly, milord..."



"Yes, yes, that's fine... Don't want someone to make a shield or something and forget a detail, no, no, so it all goes through me, at least until everyone gets used to the new coat of arms..."

*nods* "Perfect, thank you Master Ezra. Until next time."  He looks to Ari and Jade, "Lead on ladies" *smiles* "Oh that's right, I need to bring a game for the pic nic.  I know just the thing.  But we will need to make a few stops before the dessert shop.  If that is OK with you two?"

"Fine by me, I do need to know the address of the dessert shop though." Jade will ask one of the guard to please go there and purchase pastries for Odile, Ezra, Laurence and himself. If he doesn't want to deliver them himself she hands him another coin. To find a runner to deliver them.

Jade smiles to herself hoping it brightens their days.

Jon will look at Air and *Chuckle* "Umm, I am not sure of the address, but he gives directions that he thinks are correct. Ari, does that sound about right?"

Ari smirked wryly
"Don't ask me, i barely know where i am now.  If i lost track of you guys, the only reason i wouldn't wander the streets until I starved would be because you can see the castle from nearly everywhere.  But i think i remember that cheese shop nearby, though, so i think you're probably right "

"Alright, off we go to pic up the things you need Jon."

Jade waited for the carriage driver or Jon to get the door.

Ari, not realizing that it was "unladylike", opened the door herself and went in.

Jade blinks, blinks again, then, busts out laughing.

Ariadne frowned in confusion and looked at her cousin suspiciously

Jade looks up at Ariadne in the carriage, "You must be in a rush." Jade steps up and enters the carriage since it has already been opened.

Ariadne shrugged
"What, you were going to hang out in front of the carriage for a while?"

"The coachman or Jon could have gotten the door and helped us up. It's a social norm here Ariadne." Jade smiles.

Ariadne raised an eyebrow
"Ah....thisnis one of those old fashioned 'I'm too lady like to open a door' kind of things, eh?"

Jade looks at Ariadne and then holds up her hand and then it goes limp. She lifts it again and it goes limp again. She holds it against her forehead and smiles to her cousin.

"It's just nice Ariadne, it makes me feel appreciated but a Princess by acting as she wishes is the most perfect Princess she can be."

Ariadne shrugged
"Whatever makes you happy, i suppose.   Just be careful.   Sometimes there's a price to pay for being pampered "

"What do you mean ?"

Ariadne shrugged with a nonchalant smile
"On my world, a lot of women were expected to be 'demure and ladylike', and to let men open doors for them and escort them around and pay for their meals.  Which seems like a good deal, except that it quickly evolved into a society that considered women to be helpless and not capable of making their own decisions.  Which usually turned out badly for them.  I don't do any of that and I've done well with being taken seriously by men in society "

Shaking her head slowly, "It must be very hard keeping track of things on your world. As you and Jon, and certainly the coachman knows I can take care of myself." Jade makes a more muscular pose while still trying to look just that dainty and demure.

"It's just that it is both nice to be treated with respect, and also to make a man feel good that he has helped a lady. It does the feelings of both parties well." She ended with a smile.

Ariadne chuckled
'It's easier for you, since you're famous here.  Your rank will get respect no matter what, though there might be times when male relatives might get taken more seriously.   In my experience, though, men who don't know you tend to take advantage when they have it"

Jade looks down, "Ariadne, our royal title is not well known at all yet. There has been no announcement, no formal acknowledgement. You saw how that man at the bar treated me that is while not typical, it is more common then you might imagine. So to get treated well, and with respect. Forgive me but I really rather love it."

Ari shrugged again
"There's nothing to forgive.  If you like your life like that, then that's your choice.  But i suspect if you'd been male.that his disrespect would have been less bold"

"Do you really think so ? I mean I do have magic and all. Perhaps men are more feared in martial matters. I don't really like conflict. I'm not opposed if I need to defend myself. It is just when people fight they get all bruised, or cut and well you and I were in rough shape after those Gray men."

*nods* "Sadly, I agree on the last part.  I don't think he would've been bold enough to speak." *smiles* "But from my perspective, Women are just as capable as Men, when given the same training or have a natural aptitude.  Many of the Rangers and Wardens where I come from are women.  And most of the Courts are rules by the Queen with the King being the lesser position." *nods to Ari* "So at least with me Ari, never mistake my willingness to open a door, let you go first, help you up or protect you as anything but a sign of respect, kinship and common courtesy.  Because, I already know that you would do the same for me."

*smiles* and waits for Jade to enter. "To the blacksmith, please." he calls to the coachman.

Ariadne nodded, though with a shrug
"I'm still a stranger here, but that's been my experience on my world.  Men in my society grew up valuing strength over intelligence and courtesy.   And since the society here, even with magic, is a bit more primitive than mine, i suspect that the men here are just as bad, if not worse.  Perhaps I'll be surprised, but I'm rarely disappointed when i expect the worst from people, especially men"

"I really have to take you to Rebma Ariadne, women have ruled there for as long as men have ruled in Amber. Though men do still serve in martial roles right alongside women. I would like to say Rebma is ruled by different principles then Amber but you would have to see it for yourself. It really is an mirror of Amber."

"Jon I like you being courteous to me. If you should ever feel that I am taking advantage let me know. It's not my intention."

'I'd love to see Rebma someday.   A female led society would be a cool thing to experience. A nice change"

Jade smiled.

"It's a beautiful place. I really think you will love it."

"It definitely sounds nice "

As they rode along Jade's head swayed slowly side to side as she listened to the clop, clop, clop of the hoofbeats as the carriage made it's way along the cobblestones. She liked the sound it was soothing and rhythmic.

Ariadne, on the other hand, found travel by carriage slow and tedious, and felt like the cobblestones were bumpy and jarring.  But she wasn't home, so she didn't complain.

She worked to look around the city,  trying to memorize and learn the area, so she'd know her own way around

Nods to Ariadne "I am very sorry that the men of your world are so short sighted.  I will endeavor to do my best NOT to meet your expectations." *smiles*

Grins at Jade "Never fear, my dear, I will let you know should you ever reach a point that you are taking advantage of me.  But I expect the same in return.  Should I become overbearing and irrational in my treatment of you, please feel free to correct that post haste." *smiles* "But so far, it has been well with in the what I would expect."

He then falls into the mostly comfortable quiet of the ride, he smiles at Jade's simple joy of the carriage ride.
Once the reach the Blacksmith's
"I'll be right back, unless you want to look around the smithy." He opens the door and steps down.  He waits to see if either or both wish to come.

"I have been here, but I will get out for a few moments."

Jade will step down to see the black smith again and she realizes she should have gotten a pastry for her as well.

Only having seen blacksmiths in historic recreations,Ariadne got out to look around

"Ariadne, are you going to use your mother's ax ? If not you should really have a personal weapon made for you."

Jon goes to the smith's shop looking around.  He is looking for 3 spikes about a foot long, Horseshoes and a hammer to pound the spikes.

"Excuse me, Master Smith, but I was wondering if you have the following items.  3 spikes about a foot long, similar to what you might use for a tent / pavilion, 3 horseshoes and a hammer for sale?"

"Certainly... But... Y'don't want FOUR tent spikes? Four is... I mean, did y'lose three...?"

Ariadne pondered Jade's question
"Despite all the weirdness that happened last time we were near it, i suppose it was be a terrible waste to have such a beautiful and useful looking weapon kept in a closet.  But on the other hand, something smaller, and perhaps a bit more concealable, would be useful as a 'walking around town' weapon.    If that's even something that's done here"

Jade nods and indicates the Rapier at her side.

Ari nodded, though still seemed unconvinced
"Maybe I'm greedy, bit i was thinking about a short sword like that, but also a small hatchet as well. "

"Go ahead and ask the smith." Nudge nudge.

Ari shrugged and walked forward, waiting for Jon to be done

*smiles* "Four spikes and Horseshoes are fine.  I appreciate it. Please send the bill to Prince Jon's Stewart Rian at the castle."

If there are no issues, then Jon collects the hammer, horseshoes and spikes and puts them in the carriage.

"Certainly. ...And what can I do for you, milady...?" the smith now asks Ariadne.

Ariadne stepped forward,  smiling wryly
"I'm not sure you can, but I'll ask anyway.   I'm looking for a weapon to carry around with me, something to have handy in case of trouble,  especially here in town.  Something sturdy and substantial, but concealable and easy to handle.  And, if it's even possible, something that can be a subduing weapon that can become a lethal one, like, i dunno, a baton that has a sword blade or axe blade that clicks open easily."
She shrugged and smiled sheepishly, aware she was probably asking for something impossible
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Fri 15 Jan 2021.

"I have a couple of different medium-size daggers, and some good stilettos... but the rest of what you're suggesting sounds like things one could get in Begma... they're better with" --vague gesture involving waggling all the fingers at once-- "spring-coiled things like that..."

Jade had a big cheeky smile because of the things she spoke with the smith about for her parasol. They were definitely springy and coily.

(I should've thought about that... maybe they plan to send away for some Begma-made parts for Jade's thing...?)

Ariadne raised an eyebrow but nodded
"A trip to Begma might work, then.  In the meantime,  let's see your more concealable daggers."

They're well-made, fairly concealable, and yet they have nice solid pommels that one could whack a dude in the back of the head with (lethally or non-lethally).

Jade, "Didn't you want a small throwing ax ?"

"Oh, we have plenty of those, let me show you..." The smith shows Ariadne (and Jade, since she brought it up) a selection of very nice throwing-axes...

Jade will ask if there is a place to try them.

"Want to test throw them cousins ?"

*smiles* "I wouldn't mind trying to throw some."

Ariadne nodded
"I hadn't considered a throwing weapon.   I'd love to try out a throwing axe.  My dad got me a set of throwing axes when i was younger,  though I'll admit that I never really took them seriously.   When I was a child, i thought my father's seeming obsession with old fashioned weapons kind of odd"

"I just want to try it because it sounds fun. Throwing anything in Rebma is really hard."

Ariadne laughed, but not unkindly
"True enough.   I'd imagine that underwater is more of a harpoon kind of place, rather than thrown knives "

"Yes, those and tridents."

Ari nodded, smiling

"Jon this could be a game for the pic nic too right ?"

Ariadne chuckled
"I guess as long as we have a tree nearby that we don't need to stay pretty, we can use it for target practice "

"Let's try this Ax throwing thing !"
She lifts the ax and gets a serious look.

"Looser buys the winner a cool bauble !" She then hurls the ax end over end and is surprised as anyone she hits the target.


15:21, Today: Jade rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,4.  Jade is Throwing an Ax.

Ariadne frowned in concentration, sure she was about to be shown up yet again by the deceptively delicate and willowy looking sorceress.
She remembered the lessons from years before when she practiced in the woods behind her father's house.   She had almost no interest in something as rustic as axe throwing, but remembered it as one of the few times her father left his books and manuscripts and spent time with her, so she was ready to fake enthusiasm in anything just to keep his attention.
Apparently the lessons paid off, as her axe struck right the center of the target

Jade jumps, "WOW ! That was amazing Ariadne, the ax is definitely your weapon !"  She smiled, "Come on Jon !"

Ariadne chuckled weakly
"I guess the old muscles haven't completely forgotten how"

*smiles* "I'll give it a try, but please both of you stand clear."
Jon picks up an axe and attempts to through it.

OOC: 18:09, Today: Jon rolled 4 using 2d6+1 ((1,2)).
Just shy of the worse roll I could get.  So I know it doesn't come close to the mark, but oh benevolent GM what disaster has Jon caused?

(Jon gets 1 xp, takes -1 forward, and the plot will throw a metaphorical rock at him.)

Some people come around the corner just as the axe leaves Jon's hand.

Then the axe misses the tree trunk by an inch, and keeps going across the street.

Fortunately, no one is hurt-- the axe thuds hard into the side of a wall across the street.

It did, however, miss an old woman by just a couple of feet.

It went behind where she was walking, so she didn't notice (just looked around to see what that THUD noise was), but the group of people who'd just come around the corner did. From the corner of the block, they break into horrified chatter amongst themselves.

"Did that man throw that axe at that old woman?"
"I think he was aiming for the tree?"
"Still, so reckless! He could have hit that old granddam!"
"That's no man-- I think that's one of the new princelings!"
"It's not just any princeling-- rumor has it it's the usurper's son!"
"The son of Eric?! Just tossing axes at citizens?"
"He's looking this way! Run!"
"No, don't run-- act casual! But hurry!"

They-- extremely awkwardly and unconvincingly-- seem to all change their mind about which way they're headed, and in seconds they hurry back the way they came and out of sight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:26, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

Jade rubs the back of her head.

"Uhm, you win Ariadne do you know what kind of pretty bauble you might want ?"

She looks to Jon, "It's ok I am surprised I even hit the tree." She looks at him pats his shoulder and runs to get the ax and bring it back.

*nods* "I'm just glad no one got hurt." he looks after the group that just left "But it seems rumors may fly of the incident." *sigh*

Hands Jon back the ax.
Nodding, "A good thing for everyone, yes my fault really, I just wanted a little competition and in a way I am glad to it let our cousin Ariadne really shine !"

She looks to the smith, "We will take fifteen of these, please."

"Excellent, excellent! Er... I can let you have six now... Would two days from now be soon enough for the rest...?"

"Yes certainly what will the cost in corns be ?" Jade smiles at the smith.

"It's so several of us can have them for target practice. It kind of felt good throwing  it. Six should be just fine for our pic nic later."

"Corns? Do you mean coins?"

"It's so several of us can have them for target practice. It kind of felt good throwing  it. Six should be just fine for our pic nic later."</quote>

He names a price, glad that waiting a couple of days for the rest will be sufficient.

(Corns like unicorns Whals are like coins in Rebma)

Jade happily pays the man.
"Sorry about the earlier trouble, I know Prince Jon and the weapon must have slipped. I have fought with him before and he is quite skilled, and you could already see the skill of my other cousin."

"Better to practice now... all the better to toss an axe into a Black Road soldier later, miss."

Jade nods, "Exactly. Thank you for your workmanship again."
Puts the throwing axes in the carriage.

Ariadne winced when the axe hit a wall near so.some people.    "Always make sure of your background" was a cardinal rule of shooting or throwing,  according to her father, and they'd apparently forgotten that.   They'd have to be more careful in the future

"Well, that is indeed true and I should've considered that.  Best if we head to the dessert shop now." Jon is a bit more subdued.

"It was an accident Jon, maybe we can find where the woman lives and you could apologize to set things right." Jade says from across from him as the carriage rides along.

Ariadne chuckled wryly
"True, we don't want to get a bad reputation in this town"

*nod* "That might be a good idea."

"The only thing is I don't know how we go about finding where that woman lives."

"We should ask the Guard to investigate."

"Well the guard are right outside the carriage. Should we speak with them ?"

"Sounds like a good idea "

Jade opens the little window, "Guard ?"

When she gets the attention of one, "Do you think you might not be able to find where that elderly woman lives, we should like to apologize for any fright we may have caused."

"...If you'd wanted me to find those people, I think it'd be hard, but that one old woman is probably known in that particular neighborhood-- I bet her name and address could be found without too much difficulty... How quickly do you need us to find out, though?"

"Use your best judgement. It is probably best that we apologize earlier rather then later." She passes him a few coins.  "In case you need to pay for information."

"...Understood, milady. I'll get back to you..."

That particular guard leaves...

When Jade gets to the dessert shop she makes sure to get a runner to get a nice big pastry to the Smith.

Jon picks out a package of everything we tried last night before heading to Tir. "I figured Ballad would enjoy the choices."

Lance, morning of Day 5:

  It was his fifth day, counting his arrival in Amber.  The morning dew has just begun to burn off as the young Prince makes his way down into the city.  He is taken once again by the beauty of it as he walks.  Well rested, amply fed, he takes his time to look at that around him.  This time he did not have the enchanting company of his mother and cousin to distract him.  As he walked he thought about his first day here, how perfect it had seemed, holding Ballad’s hand and experiencing the wonder of Amber for the first time, and for the first time in his life truly falling in love.

  Lance pushed the memory back.  It was bittersweet, so much so that it inspired him to an idea.  Yes, he would need to add a candy maker shop to his list.  He smiled  wistfully.  He doubted that he would ever see the city again as he had that first day, but it was still beautiful nonetheless.

  Today, however, was his day in the city.  There were none to guide him, nobody to wait for.  It was just a Lance day.  He had all the time he wanted to meander through shops, sample any delicacy that caught his fancy.  The city was his to explore on his own, which he realized meant that he had nobody to share the enjoyment with.  It was why he had never gone to Paris, not wanting to experience it alone.  He shrugged.  Such had been his life, save for that one nearly perfect day.  How quickly he had made a shambles of things with Ballad.

  He had his list in mind.  First would be the armorer’s shop, to see what they had come up with for design ideas about his armor.  Lance knew that once finalized it would take weeks for it to be produced, but maybe today they could work out any remaining design ideas.  It needed to be perfect for him, as he planned on wearing it quite a lot.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

People, especially ladies, stop and stare, smiling, at Lance as he proceeds through the city.

A few people drop things.


The armorer, stuttering a little, speaks to Lance about armor plans. They sound good to Lance... The armorer encourages Lance to make additional suggestions, though...




(I imagine Lance walking through the city now as being like Jerry Lewis walking as Buddy Love through the streets for the first time in the original Nutty Professor... people gasping, shocked at the sight of his glory https://64.media.tumblr.com/tu...zold7eyJP1qc24fn.gif )

  Lance, it seems, is having a really good hair day or something, and people are enjoying seeing the young prince.  It’s nice, and after a while he finds himself smiling brightly and enjoying the attention and not dwelling on his past difficulties.  It seems that word has indeed gotten out that he is the son of Princess Florimel.

  He finalized the designs with the armored, coming up with this:

<img.src= https://images.app.goo.gl/9qUaCexoj8ihhFde8

  One cannot forget a matching helmet, of course, with the visor able to open.

<img.src= http://nerdist.com/wp-content/...-thor-2-07012015.jpg

  Of course, a detachable flowing red and gold trimmed cape is added in.  Style counts.

  It should take a few weeks for completion.  He thanks the armorer and moves on to the weapon smith’s shop next.  He commissions a set of weapons, each featuring flamberge style blades, lion-head pommels, sword-breaker style lion-headed quillions, and gems set in his colors.  He orders a bastard sword, a long sword, a pair of daggers, and a large headed hammer.  Etched in each are to be the words “For Amber, Truth, and Love, Forever!”  in Thari.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

The craftspersons are happy to oblige (and happy to take the promise of money in exchange for goods and services).

Lance feels satisfied that the results will be of the kind and quality for which he hopes.

  Lance has a few other stops to make, first among them is a quick stop at Ezra’s to verify the approval of his heraldic device,   After that, a stop to pick up some oil paints and brushes, order four heraldic banners, see if his skull was ready at the taxidermist,  After all that, lunch at an outdoor cafe, find a suitable gift box, a stop at a candy maker, and the last stop would be the florist.  It was set to be a full and busy day.

Ezra is fine with Lance's heraldic device.

The art supplies are easy to get. Lots of artisans and artists in the city.

The skull is not ready yet, but they show him what they've done so far, and he's pleased that they're making progress... (They got a Unicorn Priestess to sanctify the project, it turns out. Apparently that's regulation with humanoid skulls and heads. The Unicorn Priestess seemed slightly disgusted personally, but had no problem with the project professionally-speaking.)

The lunch, gift box, candy, and floral choices are all no problem. Lunch, indeed, is very nice.

  Lance goes about his errands, enjoying the day and being out and about.  He arranges for delivery of the skull to him at the castle when it’s done, which the taxidermist had seemed to think would be the next day.  When the sun begins to head for the horizon, Lance begins to make his way back towards the castle.

  He had a full night planned ahead of him.  He had to return the books he had borrowed previously from the library, and get some new reading material.  Cherzad, dancing, and Montevalno.  Lance figured he’d have a plate brought in, do some reading, and then get another good night sleep.

  Now that Lance had started earning his place by working for the Crown, he felt better about things.

--The taxidermist assures Lance that the finished skull as commissioned will be sent tomorrow...