During those fifteen minutes, each little royal sprout gets enmeshed thoroughly.

Ariadne’s magnetism is on full force tonight. “This?” the woman says, trailing her fingers along the edge of the feather. “Thank you. It was a gift, but I believe it came from Cibola.” The dark-eyed woman turns out to be named Carmela of House Marlowe, and she picks up what Ariadne’s throwing down, and—at least, it seems—flirts back. Carmela has a wicked glint of humor which shines through a general air of aloofness. There are hints. There are suggestions. Nothing quite firm enough to make Ariadne think ah yes this is definitely somewhere, but it’s a pleasant way to pass the time and stoke the ol’ desire engines (with someone not a blood relation. Unless Carmela is related to the Arringtons. One never knows!).

The Rebman Noble bows his head to Jade, giving her a gracious obeisance, which she knows is more expansive in the water; it is lovely on land, too. “So it is true,” says he. “Another one of our own has left the sea to live in the open air; my lady, how are you enjoying your new home?”  The course of their conversation will be lead somewhat by Jade’s choices—where Jade wishes it to go.

And Jon, of course, spies someone he knows is exactly his kind of person. He has rarely felt so instant a kinship with someone just based on their face and their general—attitude? Solidness. Something, perhaps, about the way the man—about his age, with very curly brown hair—is looking around. Jon wants to be introduced, and Sandwyn seems hesitant but obliging, although Sandwyn quickly makes an excuse to be elsewhere, leaving Jon with the noble who seems like he'd be a great pal.

The reason Sandwyn was so quick to leave becomes obvious. Fifteen minutes? To Jon, after a promising first minute (they seem to like the same things! the man is so engaging! So solid!) of chatting, the next four feel like an hour—and in that hour, conversational agony. The curly-haired Kess of House Gawth is the biggest snob Jon has ever met in his life. Not only is he the biggest snob, but the way he expresses himself is sort of slippery, difficult to quite nail down—one finds oneself agreeing to horrible things before one even knows it. He’s mean. He’s very mean. And he has a talent for making things one likes sound stupid. Kess is just an awful party friend, because he takes you in hand and doesn’t let you go. OOC: I am going to give Jon XP for this, because it’s going to have repercussions in Amber later on. For Jon to escape this conversation without causing an issue before the fifteen minutes are up, let’s have a Charisma roll at -1 (but you may use Jon’s minor talent of course!).

OOC: To all: get your last I-want-this-to-go-here-after/I want more info on ______ reaction posts in, and then I'll bring us through the concert. Clipping along! :)

"Onfroi, I am coming to terms with the lands above the waves quite well. Though one can never take away the sea, from any one of us. So how is Lady Neresa ? I see that some business must have brought you ashore as well. Unless you are a very avid goer of concerts."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Sun 23 May 2021.

15:42, Today: Jon rolled 7 using 2d6 ((1,6)). Charisma w/ Manipulation Talent.

Jon gives a strained smile as Kess switches from a nice person to exactly the type of people Jon hates back home.  Jon remains non-committal as he works to extricate himself with out a physical altercation.  Jon fights rolling his eyes at Kess arrogance. "If you will excuse me, Sir, I need to take care of a few things before the concert starts." and turns to leave.

Ariadne gave Carmela her attention,  being coy but flirtatious,  asking about Cibola and the woman's other interests.  She doesn't spend too long, just a few minutes to make an impression.

Ariadne:

Now, Carmela has never been to Cibola herself, but she tells Ariadne about the jaguar-men and the lush jungles, a lake that smokes like a mirror high in the mountains, and the metal-queen who goes about draped in gold; as far as tales of herself go, Carmela doesn’t say too very much in just a few minutes, but there’s enough time for Ariadne to learn about a Grand Prix-style horse race that covers multiple shadows and seems to be very challenging, which Carmela is a fan of—and is perhaps coming up in just a couple of months.

Jade:

There's a flash of very white teeth in somewhat darker (there's a green tint to it) skin as Onfroi smiles at Jade. He seems pleased and surprised that she asked after Neresa. "Neresa is doing quite well, thank you. She won a prize from the Jeweller's Guild of Rebma for a circlet, which Queen Moiré purchased as a gift, and is all afire with the triumph." Aw, Onfroi seems some mix of proud and awed by Neresa. "And I am an avid concert-goer, although I was also... a friend of sorts to Lady Lorelay's late husband, so I pop in occasionally and check up on her. Do you think you'll make your home here in Amber or back in Rebma?"

Jon:

It's difficult to pry a leech away, but one can do it. Kess doesn't give up without a fight, and Jon finds that Kess has invited himself onto one of Jon's morning runs. Alas, alack. But Jon's attempt at escape works well enough: however, he finds himself having to immediately get into another conversation or Kess will worm his way back. He has two options: a gray eyed man with short black hair and a military affect or Sandwyn and a lanky string bean of a man whose hair is in braids with dark kohl around his eyes and jewels in his ears.

OOC: Jon, pick who Jon's gonna take refuge with! If he doesn't take refuge among strangers, he will totally have Kess chatting at him again though.

Jon will direct Kess to the right place for the Runs, hoping to put him in the path of once Lance of Amber in the next day or two.
Seeing how this attempt went, which is Jon's own fault, he will glide up the Sandwyn. "So how is it going?" and to Sandwyn he gives a look of both please help and slight betrayal.

"Prince Jon! So glad we can finish our little talk!" Sandwyn says, loudly enough to help give Kess the hint. Kess drifts into the crowd, finding more victi er friends.

(Kess is, in fact, heading toward Ariadne, determined to flirt with the beautiful daughter of Deirdre. But there's only a handful of minutes left...)

Then Sandwyn smiles at Jon. "This is Sir Roiben, a knight of House Feldane. He's the one I was telling you about before you found Gawth, one of Fenton's students outside of the castle guard of ocurse."

Roiben smiles with his eyes, not his mouth. He offers the prince his hand, and should Jon take it he will find Roiben's grip to be strong and assured. "You're training with Master Fenton? What's your weapon?"

Jon does take the hand offered "Yes, I feel very lucky to find such a capable instructor." Jon gives a small chuckle "Not sure yet.  I will probably focus on a few with Bows, shields, spears and swords being the primary quartet.  Those are also the ones I am already the most proficient with." Jon says earnestly, there is no hint of arrogance or superiority.

"That is wonderful news about your wife, while Queen Moire favors little in the way of regalia she does so love her jewelry so to have her wearing one of Lady Neresa's circlets is a wonderful accomplishment. I can see why your so animated." She gives a wide smile.

She nods solemnly at his statement about Lady Lorelay's late husband, "Your a good man to check up on her and to keep the tradition of your friendship alive in such a role. It is a respectable thing."

"Ah your last question there are complications too. I would love dual citizenship like Princess Llewella. Though I seek to get to know my mother better which necessitates staying in Amber. I also am under some protection from recent troubles and King Random has been gracious. To return to Rebma I would need have a manse built or rooms at the palace provided and I think Queen Moire would be open to the latter. These things are for the future though for now."

Ariadne nodded, impressed with the woman's knowledge, even if it's second hand.  She talked about her own experiences with horses, riding classes and her mounted combat training.  She'll also talk about her favorite Earth races, including the Iditarod in Alaska and the Big Five Marathon through the African savannah.

Ariadne’s conversation is going very well! Carmela implies (suggestive, to keep the flirtation going) that Ariadne should think about taking part in the cross-shadow race—if the king would allow her to, of course! That’s when Kess of Grawth forces his way into the conversation. He looks perfectly nice; he has a trustworthy charisma. Then he opens his mouth with a heavy-handed compliment and somehow manages to imply to Ariadne that if she likes riding, she’d probably like riding with a real man.

OOC: Ariadne, I give you an opportunity to snub and/or put Kess in his place and/or roll your eyes.

Jade’s tete-a-tete with her countryman is also going rather well. Onfroi, although here on dry land has a general air of reserve and enigma, certainly seems to be softened by Jade’s compliments to his wife and although there is some political calculation to his questions—well, such is the way of courtiers. “Mm. The future could see the borders blurring even further,” Onfroi says, neutrally. “How have you found your mother? Is she what you might have wished?”

And here comes Lady Lorelay, all energy and rosy cheeks and smiles. "How are you two getting along? Famously?" she asks. "Did you tell Onfroi how much you liked my chickens?"

Onfroi shudders.

OOC: Jade, if you wish you may roll Perception to get a little more insight re: what Onfroi is thinking with his first comment/to get the lay of the land as far as how people are reacting to the two Rebmans, but it is by no means necessary.

Meanwhile, over where Jon, Sandwyn, and Roiben are chatting, Roiben chuckles. “Good man. You can just say ‘Everything.’ We will judge you for it, but also take the answer under advisement. I’m a spearman myself. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to spar? I sparred with Gérard once. He split my spear in twain.”

“I remember that!” Sandwyn says. “My dad lost three crowns on you. He thought you wouldn't last so long."

OOC: One more post from y'all, and then concert is a go. :)

Jon gives a genuine smile and chuckle at Roiben's ribbing "Well, not everything.  I am not going near throwing axes anytime soon." he nods "I would love to spar with you sometime."  Jon joins the laugh as he can visualize a spear being cut in two. "That sounded like a great contest!"

"Why not? Drop one on your toes?" Roiben asks, with interest.

Jon gives a self-conscious chuckle "Sadly, no. That would've been better.  I missed the target and it nearly hit a bystander." *sigh* "I still need to go apologize, but luckily no one was injured" he says with all seriousness.

16:32, Today: Jade rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,3.  Perception.



"My mother has exceeded my wishes she is all that I hoped and more. I can honestly say I am proud of her and have enjoyed my time with her greatly so far."

Jade turns to Lady Lorelay, "We are at that, I have to thank you for sending me to meet my countrymen it has been a wonderful conversation so far and no I haven't yet gotten to tell him how much I have liked your pets. Especially the fluffy ones and Necropants."

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 88):

Ariadne raised an amused but annoyed eyebrow at Kess, smirking
"I've tried riding with a 'real man', they only slow me down.   Now, if you'll excuse me,  I'm in the middle of an actual conversation."
She turned her attention away from the rude nobleman

Carmela's eyes glint with amusement. But Kess of Grawth isn't to be put off that easily, not when someone as gorgeous as Ariadne is present to gawk at. Kess doesn't exist in a world where he is not a real man, you see. Kess exists in a world where he is always right, and when things don't go his way, it's because somebody (not himself) did something wrong. So he looks surprised at Ariadne's opening salvo, and then he grins at her.

"Ahhh, a shy butterfly. It is understandable that you do not yet know what a real man is, for you have been among savages." He bows as if he's a gentleman, and means to retreat for now.

--

Both lords look rather shocked to hear Jon nearly hit a bystander, or perhaps they're shocked he's admitting it so publically. Roiben says, "Fenton won't let you shy away from axes because you've been a poor aim."

"Although the people of Amber might thank you to practice privately," Sandwyn says. "Too bad."

--

"You see, Lord Onfroi!" Lorelay says, playfully. "Your countrywoman says Necropants is delightful."

"I think it's the worst bird I've ever met," Onfroi tells Jade.

"He likes to tease," Lorelay giggles. Onfroi is not teasing. "Come, Jade, you must sit beside me--we're beginning now."

--

...And the concert is beginning now. Lorelay, whisking the two Rebmans along with her, claps her hands and boisterously gathers everybody's attention. The concert will take place in the garden so now's the time to grab plates and drinks and head on out!

The cousins might drift back towards each other, if they like.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 94):

Ariadne smirked with annoyance and did a goodbye flick of a wave to Kess, as if he were a troublesome child, or stubborn piece of lint on her sleeve.
"I much prefer the savages , thank you.   Buh bye..  "

*smiles* "I don't think we will get around to throwing axes, so the people of Amber are safe." *shrugs* "Besides, tomorrow I plan to go and apologize in person.  While no harm was done to anyone and I am not even sure she was aware of the accident, I want to make sure she is OK.  I own up to my mistakes, even if they "tarnish" my image.  I would rather my reputation be for honesty, accountability and sense of justice." he looks around. "Seems we will have to deal with K..." and then Jon starts heading into the concerts with the other guest, he tries to make his way to Jade and Ariadne.

Jade simply shows her mirth a tiny bit at the interplay of Lorelay and Onfroi.

"Of course Lady Lorelay, I would like that very much." Jade says with a bright smile. Jade was more then happy to walk beside Onfroi and Lady Lorelay as they headed in for the concert.

Kess’s expression is perhaps satisfying for those who don’t like Kess; there’s a flash of—well, Ariadne is no longer looking at him and Jon is in no position to see this. Carmela tucks a smile away, although the look she gives Ariadne is amused. Kess completes his bow and disappears back into the crowd.

Afterwards, Carmela says to Ariadne, "He is such a trial, I'm glad I was here to observe that."

The crowd which is now stirring, following Lorelay, Jade, and Onfroi out—out into the gardens!

What does Jon do? What does Ariadne do? Who do they drift towards?

--

The garden is well-mannered, with mysteries under the hedges and some torches set around the stage to illumine it. There are three rows of chairs set up. These are wooden chairs and wooden couches, replete with cushions and blankets in case the air takes a nip. Lorelai settles Jade beside herself. Onfroi sits behind Jade. Sandwyn, Roiben, and another couple of nobles sit to the left of the stage. Sandwyn smiles at Jade, and gives her a wave. He'll do the same for Ariadne, or invite Ariadne to sit with his friends if she wishes.

Lorelay introduces Akwaeke by giving some history of their musicianship, the name of the style they play in (Lyric Romanticism), and a brief but lively (Because She Is So Enthusiastic!) story of how she met Akwaeke.

Akwaeke is a tall person of indeterminate gender, with a glamourously made up face, indigo on their eyelids and gleaming gold leaf on their face and on their fingers, so that when they play their instrument they glimmer in the torchlight. They have a verrophone and something that looks a little like a violin, except it's longer and larger and is played with a bow and by plucking. The music they make is sinuous, sinking to deep hushed vibrations and then ethereal high notes, all very hollow but lovely. They are a very good performer and they give a good concert, punctuated with stories that command the attention: their voice is a hook, and everybody else is a fish.

Their stories are mostly about dancing, little postmodern folk tales about music becoming dancers, the dancers creating some element of the world or leaving their spouse or falling in love or remembering a ghost.

There is a brief intermission, during which a couple other musicians who dress similarly to Akwaeke come out, bringing with them percussion and brass, and Akwaeke plays something that feels epic and loud, very crashy, very sea-against-shore busy.

And then the concert is done, and the party breaks up. People chatter about the experience, people pay their respects to the prince and princesses, people pay their respects to Lorelay (who lays her head on Jade's shoulder fondly once).

Lorelay does try and make them all promise they'll visit her again for another concert or 'little get together.'

ooc: Feel free to post, if you so wish, an exit/response -- feel free also to chat among yourselves about yer first outing. If you want anything from any NPC before you leave, lemme know and I'll provide. CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR SOCIAL GRACE plus any failed rolls TO COME eventually. :P

Jade happily sits with Lorelay and waves to Sandwyn when he waves to her. She does however try to locate her cousins when there is a moment to do so to make sure they are safe.

The concert though has her in rapt attention and she gives the performer the rich observation they deserve. She asks Lorelay the protocol for showing approval so she does not act out of place but she tells her new friend she certainly does want to show her favor for the performer as they and the other performers at the intermission deserve that.

Jade being Jade there would have been lightning strikes, explosions of confetti, kittens mewing approval. Though light clapping or waving her fan after snapping it open just so if that is Lorelay's suggestion will suffice.

Jade though during the actual performances will NOT disturb them in anyway as they are amazing.

Assuring Lorelay that she will of course be back the two of them could perhaps also go shopping in the city because she likes her taste in clothes though Jade tells her that her own clothing is well more tame as she likes the Victorian style.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 98):

Ariadne smiled at Carmela as the putz Kess left the conversation.  Jade would probably say that it was in bad form to alienate anyone while she was still so new to the general public, but Ari had NO use for jackasses in any world.
When their hostess led them into the garden, Ariadne would follow, but look at Carmela as she went.
"I should probably join my cousins, but there might be room for another, if you're interested."
Hopefully the alluring woman said yes, but if not then Ariadne would excuse herself with dignity and head over to where Jade and Jon were, and settle in to watch the show.

And what a show it was!   Ari was, she would admit sheepishly, expected some stereotypical chamber music, with generic medieval string quartets or something.  Probably something exceptional, of course, but old fashioned.  She had expected something like the food in Amber; basic format, but incredibly well prepared.
The seemingly agendered musician was definitely a surprise, and while Ari was usually only attracted to women, the feminine celebrity certainly had her attention, though she didn't make her interest obvious, especially if Carmela had followed her to the seats.
She enjoyed the music thoroughly, despite only a modicum of interest in classical music normally.  She had mostly enjoyed it because her father had enjoyed it.
This, however, was fantastic.  Exotic and contemporary at the same time.

After the concert, her plans hinged a bit on whether she had company.  If Carmela had stayed by her side, she'd certainly stay with her a bit longer, asking the beautiful woman if there was a place to get a late night snack.
If Carmela hadn't deigned to join Ari, she'd stick with her cousins, ready to head back to Amber with them.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Wed 16 June 2021.

Once in the garden, Jon starts to head towards Jade. *sighs* and instead asks Roiben and Sandwyn if it is OK for him to sit with them.
Assuming it is OK, he joins them and also gives Jade and Ari a quick wave.

Jon is impressed with the artistry and showmanship, but not sure on the music itself.  Nothing bad to say, but perhaps not his style. He asked Rioban and Sandwyn what they thought.  All the while slowly drifting towards Jade. Jon will set up a time for Rioban and he to spar at the castle if he likes.

Just a note she would certainly have waved to Jon as well.

Once free and the mingling after the performance is over Jade joins her cousins she is obviously quite pleased with the concert.

Asking her cousins how they liked it and asking both of them how such a performance compared to ones on their shadows. Jade was very animated and certainly when it came to music she was able to point out a lot that she liked even if the style was different from what she was used too.