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.

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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.