A spot on the beach between Amber and the stairway to Rebma...

Night Picnic - Brat Pack Edition - on the Third Evening of their Descent on Amber. They know how to party, don't they? Or at least how to keep themselves amused...

The surf is an important element of a night picnic: how the waves curl against the shore; how the breakers crash and break against rock. How dark it is except for starlight and moonlight and firelight.

Firelight. Right. The bonfire is another important element of a night picnic. This one’s already crackling, the music of wood and flame, sparks flitting up as if they’d really awfully rather like to be stars—they’ve got big dreams, these little sparks!

Around the bonfire: Pillows and carpets for lounging in style should one not want to get too sandy. Also, a very picturesque bit of driftwood—some old and twisty tree from ancient times whisking around in the tide for who knows how long. Now it makes for a good sideboard, and it’s upon this driftwood ‘table’ that baskets of goodies packed at Jon’s discretion earlier and filled with treats have been placed.

Also, a candelabra, with little twinkly candles, and a lantern or two—night picnics are best with lots of luminaria.

Perhaps that’s why this particular night beach picnic has torches, too: there’s a circle of them and also a line of them lighting a little path down to the dark water.

-

Anyway, a carriage full of cousins and desserts will see a spot to 'park' by Ballad's horse and a royal wagon (in which probably all the other stuff was transported). There's probably just a little of walking to do towards the firelight.

Ballad is already there, yes. Also a guard, also a servant who set the thing up, both have been feted with food. She's standing in the surf--the salt water eddies around her ankles--with a handful of smooth stones in one hand, trying her best to skip a rock multiple times across the water in that one moment after a wave’s flattened itself and before the next wave comes.

Ariadne had seen more than a few beach bonfires, living in Los Angeles.  There had been a number of cast parties on private beaches with drinking and perhaps a bit of frivolity and canoodling.
This, however, was just incredible.

The thought and effort that went into setting this beach party up were truly impressive.   The lighting and seating arrangements were incredibly professional, allowing for a scene that made it well lit and accessible,  but also showed off the exotic darkness of the ocean and the surf.  Ariadne felt like she was on an expensive resort on a tropical island.

She laughed in joyous wonder and excitement
"This is Fantastic!  Just Incredible!!!  Well done, Ballad!!  Well Done Everyone!!"
Ari grinned ear to ear, clearly impressed and overwhelmed by Ballad's planning and the work of her and the servants.

Jade after she had come down from the carriage and helped bring the items down from it ran off to the surf to hug Ballad.

"Ballad ! This is all wonderful ! I agree with Ariadna a hundred percent !"

She walked around in the water enjoying it immensely and looking back at the beach from the oceans perspective.

Ari walked to the fire, and rook off her boots, and headed towards Ballad to join her in the surf, to let the water splash on her feet

At Ariadne's laughter (This is Fantastic) and Jade calling her name (Ballad!), Ballad turns away from the churning sea to hail her cousins. She flashes trademark lopsided smile, dimple very much in evidence. The whole of her body language says: glad you're here! Glad to hear you! Glad to see you! Glad glad glad!! A wave rushes in, but she's beginning to move away from the water to meet her fellows.

"Hooray, Ari! I'm so glad you approve, and -- " a little squeak as Jade reaches her and Ballad returns the hug, whole-hearted and laughing. " -- Jade! Have I mentioned how I love night get togethers best of all? How was the city? Did you all have many adventures?" She sounds wistful, as if she'd've liked to be having adventures with her cousins down in the city too.

"Oh we had a few, yes !"

"There herald sketching with decisions being made and remade, pastries making their rounds, and axes being thrown."

Ari smirked
"Our dear cousin Jon almost murdered an old lady, but we made sure she wouldn't bother us again."
She looked playfully at Jon before facing Ballad again.
"All in all, nothing too exciting.  What have you been up to?  Besides being the perfect hostess, of course?"

“'Made and remade'?” Ballad echoes Jade, curiously. “Did you change your mind about the lighthouse and tentacles…? Axes thro—?”

She looks from Jade to Ariadne. The moonlight silvers the beach. From the vantage point of in the water, the torches throw squiggly lines of golden fire on the wet sand; it’s all lovely, foam slipping up and away. Ballad’s eyebrows leap upwards at: our dear cousin Jon almost murdered an old lady, and she looks Jonwards, too. She's pretty sure they're joking. She grins.

"Oh, sure. Doesn't sound exciting at all! And yet I find I wish I'd gone to the city with you lot even more than I already wished it! What did the old woman do to inspire such wrath? Was there axe juggling as well as throwing? Who won the hour? As for what I've been up to, well..."

"I'll tell you! But first, do you lot want to eat and talk or splash and talk?" Ballad, always ready to be playful, backs a little further into the surf, lowering her hands toward the water in a definitely going to splash you sort of way. But she's far too gallant to do it immediately, without warning. At least, that's the air she's putting on. Mischief. Innocence? Mischief. ...Innocence?

"Ezra said people might take my idea to mean ill will towards Amber, so I changed it so that I wouldn't have to deal with even more sailors cursing me. Oh ! the old woman really didn't do anything she was just in the wrong place when we held an ax throwing contest, Ariadne won the day !"

Ari walked out into the surf a little, sighing happily as he feet moved through the wet sand.  She reached down to catch some water in her hands, then brought it to her mouth to taste it briefly.  It was salty and briny, of course, but so clean.  Cleaner even than the waters of Hawaii.
She stretched out her arms as she looked out onto the horizon, and smiled.
"This is just beautiful."

Jon grins broadly at the sight and the excitement of Jade and Air.  He stops and helps the guard bring all of the items we collected.  As he starts down the path, he stops and stares as catches site of Ballad just as she is turning. For a moment time stopped for him as his gaze fell on Ballad and then Jade and the juxtaposition of the two and Ari dark and mysterious their beauty left him stunned for a moment.  Luckily for him, the distance and the darkness hide his blush.

Recovering, he looks to the guard "That is an amazing sight. Not one I shall soon forget." *smiles*

As he nears, he hears Ari's version of the Axe throwing. Gives her a grin. "The old women did nothing to earn my wrath, but she surely must have done something to the Axe.  For I attempt to hit the tree that Ari and Jade did, but I missed and the axe flew straight and true, just missing her.  Axes are definitely not my strongest weapon." *chuckles* "But we sent a guard to identify her and I plan to meet and apologize to her."

He sets down this load, take a moment to look around, "Ballad, this is amazing! You organized a beautiful setting." he then nods to the guard and the servants "And you both did a wonderful job executing her vision.  Thank you."

Ballad nods her understanding when Jade explains why she changed her crest. She draws her fingers through the water, combing the wave. The water flirts: it draws back, then surges forward a gentle billow. Oh! Jade says, and Ariadne won the day, and Ballad smiles at them both.

Their answer seems to be implicitly: let is frolick in the water, not eat yet, so she flings a handful of saltwater up in a vaguely-you-are-goingt-be-splashed-next way, wiggling her eyebrows at Jade. But then:

"I am glad you all like it. All due credit to Aymer and Emmaline for the idea! And candlelight. Candlelight always deserves credit. Does it feel good, Jade, to look upon the silver shore, and know yourself home? I am so glad you're all here."

"Jon, did you bring a game?" Look, she may be sentimental, all romantic heart and feeling, but only now and again. Games! She splashes toward Ariadne and Jade again, just teasingly. "Speaking of games, do any of you know how to play poker? Uncle Random wants more people to play with. That's what I was doing with some of the evening."

Jade turned and smiled kicking up some of the water, "I love it. Perfect location. I get to feel the ocean on my skin again and hear the call of the sea. I am quite happy." Jade only reluctantly now came over for a bit of food.

Ariadne raised an amused eyebrow.
"You people have poker here?  You seem more like a bridge or gin rummy crowd.  Or maybe Cribbage.  That was big in my neighborhood."
She wriggled her toes in the sand

Jade says, "Well we brought some throwing axes, and we brought some shoes and spikes." to Ballad.

"I wish I'd brought a guitar "

“I think poker is just about ubiquitous—though I find there are variant rules. You’ll have to play Random and compare your Earth rules against Amber’s rules. I think I've played all those games you’ve mentioned except bridge—how's that one work, do you build a bridge out of the cards and whisk glasses of drink under it, trying not to knock the card-bridge down?” Ballad’s keen, naturally. And if a game of chance can be turned into a drinking game, why, why not?

But then: “Ha! I wanted to hunt down a guitar or a fiddle, but I didn't think I had time. Next picnic." A promise. "What song would you play right now?” Ballad asks Ariadne, gracefully collapsing onto one of the cushions. She rolls onto her side, propping her head up on her fist in order to look at Jade.

“Throwing axes, shoes, and spikes; what an interesting game that sounds like it might make," gaze gone inquiring, from Jade to Jon, then back to Jade. "Oh! Did Ezra have a reply to my note?” She looks hopeful and starry and Jade's the keeper of all her hopes.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sat 23 Jan 2021.

In reply to Ballad (msg # 18):

Ariadne smiled
"I'm no musician,  per se, but i know a few pop songs and a couple of medieval ballads.   Nothing special,  but fun when everyone is drinking "

Jade nods, "Yes, Ezra said the design was fine and he had no problems with it. Oh that reminds me, where is Lance. Lance sent his heraldic design to Ezra as well, and I got the messenger to talk, we found Lance was running off to camp in the woods somewhere. Do you know where he might have gone ? Is he going to join us this night ?"

Ballad did not submit a design for herself, so Jade's response does not make sense. Before getting to Lance, she wants to get this straightened out and interrupts accordingly. "Wait, wait, please. That was what Ezra said to my note and question? And the sketch?"

As focused as she is, well, for Lance she wants everybody to have drinks, so she'll get up and start pouring and passing around. Metal cups. Juice or something fizzy or fresh water.

"Well he said gargoyles were more common to our enemy during the Black Road War, He said gongs were used now and again in Golden circle kingdoms, uhm Cibola, Jaday I can't remember the other. There was another. He said primarily Jaday though. The Pegasi he said some shadows near Amber they believe the Unicorn could grow wings, he said he rather liked that. That is what he specifically said about the note you gave me to hand to him."

"Jade, you're a dollop of cream and honey fresh from the comb!" Jade gets a drink and another hug. "Thank you for carrying that message. He just told you his reply, didn't write anything? Our enemy during the Black Road War, huh? Did he happen to say how he knew that?" Earnest. Ballad, turned thoughtful as she finishes pouring. Then: "What do you all think, since it won't upset any petty noble in Amber, should I try to find a pegasus for a mount?"

Jade beamed at the praise as if standing in the sun.
"No written reply, as to how he knew that about the gargoyle, you should see the man's home. He has things from all over. He said he knew it from some broken banners and a cloak clasp that were left from that war." Jade checked her pocket book but was pretty sure Ezra didn't give a written reply. (GM if I am forgetting I would hand it to Ballad.)

She then turned to behold Ballad fully, "That would be a wonderful idea, you could ride across the land or fly through the heavens, I should love to see such a sight."

*smiles* "Yes, I brought a improvised version of a game from home."

He then listens to them, "Poker, yes, I am also familiar with that game.  Many of the guards and Rangers play it."

He sits back watching the women play in the surf before returning for drinks.
He hears the question about Lance and the Note.

"Indeed, Ezra's home was quite full of various items.  But what Jade said matches my memory of his reply.  What does it mean Ballad?"

*chuckles* "Well, you can get a pegasus in my home.  A griffen as well.  or a Roc.  We have dragons as well, but very few ever allow themselves to be mounts.  They are proud creatures."

Jade looks to Jon and then Ballad, "I have heard of poker but I have never gotten to play. Odile taught me a game with the family cards but it is different. Is poker hard to learn ?"

She then looked more to Jon, "I would like to visit your home sometime."

*smiles* "I look forward to taking you there and introducing you to my mother and friends." he then looks to Ari and Ballad "All of you." *grins* "Maya is going to love you."

“Don’t be shy about asking Uncle Random for a game, Jon. He says nobody will play him and he's not one of those who get so stiff with intensity you think they're going to snap if things don't go their own way. I’d say it’s fairly easy to learn, Jade--I’ll teach you if you like! What sort of game did Odile know to do with the family cards? What card games do they play in Rebma?”

Ballad listens with interest to Jade and Jon’s account of Ezra’s house. The corner of her mouth quirks up as Jade regards her; says she’d love to see such a sight. And the corners of her eyes crinkle, when Jon says pegasi and rocs and dragons oh my are all to be found in the Faewylds. "So many beasties in the Faewylds," remarks she. "Thank you for the invitation. As for what it means, Ezra's answer, it may mean nothing at all. But it may also be proof of a connection between the gray men and the Courts of Chaos. I found something with that image on my gray man after he died, you see."

Then: Ballad lifts her cup. "Friends, I propose a toast." She'll wait (Ballad has a fine sense of the dramatic, you see; of timing and poise, where it marries a certain kind of grace) for assent. Then, "To Lance ab Flora, may his Patternwalk bring him happiness, and may that happiness stay longer than an hour." And then, "I saw Lance in the library. He walked the Pattern this morning and has gone off into shadow on an errand."

"Oh it was one using the major arcana sadly we are not in it yet to cause trouble in the game. Where ones goal is to try and gain forces to beat ones opponent if you will, a chance to win the throne of Amber."

"In Rebma we don't really play cards, instead we play lots of board games, as well as games like chess, checkers, dolphins and sharks, coral chest and capture, things like that." Jade is smiling, "I didn't get to play them that much but the queen was kind enough to indulge me from time to time."

"Oh speak with Ezra then, it might take him a while to find something in his house but then you could double check it yourself."

Jade raised her glass for the toast but looked more and more horrified as Ballad spoke.
"He already walked the Pattern, without us there to wish him well ?" The pout was impossible to miss and there was an equally hurt look in her eyes.

*nods* "I'll have to remember that.  And take him up on the order."

*grins* "My mother will adore you, I have no doubt." he replies to Ballad's acceptance of the invitation.

"Hmmm, The Court of Chaos? Are they creating the greymen, you think?"
*smiles* Raises a glass and then starts when Ballad announces that Lance leave.
He finishes the toast, then asks "Do you know what errand?  Given that the greymen are hunting us.  Did he at least take a companion?"

Ballad drinks to Lance’s happiness; then she rests her cup in the sand. The rim of it gleams with fire. A particularly loud wave crashes against the shore.

"He went to his knees to beg pardon," Ballad tells Jade. The pale-haired young woman is trying to be fair, judicious. There's maybe a slight undercurrent for the sharp-eared to catch, but communication is a many-nuanced thing. "But yes, without any encouragement. He did not want it, I think. I believe Aunt Flora was there to offer him encouragement. He seemed... well, I hope now he's done it, he wields its power well. So should we all." A shrug. She shakes her head slightly at Jon's questions. "Laurence might know what he was about. He asked after something beginning with an S, I think? Sonvasht. Sofi? Sofifi? Sunish... I wasn't paying sharp attention, and then we did not speak of the errand. He did go alone."

Jade listens and not one to wish ill on someone just having walked the pattern.
"To Lance determined to walk his path alone." She then tips back her glass taking a drink to the toast.

"He knew we wanted to cheer him on, he must have wanted to prove it to himself. I told him I wouldn't let him walk it till he gained self confidence. That he would die if he lacked that. It's my fault, he walked it to prove me wrong and he could have died." Her eyes were big and not in that way like when she was happy. Her breathing had become harsher like she was having a bit of difficulty breathing. It was simply her being so upset not really a breathing problem but being from Rebma might have made it sound that way.

Ariadne scowled and rolled her eyes when she heard Lance had walked the pattern alone,  without telling them.
It shouldn't have been a huge deal, as she had met the man literally days before, and had spent a grand total of 45 minutes or so in his company,  but as a fellow "Earthican", she couldn't help but take it personally that he had, intentionally or not,  ditched her during this supposedly momentous event.
She silently drank, trying not to resent him for it, but being mostly unsuccessful

In reply to Jade (msg # 32):

Jon moves closer to Jade and reaches out to try and comfort her. "It is not your fault Jade, you didn't do anything.  Lance made this decision on his own. I don't understand why, but I do know it wasn't because of us."

He looks at Ballad "He apologized? What for?" Shakes his head in disbelief "I can't believe he went alone.  And I can't believe Aunt Florimel let him."

“He didn’t die. He didn’t seem confident; but he didn’t die. And Jade, he walked it for himself. You had nothing to do with it. When I saw him, he seemed exhausted but,” a slender pause (Ballad is trying to be generous, but there's that undercurrent) before she settles on the right word, “determined. Aunt Flora wants the best for him, I think. He'll probably be all right. It is too bad, his particular determination, but it's also his loss: He's missing out on a beautiful night with good company. We're not.”

Jade slowed her breathing and sighed.

"Your right he lived, just knowing he could have died. I can't help feel that he walked it to prove me wrong. I will rise above my own turmoil and be happy for him accomplishing the greatest test any of us could ever succeed at. To Lance a true Prince of Amber."

She raised her glass again.

"But he is still a jerk, for not being around to celebrate it with us."

Ariadne raised her glass politely, though she was still frowning.  She let out a little sigh of annoyance.
"I didn't expect all of us to be besties for life, since we're all essentially a random bunch of strangers, but I'd have hoped for at least the slightest hint of solidarity, especially with a common enemy.  Now Lance is out by himself, getting into who knows what kind of trouble, without any of us to help him.  He's definitely showing himself to be as stubborn and pig headed as many of the men from Earth."

*nods* to Ballad "Ballad is right, Lance made his choice and all we can do is wish him the best.  And hope that one day he will rejoin us." *frowns* "I too hoped for solidarity, much like the four of us have been." *smiles* "So for now, let's enjoy the company we have and have fun." he raises his glass. "To Lance, and too us!  The Cardinals of Amber!"

Ballad shakes her head at to prove me wrong, but she doesn’t argue again; instead, she offers Jade a firm little nod at I will rise above, her gaze eloquent and full of sympathy, flashes a vibrant-edged smile at true Prince of Amber and raises her cup again. Clinks hers against Jade’s. Jerk, indeed! Then Ariadne’s. Then Jon’s.

"He may come around. I don't think he wishes anyone ill. And I really hope he returns to you with news," she says, earnest, after Ariadne's piece, a nod for Jon's comment too. Then: more lighthearted, though no less sincere. "If he doesn't, it's great fun to mount a rescue, no? And I fully hope that we are friends and allies, even if we are new to knowing one another."

Another clink for Jon's toast, and Ballad shifts so she's kneeling instead of sprawling. "Cardinals? Like the birds?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

Ariadne raised her glass to Jon, this time with more enthusiasm, but looked at him with amused curiosity.
"Cardinals?"

"Bright red pretty birds !"

*smiles* "Cardinals as in Directions: North points to Ballad, South points to Jade, East points to Ariadne and West points to himself.  We hail from 4 different places, but Amber is the center of our connection to each other.  We each bring something different and yet we come together as friends and family.  Much like the compass drawn on a map"

Ariadne chuckled but nodded.
"Okay, that's a little odd, but I like it."

"I like being South." Jade smiles.

"I've been to all four directions on Earth, so I'm okay with whatever. "
She grinned.

"What do those directions signify in your personal mythology?" Ballad wishes to know. In other words, why those directions.

Ariadne looked at Ballad, and shrugged, a thoughtful look on her face.
"Well, in my specific part of Earth, the United States of America, there's a large area with its own 'Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western' parts.  So we have characteristics for each section of the country.   The East is a bit more cosmopolitan and old fashioned, the West is more relaxed and laid back, South is friendly but old fashioned, and North is subtle but determined.   Though those are just general stereotypes that definitely don't apply to everyone."

*smiles* "Back home, we have four stars that Shine bright and are used as references for navigation.  So the legend is that the Northern Star represents the future and the path forward.  The Southern Star represents the way home to family and friends.  The Eastern Star is that of the companion always there at your right hand.  The Western star represents hope, the hope to find love, adventure and return home." *blushes slightly* "To me all of you you represent some part of all four."

Ariadne nodded and smiled
"That works for me"

"Let's dance."

Jade snaps her fingers and lighting explodes into the air and music fills the same.
So that everyone can dance. Jade immediately begins dancing to the music and enjoying herself.
Little fireworks and the music continues.

"Come on everyone !"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrywJvtImSM




21:02, Today: Jade rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,6.  Glamoury Music.
I will take -1 on my next roll.


This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

Having been to many parties in the last few months,  Ariadne knew a few smooth Earth dance moves,  especially for someone as limber as she was.
Chuckling with delight at her whimsical cousin,  she nodded and got up to join the dancing, doing several spins and struts

OOC : 22:14, Today: Ariadne rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,6.  Dance attempt

"Wow Ariadne, that is cool !" She smiled wide.

23:29, Today: Jon rolled 6 using 2d6+1 ((1,5)). Adjusted for the -1 from the axe throw disaster.

Jon was hit harder by the drink that he realized as he manages to fall flat on his face, when he tries to sync up with Jade and Ari.

Jade bends down to help Jon up.

"First day, new legs." She laughs lightly.

Ariadne smiled at Jon
'Don't worry,  big guy.   I've been out dancing with ladies who dance for a living.   I've learned from the best "

*smiles* "Thank you." he says to both and he accepts Jade's assistance getting up. "I think I'll sit and watch for a bit, if that is OK?  I think it would be safer." *chuckles*

"You don't have to sit it out." Jade slows the music for a nice slow dance.

"Dance with me Jon ?"

Ballad is interested in her relations’ take on the cardinal directions: flick of an ember-bright smile at subtle but determined, it stays at the future and the path forward.

But if there’s one thing Ballad’s always up for, it’s a party! A dance party? Even better! Revelry! Noise! She claps with wild appreciation when Ariadne busts some extremely, ridiculously graceful moves, grins at Jade and of course twirls her green-haired cousin around, absolutely does the same for the poor (or not so poor) guard and servant on duty, laughs at Jon, and backs away from the fire so she can dance in the surf and kick up some water and who knows maybe there’s a merperson out there to lure up on shore. This is how the seal-wives and swan-wives of Brécheliant do it—Ballad wishes she had a fiddle.

"Just skip around!" she calls back to shore, from the water, when it seems Jon wants to demur. "Weren't you going to organize a dance, Jon-o? I remember you saying so!"

And as the music slows, Ballad's interest in it wanes, and she turns to the sea all dark and lovely, firelight in her hair. The light loves Ballad—it licks up her legs and gets into her hair, so she’s a silvery-gold ember, smouldering against the sea’s gloom. Just what the heck are you doing out of the sky, Star-girl? Who forced you to be too too solid flesh?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

"Yes, at your suggestion." grinning as he calls back.  *smiles* and Accepts Jade's offer of a dance.  He stands up and moves close to Jade, starting to get into position for a basic couples dance. "Thank you Jade."

"There we go." Jade will dance with the Jon slowly in the fire light and the occasional firework that zipped off from her and lit the night sky.

"See that much better."

*smiles* "Yes, but it also helps to have a beautiful women in your arms as a partner." Jon continues to slow dance with Jade. He keeps his gaze locked on hers searching her green eyes and getting lost in them.

"Is that so ? Hmmm perhaps I shall have to dance with Ariadne or Ballad next." She said teasingly winking at Jon. "A handsom man, does just as nicely I think."

*grins* "Thank you.  You are most kind." *winks* "I am sure both will enjoy it.  But it also means that I'll have to do the same."

"As well you should, I would never deprive them of my handsome dance partner."

Ariadne chuckled at Jade and Jon dancing, but then realized they were a bit too into it.  She admitted that everyone here, even Jon, were extremely attractive,  but the idea that they were all cousins was off putting to her, at least romantically.
The others, it seemed, weren't so prudish.   Though maybe they were just being friendly and Ari herself was taking things too seriously?

She got herself a drink and broke into the food, getting some dinner rolls and fruit.

*smiles* "Just promise me the last dance as well." as they continue to dance to Jade's music.  As they move around, his gaze flicks briefly to see Ari digging into the food. "I didn't count for the guard or the servant, but I did expect Odile and Lance, so we should have plenty to eat."

"Odile should be arriving, I think she just had a few things to do."

Ari, her mouth full, gave her cousin a thumbs up

*smiles* "Good. She is fun to have around."

Very soon, a horse-drawn wagon arrives, with a guard/driver, and Odile and a couple of servants. "Hello!" Odile chirps...

(This will have anything you're expecting, including folding tables, plates and wooden silverware, and anything else that you might have arranged to be brought...)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Mon 25 Jan 2021.

"Odile !" Jade smiles and excuses herself from Jon for a moment to head over to great Odile. Happy that she had made it.

Ari would help set up tables, unless Odile shooed her away

*smiles* And follows Ari and Jade.  He will also assist Ari and Odile with the setup.

Ballad comes out of the sea when more people and more stuff arrives, giving Jon a perplexed what is all this look. With slightly bewildered amusement: "Whoa whoa, pause a moment, fellows. You brought tables? We can't feast, all cozy, around the fire as it sings to us if we're at a table; why don't we just leave them in the carriage, unless the feast has become significantly more grand."

And if it has, so she will help, rather imperiously decreeing which spot is best for a table to lay out dishes that will be convenient to the fire but not too close. Maximum night-drenched romantic beauty: this is Ballad's goal, at all times.

Oo, hey, look, there's the box of desserts Ariadne, Jade, and Jon bought. Ballad sneaks something out of that box because it feels like it's time for dessert. While the additional set up goes down, Ballad says, "So tell about the game, the improvised game, you brought from home? Does it involve swimming and throwing axes in the water? Or does it involve jumping over tables with axes then trying to eat as much as you can then jumping again over a table and throwing the axe again?"

Ballad is genuinely trying to guess based on what she knows they brought. Axes. Food. Tables. Fun.

*chuckles* "It is a game of skill and luck." he stops, making sure that nothing is left in a dangerous state and heads over to basket that has the items. Jon pulls out three spikes, three horseshoes and a hammer. "I'll set these spikes up in line.  Draw a box around each one, about two paces large, and we will stand about 15 paces from the closest box.  We then each take turns throwing the horseshoes at the spikes.  If you get the horseshoe in either the 1st or 3rd box, you get 1 point.  If you get a horseshoe in the middle one, you get 2 points.  If you get 1 in each box, you get 5 points.  If you land outside any of the boxes, you get no points."

Ariadne smiled with a chuckle
"Okay, we'll keep things casual for now."

Ballad gives Ariadne a hip-check and grins at her. Ballad is, of course, a little sea-water drenched, so there's some splashage.

Then, all bright-eyed and avid and competitive, "That sounds fun, in spite of the tragical lack of axe-throwing or apple-shooting. A great number of games from my childhood involved shooting at fruit, now that I'm thinking of it. Do any of you have that one where you find an apple as gold as the sun, one as silver as the moon, and another as dark as a coffin, and first one to boil them into mush gets a prize? What did you change from how you play it in the Faewylds?"

The sea air... has worked its enchantment on Ballad, and she is starving, so she begins to make herself a plate.

Ari chuckled at Ballad's playfulness,  and smiled
"We had Legends of shooting apples off the the heads of people,  or bobbing for apples in a big vat of water,  but that's it "

*smiles* "Well, we have specialized weighted darts that we usually use and there are hoops instead of spikes.  You lob the dart and it is weighted so it nearly always lands point down. This is a game that I've played most of my life at gatherings." *shrugs* "I've seen variants with bows, axes and knives.  but most of those require vertical targets and require much more space.  So this is the closed to the family game."

In reply to Jon (msg # 79):

Ariadne chuckled
"We used to have a similar game on Earth, just called 'Lawn Darts', but it went out of fashion because too many stupid kids kept accidentally stabbing each other "

"So, shall we play then ?"

Jade took a horseshoe.

"Sounds like fun!"

She gestured for Jade to go first

"Ok. here goes !"

Jade winds up and tosses the Horseshoe at the spikes !

Clang it glanced off the spike instead of going around it. Landing outside the box.




20:00, Today: Jade rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,1.  Dexterity Roll.
-1 to the roll. so 6.

Ariadne smiled confidently and gently tossed her horseshoe,  which sailed over to.the post, then ricocheted off and rolled another 10 feet to the left
The second toss was closer, but she over compensated and it fell far short
The third shot, however,  hit the mark.

"Well.....poop.  I was hoping for a bit more.  I'm out of practice,  i guess."
She muttered to herself


OOC: 21:05, Today: Ariadne rolled 1,3, 2

This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Mon 25 Jan 2021.

OOC: You get 3 throws in a row. To make this simple, let's use a 3d6, each die representing a horseshoe.  Roll odd (1, 3, 5) and you miss.  Roll a 2 or 6 and get 1 pt, roll a 4 and get 2 points. If you get 2, 4 and 6, you get 5 total points.
So Jade and Air, each roll 1 more D6, for your 3rd throw and update the posts :)  This is supposed to be fun,  I hope the GM doesn't mind the simplistic rules.

*grins* at Ari "I wonder if that is were we got it from, a shadow of your earth." *nods* "Indeed it can be dangerous if you misuse the darts."
*chuckles* "So far not a bad start Jade."
*grins* "Well this looks like it is going to be more challenging than I expected."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Mon 25 Jan 2021.

Ok let me re roll using 3d6
09:51, Today: Jade rolled 12 using 3d6 ((6,5,1)).

Ariadne nodded with a smile.
"Nice job, Jade.  Trust me, I know that it's harder than it looks."
She was embarrassed that she was happy that Jade did about the same as she did.

*smiles* "Not a bad start.  So far, Jade and Ari are ties at 1 pt each." turns to Ballad "Your turn, Moon Princess." he teases "It is a beautiful night, so I expect it be to lucky for you."

"Yeah, c'mon Ballad you can do it ! Jade smiled cheering on their cousin.

Ballad laughs, then makes a Grand Show of steepling her fingers together, stretching this way, stretching that way, lifting her skirts (which are tucked into her girdle; Ballad's bathing attire is medieval in the extreme, today), swaggering with an air of extreme bravado up to the horse shoes, holding the horse shoes up to the moonlight, swinging them around a finger, going so far as to juggle them nonchalantly for showmanship's sake!

"I hope you're prepared! Though let's not bring Moonlight into it. You know it's not a great fan of iron," says she, with a wink. "But hear ye, hear ye, by iron and steel, nail and hoof, I bet a pair of silver-soled boots that nobody's ever seen the like of horseshoes in my hands! Ha HA!"

On the ha HA, she tosses one over her shoulder! Misses. Tosses another one with a twirl! ... Totally misses. Is clearly thinking about whether she wants to do a flip for the final throw, but in the end just tosses it with a Very Fancy Flourish aaaannnnnnnnd...

Misses. Ballad laughs, briefly covering her face, then with a lopsided smirk-smile, gently and imperiously applauds. "Ladies and gentlemen, have I sufficiently awed you? Really, I think you'll find there are invisible spikes there," she points at her one horse shoe, the rill of laughter (vibrant) in her voice stronger, "...there..." her second horseshoe, ""And, oh, absolutely there." A vague wave toward the sea, which is where that last horse shoe flew. With a splash.

Theater, baby. Always.

<16:15, Today: Ballad rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,1.  Horseshoe throws, let's do it! Let's do it RIDICULOUSLY!!!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

Jon laughs at the show that Ballad put on, a genuine laugh full more mirth and amusement.  He then kicks off his boots and removes his socks, before going into the water to retrieve the one horseshoe and collects the others on his way back.

Jon then stretches, further straining the tight red shirt he is wearing. "Well, here it goes." He leans over eyeing the spikes, takes one of the horseshoes, and gives it a good underhand throw.  The throw lands in the third box.

"Not a bad start" he takes aim again, this time his throw lands just inside the 1st box.

*smiles* "Well, let's see if I can get the center." and this one hits the spike and spins around it coming to rest in the first box.

*chuckles* "Well after one round, I have 3, Ari and Jade have 1 each and Ballad while has no points, is award one 1 point for style." He walks over and picks up the three horseshoes, fixes the lines and returns to his cousins.

"Another round" he askes.

OOC: 17:41, Today: Jon rolled 10 using 3d6 ((6,2,2)).
Of course, because there is no real thread of danger :)

"Wow Jon, you are good at this. Perhaps we should switch to Axes. Though Odile you better stick close to me." Jade teased a little bit.

She then collected her horseshoes for another go.

Like a kid playing video games Jade leaned this way and that after her throws hoping to influence things but failing.




18:00, Today: Jade rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,3.  Horse shoe competition rnd2.

*chuckles* "Nah, not ready for axes yet."  he goes gets the horseshoes and offers them to Ari. "Your up."

00:24, Today: Ariadne rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,5.  Horseshoes


Ari worked to have a bit more control this time,  and was moderately successful,  With one shoe  ricocheting off the post,  a second one falling onto the side of it, and a third ringing it with a clang of victory

She let out the breath she was holding

*grins* "Good Job!  You got 3 points total, which puts you in the lead at 4."  he walks over and picks up the horseshoes and heads to Ballad, handing her the horseshoes. "Your turn." he says. "Give us a good show again."

"Good job Ariadne ! Ok Ballad represent !" Jade was if nothing else enthusiastic and enjoying herself. Games usually brought this out and this was no exception.

Ballad chuckles—silver and smoke, low but with a bright undertone—when Jon awards the points. She sketches a courtly bow to her three cousins, just so, and doffing an imaginary hat. "Why, an invented point category, just for me? You're too kind."

(Somebody get this young woman a hat so she can make appropriate dramatic flourishes with it! Gave soulfully at people from under the brim! Hold it over her heart!)

She applauds for Ariadne and for Jade as appropriate and when she is given the horseshoes again:

“A show? Where is my heart, if I deny such a request? Brining in a barrell at the bottom of the sea—and that’s just not so. Friends, relations, citizens of Amber and Sea-weed Entwined Merfolk watching from the waves!” She makes a big show of rolling up her sleeves, of testing the weight of the horseshoes. “You’ve already been awed; now, by firelight and moonlight and this fellow's good graces—”

Ballad, all swagger and melodrama, spins 'em around her fingers, around her dainty wrist, balances one (poorly) on her nose and gets bopped on the chest for her trouble and must pick the fallen horseshoe up. After, laughing, Ballad kisses each and implores one of the guards to pass his hands over the horseshoe for luck and passes one through fire for more luck and the. She throws them each up HIGH! HIGH HIGH enough to arc across the moon! As if she's going to juggle again!

“—prepare to be dazzled!”

As each horseshoe falls from their very high toss, she throws them in brisk-rapidfire-succession: low to the ground, then over her shoulder, then overhead, clang, clang, clang! Her reaction is much the same in success as it was in failure. A flourish! Etc.

Theater, baby. She thanks the bonfire, the moon, and the guard, hand over her heart.

15:39, Today: Ballad rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,4,4.  Round 2. Can we be MORE ridiculous?

Jon chuckles and claps at the show Ballad put on. "You didn't hurt yourself when the horseshoe hit you?"  he asks as he walks past to pick up the horseshoes. He stops and double checks their positions, before it picks it up. "Well that is 5 points for you this round, for a total of 6. And 7 if the the crowd so approves." *smiles* as he looks to Ari and Jade for answer "That puts you in the lead and is a hard act to follow."  he clears the lines again.

He comes backs to the starting line.
He lines up his first one shot and it just falls short of the box. *shrugs* "Well, got two more."

He shifts a little to the right and throws, this one is close to the middle, but just outside the box to the right.
*smiles* "Well, I still have one shot."

He shifts a bit to the left to compensate and lets fly, again he is close, but to the left of first box.
*chuckles* "I knew that was going to be a tough act to follow.  But I had hope to at least place."
Jon is in high spirits playing with his cousins.

He collects the horseshoes and straightens the line.  "One final round? Currently the score is Ballad at 6 or 7, Ari at 4 and Jade and I are tied at 3.  Or do we want to call it for now and eat and dance some more?"

OOC: 21:36, Today: Jon rolled 5 using 3d6 ((1,3,1)).
Ah there is the dice roller that I know!

Ariadne stepped up, eyes narrowed with concentration
"Okay, one more time, then.  Come on,  boys, Mama needs a win!!"

She tossed her first shoe,  which tumbled close and touching the pole.  She carefully tossed the second,  and it went to the side,  but bounced back, touching the pole as well. Emboldened,  sbe lobbed the third shoe, which flew straight.
It hit the pole hard on the inside!!!  And the show spun around several times with the momentum of the throw.
Ariadne opened her mouth to cheer.....and the spinning shoe flew off the pole, landing 2 paces away.

Ariadne groaned in amused disgust.
"Oh, Come on!!!! You've GOT to be kidding me!!! Ugh.....well, two out of three ain't bad, as the song goes"

OOC:00:24, Today: Ariadne rolled 17 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,5.  Horseshoe
 

Jade laughed, "Your earth sayings are so funny Ariadne !"

Jade collected prepared for her own throw.
"I'm so far behind, I need a bit of that luck."



05:55, Today: Jade rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,4.  Horse shoe competition rnd3.



"Yay ! Thank the Narwhal !" Jade did a little dance after her throws.

*smiles* "Nice shot Ari, you up to 6 points with that."

Jon grins and claps at Jade's turn.  "Great job Jade!  That is 5 for getting all three boxes!  That puts you at 8 and in the lead."

Jon picks ups the horseshoes clears the lines and heads over to Ballad. "Well, Princess, your turn.  Since the crowd apparently weren't impressed, you are at 6 points.  You only need three to win or tie at worst."

Applause for Ariadne again! For Jade, too! "Well done!" she cries, clapping, and, "Oooh," with a wince when Ariadne's horseshoe flings itself off the pole, "That shoe was a traitor."

And Ballad, with an imperious and nonchalantly gallant air, sweeps Jon a low curtsy as he brings the horseshoes over again, swallowing the picnic food she was nibbling on as she watched the others. "I'm content with six; especially as we both know I've another style point, even if it is playing ghost on our imaginary scoreboard," and yes, her eyes do sparkle, all glint-y amusement.

She tosses the first one, casually, gunslinger-esque. The second and third she--after making a show (naturally) of guaging the wind, triangulating some mathematical problem--throws at the same time off-course, the idea being that she'd hit one horseshoe with the other in a flashy move that would knock them both onto the perfect course and double extra super melodramatic lovely win. As it happens: one horseshoe does clang for points! The other got tangled up and languishes, despairing, just away from the spike that would have given it victory.

"You know, I think that horseshoe needs encouragement, and the only way I know to encourage iron is by drinking to its hard heart." She fills her cup and starts nibbling more picnic food.

15:37, Today: Ballad rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,1.  Melodramatic Horseshoe Throw Final Lightning Round.

"Wow, amazing. Well done Ballad." Jade claps a bit.

*smiles* "Well done, that brings you up to 8 and tied with Jade." he goes gets the horseshoes and straightens the lines.

"Well, lets hope I can at least make a good showing."  he lines up and throw and it goes wide to the left of the center line.
*sigh* "Not a good start." he lines up shifting to the right to offset his lean to the left.

His second shot falls short of the box for the first stake.
*shrugs* "Well, still got one try." and his last throw goes just too far behind the 3rd spike.

*Chuckles*  and shows mock anger "Drat, defeated at my own game!" he then lets out a big laugh.
"Well played. So that gives us a Tie for first with Jade and Ballad, Ari in third with 6 and me far in fourth with 3 points."

He smiles "I did not have time to think of a prize, so, within reason you each can pick a reward and I will do my best to acquire it or complete."



19:11, Today: Jon rolled 9 using 3d6 ((3,1,5)).
Ah thank you dice roller :)

"Awww Jon, it was just beginners luck, not to worry." Giving him a warm smile.
Still she did beam with a smile to Ballad and Ariadne as well.

"I need to gain a bit more style, so I will be watching you closely now Ballad."

“Speak for yourself,” Ballad says, re: beginner's luck, lopsided smile still in effect (dimple, charm like a spell). A bow for Jade, “But it’s my honor to tie with you, Jade." Her eyes dance.

"And I know just what reward I want from you, Jon. But I'll sit on it until the end of the night, in case something more appealing comes to me, by your leave. I'm begging off immediate ax-throwing in favor of food.”

And she, with a sigh, retires to one of the cushions by the fire. With ... a great deal of food on a plate, thank you very much. Flamboyant high spirits for a game aside, Ballad is still... tired today.

Ari didn't say much as she got a plate of food.  While not the exotic,  almost hipster fusion food she had grown accustomed to back in LA, it was excellent food, and very well made.  It was almost like simple fare, but so well done as to be beyond gourmet.
She'd have to watch her diet in this place, that's for sure.   The Amber kitchens were essentially an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet with the quality of a five, or perhaps six, star restaurant.

Still, she couldn't shake the tiniest bit of annoyance at the outcome of the competition.   Once again,  she'd come up short against her cousins.   It was very frustrating.
And, she realized, totally unjustified.    She used to love competition back on Earth, but now she was wondering if she only loved it because,  back there, she always won.  And sometimes had to hold back a bit to let others do well.   It had given her a sense of superiority and control that was comfortable and relaxing.
This new dynamic and paradigm was...unsettling.   And she'd have to work to adjust for it

Jade smiled and said, "Alright, I shall take luck then, though are you sure Julian didn't steal a small babe from Bleys crib when you were newly born ? You certainly have the style." Jade laughed for a bit.

She joined in the feast filling her plate but sat a bit back from the fire closer to the ocean.

"Hmmm I think I might know what you want, though your also full of surprises Ballad. Ariadne, do you know what you might want ?"

Ariadne,  a bit distracted,  looked at Jade in confusion
"I'm sorry, um, want for what, again?"

"From Jon."

Ariadne shrugged
"Oh, I'm good.   I don't need anything for coming in third, after all "

Nods to Ballad "That is fine, I look forward to finding out. It can wait to tomorrow as well." he cocks his head, not quite understanding her ask. "Luck?" *chuckles* "Given my track record today, I think I already gave away all my good luck, which leaves on bad.  So I would suggest picking something else"
He frowns "But Ari, you do deserve something for coming in 3rd.  That is just how it is.  So think on it and you can let me know tomorrow." he walks by and gives her a pat on the shoulder.  He grabs a plate and some food and joins Ballad and Jade.

Ariadne raised an eyebrow,  as if she were going to protest,  but just shrugged and started eating

"Oh I meant...uhm...of course." Jade nodded. Her curly green hair bobbed with her nodding.

There’s an infinitessimal moment of stillness when Jade says—are you sure Julian didn’t steal a small babe—followed by (from Bleys’ crib—you certainly have the style) a little flourish as she flicks a piece of fruit up in the air and catches it in her mouth. Wink. Except: she’s curious now. Curiouser, when Jade says she might know what Ballad wants.

And so, after the back and forth, she asks Jade, "Do you think I take after Bleys? Did you ever meet him before he disappeared...? What's his reputation down in Rebma? And go on, what do you think I want? Your guess is either right, in which case I'll have the pleasure of hearing myself known by somebody else, or maybe it's more interesting than what I've already chosen, and will inspire me to change my mind."

"I do, I never met him personally but his flamboyancy is well known even in Rebma. He is legendary for being the day and light to Corwin's night and dark. An inextinguishable flame even in Rebma. He is well known like Florimel for enjoying social fetes."

Jade grinned, "I think you want...a winged horse a pegasi from Jon's magical Faewylds shadow. So you could create your own legends to outshine even Bleys as you wing through the heavens."

“I see! Perhaps I’ll be the ‘light’ to Merlin’s ‘dark’? Who’s the dark one of our generation? I guess we’ll fall into our roles eventually.” She’s smiling, faintly. “I’ll have to ask Uncle Random or Dad what they think. Random already dashed my hopes of taking after Gérard.”

Then: "Ha! What a good idea, but no, I didn't think of it. Besides, I'd want to find such a mount on my own, although if a mythical creature falls in anybody's lap and they think I'll like it I never turn away gifts."

"But speaking of... adventure. Jon, Ari, do you plan to walk the Pattern tomorrow?"

*smiles* "I promised Jade that I would carry her Parasol with me when I walk the Pattern.  So I shall wait until it is rebuilt.  I believe it is about a week." *sighs* "But, if there is an emergency, I shall walk it sooner. understanding the risk."  He looks at all of them. "While I strive to keep my promises. But sometimes circumstances preclude keeping it.  It is not something that take lightly, but I ask that you understand that."

"I would understand if there was an emergency."

Ariadne nodded in agreement
"Sounds good.  Hopefully we can avoid emergencies for at least a bit,"

*chuckles* "I hope so too.  Besides, I want to have you all there when I walk.  You three are my anchor to Amber, you give meaning to this place for me.  Without you, this is just another city, just another place.  Different, amazing, similar and strange, but just a place." he says earnestly.

"Amber is embodied in it's people. We are pretty special."
Jade smirks.

Ariadne nodded
"I suppose you're right.  Amber is a very impressive city, certainly."

Parasol? Ballad--with an air of ready-to-be-amused--shoots Jade an inquiring glance. Body language can be just as expressive as spoken language, see?

“My heart quails to think of the emergency that would propel anyone onto the Pattern before they were ready,” Ballad says. Her thoughts wander somewhere gloomy, and she sets her (half-empty) plate aside in order to stretch, luxuriously, on her cushion. “Amber is all right.” She pillows her head in her arms, looking up at the sky. The firelight tangles across her cheek, catches in her eyelashes. “I wonder what it would’ve been like if we’d grown up together. What were you like as children?”

Ariadne chuckled at Ballad's question.
"I was...an angry and rebellious child.  I didn't fit in with society, for the most part, even with a father who seemed not to judge me.  But I rebelled against my educators and most of the other adults in my life, looking for reasons to fight and stand up to people.
It took me a while to come to terms with who I am and to love and accept myself, all the time feeling like an outsider everywhere I went.  It wasn't until I went to college and later on that I found my true place and the people who accepted me for who I was."

"I would have loved to have you all part of my school in Rebma. We could have swam all over getting into mischief, and adventure. I think We would be thick as thieves. Of course I was always a bit of a nerd growing up and spent a lot of time learning and reading. The rest of the time I was cleaning and making sure the Queen was ready for all court functions and to help the other staff. I was very busy so, I don't know if I would have been able to run around with you all as much as I would like."


Looking to Ariadne, "We accept you, you seem fine to me."

*chuckles* "From what I remember of it, my early childhood was fun.  Maya and I were energetic. I would often avoid my parents, cuz I didn't want to go to court functions.  But around age six, my father started my training.  Taught me how to use a wide variety of weapons, but my mother also up my education on etiquette, diplomacy and courtly functions.  I was probably 12 when my parents first told me the truth of who I was, I think it was after a nightmare.  And that was the point when the rift started with my mother.  I started passively rebelling, then around 15-16, actively rebelling by disappearing into the forest, worked my way up to and joined the rangers.  My mother was happy that I found a 'past time' by upset that I neglected my duties and responsibilities to our house."

Another hint that Ariadne's time on Earth holds a shadow. Ballad looks thoughtful. Then: bright, mischief at Jade's assessment. Hard to tell, maybe: she's still looking up at the sky, but there's a soft curve to her mouth, just a little dreamy. After Jon's addition, Ballad says, “Sounds as if we'd've been a boisterous bunch, if raised together."

Ariadne gave a somewhat dainty but mostly unladylike snort of a laugh.
"If we listen to the 'older' folks around here, we're all still technically 'growing up together'.  Perhaps it's time for a second childhood "

Jade throws both her arms up.
"That's right ! Who says we can't !"

Jade sent twin fireworks from her hands skyward.

"Yay !"

Ballad laughs. "Too true, Ari. Our 'elders' do seem rather convinced they know better, but..." Take a moment to imagine little pale-haired Ballad: probably an instigator. "...so, to mischief and adventure," she languidly lifts her cup up to the stars, though doesn't drink from it quite yet. "Maybe we can start a band. Jade, you're the voice. I mean, everybody's voice is a thing of beauty, but yours is glass and darkness, clearly lead vocal material... Ari, you mentioned guitar?"

The illusion of fireworks whizzes across the night sky, and Ballad is moved to sit up on her elbows to curiously see how the guards and servants react to this. And she drinks from her cup at last, too.

Everyone is delighted by Jade's fireworks-- Odile especially claps her hands rapidly at each pop and fizz in glee...

In reply to Ballad (msg # 131):

Ariadne smiled at the fireworks, again amazed by the casual use of magic.
She nodded to Ballad.
"My father had me learn several instruments, including guitar, piano, and some violin.  I usually like angsty, angry music, but I can play lots of other styles.  I earned some extra money in college doing that."

"Oh I would love to sing if we started a band. Do you think I could make it in a place like Shadow Earth ?"

Ariadne shrugged.
"There's so much competition, and so many arbitrary changes in tastes and preferences on Earth that success as an artist is sometimes more about luck and timing that talent.    I mean, I've seen incredible artists stay in obscurity while mediocre hacks get the attention of someone at just the right time.
To be honest, a woman of your beauty will always get attention, and your voice will definitely make an impression, though. "

"So it is a matter of luck it would seem, hmmmm or maybe it's bribery and threats that people don't see."

Ari chuckled ruefully.
"Well, I won't say that some people don't use sex appeal or even sex to get someone's attention.
But usually it's obvious that they don't have talent."

*chuckles* "I have no musical talent, so I will just have to be crew."

Ariadne chuckled.
"Every band needs someone to load up the speakers and equipment.  You can work security to keep all our admirers at arm's length as well."

Wrinkles her nose and says, "Id rather sink em down, into a reef full of starving moray eels. Or maybe, sharks." She looks like she is thinking about fates.

*chuckles* at Jade's solution. Jon gets up, having emptied his plate and moves to refill, but sets his plate and moves to a specific basket.
"Well, I do have presents for each of you." he moves to Ari and pulls out a crown of flowers, white and purple, "I'm told this means respect, camaraderie and friendship in the language of Amber's flowers" he offers to place it on her head or hand it to her, as she likes.

Intrigued,  Ari allowed her cousin to place the flowers on her head.  She smiled at him
"Thank you,  Jon.  This is lovely "

*smiles* Jon places the crown on her head "Thank you. I am glad you like it." he then moves to Ballad and pulls out a crown of some of her her favorite (Evening primrose and violets with accents of white roses), "For you my Princess of the Moon." he offers to place it on her head or hand it to her as she likes.

"An excellent band we'll be," she murmurs, at some point during the discussion of instruments and singing and how to make it in Shadow Earth. Ballad hehs at Jade's bloodthirsty response to hypothetical admirers. "Poor admirers! Happy sharks... who will become admirers if so well-fed, let's hope." She wants to ask Jade about Gaia the Dolphin, but Ballad has been thinned by exhaustion all day. Now, with the tide murmuring against the shore, well-fed and in good company, the night sky above—she is drifting, and less participatory than she would be otherwise, though not asleep.

Just: dreamy, drifting, listening.

Turns her head to see Ariadne's crown, smiling (there's that dimple, sparked). "Getting a jump on our language of flowers, Jon? I hope there's a crown for you in that basket; otherwise, we shall have to weave one out of sea grass, and my fingers are clumsy." (Then who does her hair, eh? EH? Bluebirds out of Arden, maybe...?)

She sits up when he approaches her and holds out her hands. Deviltry and solemnity both: "I will emulate Uncle Eric, sweet prince," by which she means she'll crown herself, thank you. And so she does, although not without plucking a violet from the crown and proferring this to Jon, "Here's for thought and memory."

*smiles* hands her the crown and accepts the violet with a slight bow "Thank you my fair moon princess." not having any other place for it, he tucks in his hair by his left ear.  "No crown for me, my gift is the happiness these gifts bring to you." he then moves over to Jade, "My Sea Princess, sadly I have now crown for you because your flower of choice did not seem well suited." *grins* He pulls out a bouquet of Lotus flowers, with a single red rose nestled in the center.  He kneels before her and offers her the bouquet, "I hope you don't mind lack of a crown, my Sea Princess." he says as he offers her the flowers, but he keeps his head lowered.

"Thank you our handsome Prince Jon."

She smiled accepting the bouquet.
"It is absolutely beautiful." her eyes lit up with appreciation.

Ariadne nodded and raised her glass
"Here's to Jon,  a real Prince among mere men"

Jade walks over to Odile not wanting her to feel left out she takes out the rose from her bouquet and putting it in Odile's hair. Making sure to snap off any thorns that may be on it.

"There we go now things are perfect."

Ballad echoes the toast, holding her cup aloft again. The crown on her head is at a rakish, lopsided angle. When it turns out Jade has no crown at all, after the giving of the bouquet, the rose passed on, etc., she says: "I'll share my crown, Jade; you can wear half and I'll wear the other half, how's that?"

Unless she is stopped, will study the crown to see the best place to cut it without tearing it all to pieces, so they might both have half-a-wreath to wear like a headband. Flower crowns make most things nicer.

"Ooh, thank you...!!"

Jade smiles, "Your welcome Odile."

Her smile grows at Ballad's more then generous offer, "That is very nice of you Ballad, I accept graciously." She gives a brief curtsey and lowers her head, "Thank you."

*smiles* as Jade accepts the bouquet and blushes slight.  He then blushes a bit deeper at Ari's toast "Thank you Ari, you are too kind.  I am glad you all enjoy them." he stands up and moves back to his plate.  Those looking at Jon at just the right moment, will see a quick frown of disappointment as Jade gives the rose to Odile, before his courtly training kicks in and replaces it with a smile.
"I'll make a note for next time." as he acknowledges Ballad's offer. He fills his plate and returns to his spot next to Ballad and Jade.
"This was a wonderful Idea Ballad.  Thank you again for this."

Jade smiles at Jon, "Yes Ballad you picked a wonderful spot ! Oh would anyone like to see the Stair ? Faeilla Bionen."

*smiles* "Certainly, are they close by?" he says as he works on his second plate.

"They are not far, I just want to take you far enough down them so you could see the lights of Rebma city and the castle." Jade's voice held awe and pride.
Her eyes caught the fire light and her love for her homeland was held there.

A quick grin, then Ballad attends to the business of making one crown into two tiaras, so the flowers don’t unravel. But Ballad’s good at nonsense to be worn in one’s hair, and it doesn’t take her very long, though she holds the crown perilously close to the bonfire so she can better see what she’s doing. Then once the crown is ready, she gets to her feet, a mini-cascade of sand—

“I dub thee Jade, Princess of Pearl-Light and Sea-hopes, Dynamic Lady of Amber, Honored Crown Sister, True Pal—" and she--with pageantry--places the half-crown on Jade's head, giving a twist of Jade's hair on other side to better keep it place. sister of my heart even. There. No, fix fix fix. There. And!

A pounce-hug!

"I'll come up with names for everybody eventually," she says, so Jon and Ariadne don't feel left out of the Exuberant (and maybe a little tipsy at this point? ) Pageantry.

And! She shakes sand out of her skirts, hiss-sussurration-constant-rain. And! She says, "I'm game to go to the Faiella-Bionin and the see the lights of Rebma City; is it close enough to walk, or should we take the horses and ride?" She's uncertain. All she knows is this is the mid-point between Amber and the Faiella-Bionin.

"Let's walk it will let us clear our heads." She gathers the light from her spell to hold a ball of light in her hand.

"Odile, would you like to see Rebma too ?"

"It's a little far, but we can always come get you and you can ride back in the wagon...!" says Odile...

"Oh, alright Odile we will see you and the carriage then in a while."

Jade will lead to Faeilla Bionin the stairs leading down into the sea.

Jon gets up and follows Jade and Ballad. "This is a beautiful night." he says as get farther from the bonfire.

Ariadne joined the others,  taking her drink with her

"See those standing stones in the distance, they mark the beginning of Faeilla Bionin the stairs leading to Rebma."

She smiled and picked up her pace a bit.

They stroll! They wander. Maybe they sing, because they like to sing, this group, don't they? Or maybe they just talk. Maybe there's companionable silence! Maybe it's a mix.

Either way: It takes a while and the beach keeps rolling out, on and on, dunes and sand and stone, moonlight glimmering across the scudding foam, sea weeds abandoned in gleaming clumps onyx under the night sky, the further they get away from the bonfire the darker it is except for Jade and her wisps of illusory light and perhaps a torch if someone brought one.

...And eventually, they're almost there. "Jade, did you often use the Faiella-Bionin? Is it the sort of place you might just sit on when you wanted to be alone, or is it crowded?"

"Often no but I have used it more then many in Rebma. I think maybe because of some subconscious knowing of my heritage being both land as well as sea."

"The stairs are rarely full, Ballad. Only when a gathering comes to Amber or a trading group."

Jade starts to walk into the surf.

Ariadne,  no stranger to beaches, looked out at the lights with fascination

Ballad follows Jade into the surf! This is absolutely normal. Right. Certainly. Sure. Underwater mysteries, ahoy.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Tue 02 Feb 2021.

Soon Jades green tresses and her orb of light go below the waters as she walks down the stairs. Her cheeks puffed up from holding her breath.

Ariadne looked VERY dubious,  despite everything she'd seen so far.
She walked forward,  surprised by how unbuoyant she was in the salty water.

Jon follows Ari looking around, just as his head is about to go under he takes a deep breath.

Jade walked down the stairs to the first set of pillars with cyclopean statues of tritons with green flame dancing at the top of them. Her cheeks still puffed up like a chipmunk. Every once in a while bubbles rose up from her as she let out a little breath.

The water was dark save for the light of her globe and the green dancing flames.

She turned to make sure everyone was ok, it would still be a while before they could see Rebma but Rebma was so lovely to see all lit up. She kept walking down the stairs looking for the city and castle lights.

Ari held her breath and walked,  though she was nudging up closer to the front as the seconds ticked by.  She'd always been good at holding her breath,  both in swimming and other activities,  but she was getting concerned.

Jon continues to hold his breath as they get deeper, he is starting to get a bit concerned.

Jade skips down the steps happily.

Soon they were beyond the light of the green flames but still within Jade's own light. She bopped her head back and forth happily. In the distance she could see more green flames and made her way towards them.

After a few minutes she reaches the second landing she turns and holds up three fingers to indicate they only had three more landings to go.

Ariadne's lungs were protesting, though it was mostly psychological.  She could probably hold her breath longer.
Probably.

Still, she didn't want to tarry

Half way to the next landing Jade turns around and yells, "Are you guys holding your breath !?!?" Her eyes getting wide and looking at each of her cousins.

Ariadne gave Jade a look of annoyance that said "Well, DUH!!! We're frickin Underwater!!!" and nodded with exaggerated aggravation.

"Just breath you will be ok. You can breath the water as long as you stay on Faeilla Bionin, don't step off the stairs though the enchantment only reaches so far. I just like making puffer fish faces." She sucks in and puffs out her cheeks again.

Ariadne glared at their guide for withholding this information, then, with more reluctance than she would even admit, she tried to breathe.

Jon let's out a deep breath, sucks in some air and then chuckles. "You should've warned us Jade." he chides her.

She busts out laughing, "I'm sorry it was a joke. I did tell you earlier not today but on another occasion that you can breath underwater on Faeilla Bionin and in Rebma. I just wanted to see if you remembered forgive me." She looks at them both and give them a brief hug.

Ariadne rolled her eyes and frowned,  but didn't refuse the hug
"I'll admit that I was never fond of practical jokes.  The Amber sense of humor has yet to grow on me, i guess.  I suppose I'll have to remember this for when we visit the busy and dangerous streetsof Earth."
She gave Jade a smile that might have been playful or threatening,  it was hard to tell.

"You do you Ariadne." Jade smiles.

She had timed things just right and stepped aside and gestured, "And there it is."

Below on the ocean floor is Rebma like glowing city of angels all alight with magical light flickering and casting shadows.

Ariadne sighed with annoyance and shook her head, giving up on worrying about what made sense anymore.
The city, she had to admit, was impressive.  It was, she supposed, Atlantis.  The real Atlantis.
It definitely put her in a forgiving mood.

Jon moves up next to Jade and stares at the City and stares in Awe. "This is amazing Jade, so magical."

Jade smiles, "It really is. When we have the time I will love taking you all to see it."

Jade takes a few moments to indicate some points of interest in Rebma.

The Temple to the Narwhal
The Palace
The Mirror Pools
Coral Gardens
The Various Noble Houses
The Plaza of Heroes
were all among the many sites she happily motioned too with her hands the tiny globe of light moving to help her indicate each thing she spoke of.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Jon rests his hand on Jade's shoulder "I look forward to that visit and seeing where you were raised and understanding your history."

"We will have time. That is why it is nice to live a long time. Rebma is as ancient as Amber and has just as many secrets. It is indeed as beautiful and I may be biased but I think more beautiful. I know much of it in the same way Odile knows Amber. It is so strange going from maid to Princess. Sometimes I still think this is all a dream."

*smiles* "Well, then this is a shared dream and I don't want to wake." he moves closer, moves his arm to her far shoulder and gives her a side hug.

A sleepy Ballad is apparently a very quiet Ballad.

After they were underwater, she let Jon and Ariadne precede her, and when they stop so that Jade can point out what location is what, Ballad gazes thoughtfully at the drowned city (it can't be drowned if it was never on the surface, but that's the phrase her mind settles on). In the water, her skirts drift and drag, balletic, and her sleeves too, but the braids hold so no halo of bright hair flowing.

Ballad's interested in picking out what reflects Amber above exactly and what has been built out otherwise, muses on something Laurence said about the architect of the great hall. "I think it is as lovely, but not lovelier," she says, with a good-natured quirk of her lips. "What a sight it is."

Musing. That's all. Then, sleepy mind means sudden remembrances, "Isn't there that song 'Life is but a dream'? La la... something la..."

Jade smiles, "Oh Ballad look at you. Your so tired just like I was in the library. I owe you for bringing me to my rooms then. Would you like me to carry you up and we can all take the carriage back ?"

Ariadne chuckled and nodded to Ballad
"There are a couple of songs like that, i think, but none of them compare to this place.  It's like seeing the mythical city of Atlantis.  I'm half expectinga mermaid to come swimming by, singing about her forbidden love of a nearby prince"

Ballad smiles at Jade at look at you, an obliging scrap of starry wishfulness. She shakes her head at I owe you, but her dimple springs into being at carry you up. “Would you do so? I'm swept off my feet! My hero,” she laughs. Then looks startled and touches her throat gently. “It feels so strange, speaking through the tide. Or it doesn't feel as strange as it should... which feels strange." A little shake of her head. "But I don't want to pull people away too early; I am simply content to be in all of your company." Sincere.

"I think there are mer-people, Ariadne. My uncle said they mostly stay in their own waters, rarely visiting Amber's for long... Is there a famous Earth story about a mermaid and a prince and their forbidden love?" Ballad asks, glancing at Jade inquiringly as well... because Jade at least must know the story of her queen's long dead daughter... It is sometimes hard not to see echoes everywhere.

Ariadne chuckled and shrugged
"We have all kinds of strange stories on Earth, though jow I'm wondering how many were from things from 'out in shadow' that wandered in"

Jade doesn't reveal in her face any reaction but it would be impossible to deny Rebma maidens not finding some of the Princes of Amber attractive.

*smiles* "So what kind of stories?  Could you share one?" he asks with genuine interest.

Ariadne shrugged
"One of the more famous was called "The Little Mermaid", where a mermaid tries to woo a human prince.   There are several versions,  though,  with various endings,  both happy and sad"

*smiles* "Interesting, the Little Mermaid.  You should share the tale.  It seems appropriate with where we are." looks at Jade, Ballad and then back to Ari. "And what is your favorite ending?"

Jade, "What were there names ? The mermaid and the prince ?"

Ari nodded
"The original ending was somewhat tragic,  with the mermaod and prince never being together,  though the mermaid knew peace in the end.  though there are more kodern tellings where they live happily ever after .   The original story was vague on the names of the characters,  but the more modern retelling calls them Ariel and Prince Eric."

Jade laughs and lightly hits Jon in the shoulder.

"Sounds like your dad and a Rebman lady had some history in shadow Earth." Smiles playfully.

"hmmm, that is totally random, interesting.  Especially since they change the ending and names." *grins* at Jade's pun "Maybe."

Jade is still smiling, "Ok, I am going to carry Ballad back up. She was nice enough to bring me to my room when I fell asleep in the library."

She walked over to Ballad, "Your steed awaits, Princess Ballad." She laughed a bit.

*smiles* "Let me know if you need help once we are out of the water.  She is gonna be soaking wet." If she and Ballad needs it, Jon will help get Ballad situated. "Ari, why do you lead the way, I bring up the rear."

Ballad listens with keen interest. She said she was content with the company, and so she is, although the expression in her very blue eyes is distant — as if she’s gazing into the middle distance instead of the illuminated underwater queendom below.

“Do you know any stories about Gaia, Jade?" she asks. "Aunt Vialle told me she's a popular figure of story in Rebma, especially for children."

Then: her steed awaits? Ballad blinks (dreamily), and then: flashes one her grins, bright and just a little lopsided. "Very well, Jade, I thank you. The loveliest, kindest of steeds; I feel like adventure must await."

An underwater curtsy: the skirts swirl, a slow ballet. Ballad is ready for a piggy-back ride! Once she and Jade are all ready, even though Jon's sort've planned, she says, blinking a little to wake herself up. "We could have a race... Teams of--" A yaaaawwwn. "--two."

...of course she was going to suggest racing up the stairs, guys. Of course.

"I'm game for that !" Jade said smiling.

"I can tell you stories when your more awake." She said more quietly to Ballad.

She was excited again another contest and it sounded fun as well as funny.

Jon looks to Ari, "I'm game if you are.  Just let me know if you want to be Rider or the Steed."

Ariadne rolled her eyes,  but grinned in an amused lop sided way
"Sounds awkward either way,  but since the stitches in my side are still healing,  perhaps I'll be the rider, at least this time "

"Ok, let's get this race started."

Jade gets prepared and...

((OOC Not sure if Strength or Dexterity should be used ))

OOC:  perhaps the Steed can do Strength and the Rider can do Dexterity to keep their balance?

(... maybe the Steed rolls to 'win' and the Rider can roll to help or hinder? Like if the Rider rolls 10+ then that's extra +1 to the Rider's roll, if it's a 7-9, that no change, below... a -1?)

(( OOC Oh I like it ! that way we all get to play ! Thanks for the great idea Ariadne !))

"Hyah me Hyah !" Jade begins her run up the stairs carrying Ballad.


16:04, Today: Jade rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,4.  Jade Being all Steedlike.

(that works, Ballad)

Ariadne, after hopping up on Jon's back, worked to keep herself balanced perfectly on him, her competitive side temporarily overcoming her feelings of awkwardness of riding her cousin like a 'horsey'.

OOC: 17:15, Today: Ariadne rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,6.  Dex as Rider

18:56, Today: Jon rolled 7 using 2d6+2 ((4,1)).  Ah, the dice roller is still not my friend.  But that is an 8 with Ariadne's +1

Jon takes a moment to adjust Ari and to her weight. "Hang on, its been years since I did this." so he is a bit slow off the starting block.

*smiles* "Not so fast Jade!!"  Jon is nearly neck and neck with jade

"Yay now it's getting interesting." Jade smiles back.

It is clear Jade is like Ariadne in enjoying the competition.

Ballad laughs. "Hyah! Hyah! Hya--AAAH!"

As is often the case, Ballad went for the flashy option, fake hat, flamboyant arm wave, little pretend spur kick, and that upset her balance and resulted in sudden death grip ack no don't drop me, and she accidentally covers Jade's eyes for a second, too, and --

Alas, Team Bade falls behind! Joriadne in the lead!

I think that's right. I haven't done the maths!

Halping, or not:

11:36, Today: Ballad rolled 6 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,4.  Rider! WOOO!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:44, Sun 07 Feb 2021.

"Ayeeee." Jade adjusts to compensate from Ballad sliding almost off her.

She staggered a bit but kept running though she had fallen behind.
"Nooooooooo drat."

OOC: 19:01, Today: Jon rolled 6 using 2d6+2 ((1,3)).  Welp last half of the race, is for Jade's to lose.  Cuz, unless Ari comes through again, we stumbled.

Jon and Ari pull ahead slightly.  Jon is grinning and the Joy reaches his eyes.  But out of the corner of his eye, Jon sees Jade stagger and his concern causes him to slip on a step.

"Oh no be careful !" Jade didn't want her cousins to fall off the Stairs.

Jade tried to catch up. She tries to bump Jon and Ariadne on the other side so they don't fall off the stairs.


17:43, Today: Jade rolled 12 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,6.  Jade stairmaster.


This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

Ariadne leans forward in her enthusiasm,  which might have been a mistake

OOC: 19:45, Today: Ariadne rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,1.  Dex for riding Jon

Exiting the water just behind Jade and Ballad. Jon laughs and looks over his shoulder at Ari. "Sorry, Ari, I was not a very good steed for you." but he is smiling.  "Maybe next time, for seems they are the unbeatable duo tonight.."

Ariadne hopped down, smiling wryly
"Well, maybe next time. "

She walked up onto the beach

Jade exits spitting out water like fountain sculpture.

"I..." Deep breaths as she adjusted her lungs for breathing air again.
"Get rid of all the water in your lungs first then breath deep. It will help."

She looked around and saw Odile and smiled, "Your soaking Sovereign awaits." Giving Odile a bright smile.

She then helped Ballad get her footing.

Ariadne coughs up water, looking out at the sea like it was a personal insult.
"That was definitely a strange experience

Clears his throat and Lungs. His voice a bit hoarse now "Well, I should've asked for a handicap, I forgot Water was Jade's natural element." he teases with genuine humor.  "But, thank you for the course correction back there.  I believe you saved our lives most likely."

"You would have lived, though you might have been knocked out from the pressure. A normal person would have died though. It was fun but drunken, night running up stairs underwater might be something we do only once a year." She flashes a bright smile.

Ariadne chuckled darkly
"I'm not exactly all about playing it safe, but this habit of 'we do things for fun where people occasionally die' is definitely taking some getting used to "

Jade will get a towel from the carriage to dry off. She also leans on the carriage letting her heart rate return to normal.

"I am so glad I could share the sight of Rebma with you. Maybe we could take a whale tour of the city when we actually visit the city. Thank you Ballad for letting us come here."

Ballad coughs to clear her lungs and makes what’s probably a very funny face to observe as she testingly runs her tongue over her teeth. Do they taste like saltwater now? Ballad gives Jade a little squeeze-hug from behind after piggyback ride, in appreciation. "You took those stairs with vigor and vim, Jade! An army would have fallen before you!!" husky-voiced, thread of laughter suggested but only suggested.

Some of the violets in her half-crown (tiara) have been sacrificed to the tides, so her crown is significantly more bedraggled, and there’s a primrose caught in one of her braids. She gave Jade an appreciative look when Jade helped her get her footing, then realized that, er, a sopping wet gown is not ideal for modesty. Although high altitudes and very cold air doesn't usually bother Ballad, she finds herself shivershivering until they're back in the carriage with blankets and towels. Ballad wraps herself in one of the blankets like she's prepared to go to sleep right now, a soaking wet burrito.

"I should have had the bonfire built here," Ballad says, regretfully. Then, "Hmm? No, thank you Jade for wanting to bring us here. It's so fascinating to see with my eyes what I've only heard tell of before."

*smiles* and Looks over at Ballad as she is talking and a blush creeps up his cheeks as he registers Ballad's figure and quickly turns away.  He then turns and notices Jade and Ari as well and his blush deepens. "I'll...run ahead and make sure the fire is nice and hot."
Jon then quickly takes the lead of the group.
"I know they are all beautiful, but this was different.  I don't know why I reacted that way.  Get it together." he thinks to himself as he heads back to the bonfire.

Once back at the bonfire Jon stokes the flames to make sure it is nice and warm.  He starts packing some of the unneeded things.
Then realizes that the guards are there and asks the Guards over to help. And he asks them "Listen, keep your backs to the ladies for a little bit after they get back until they are wrapped up." but Jon's normal edge is not there.

"Oh, I hope Jon is ok. Do you think I hurt his pride by winning ? Sometimes I let my pride get ahead of me. I keep forgetting men really really like to win." Jade burried her face in her hands.

"In Rebma it's the opposite and I am just trying so hard to hold back when I am in Amber. I wish, I were as confident as you Ariadne. Your amazing and you seem to not care about holding back you just speak your truth. I am not really a rebel though."

Jade closed her eyes rubbing them glad that her face was already wet.


This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

Ariadne chuckled,  smiling warmly at Jade
'Being 'a rebel' can be a bit overrated,  honestly.   Usually,  there's a somewhat traumatic reason the rebel was rebelling in the first place".
She glanced off at where Jon had trotted to
"I'll admit that it hurt MY pride to lose, but if i can get over it,  so can he.  I'll admit,  I've lived for the last ten years not really ever worrying about losing to anyone,  so this is a bit of a shock to the system "

"Did you do a lot of competitions on Earth, Ariadne ?" Jade tried to recover from crying.

Ariadne sighed with a chuckle
"Sometimes I feel like Everything is a competition on Earth.  It's one of the flaws in the place, that there often doesn't seem to be enough of everything to go around.  Most people have enough to live, but the luxury items are fairly scarce, with most of us scrambling for money and fame."

"Oh, uhm your rich should share if they have the money to spare. I try to help out in small ways the people we come across."

In reply to Jade (msg # 236):

Ari shrugged
'I worked to never have to depend on my father's money,  and even when i wasn't worried about money, there was always competition in other ways,  like for attention,  fame, and prestige "

"I have to admit,  I want to stand out just a little. To step out and be myself. I was always the Queen's shadow. There for her to aid her every moment. Now I am really out on my own and I don't know what to do with myself some times."

Jon takes a quick peek and sees that the ladies are covered in blankets.  "Ok we can turn around now" he says to them.
He comes back from around the carriage. "Jade, that is the joy of being on your own.  You can just relax in bed if you like.  Or try something new." *grins* "We know you are a fabulous signer and illusionist, but have you tried dancing, painting or sculpting?  You are a very creative soul."

"I am good at sculpting and am trying to find my style in painting. Sculpting is popular in Rebma. I know how to dance, but I am not used especially good at it. I find it enjoyable though."

"You ok Jon ?"

Ariadne nodded and smiled at Jon.
"I'm feeling similar, believe it or not.  Back on Earth, while I wasn't, like, totally in charge of the place, by any stretch of the imagination, I was, for the most part, a leader in my chosen profession, and even comfortable in my social circles and how my life was going.  To be honest, looking back on my life, I was almost too complacent about everything, and just living life in a relaxed manner.
All of you people and all this craziness has been a bit of a jolt, frankly, and I feel like I have to scramble to get back up to full speed. "

*smiles* "Yes, I am fine." he looks a bit confused by the question. "Can I get you ladies anything, while I am up?" he asks. "We will have to go dancing sometime them." *nods* to Ari "But you are doing great.  Just from what you and Lance shared, Amber, Rebma and my home are vastly different than your earth.  So it makes sense that it is a big adjustment. That aside, you are fit in nicely." she can tell by his tone he is being genuine and sincere.

"Lemonade would be really nice Jon." Jade smiled sweetly.

She stepped aside so that the carriage could be filled.

Ari chuckled.
"Yes, that sounds good."
She grinned playfully at Jon.
"Barkeep!  Lemonades, all around!"

*grins* "Coming right up, you princess-ness" he teases and chuckles Jon looks to the guards and Odile. "Would you three like anything? While I'm at it?" he asks.  While he waits for their answer, he pulls three lemonades for the ladies and picks them up forming a triangle.

Waling over to Ari, he kneels down carefully so as to not spill the lemonade and offers her the middle one.

Giving a half grin and a playful nod, Ari took the middle lemonade.

Jon smiles and nods back. He then moves to Ballad, kneels down and offers her a lemonade. "For you, my moon princess." he says with mock formality.

Ballad must be very sleepy indeed to have been so quiet, or perhaps she was very surprised, or perhaps it is a mixture of the two. Either way, Ballad is quiet on the return to the carriage, listening to the others speak and thinking.

And so she takes the glass of lemonade without a word, lifting it in a vague cheers to release Jon on to the next princess on his list.

Jon smiles fondly at the sleepy Ballad.  He then turns to Jade, still kneeling and offers her the lemonade. "And for you, my Sea Princess and champion of the day." he says with warmth, fondness and sincerity.

Jade brightened quite a bit and almost dropped the blanket she was holding in her eagerness to accept the lemonade as if it were a trophy. She quickly grabs the blanket before it slips off and takes the lemonade in her other hand.

"Why thank you, kind Sir."

She lifts the glass in toast to her cousins and sips it. It certainly did taste better then sea water she had to admit.

*smiles* and a hint of a blush as the blanket starts to fall.  But Jon turns away to stand up. "You are most welcome, my princess." he says as he head back to get his drink.
He looks at Odile and the guards again "Are you sure you don't want anything?  It is really not trouble." he asks in a friendly tone.

Jade gives a smile and quick nod to Odile that she should go for it and ask for a drink.

Ari sips her drink,  enjoying the night

"All right-- I'd like some of that...!" chirps Odile of the beverage...

*smiles* "Alright." Jon pours a lemonade for Odile and walks over and gives it to her. "Here you go."

Uses her message spell to speak to Jon mentally, ~Be nice Jon, give Odile a sweet title. It will make her whole month trust me ~

Looking around,  Ari spoke
"I'm looking forward to more training, so the next time we meet those grey jerks, things will be different.   "

Jon looks startled for a moment "I hope you enjoy it, you've earned it. Our dear Ebrath" and gives Odile and warm smile.
To Jade he thinks "Ebrath means friend back home and it seemed appropriate for Odile.  I hope you both like it."

*nods* to Ari "Once we have the training equipment. I look forward to it as well." *grins* "Want to help me find a weapon master / trainer tomorrow?" he asks?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

Jade smiles and looks to Odile, "That means friend in his homeland."

Message telepathy to Jon, ~I think it was very appropriate, thank you for that.~

"I think I will turn in once we get to the castle. Like Ballad I am kind of winding down a bit."

Ariadne nodded.
"That's a good idea.  I'm not looking forward to it, but it's got to be done.  We need to be the best we can be, to protect ourselves."

*nods* To Ari "Great, we will start our quest after breakfast then."  Jon smiles at Jade. "Why don't you and Ballad rest in the Carriage.  The guards, Odile and I can clean up here." he turns to Ari. "Ari, we could use your help cleaning up, if that is OK?  Or you can guard Jade and Ballad and take the Carriage back now." he asks, with a serious and genuine demeaner. It is clear that there is no wrong answer. He moves towards Ballad.

he sends to Jade "I'll carry Ballad, if you can get the door to the carriage."
Jon kneels down to next to Ballad "Ok, sleepy head, We are gonna move you the carriage." he says in warm, caring and reassuring voice.

Ballad did not sit down again, see, so no kneeling necessary unless one is proferring gifts. Ballad is gazing out at the sea, and when Jon approaches in a meaningful way, she gives him a sidelong look.

Her lips quirk. "Who is this 'we'? If you're all ready to go, I'm ready. Sorry, what did I miss?" This, as she opens the carriage door with a flourish for Jon, Ariadne, and Jade, who are all--she presumes--coming. What'd she hear while passive listening? Oh. "What quest after breakfast? Sorry my battle against sleep is taking so much--" jawcrack yawn. "--concentration. I only grabbed a couple hours last night and it's been a full few days."

Ari raised an eyebrow at Jon's request, but nodded with a shrug, getting up to help.
Despite being from a different world, Jon was probably more like the Amber/medieval mindset of "protect the delicate ladies" than not.  And then there was Ariadne. She was far from the typical "lady in waiting", and shouldn't have been surprised that she'd be treated "like one of the guys".

Jade got the door to the carriage to let Jon bring Ballad in and then she got in and soon she fell asleep herself. The Blanket felt nice and warm and her chest rose and fell beneath it. Light dreams of the day and past week filled her mind. A lot had happened in such a short time and she had been going pretty nonstop.

She stirred a bit not liking that she had to turn over her parasol to the Begman clockmaker but it had freed her up to do other things. Still her dreams settled on this playing out in her mind.

Once Jade and Ballad are in the cart, Jon starts cleaning up.  Gathering the food, separating the untouched food from that which was nibbled on.
"IS there a mission or wayhouse for the unfortunate, that could benefit from this extra food?  I would had for it to go to waste" he asks the Guards and Odile.

"Oh, sure... when there's a little food left over, the castle staff is usually encouraged to dispose of it themselves. When there's a lot, like left over from a banquet, there's a place in the city we take things, too."

*smiles* "Well then, when we are done cleaning up, help yourselves for you, your friends and families.  We can then donate the rest."  Jon starts humming as he works to clean up the site.  Few have seen Jon this relaxed and carefree over the last few days.  His posture and demeaner are all loose and relaxed.

Ballad lists over to the side and rests her head against Jade’s shoulder, curling up like a cat under her blanket and shivering until she’s properly warm.

Ballad doesn’t sleep the entire way back; the truth is, even running on fumes, the oil in her metaphorical lamp burnt low and her wick dim, she scrounges up brightness enough to keep an eye on her companions. Mostly.

Once they do get to the castle, she yawns jaw-cracking stretches and stretches and streeeetches. She asks Jon to help her with something in the sitting room she particularly likes before she properly falls asleep—she knows what prize she wants and she wants to ask him for it sneakysneak covertly.  She tells Ariadne she’ll see her at breakfast. If Jade’s awake, she thanks her once again for the Faiella-Bionin, “for sharing that sea-brightness. I am more anticipatory than ever of visiting the halls of Rebma.”

And that’s Ballad, out. Well. That's Ballad, off to rustle up some hot water so she can soak away the salt and sand and basically Amber Castle will be full of sand now for the next fifty days. That's the law of the beach.

ooc: I thought I’d just very responsibly ‘call’ this scene (unless anybody protests) here, so we know we can all move on to the next. :) See y'all for a post at least in Jon's breakfast thread, and then who knows on what day after. ;)

*Nods* "That is no problem.* Jon smiles at Ballad.  "I'll meet you there."
If Jade is still asleep, Jon will carry her to her rooms and have Odile take over to prep her bed properly once he leaves.  Otherwise, Jon will make sure Jade makes it to her room.

<Green>"Hmmmm ? Are we back ?"<Green> Jade stretched out catlike and covered her mouth as she yawned a little. She headed for her room wishing her cousins a good night. She kept the blanket with her and spoke with Odile on her trip to her room.

"Mm-hm, that's right, princess sleepyhead."

Smiles at Odile.

"I guess I was, wasn't I ?" Jade's fondness for Odile is apparent as she chats with her as they walk along.

"Sure! It was fun, though! ...Although I think I'm only awake right now because I napped on and off near the end...!"

"It was a lot of fun, Oh Odile I wish you could have seen Rebma. I bet you would have loved to see it. We only saw it from a distance but it was nice. When my cousins and I go, would you like to go ? It is very wet as you would imagine but is very beautiful."

"Um... yes, all right...!"

Jade smiles more, "Then I extend the invitation to you as well." Jade says with a warm smile. "Ahhh there is my room. Could you have someone warm a bath for me Odile ?"

"Oh, sure, I'll get someone right on it!" She hurries down the hall, with a little less hurry and a bit more weaving-side-to-side than usual. But just a bit.

"She's the best."

Jade smiles with an amazing amount of affection for her.

She heads to her room.

Saying goodnight to everyone once they returned to the castle,  and assuring Ballad that she'd be at breakfast,  Ariadne went to her rooms.  She was a bit tired,  mostly because she was still healing, but not quite ready for bed yet.

Looking around the luxurious,  if rustic, suite of rooms, she reflected on her new life here in Amber.
Was this her life now?  Or was it just another stopover in her life, like her years in college,  or her time in Hollywood?  And was her Hollywood career over?  On the one hand, she certainly didn't want to simply walk away from her friends and coworkers in her niche production company in California.   On the other hand, going back to being an actress and stunt woman when she might soon have the option to literally visit other worlds seemed like a ludicrous decision.  Being a positive force for change in the entertainment industry,  especially for the LGBTQ community,  was always such a noble cause and a dream come true, but now it seemed almost pointless.  It would be akin to giving up the life of a millionaire Adventurer to go live ones dream of being a convenience store clerk.

She chuckled at that, and wondered what her cousins and other family members would think if she left Amber to go work the night shift at a 7-11.
The first idiots who tried to rob the place would certainly be in for a shock, that was for sure.


Thinking about her old peer group back in California made her also think about hee current social life.  Or lack thereof.
Busy with work and social causes, Ariadne had never really wanted to settle down into a relationship,  so there wasn't anyone special that she'd left behind on Earth.   She'd had a number of 'friends with benefits', but they had all kept things casual.  Mostly at her own insistence.
It had been more than a week since she'd had any company in her bed, and she was starting to miss it.  She sighed.   Any time she went to a new place she had to be careful about socializing, because different places had varying attitudes about her lifestyle.    She still remembered her first year at Boston University , when she awkwardly flirted with a pretty girl named Lori who lived on her dorm floor, who turned out to be VERY straight,  and a conservative religious person.
Things were awkward for months.
Amber, unfortunately,  was a place she still hadn't nailed down.  Historically,  most places that were, for lack of a better word,  medieval,  were very closed minded and conservative.    However, Amber had a definite air of "live and let live".  But trying to read the ladies here was much more challenging than back on Earth.  And it could be challenging as hell on Earth, to be honest.
Most of the anti gay sentiment on Earth seemed to come from the Western religions,  akd these people seemed to worship,  or at least pay lip service to,  a Unicorn.
So what did that mean??   She didn't have any clue about what this Church of the Unicorn,  or whatever it was called, taught about same sex relationships.  But then again,  was there anything gayer than a Unicorn??
She chuckled at the thought.

But it felt too late to go try to check out the night life in Amber.   She wondered to whom she she could talk to about it.  Jade's little sidekick Odile might be a gokd source of non judgemental information,  but then again,  once Odile knew, the entire servant grape vine would probably know.
And was that a bad thing?

It was also something to worry about another day.  Apparently,  according to the family mythology, Ariadne would have plenty of time.
That was a weird and uncomfortable thought for another time as well.

Restless,  but not wanting to leave her room, Ari walked around,  exploring her mother's room.  She found many books, a large portion of which she couldn't read.  She didn't even recognize the language.    There were plenty of Earth books as well, mostly philosophy and political science.   She was amused to see "The Art of War", something she'd never gotten around to reading.
Eventually,  she returned to her mother's ornate wardrobe,  opening it up to see the elegant and fancy outfits, then pushing them aside to see her mother's strange and apparently enchanted battle axe.   Without even thinking about it,  she picked it up again.
She tensed,  almost expecting more weird magic to happen, though she was realizing now that it was more an interaction with Jade's strange magic than anything from the axe itself.    Still, the whole concept of "holding a magical weapon in my hand" was just surreal.   Ari still struggled with accepting it
She took a few casual practice swings, moving to the center of the room to avoid slicing through her bed.   The axe felt so good in her hands.  Like am extension of her arms.  She'd felt that on occasion while training with weapons on Earth,  especially with a tonfa she'd used in a futuristic wat movie,  and a katana she'd used in a movie about immortal warriors fighting for dominance.   But those had taken time and practice.   This felt instant and effortless.    It was almost like dancing.

After a while, as she was on the verge of working up a sweat,  Ari put away the axe, and went to bed.
She had a lot to think about.