Jade hugs Ariadne, "You did it, congratulations !" She has a big smile on her face.

"Everyone we are here !"
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:34, Fri 10 Mar 2023.

Jon steps out of the carriage and smiles up at Ari. "Great job! that was pretty seamless too."

"She is a natural at it. I bet you will be good at it too when you get the chance." She says to Jon. She looks to the driver, "Could you bring us into the city now that we are here or is it customary to walk in ?"

Jon nods to Jade "I hope so." he then gets back into the carriage

"Well, it depends," says Osbert. "Nothing wrong with riding or walking, but riding in this gold-painted chassis is going to get you attention. If you don't mind that, that's fine. If you want to delay getting noticed a little more, then maybe you want to walk, and I could meet you somewhere? Amber has an Embassy here..."

Ariadne smiled and nodded to the driver
"Exactly wyat i was thinking. I'd rather hit the streets as a generic tourist, or at least as generic as we can get.  Meeting at the  Embassy works, though we might need directions to get there"

"Osbert, we may need a hand down, if you don't mind." She smiled to the driver.

Ariadne moved and lept down herself, not wanting to be helped.  She'd been raised with money, but She'd always been annoyed when others tried to pamper her or treat her, ironically, like a Princess.

She looked around, taking stock of her surroundings

"Certainly, your highness." Osbert helps Jade down.



There's no one on the street. It's just a residential--

--Wait, an old woman comes out down the street there-- yes, dressed like a stock street character from out of the Arabian Nights stories-- She has an armful of brooms that she starts setting up near her stoop.

When she sees Ariadne and company, she stops, freezes. Then she calls inside the doorway she just left. Repeats it, urgently.

Four kids come running out-- and when they see the carriage, they come running up. Their ages are maybe 11, 9, 4, and 3.

"Greetings, nobles," bows the oldest. They all bow. "Are you in need of a guide to the city? Someone to take a message? To run an errand? To spy on an enemy?" The 4-year-old holds out his hand as if for payment-- the 9-year-old boy gives him a little smack and he puts his arm back down.

Reminded of trips she'd taken to somewhat similar places, like Mexico and the Middle East, Ariadne put up her hands (well, one hand. the other was ready to grab her coin purse) and shook her head.
"No!  No, we're good . We've been traveling for years, so we'll be fine."

Foom Pah !!! As Jade opens her parasol.

"Wow, this place is very dry." She smiles at the children.

Jon exits the Carriage, grabs his pack and comes to stand next to Jade and Ari. Jon is dressed in a light weight black and gold outfit, fit for the weather, he bracers and boots.

Jade smiles to Jon and tilts her Parasol to offer him some shade as well.
It is clear she is not used to such a dry environment coming from the sea.

"Are you sure, noble lady? Why are you here? How can we help? Don't you need any messengers or spies?"

"Or a nice broom maybe?" suggests the 9-year-old, gesturing vaguely back to where the old woman is arranging her brooms around the stoop...

Ariadne pressed her lips together, suppressing the urge to yell.  She didn't want to be "the evil rich lady who yelled at children", both because it would be a terrible thing to do,  and because the kids would almost certainly use that as emotional blackmail to get more money.
"No, we're fine, thank you.   If we need you, we'll let you know"

Jon thanks Jade and smiles as Ari handles the kids.  He then stops towards them "Thank you for your offer, as she says, we should be fine." he then turns to Ari, then Jade and Janessa "Ladies, shall we be on our way?"

Ariadne was wearing a somewhat stylish long coat, a la Highlander, to help hide her weapons somewhat, and hopefully hide her money pouch as well.  It was weird holding her money in a bag of coins rather than just her wallet.  It made the weird and magical aspect of her new life very apparent.

Jade follows Ariadne and asks, "Is it normal to spy on people like that?"
She looks kind of surprised as she asks her cousins.
"I wouldn't even know who to spy on."

"Er, shall I wait here? Or shall I take the carriage and horses and wait at Amber's Embassy here in Tanus? Or...?" asks Osbert.

The kids start petting the horses.

The horses tolerate the kids petting them.

Ariadne nodded to the driver with a grateful smile
"Going to the Embassy would be good, I think.   We can meet you there"

She looked at Jade with a chuckle, as if asking "why are you asking me??", but she remembered King Randoms comparison, and then nodded thoughtfully
"Yes and no.  I'm not totally familiar with this area, of course, but in many large cities, especially when there's political trouble, infighting, or just poverty, you can hire children to watch a location, or sit nearby a specific group so they can overhear an important conversation.  Usually, no one who's important pays attention to children.   It's why maids, butlers, and secretaries are useful sources of information.   Though, with kids, that spy work might not be reliable "

Jade nods, "Ah yes, I am knowledgeable in the social invisibility of being a maid. It can at times be as good as magical invisibility." She smiles understanding now what Ariadne explained.

Osbert takes the horses one direction down the street.

The Amberite cousins head in the other direction.

(As they walk, the four kids follow them.)

With each street they walk, more and more people are visible on the streets-- here, a man carrying a keg of something on his shoulder, there, a woman wearing a sword, over there, a woman selling brightly-colored scarves.

Everyone's interest when they see the cousins is great, but they seem a bit afraid to approach, like they don't want to bother you. Instead, some people start waving the children over, apparently to ask who these handsome/beautiful strangers are. The kids start doing business, asking for coins (or candy, where available) in exchange for telling what they know (which honestly isn't that much, but it's more than the askers know themselves).

Ariadne looked around, not sure how to feel.  She was flattered, but also nervous about what happened next.
"We're making a bigger impression on this city than I'd realized.  I'll admit that I'd been hoping to blend in a little better, but coming here in fancy Amber style clothes made that impossible, I guess. I should have realized that."
She shook her head, sighing with resignation.
"Next time we do this, we should pick out local fashions, and work to be more subtle, I think.  We're already a local 'news of the day' for the neighborhood people."

She looked at Jade and Jon with a wry smile.
"On my Earth, I'm not a huge celebrity, but I'm known to many people, especially in certain communities.  So when I go out in about as myself, it can sometimes cause a crowd.  Crowds of admirers or fans can be very good for ones ego, but it can also make it inconvenient or even impossible to get anything done in town.  I remember one time I stopped at a store to buy a leather jacket, hoping to get in and out in half an hour at most.  Well, a couple of people recognized me, and wanted to chat for a bit.  Other people joined in, and before long my short shopping trip turned into a two hour public event.  And, if I remember right, I never did get around to buying a jacket."

"Do you think it's my hair? Should I change the color or is it too late?"
She looks to Ariadne, "I hope we can get about without hours of talking to people like that, though King Random did say we were known here. At least Amber was known here."

Ariadne chuckled darkly
"Oh, it's FAR too late for that.  I'm sure word that 'strangers are in town' has reached several blocks in every direction.
The Good news is, we have a chance, or, to be more honest, an obligation, to be Ambassadors for Amber to the people we meet here.   That might help Amber, or at least our reputation, though, if we play our cards right."

Jade nods, "I would like a good reputation. I think we would all want that." She smiles.

"It seems the children are making money off of us anyway." She laughed lightly, "Now, I don't feel so bad."

In reply to Jade (msg # 26):

Ariadne grinned.
"Yes, like many kids in some of the cities on Earth, these kids are dedicated entrepreneurs"

She leaned close to Ariadne and whispered, "Uhm, Ariadne is Earth so hot and dry as this shadow ? I am just curious." Her face showed some concern though.

Ariadne looked around, taking a whiff of the air that smelled of dust, cooking fires, and too many people.   She smirked.
"Earth is a big place, with many different environments.  There are Many places as hot as this normally, including summers in Los Angeles, where I live most of the time.  And there are plenty of places that are warmer and plenty that are actually uncomfortably cold.  But hopefully this place will have enough of a breeze to keep us cool."

"Oh, ok." she nodded slowly and once again stayed under her parasol.
Her eyes taking in their surroundings as she looked for the children again.

Jon has been keeping pace with his cousins, but his attention has been dedicated to keeping an eye on their surroundings.  Especially as they reach more populated areas.  Jon keeps his expression pleasant, but it is clear that he is not relaxed.

"I agree, we definitely drew more attention than expected.  Perhaps we should've ridden to the Embassy and then seen about 'slipping out'." *shrugs* "But, as they say, it is easy to see the flaws of the past with the knowledge of the present."

"I would love to buy some of those lovely scarves. Can we buy a few things or do you want to head to the embassy as quickly as possible?"

Ariadne looked around. "We may be swamped soon with locals trying to meet the 'tourists', but we can buy a few things now, before the onslaught of 'helpful citizens'."

She also looked for a quick souvenir to buy.  Perhaps a brooch or pin of some kind

Jade smiled and went to buy some colorful scarves.

"I would love to purchase some of these lovely scarves please."

"Certainly, noble visitor, certainly..."

Ariadne finds a jewelry-seller selling-- amongst other things-- some pins and brooches.

A well-fed fellow approaches the cousins, and targets Jon. "Noble prince, might I interest you in a truly rare purchase-- a living almiraj, horn intact? Such a worlds-savvy traveler as yourself surely knows how useful such a beast can be when hunting, yes...?"

Jade makes her purchases and feels the fabric enjoying the sensation. smiling she bundles the scarves away.

When she see the man speak with Jon her curiosity is piqued, "What is an Almiraj ?"

Jon smiles at the man "Indeed. Such a beast, in its element, would be a fearsome ally." he nods "But where I hunt most often, the almiraj would be a detriment to me.  I do appreciate the offer." Jon says with a note of finality, indicating that he is not open to further discussions.

In reply to The GM (msg # 35):

Ariadne, while not being judgmental about hunting, looked for something less hunting related to get.

Seeing that Jon isn't interested, the man chats up Jade. "A very useful beast, noble lady. About the size of a rabbit, but horned. All other animals hate the sight of it and run away! Say you are hunting for birds or wild boar in the jungle-- when a tiger appears! You quickly remove the almiraj from its container-- a basket, say, or some sort of small crate or box-- and hold it up, and the tiger will run away!"

"Can I see it, I have never seen one before. I admit I don't go hunting but a horned little animal seems to be something I would love to see."

"Certainly, madam, certainly! Right this way...!"

The merchant leads Jade over a couple of dozen yards to a large cart that apparently belongs to him.

There, he pulls a large basket to him, and unties the ropes on the top of the basket.

He reaches inside, and pulls out a creature, and shows it to Jade.

https://dmingdad.com/wp-content/uploads/Almiraj.png

A flock of pigeons fly away at that moment, but that could be because the little kids were playing chase-me games by running through the middle of them.

The merchant is pleased by Jade's reaction. "...Would your ladyship like to hold the creature...?" he asks.

The almiraj, looking Jade right in the eyes, clearly nods.

It's as if it's saying Yes, please, please!

"Blessings of the Narwhal it's a cute little bunny with a horn." Jade's eyes glittered almost in anime fashion perhaps she was using just a hint of magic.

"It looks adorable, now why would other animals be scared of you ?"

She does look like she wants to hold it. She reaches out.




I just want other people to have a chance to interact as well.

The merchant lets Jade hold the creature. Its fur is warm and soft and snuggly.

And then the almiraj whispers to Jade: "I can tell you're a sorceress, lady, you gotta get me out of here, I'm not from this world, these people think I'm a magic rabbit and they all freak out when I try talking to them. Please, you gotta believe me!"

"How much for this Almiraj ?" She blinks away the stars in her eyes.

Her fingers are stroking the rabbits fur gently.

(Hmmmmm... Roll CHR, Jade)

Jade beams with a brilliant smile no hint of sharks or barracudas at all. As she looks at the salesman. Eyes hopeful and sincere.



13:43, Today: Jade rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,4.  Charisma Roll.

In reply to The GM (msg # 41):

Ariadne looked over, intrigued, despite herself by the horned rabbit.   She smiled.
"Reminds me of a jackalope, though those are only mythical."
She looked at the merchant with a wry smile.
"This little thing will scare away a tiger?  I find that hard to believe"

She wouldn't have heard the bunny's whispers

The merchant's heart tries not to melt under Jade's baby-seal stare. "For you, noble lady... only... 25 tals."

One of the littler kids nearby who came over to look at the almiraj gasps at the mention of that much money.

After hearing the kids, and on general principles, Ariadne was skeptical

Jade looks to the others, "May I?"

In reply to Jade (msg # 50):

Ariadne chuckled and rolled her eyes, though not without a smile.
"Fine, go ahead.  It's a cute animal, I'll agree"

Jade smiled "Now can I get the basket as well ?" She asks the merchant.

She makes the purchase.

"What is your name little one?" Ruffling it's fur.

Jon gives a low chuckle as Jade buys the almiraj.  He steps close to her and looks at the creature. He whispers "Well, if you are a capable fighter, then please protect, Jade with every ounce of your ability." and he will reach towards it to give it a gentle pet, but stops close enough to give the almiraj time to decide to allow Jon to pet it or not.

OOC: Jon is not aware of its sentience nor ability to talk, but since it was presented as a hunting companion, that is where he is speaking from.

The merchant is dying to charge for this, but Jade is just so charming, he doesn't.




The almiraj sort of jerks its head with its horn, pointing... down the street. As if it's saying not here, take me where no one will eavesdrop



The almiraj gives Jon a look, as if it can understand what he's saying. (Specifically, it's a look like it thinks he's being a little patronizing.)

It does, however, allow Jon to pet it.

Jade moves down the street petting the Almiraj. Heading in the direction it pointed it's horn.

She does however try to remain with her cousins not wanting to be in this strange dry land alone. Well sort of alone.

Parasol in one hand the other holding the basket with the Almiraj now.

Ariadne has bought a brooch (what'd you get, Ariadne?), and now Jon and Ariadne and Janessa journey down a less-busy street.

The children continue to follow at their heels, but not so close that they can eavesdrop, as long as one speaks quietly and surreptitiously.

"My name is Hless," says the almiraj to Jade. "One day, a storm came, with winds and rain so strong it blew me away from the meadows to a place I'd never seen before, to a place where the rulers of the land were big people your size, tall and always going on their hind legs. They caught me and brought me to others, who rode on ships. The first place I found myself was called Montevalno, but those in ships were apparently from Minos, and said they would want a horned rabbit like myself in Tanus, which means this place. They sold me to that man back there. But he has a trick-- he'll sell me, and then he has thieves who steal me back, and he sells me again. He's done it twice already... But I just want to go home! You can do magic-- can you send me home?"

Jade listens nodding slowly, "I can try. I have heard of storms like that shadow storms. I guess we need to be prepared if he sends people to steal you back. What are those people like?" Jade seems to be taken with her new pet. Whispering to it and talking into the basket.

She motions Ariadne over and says very quietly to Ariadne, "Be wary, the man who sold me this beautiful creature. He sends others to steal him back. Could you let the others know, quietly of course?"

She kept alert from behind the shade of her parasol.

"I don't know, ah... thieves! Like... like when you've buried acorns and you find someone else coming and digging them up in the night!"

Jon gives the almiraj a gentle pet, noting that it allowed it, he says "Thank you." sincerely. He takes a look around and then sees Jade walk off.  He follows a bit behind trying to keep track of Jade, Ari and Janessa so that none are too far away, in the event of trouble.

In reply to Jade (msg # 57):

Ariadne, admiring her new stylized tiger pendant, hadn't noticed the strange creature talking, looked at Jade curiously.  She whispered back.
"What?  How do you know that?   Did one of the kids say something?"
Looking at Jon, she leaned over and whispered to him as well.
"Jade says the guy who sold the horned rabbit had people who try to steal it back for him.  I'm not sure how she knows that, but we should keep our eyes open, just in case.  I mean, more so than we already were, I guess"

Ariadne, used to walking around in large cities around handsy or otherwise dangerous men, was used to keeping her eyes open to scan her surroundings without looking like she was doing so obviously.

Jade whispers to Ariadne, "This Almiraj is intelligent. He has been sold and stolen back before. I am going to try to help him get back home. He is not from here the way he describes it he was caught in a shadow storm in the past and ended up here."

She notices Ariadne's pendant, "Oh nice, I like that."

In reply to Jade (msg # 61):

Ariadne blinked in surprise and scowled.  She kept glancing at the bunny, as if she wasn't quite sure Jade could be correct.
"Intelligent??  If that's true, then it's not a pet shop, it's a slave market."

It was probably a testament to all the weird and bizarre things she'd seen over the last few weeks that she didn't automatically dismiss Jade's claims as some kind of weird projection.

"I suppose your right. He is smart enough I can understand him." She smiles.

"Perhaps he truly is blessed by the Narwhal."

In reply to Jade (msg # 63):

Ariadne smirked.
"Or, the little guy is from a world where animals talk.  Which, I suppose, wouldn't be the weirdest things we've ever seen."

Jade looks over, "That is possible too, I suppose."

She looks back to the Almiraj, "Can all Almiraj talk where you are from?"

In reply to Jade (msg # 65):

Ariadne blinked in surprise, then chuckled.
"We don't have anything like that on Earth, unless you count mythological creatures and old folk tales.  Do you have those in Amber or Rebma?"

"Of course we have the Narwhal and the Unicorn. Occasionally manticore and dragons in Arden. Have you seen Julian's horse and hounds ? very much mythical."

In reply to Jade (msg # 67):

"No, I meant Almiraj. We've got some crazy animals on Earth, but they're not intelligent, at least as far as we know."

"This is the first one I have seen and I really like him." She looks over to Ariadne, "He reminds me of home."

"Yes, of course! But our name for ourselves is the Lylsel." He pronounces it LIL-sel. Or that's how it sounds. He's being pretty quiet so no one overhears.

"Lylsel, ok I will remember that.  What is your name? I'm Jade."

Jon nods to Ari as he is relayed the information and goes from passively watching for trouble to actively watching for trouble.  He starts scanning the surroundings.  He moves closer to Ari and Jade and signals Janessa closer.

Quietly to the others when Jon comes close, "I think he may have paid the children to spy on us. So the thieves know where we are and when to strike. Maybe we should give them some coin to send them on missions so they are not following us. Perhaps even to keep an eye on the vendor."

Jon nods "Good plan." he moves off and summons the kids over.  Once they are gathered, he says "listen, I need you all to do me a big favor, and if you succeed, then you each will receive one Tal. Interested in the challenge?"

In reply to Jon (msg # 74):

Ariadne nodded reluctantly.  She wasn't happy about encouraging the local street urchins by throwing money around, but they needed to play by local rules here.  A street brawl, even against obvious thieves, would only make them and Amber look bad.

"I am Hless, Jade."



"Ah! You have changed your mind, yes?" asks the oldest boy. "You have a mission for us, yes? A message to deliver? An enemy to spy upon?"

One of the younger boys executes a little salute, unknowingly imitating Odile. His has more fancy flourishes, though.

Quietly, "Hless, we will try and get you home. It is nice to meet you formally now." She gives him a warm smile.

She thought this must be a test of the Narwhal and protected the basket containing the Lylsel.
Her mind working she was uniquely suited for this.

She looked over at the children, "Do you know where they sell paints and artists tools?" smiling a bit to them.

Ariadne kept up a nonchalant demeanor but kept a vigilant eye on everything.  It reminded her of her time on the "Fast Cars" franchise, when she began as a bodyguard character for one of the villains, and she had to "look hot for the camera but keep an eye on everything".  She didn't think she was acting particularly alluring, and just tried to be vigilant and aware of everything, but several movies later, the act appeared to work well.

She thought to herself, with amusement, that Uncle Julian would probably consider this a good training exercise

"Oh, yes-yes! There are three vendors in the Great Market for such things, in the Alley of Artists! You wish us to go and purchase such things for you? Or just to deliver a message, to commission a painting from an artist?"

"If you could make some purchases for me and bring it to the Amber embassy."
She gives them instructions for the basic paints, cardstock and brushes she will need.

Giving them coin to make the purchases and asking if they know where the embassy is.

"Yes! Of course you are of Amber, all of you so beautiful! We will deliver there in less than an hour! Come on!" This last to his brothers, all of whom run off.

"Awww that was sweet." Jade gets choked up a bit.

She looks to the others, "Shall we head to the embassy then ?"

Ariadne nodded
"Yes. let's head off"

Heads for the Embassy.

Keeping Hless close to her side in his basket.
She spins her parasol lightly in her other hand keeping in limber and ready.

(Okay, you three (since Janessa hasn't checked in in a month)-- please make a Perception roll, with a -1 penalty (just because it's hard).)

I did take the -1 into account already, I normally get +1.

10:31, Today: Jade rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,4.  Perception.

Ariadne tried to keep a close eye on everyone, but was distracted despite her best efforts

OOC:15:19, Today: Ariadne rolled 4 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,3.  perception.

21:02, Today: Jon rolled 11 using 2d6 ((5,6)). Perception

If all 4 Kids leave on Jade's request, Jon returns to a vigilantly watches and heads with Jade and Ari (and Janessa) towards the Embassy.
If any of the kids remain, let me know and I will give them a Tal to go to the market (depending on how many, it will be various items).

(First thing:

quote:

"We will deliver there in less than an hour! Come on!" This last to his brothers, all of whom run off.

Second thing: How do you guys find the Embassy, exactly?)

(Didn't we get those directions from the carriage driver before we seperated)

(Um, I see no mention of that, scrolling back...)

Tucking Hless away in his basket she looked around remembering certain passages from a book in the library. Her eyes finally settled on a bird as she attempted something. When the bird she had set eyes on flew again she followed urging the others to follow.


12:30, Today: Jade rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,2.  Perception Shadow Manipulation.

The pigeon flaps its way through the streets, taking the cousins down one turn and then another, but definitely seeming like it's going somewhere in particular. It even stops and waits for everyone to catch up when it gets too far ahead.

As you round one corner, though, the next street grows wider, and down at the end of the block, you see a large, pretty house with a big iron fence around it-- the white-on-green symbol of The Unicorn is prominently displayed.

Jade beams with a smile, "Ahhh there we are." she doesn't add the more nervous It worked !

She spins her parasol happily and walks with a wide stride towards the embassy.

Jon suddenly moves towards a person and whispers "tosaigh athrú baill foirne" and attempts to attack the person with a quarterstaff that appears in his hands.

14:49, Today: Jon rolled 6 using 2d6+2 ((1,3)).
*sigh*

The guy Jon moves toward whips a heavy scimitar out of nowhere (not really, at all-- it's just one of those "I didn't even see he was armed until he whipped it out" super-stealthy things, not magic) and whacks Jon upside the head with the flat of the blade, hard. Owww!

(Jon takes two damage.)

Jade goes from the joy of finding her way to the embassy through a bit of pattern skill to the horror of seeing Jon injured. Her brows knitted with concern.

Something rose up in her throat almost like a scream it was something she had not experienced before. It called back to her fathers side of the family and the true ancient Sirens of the family. When the scream left her throat though it became song. The same song that drove sailors and pirates with a madness to leap into the sea. A song of such beauty it could make fish shed tears below the waves. It came bursting from her lungs as she looked at the man who had attacked Jon.



13:08, Today: Jade rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,5.  Siren Song.
Her Beauty Trait
Beauty: (Siren's Voice)

The scimitar-wielding man listens to Jade (how could he not?), and just stands there staring at her for several long moments even after she's done. His face is mostly covered by the fabric of his robes, but his eyes are visible, and he's obviously silently weeping at the beauty of Jade's soul that he has just heard.

Ariadne was taken by surprise by the attack, and cursed under her breath for "being a stupid tourist".   She saw Jon attacked, and quickly drew her hand axes and rushed to help her cousin.
Jade's song, and its beauty, threw her off for a moment, and only her anger kept her focused.  Jade's song was incredible, seemingly going straight for the soul.
Ari had met a few professional singers in her day, but Jade made even the Grammy Winners sound like amateur hour.

She went to the attacker's side, ready to hit him with the butt of her axes, but held off, seeing him weirdly entranced.  She tried to keep an eye out for more trouble

Jade not quite sure what she had just done but knowing it had been her who had done so. Moved to Jon to check on his wounds clearly worried for him.

If anything she gave Ariadne a grateful look for being protective like Jon had been.

The scimitar guy looks like he's just about to come out of it--

WzzzzzzTHOK! OWW! What was that-- There! --A guy with a sling, over by the corner of that alley!

(18:55, Today: The GM rolled 2 using 1d3 ((2)).

Ariadne takes 2 points of damage, and reflects on Chapter 7 verse 3 of The Book Of Lance: It Doth Hurt To Visiteth New Places When Thou Art Not Fully Healed Up Yet.)

"You knock this one out, Ari. I will handle the one with the sling."

She tried sounding self assured and aimed her parasol firing one of the bolts from it at the man who had hit her cousin with the sling stone.



19:01, Today: Jade rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,6.  Parasol bolt.
I am unsure how to do the damage.

Ariadne cried out angrily, screaming out an obscenity that implied that the sling man's parent's were never married, and his mother was possibly a dog.
Without thinking, she hurled one of her axes at the attacker in the alley

OOC:

20:04, Today: Ariadne rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,2.  Axe throw

(Nice throw. Do you prefer him dead, just wounded, or what?)

I'd prefer wounded

(Yeah, it was a dumb question. Guess I wanted you to describe how/where it hit. But maybe that's my job.)

The axe hits the man in the arm. It doesn't take his arm off, because it hit bone (and not so hard as to sever). On the other hand, it sounded like it probably broke the bone. It wasn't his stone-slingin' arm, but he's using that to hold the other one in pain.

OOC:  Understood.  I'll try to keep that in mind for next time.  Sorry about that.

Ariadne moved an axe to her primary throwing hand again, then raised her hand to "cover" the sling thrower, while keeping an eye on the scimitar guy.
"DON"T MOVE!!!"

If the sling guy ran, she'd throw another axe at his legs, trying to knock him down.
And if the scimitar guy attacked again, she'd try to bop him on the head, perhaps between the eyes, to try to knock him out.

Knowing that Ariadne was injured Jade remained in a very defensive position using her parasol to help shield her cousin and Jon. She knew Janessa was nearby and hoped she was ok.

Sling-guy gets shifty eyes, like he's thinking of running...

...Or, it occurs to you, like maybe he's looking around for another ally...?

Jon shakes the cobwebs out as he recovers from the attack.

Seeing Ari, he looks around to see anyone else as he whispers "tosaigh athrú sleá" and the staff becomes a spear.  Jon rest the point against the scimitar guy's throat.

14:22, Today: Jon rolled 6 using 2d6 ((2,4)). Perception!
Hey Look there is the ground! *Sigh*
Jon isn't aware of the Slinger

Jon says "Who are you?"

Jade says to the man with the scimitar, "Here let me take that so you don't get hurt. The longer you have this in your hands the more chance one of my cousins brings you to great harm." She tries to take the scimitar from him so he is no longer armed.



12:32, Today: Jade rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Charming Roll.

The scimitar guy, still slightly teary-eyed, stares at Jade, and lets her ease the scimitar from him. She succeeds-- now she's got it, and he doesn't.



"We... NO!!!" he cries, and he shoves Jade out of the way... of a little fireball that streaks out of nowhere-- okay, it's from the alley on the opposite side of the street from where Sling Guy is. Sorcerer! So that's who Sling Guy was watching for!

Thanks to Scimitar Guy's intervention, Jade is totally safe from the little ball of fire-- because it hits Jon instead.

(12:48, Today: The GM rolled 3 using 1d4 ((3)).

Jon takes 3 new damage. But gets an XP! This must be what being Lance feels like!)

Jade staggers back her eyes widen as the man who had been an attacker pushes her to save her from a ball of fire. She spins her parasol two or three times before the tip balances her. She glances off in the direction the ball of fire had come from. She then looked at Jon who had been singed by the fireball. Oh poor Jon. her eyes looked pained again.

"Why is everyone hurting my, Jon!"

She glances down to make sure Hless is ok.

Ariadne blinked in surprise at the fire exploding in their midst, feeling the intense heat on her face.  She's not sure if she'd hurt or not, but realized she'll know better once the adrenaline wore off.  She looked for the magic fire guy, and she'll throw her axe as soon as she does.

OOC:
16:06, Today: Ariadne rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,2.  perception.

Hless's basket is still okay-- Jade can still feel the weight of the horned rabbit inside.


Ariadne looks-- THERE! There's the spellcaster...

(Gonna roll to throw axe?)

Ariadne threw the axe hard, aiming for a leg or stomach shot, to incapacitate or at least severely distract the magic dude

(Looks at Ariadne's roll in diceroller)

POW! Got 'im!

The sorcerer, very hurt, raises his hands... then sinks to the ground. "Don't... we surrender... We aren't being paid enough to fight such as you... not to our deaths...!"

Used-To-Have-A-Scimitar Guy and Sling Guy nod at this sentiment... The fight is over.

"Ariadne Axmaiden !" Jade let out as she saw the ax fly true.

She will collect the axes for Ariadne and her Parasol bolt.

"What should we ?" She glances at the surrendered men.

Moving quickly, Ariadne strode over to collect the two men and brought them together by Jade and Jon.
Ariadne looked at her cousins
"We could take them to the Embassy and ask for local law enforcement there?"

"Or we could send them to that scoundrel of a merchant and tell him all sales are final ! and none of this restocking his shelves with fluffy and adorable inventory."

Ariadne chuckled and shrugged
"I'll go with the majority opinion,  I suppose.   We can let their wounds be their punishment, and let them tell their boss that things have changed in his business model"

Jon whispers "tosaigh athrú bráisléid" and the spear disappears.  He looks over at Ari, Jade and the three assailants.
"I think we should take them to the Embassy, they should tell us and the authorities who hire them this time and how many times that they've done this.  Then we have the local authorities take care of it." he then looks over at the assailants again. "Besides, we can always return and take care of things ourselves if they don't cooperate."

Ariadne smiled at their assailants, a cruel glint in her eyes as she laid a hand meaningfully on her newly holstered axes.
"You heard the man, we're going for a walk.  Try to keep up, okay? I'd hate to have to get..Motivational "
Her expression was one she'd used in many movies when her character was trying to be especially intimidating

Jade looked to Jon's burns and the bruise to his temple.

"I will attend to that, and your wound too Ariadne when we get to the embassy."

She pouted a bit when she saw that the men were going to be turned over to the law. Especially after the discussion they all had in Amber before they left.

"I feel bad, especially since this man had a change of heart and actually pushed me to safety." She added glumly as they marched along. Her earlier happy gait following the bird now changed as they herded the wounded men.

She readded the bolt to her parasol after cleaning it with a scarf knowing she would need to purchase a new one.

Jon smiles at Jade when she speaks of tending to his wounds "Thank you."

He nods "Well, he at least tried to save you, no necessarily warn us.  I think that might have been your enchanting effect more so than a change of heart.  But beyond that, I doubt that this was his first time being a bandit and we don't know how many he might have injured previously.  It is best to let the locals deal with this at first.  And hopefully, we can shutdown that merchant as well."

"Your welcome."

Jade then listens to Jon and nods thinking about it.

"I don't know what happened. When I saw him swing at you and strike your head. I wanted to scream but it came out different. It wasn't a spell, at least not a spell I know of." She walked along thinking about it, "It was like." Her eyes widened a bit. "The songs of some of the most ancient Sirens."

She hid her face with her parasol and said quietly, "I'm not that old."

A walk down the long block, and you arrive at the embassy.

A servant answers the front door. His eyes go wide, and he invites you in, and immediately sends for others to come and attend you.

Soon, a large, well-fed man appears. "Greetings-- how may I help you? I take it you're with the carriage that's in the stables in back? Er, some of you...? Oh! You're hurt-- do you need medical attention? What do you need? I am the ambassador for Amber here in Tanus..."

Jade bobbs her head green curls bouncing, "Yes please some healing balm, and ointment for bruises would be good. Some bandages would be wonderful as well. We do need to bandage up these men who have sustained more severe wounds then ourselves."

Jade's maid instincts kick in she had people to attend to and she knew at least some of what to do interacting with others in such a similar role.

"A guard or two to help watch these men while we bandage and heal, oh and some lettuce and perhaps a carrot if you have it."

Bandages and medicines are sent for, and lettuce and a carrot.

And some guards are also sent for: "But... what has happened involving these men?" asks the Ambassador.

"These gentlemen work for a merchant whom, tries to sell the same merchandise by sending these men to retrieve it after it has been sold." Jade tends to the wounded and has set the lettuce and carrot in the basket for Hsell to munch on while she takes care of her cousins.

"There wounds came from trying to retrieve Hsell here, what the locals call an Almiraj."

"I shall speak to the captain of the city guards about this matter. A thousand pardons, I have not officially introduced myself: I am Ambassador Darian Deszo. Is there anything I can help you with here in Tanus, other than bandages and guarding your prisoners? Food for the rest of you? Rooms to rest in? I have enough for each of you upstairs... Hot baths? Something else?"

(Upon seeing Jade feeding Hless): "...Remarkable...! I have never seen the like, though I have heard the legend of the almiraj..."

Hless makes adorable little eem neem neem neem neem noises when he eats. He seems to prefer the carrot to the lettuce (though just slightly).

Hless continues to be shy about speaking (perhaps because the bandits are in the room. The ambassador can have them taken to some other room if you want).

"Oh a bath would be wonderful. I hadn't realized it was so dry here. Thank you Ambassador Deszo."

As she hears Hless eat, Jade can't help but smile her eyes shimmering again.

"Yes, he is a cute little guy, no ?" She smiles.

She looks over, "Yes, I think a separate room for our guests would be good. Thank you again."

The ambassador's mouth works silently, as he thinks: ...Dry...?! Here...?! Then he re-notices Jade's hair: "Ah! Rebma! Yes, dry! Indeed!" He chuckles a bit at that, but not at all in a mean way.



The prisoners are taken away under heavy guard. "...Thank you all for rescuing me and keeping me safe," Hless says very quietly (between bites) once the prisoners are gone. "...I'm very grateful. I'm sorry there was danger involved."

"I am just glad you are ok. We will try and get you home still."

She didn't disturb him while he ate even though she wanted to pet him.

"Enjoy your meal, I thought you might be hungry." She says still smiling warmly.

"I am! Eem neem neem neem neem neem neem neem neem..."

Little valentine hearts float above Jades head and float up and pop vanishing as she watches Hless eating.

She can't help but be cheered up listening to him eat.

Ariadne waited until their "guests" were safely taken away before she unceremoniously flumphed into a nearby chair, finally letting her Pain and exertion show. She sighed with relief.
Back on Earth she was used to working 16 hour days on movie sets, would regularly train in martial arts or calisthenics for hours at a time, and had even regularly, and casually, run the Boston Marathon several times.
And yet, her time in Amber was a level of pain and exhaustion unlike anything she ever experienced.
If it wasn't for those grey dinks running around, she might seriously start to rethink this whole thing

"I am sorry, did you want something to eat to Ariadne ? I know you have been going nonstop since your walk." She looked to Jon, "Both of you."

Ariadne shrugged
"Maybe something light.  Bread or something.  Thank you "

Jade looks for the Ambassador to pass along word.

"Ambassador Deszo, could we get some breads, and pastries ?"

"Certainly, certainly! Then perhaps baths, and rest? And what after that? I take it from your carriageman that you wish to keep a low profile in the city, but... any sort of entertainment at all? Or are you here with some special purpose? You don't have to tell me, but if there's anything I can help with...?"

"Baths would be nice, is there a pool on embassy grounds ? A nice full meal for the evening and rest would be good for several of us. I don't know what kind of entertainment there might be but I wish to let you know some children were sent to purchase art supplies so they may be showing up at the gates. Please if some coin could be given to them for their help it would be appreciated. We have some coins here, I think we agreed one tal each."

Ariadne smiled wryly at the ambassador
"I've had enough intense entertainment for today.  If you have any books or news reports about Tanus, though, I'dappreciateit"

Jon smiles as he watches Jade take charge.  Once his wounds are attended to, he speaks up regarding the Bandits. "Well, we believe these bandits were at least hired by the Merchant, though by now he may be gone as he probably realized something has happened.  I don't know what other crimes they might have committed." Jon then gives the ambassador a description of the merchant and the location where his stall was.

He nods in agreement with both Ari and Jade "I agree some light refreshment now and then baths sounds very nice.  Beyond that, can you tell us about the Embassy? Tanus and the current state of affairs?"

"I am afraid there is not."



"Certainly, certainly."




"Understood. They shall be paid for their efforts. Shall I pay them at the door, or do you wish their purchases to be brought to you first so you can see whether or not they are satisfactory?"




"Books can certainly be brought to you... News... are you looking for anything in particular...?"




"He shall be dealt with-- ah, how shall I address each of you?"



"Ah, that sort of news? Things go well here, as far as relations between Tanus and Amber. Politically, there has always been a small amount of jealousy over Amber being the head of the Golden Circle, but that is mitigated by the people of Tanus seeing the Royal Family of Amber being seen as glamourous and noble."

"I would like to see the children and what they brought if possible, thank you Ambassador."

Ariadne nodded thoughtfully as she chewed her snacks.  She shrugged and smiled at the ambassador.
"I suppose I was asking for a political and topical lay of the land, to get a sense of current events and what the locals are thinking about or are worried about.   But I suppose the last thing we should do is meddle.  Though perhaps the best question is, is there anything we can do for you, Ambassador?  Is there any way we can help with relations between here and Amber, and perhaps make a good impression on the Tanus folks?"

"An interesting thought! I have an idea that might be appropriate... Please relax, and let me investigate the criminals you have brought to justice. I will speak to you about this later, if you are willing."




At the ambassador's direction to a servant, the four boys soon come in. "Noble lady, noble lady, we have brought just what you sent us for-- and we haggled so that there were 3 talis left over!" The eldest boy hands the art supplies to Jade. They're just what she asked for-- and he gives her three copper coins as change, too.

She happily gives them a Tal each and for haggling so well for her she allows them to keep 2 of the Tal that they saved.

"Thank you very much, you have done well ! I am pleased." She resists the urge to ruffle hair even though they look cute.


She looks over the art supplies checking to see that they will be suitable for her to do some paintings while here.

The boys exchange glances. The eldest boy's glance seems to say see, I told you she'd let us keep some and their glances seem to say to him fine, fine, you were right, shut up.

"What else can we do for you, noble lady?" He glances at Ariadne when saying this, too, like How about you, you sure you still don't have anything you want done?

Ariadne smiled at the kids, trying to keep her impatience from her expression.  She really just wanted to rest for a bit, and not deal with the yokels, but she knew that as a minor celebrity she didn't have the option to snap at anyone.   It was a bit like Earth, where a bad day could end up on TMZ or even could eventually hurt her career.  Celebrities weren't allowed to have bad days.

"I'm okay for now, but thank you for your good work so far.   We'll definitely keep you in mind for the future "

"Well, that man that I bought my bunny from. Does he have other places he sets up shop after he sells rabbits like that ?" She asks the children.

"Oh, Jisash. Mm, sometimes he drinks at the Shaded Palm. But sometimes he leaves town, and goes to Dvaraka."

Jade looks to the Ambassador, "Do you know where those places are ?"

She smiles at the child who provided the information and hands the extra Tal they had saved her from the purchase to that child.

The boys leave, disappointed that their business with the Amber nobles has ended (for now?).

"I do," says the Ambassador. "Dvaraka is the next large city up the river from here. The Shaded Palm is a large tavern here in this city. The city guards will already be searching for this merchant, this Jisash, though. However, if you like, I will send a message to the captain of the guards with this new information...?"

Nodding to the ambassador "That would be wise. This merchant sounds sufficient sneaky enough that he could perhaps get away while the guards are looking in one place.  I assume by now, he knows that his bandit mercenaries have failed and are either captured or killed." says Jon.

"I am glad the children were able to help and are now safely out of harms way." She smiles.

"I agree, if he has pulled this many times before, he has probably done so with other products and commodities he has sold."

The ambassador leaves the room.

He comes back about 10 minutes later (just when you're starting to wonder when he'll come back). "The message has been sent. Things are underway. I expect the merchant, Jisash, to be captured before sundown. Until then, shall you rest, bathe, feast? In whatever order?"

Ariadne nodded with a smile
"You have our appreciation, Sir. I'd love some food and drinks before i get cleaned up."

"Thank you Ambassador, it is appreciated."

She looks to Ariadne then back to the Ambassador, "I can wait till later for a nice soak, dinner sounds lovely."

"Certainly! Shall I order local cuisine for you? Or I could discuss menu items with you...?"

Ariadne smiled
"Local cuisine, I think.   I mean, what's the point of coming here if we're not going to enjoy local food?"

"I agree, I would like to try out the local dishes." Jade smiles.

"Oh, yes, but I just meant, I could answer questions if need be...?"

The Ambassador describes the local cuisine. To Ariadne, it sounds a lot like Indian food-- heavy on the Pakistani influence-- with some Mediterranean thrown in?

Ariadne nodded to the ambassador, smiling
"We're only visiting here briefly, trying to become more familiar with the areas near the kingdom of Amber.  So we won't be here long.  That being said, is there any trouble or possible, i dunno, problems in Tanus that we might be able to help with? Spread a little goodwill or maybe assist the locals?"

The ambassador is eager, but doesn't want to ask for too much. "Would making a short speech be too much? Or perhaps attending a state dinner? Music, wine? Maybe even a little dancing? I saw you brought clothes..."

"I will have the chicken, rice and vegetable medley, if available that looks good." She smiles.

"I hear chicken tastes like tuna."

Ariadne chuckled and grinned at Jade
"If done properly, chicken is MUCH better than Tuna. But I suppose that's an individual taste thing."
She nodded to Ambassador Denzo.
"I should probably discuss this with my cousins, but a state dinner sounds wonderful.   Just what we need.  One of us could give a speech, if you don't think that would be too forward.  How long would you need to organize it?"

"Certainly... how comfortable are you with spices? Hot spices? I mean, very spicy spices?"



"Hardly any time at all. Perhaps tonight at... 9?"

"Let's try something on the lower end of spicy, we don't have that many things that are hot in Rebma. Then I can see if I like spicy or not."

Jade then looks to Ariadne, "What kind of speech did you want to give ?"

"I was thinking things along the lines of how pleasant you find Tanus to be, how delightful you find most of its people, how you stopped a dangerous fraud scheme but how you hold no ill will against the people of Tanus itself, and how you're certain that the goodwill and friendship between your two worlds will last for all eternity. I can write it for you and have it written out for you to memorize, but everyone will expect you to recite it from memory at the dinner..."

Heh heh, the ambassador doesn't know (yet) that Ariadne is an actress used to learning lines..

Ariadne smirked at Jade.
"Well... I'll admit that I don't have a burning need to do a speech, but I'd imagine, for diplomatic reasons, it might come of a rude to come here, eat their food and sit in their chairs, and not say something nice.   It's something my father taught me. "

She looked at Darian, nodding in agreement.
"That should perfect.  Being an ambassador, I'd definitely expect you to know the best speech to make.  If you want to write something up, I'll take a look at it.  Unless I have any extreme objections, which I don't forsee, I'll memorize it and perform it for the '9 o'clock crowd'.  It's what i do for a living,  after all.

As far as spicy food, well I actually love spicy foodsback home, but I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that my Earth spices are the hottest of them all.  I'm leaning that my supposedly broad education growing up is probably anything but. So.. perhaps my first proper meal here should be only lightly spices, and we'll go up from there.

Thank you, Ambassador Denzo."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Tue 02 May 2023.

"I am with Princess Jade, I think low spicy would be better for me." he smiles "I think Princess Ariadne would be great to deliver the speech."

The ambassador just smiles and nods at this, misunderstanding-- he thinks she just means "as a representative of the royal house of Amber."



"Certainly, certainly! We'll keep the spices at a level I think should be comfortable-- I am from Amber myself originally, after all. I'll have a light lunch ready soon, and then you can all bathe and rest before tonight. I should have a short speech ready for you to look at by the time you're done with lunch, Princess Ariadne. Please rest here a little longer-- I'll either come-- or send a servant-- to come and guide you to a dining room here in the embassy in, say, 15, 20 minutes? Or would you rather be shown your guest rooms, and just have food brought to you on a tray...?"

"You can send for me, that would be fine." Jade smiles having grown to like the family meals.

Ariadne nodded towards Jade
"I'll agree with my cousin here.   A meal together in the Embassy dining room sounds perfect.

As a minor celebrity, Ari knew the benefit of "being seen" by the locals.   It was all part of the job.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:40, Tue 02 May 2023.

Soon-- barely more than 15 minutes later-- a servant comes and leads the cousins to a medium-sized dining room, where they are served a light but tasty lunch.

It's clear that spices were involved, but they leave only a pleasant heat in the mouth-- nothing overwhelming, even for Jade.

When that were alone, Ariadne looked at her cousins with a wry expression
"Actually, i hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew with this.   I've got some experience with public relations and public speaking, even in foreign countries, but this is a bit more 'foreign' than even in used to.    I hope you two can nudge me of i get off topic "

Skew glanced at Jade
"Should I talk about our furry friend, or do you want to keep him a secret ?"

"Well it might be informative to talk about him. He is sentient and no one knew that it seemed. Though, the fact that he, himself wishes to remain secretive about it... Perhaps we should respect that aspect." Jade looks torn about it.

"I'd just as soon keep the fact that I can talk a secret from these people, if that's all right," Hless squeaks quietly.

"Ok Hless, we won't mention that then. We wan't you to feel safe."
Scritches between his ears.

Ariadne chuckled
"Every time i think I've seen the strangest thing in going to see, something else comes along.   I'm starting to feel like my wild life growing up on Earth was positively sheltered compared to the rest of our family "
She nodded to the strange creature
"Don't worry, little guy, Iknow not to 'out' someone before they're ready"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 02 May 2023.

Jon nods in agreement. "You and your secret is safe with us." he says to Hless.
He smiles "You'll do fine Ari, we have faith in you." he shrugs "Besides, I don't think any of us have much experience being a Diplomat or giving publish speeches as Royalty of Amber.  So your practical experience makes you perfect for it."

"Thank you. ...Life was certainly much more simple in the fields from which I came..."

In reply to Hless (msg # 184):

Ariadne nodded her thanks to Jon
"I appreciate your vote of confidence, though not all my performances have garnered universal appeal.  Still, hopefully they'll be a good audience"

She chuckled at the magic rabbit's words
"Believe it or not, I suspect most of us can say something similar, little guy"

"Don't worry Hless, we will find a way to get you home."

She gives him a warm smile.

Ariadne nodded to Jade
"Perhaps we soulful check out the local library here, and get more information about where Hless is from?"

"He is from another world, a storm brought him here. I don't know if the library would have anything but we could check."

Will do so.

"The local library?" the Ambassador says when he's asked about it. "Yes, the Guild of Historians has a good one... What is it you're seeking, exactly...?"

"We wish to do a bit of research on mythical creatures and their habitats." Jade smiled to the Ambassador.

"Certainly, you should find a lot of information about that." He glances at Hless, makes a connection... "But... you may also find that not all of it is very accurate. After all, if it were, they wouldn't remain mythical... Nonetheless. Do you want to arrange a visit there this afternoon, or tomorrow?"

"You looked at our bunny, do you know where they might have books on Almiraj ?"

"Nowhere in Tanus would be better than what the Guild of Historians could tell you... I just worry about if you'll find anything more than folktales and children's songs. But there are sometimes grains of truth in such things, after all."
This message was last updated by the player at 18:50, Sat 06 May 2023.

Nods to him with a bright smile, "One could hope. I tend to be the hopeful sort."

"Just so. Do you want to arrange a visit there this afternoon, before the state dinner, or do you want to go tomorrow?" He pauses. "I could be sure to invite one of the senior historians to dinner tonight, and you could talk to him then...?"

"Yes, please invite one tonight, we can always go to the library tomorrow. I don't wish to crowd our calender too much."

"Certainly! I'll go see to it right away." The ambassador leaves the room again.

Ariadne nodded
"I might be able to get used to this royalty thing.  Even as a celebrity on Earth I never had this much sway over people "

"He is very good and attentive. I feel a little guilty to be honest."

"Yes that's why we're doing this state dinner.  Our presence here can give him more prestige and a better reputation.  If the locals think he's close friends with the Amber royals, rather than just some random diplomatic attaché, he'll have more sway here. "

"I didn't think about it that way, smart thought ! I do hope it helps him out. He has been so nice to us since our arrival."

Ariadne chuckled
"That's the power of celebrity.  If we lend our names to things it can help them out "

"Is celebrity the same as royalty ?"

Ariadne nodded thoughtfully
"Yes, it's definitely related.  Especially for people who are distant from the goings on in court.   They would only know the royalty as famous people "

"Your a celebrity on earth, you must have learned a lot from that."

Ariadne chuckled wryly
"Well... if love to think so, though we'll have to see if they translate to this world "

*nods* "But we also have to be careful, some will use that influence for personal gain and to the detriment to the people.  Name dropping can also be used as a weapon of fear.  And that can lead to resentment and ultimately a rejection of that authority."

In reply to Jon (msg # 207):

You're not wrong, certainly
We're going to need to keep a close eye on this guy.  I want to trust Rzndom to pick someone good, but it's easy to slip through the proverbial cracks.
Also Random, gotta love the guy, is a bit flaky
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Tue 09 May 2023.

*nods* "He might have been fine when he was first selected and is probably still fine now, but time and power can change a person." he looks sad as this conversation brings up a memory. "You are right Ari, we just need to keep an eye on him anyone else we meet as we travel.  This includes ourselves, we need to make sure that we don't let our power corrupt us either." he then looks at Jade and brightens a bit "But, since we are closer than our parents, I think that will be easier."

Jade listening to the conversation smiles to herself then has green crackling lightning around her hands. "Muha ha ha ha Power, yes power all ours  !" She acts briefly power mad in an over the top fashion.

"Just kidding, our family grants us enough power, and I agree with Prince Jon, we are closer and I rather like that. It is nice to have people to spend time with and who understand you." She drops the lightning around her hands it vanishing with a few snapping and zapping sounds.

She smiles to the others.

Ariadne chuckled
"I'm a Hollywood movie star on my world, so I'm officially already corrupted,  but i definitely get your meaning.  There's always ways to get worse"

Lunch comes to an end, and the cousins all go and nap and/or bathe.

After a few hours, a knock at the door of each guest room reveals clothing (in your signature colors) that is more after the fashion of local Tanus clothing. A note explains that you may wear the new clothing, or any of the clothes you brought with you-- there is no wrong answer.

(You also have just enough time to use the REST move if you need to.)

Ariadne woke up to the knocking.
"Whaaa...??  I mean... I'm up, Randy!!! Tell Jackson I'll be on set in a.......mmmm...."
The word was going to be "minute", but as the sleepy brunette looked around the strange room, she remembered where she was, and realized that it would be much more than a "minute" to get back to the Hollywood set she'd been dreaming of.  Or even Earth for that matter.
Looking to her side, she realized that she'd been reaching for empty space in her large bed, and for someone who wasn't there.
She sat up, disappointed but not displeased.   It had been a good dream, all things considered.
She had dreamed about being back on location for one of her last movies,
The Life and Times of Julie d’Aubigny, the story of a flamboyant woman in the 1700s who had fought, slept, and caroused her way across the barrooms and royal bedrooms of Europe.   Having played with medieval weapons for most of her childhood, Ariadne had taken to fencing training like a sea otter to a water slide (her Amber heritage had definitely helped as well, she now realized), so Ariadne had lots of energy left to flirt with Cassandra "Cassie" Everly, her fencing trainer.  That flirtation was eventually returned, resulting in a month long affair behind the scenes.   It eventually fell apart because Cassie was worried about her conservative family, but it burned bright for a while.
Enough that when woken up from her deep, healing sleep, Ari had been dreaming of her.

Ariadne shook her head, clearing out the metaphorical cobwebs (though she also felt like there were literal ones as well).  Perhaps it was all the fighting she'd been doing,  and the hits she'd taken, that had caused this dream of her Earth swordfightng days.  Perhaps she was more homesick than she'd realized.  Regardless, she looked around the room and marveled at how far, again metaphorically and literally, she'd come.

Her rest, not much more than a good afternoon nap, had done her wonders.  She felt a thousand times better.  Perhaps it was because she was embracing her heritage, or perhaps it was psychological.  Her therapist in Burbank had mentioned something about how 'the mind can heal amazingly well, if you let it'.  Ariadne snorted a little laugh.   She wandered what Dr. Barker would make of all THIS Amber stuff.   Probably prescribe anti psychotic meds or something.

Getting out of bed with a limberness she hadn't felt in a week, Ari dressed in the clothes provided (dressing in whatever she was given was something she was used to, from her Hollywood days, after all) and went to join her cousins and her hosts.

Jade stirred when she heard the knock causing ripples to radiate from her body as she rose. She had fallen asleep in her bath the water feeling so good after going to dry land for so long. She luxuriated for a bit then when she saw the clothes left for her she smiled wide.
She so loved clothes and these were the same as some of the women she had seen as she explored the city. She dried herself and dressed though a sad pout came to her as she sat before the mirror. She missed Odile and wondered what she was up to in Amber.

Brushing out her hair she started styling it taking inspiration from the hair styles she had seen on some of the well to do ladies in the crowds. She accentuated her curls with some shell and gold jewelry. She wanted to make a good impression in this foreign court.

Every once in a while she leaned down to pet Hless and finally looked to him, "Do you wish to stay here till I return, or do you wish to come with me? There will be a lot of people."

"...I would prefer to stay here... perhaps I could hide under the bed if need be...?"

"Sounds good, just keep yourself safe." She smiled at him.

She then continued getting ready for the dinner she and her cousins had agreed too.

Ariadne arrived in the dining room, dressed in local fashion, though still with her weapons by her side.  She might have gotten some of the details of the various accessories wrong, but she still presented a fashionable figure

A servant delivers a page of parchment to Ariadne-- on it is a simple speech of the sort that was discussed earlier, so she can start learning it. It's hardly anything-- hardly three medium-size paragraphs, doesn't even hit the bottom of the page in generous-sized handwriting.

Jade is dressed in something like this accentuated with jewelry.

Ariadne started memorizing the speech, learning it especially well so that it would be easier to put her own touches on it

Soon, guests begin to arrive-- magicians, historians, politicians, military men, often with wives or husbands...

Jade will ask the Ambassador to introduce her arround as well as point out the mystically inclined. Once he points out the woman in olive green Jade approaches letting the Ambassador to introduce her.

"Hello, I understand you are interested in the magical arts. I do hope we get to speak more. I am also a practitioner."

Seeing that Jade was talking to the wizards, Ariadne went over to the historians and introduced herself
"Hello there, everyone.   I'm Princess Ariadne of Amber, also known as Ariadne Arrington.  Please call me Ariadne,  if you wish.   How are doing tonight?"

(Rest Move: 10:19, Today: Jon rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,2. 1 HP Back)
Jon awakes from his nap, feeling better, but still very sore. He checks over his wounds and applies some of medicinal cream.
Jon dresses in his standard "around the castle" outfit of black pants with gold trim, boots, gold trim tunic with his heraldric emblem on the left, his bracers and a belt with his dagger.

Jon then makes his way to gathering, spying Jade he stops and is taken by her beauty.
He shakes his head and chuckles to himself.  He spies Ari and she has become one of the natives, blending in while still being herself and he smiles.
Seeing that they are engaged, Jon moves along the perimeter of the gathering, taking everyone and everything in.

"A pleasure to meet you," says the woman...



Many nods, a few smiles...

"Maybe we could get together some time and talk about magic style. I would love to learn more of how magic works here and could share some of my own knowledge. I will be here for a few days so if you have the time, I would make the time to do so as well."

"What is your, ah, primary field of study?" the woman asks. "Evocation? Divining? Transformation? Spells of protection...?"

"Illusion and enchantment, though I dearly wish to learn some evocation to round things out. How about yourself ?"

"Ah! Er... what sort of enchantments, though? Working with magical items, or...?"




"Spells of protection, in general, and I also dabble in spells of healing."

"People mostly, though I do know a bit of enchanting minor items. Oh healing that is very nice. My cousins and I find ourselves in need of that from time to time. Spells of protection also in our own way it seems our magics effect people, though I suppose protection could cover places as well." Jade gives a bright smile.

--A bit of a gasp, there--

"...Don't you find that enchantment spells on people gets into a, ah, a somewhat-troublesome area ethically...?"

"Perhaps, but sometimes turning an enemy into a friend is better than two wounded people or one dead. I try to use my magic ethically, though I can be a little fun loving with my magic. I try to brighten people's lives and remind them magic is part of that."

The woman makes a pained face. "Better wounded than forced to submit... but... you have a point about if it avoids actual death. It is indeed a very delicate moral tapestry..."

Jade rests her fingers on her chest, smiles and laughs lightly, "Do I look like someone so horrible to submit too?"

"I am royalty, though I know that it is not fun sometimes to be the servant but together much can be accomplished. Still I don't use the enchantment nearly as frivolously as illusions. I am an entertainer at heart and find they aid in my performances."

Again, this gets a slightly mixed reaction.



This is clearly thought-provoking. "...You have an interesting point. I was not factoring in that you are, after all, also royalty. It raises the interesting philosophical issue: how different should we consider an enchantment from a royal command?"



"Ahh. Interesting." She gestures to the woman at her side. "Usha could perhaps better discuss such matters with you... she is a composer of music." Usha bows. "Go ahead, Usha... talk to the princess about the sublime."

"The search for the sublime through performance is, in truth, a favorite topic," says Usha. "To achieve awe, to evoke new emotional states through human performance... I can see how it could be tempting to use magic to help with that..."

"Oh there are differences I am sure. Getting used to being able to issue royal commands at the moment."



"Music, ah we are indeed of one mind. Singing has always been a part of my life. Magic too now that I think on it. In Rebma the two are twined. Achieving awe, entertaining friends or crowds. Yes these are things I hope for as well. Usha, do you sing or play instruments? Perhaps both?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:47, Mon 22 May 2023.

"I play a stringed instrument. My singing is... acceptable. Do you play an instrument? Rebma is underwater, yes? Do you have to make great changes to account for acoustics? How is musical education carried out in Rebma? Are all youths taught basic things, or is it strictly based on a master/apprentice relationship, or both, or...?"

Jade nodded, "Yes ! Me as well, I favor the harp though I don't get to enjoy that as much as I do singing. Rebma is wholly under water, you are correct though air breathers can survive there from ancient magics. The acoustics of Rebma are different yes. It took me some time to learn how to sing out in the airy realms. There is more echo and deeper octaves within Rebma. I may have learned differently due to my place in the palace though it is usually mentor and apprentice relationships. I was mostly self taught though luckily the Queen saw my interest in it and provided me with a tutor. Trips to the surface in Amber allowed me to experience instruments that work better like the harp."

Usha is very interested. "Do your harps in Rebma have more strings on the bass end, since lower, deeper notes do better underwater?" She blinks rapidly. "Either way, I'd like to hear such underwater music! What low, slow, dramatic music one could make! With huge kettle drums, slowly... music suggestive of huge ships, passing enormous leviathans below..."

Jade smiles enjoying the conversation, "Yes, you have the right of it. Harp's and most stringed instruments are rare in Rebma, percussion is often a favorite of most. Bass notes since they carry so well do indeed allow for richer notes from extra strings. I like your imagination tying music to perceived and unperceived things in the environment. Now picture such concerts with dappled light from actual sunlight reaching the stage, to magically augmenting that effect when days are cloudy. Some music takes inspiration from storms as well. Something that riles the depths as it does the surface during strong enough weather."

Ariadne nodded to the group, smiling with the confidence of a movie star in the red carpet: showing confidence despite whatever she felt inside.

"I've been told that we have several historians in our midst.  I'm only recently arrived in Amber from Shadow, and I'm working to learn the history of the kingdom.   I'd be interested to hear about some of the history of this world, especially how it came into contact with Amber?"

"Ahhh, excellent! So you have used illusions for such effects? Or is this part of a performance you hope to do someday...?"




One man raises his hand. "That would most be me, I think. Your, ah, Grandfather, King Oberon-- accompanied by his court mage, Lord Dworkin-- sailed in from the sea with a fleet of very well-armed 20 ships with a full compliment of hardy sailors and offered to negotiate trade relations. We were impressed with the amazing range of goods in his cargo... more amazed when he magically transported ambassadors to Amber, by sea routes we couldn't find ourselves... Their reports were fairly glowing. Is there... something specific you wish to know...?"

Jade nodded, "Yes I have, for my friends and cousins and for one performance for a noble hosting a concert. Other times I have done so without magic. One of my best performances was for my cousins, the ones here could give you honest reviews. We were all atop Mount Kolvir in Amber when I gave an impromptu concert for them. I was feeling particularly inspired. It was even Rebma themed with panorama's of fish, whales and other sea creatures."

In reply to The GM (msg # 242):

Ariadne nodded, impressed
"Your relationship with Amber is even longer than I'd thought.   That's incredible.   What kinds of things do you import from Amber, andnwuat do they get in return?   I'm researching business opportunities,  and don't want to overlap anything "

Honestly, Ari was asking more because she didn't know, but thought perhaps that flaunting her complete ignorance might hurt their standing.
It wasn't the first time shed she'd been caught flatfooted in an interview and needed to improvise.

"Ah, lovely! A mountainside would have very different acoustics... I don't suppose there was any echo from nearby geography? Either way, what a stage for accompanying illusions!"




"Mm, let's see... we export wood, medicines, pearls, agriculture, including cotton, spices, ah, sugar... import raw metal stock, silks, wax..."

Ariadne smiled wryly
"That's a very complex trade relationship.  I'll definitely need to research a bit more before making any important decisions.  Thank you for you help."

"Oh yes it was lovely. The moon was out and so was Tir'Na'Nog in the sky. Have you ever been to Amber? If you do, I would suggest doing it during one of Amber's full moons so you could see the sky city above. It is like a hazy dream floating there. Have you met my cousins?"

Jade will provide the vehicle for introductions to the others.

Ariadne kept talking a bit longer to the historians
"This might not be your area of expertise per se, but I suspect that you're very educated.  I was wondering what kinds of exotic creatures, or even magical animals, you have here in Tanus, like we have the unicorn in Amber. "

"We have not been to Amber. And no, we have not met your cousins yet. It's most often Prince Gerard who comes to Tanus, out of the royal family... We have never had the pleasure of meeting him, though..."



Ariadne is told folk-tales of were-tigers, vampiric owls, giant buzzards, giant fish, dragons that eat elephants that also cause droughts sometimes, magical green horses, griffins, sea-monsters, manticores, and phoenixes.

"Of course, most of these are simply old folk-tales. Their existence is understood to be largely symbolic of various virtues or character flaws (or sometimes both). Perhaps some of them used to exist, but hardly anyone but drunkards ever reports encountering them these days." He frowns. "Except the owls, of course. They're always a problem. But they only prey upon travelers in very rural areas at night, so no one but fools ever do that alone. Never a problem here in the city."

He does not specifically mention adorable fluffy unicorn-bunnies. Maybe he just didn't think to, when there were so many exciting and dangerous magical beasts to talk about instead.

In reply to The GM (msg # 249):

Ariadne nodded politely, though the information was largely useless.   It was a bit like if Ariadne had told them about Bigfoot, Mothman, the Chupacabra, or the Jackalope. Though admittedly, she had started wondering about all of them after grey skinned assassins turned up on her father's front lawn in Brookline.

"He is a big powerful man. I think you would like to meet him, he is rather friendly. I hope you get the chance some time. Right now though I am here to support my cousin Ariadne, who has a speech she wants to give. I can't wait."

"Ahh... is she the daughter of Princess Deirdre?"

"Yes, yes she is. Would you like me to introduce you ?" Jade smiled brightly.

Ariadne smiled and excused herself from the conversation, moving on to circulate elsewhere.

"We would. The Princess Deirdre was honored in Tanus. And everywhere else, as far as I know. Not that we ever met her personally."

"Of course please follow me, and what would you like me to introduce you as?"

Jade leads them to Ariadne to introduce them to her and her to them. Stepping back to let them talk.

Ariadne looked around, and saw Jade looking in her direction.   She walked that way

Jon continues to circle the room, keeping an eye on everything.  He listens to snippets of the various conversations.  He gaze does return to Jade often and a smile spreads unbidden when he does.

~"Mother will be happy to know that I NOW realize how important all those gatherings that I skipped really were."~ he thinks to himself as he moves through the room. He mingles a bit, nothing much as he continues to move.

"Usha of the college of music and Venna of the Department of Magicians."

Jade will introduce the ladies, "Usha of the college of music and Venna of the Department of Magicians." to Ariadne and introduce her cousin as, "Princess Ariadne of Amber, Actress of the Shadow Earth."

Usha starts to say something, stops. Starts to say something different-- stops. Gets a very interested look on her face. "...Actress? Like a performer...?"

Ariadne smiled broadly and nodded
"Yes, like a performer.  It's a bit like stage performances in Amber, and, presumably, here, though ironically that's one kind of performing i haven't technically done yet.  Earth had an entire industry dedicated to it."

I must say, you two make a stunning couple, and I'm glad you can balance work obligations woth family.   I'll admit that I'm still working on that one"

The two women are pleased-- and a little flustered. "...It is a great compliment to be called 'stunning' from the daughter of the Princess Deirdre," says the mage.

*Thinks couple ??? Oh OH*

Remains quiet maintaining her smile.

Ariadne nodded politely and waved off their "enflusterment", for lack of a better word.
"I try to call things like I see them.  We should all be so lucky in love. "
The mention of her mother made her smile a bit sadly
"I never really knew my mother, though I'm told i favor her in appearance, and temperament, a great deal.   I definitely take it as a compliment "

"We didn't meet her... but everyone has seen paintings and drawings. So, yes, in appearance, I'd say, very much indeed."

In reply to The GM (msg # 266):

Ari nodded, smiling in happy acknowledgement
"I appreciate that. I'm still learning about this world as well.  What does it offer in terms of music and magic?"

"The government is proud of our department of magic... but I am even prouder of Tanus' musical achievements," says the lady mage.

(Maybe ask something more specific?)

Ariadne nodded with approval.  Hyping your significant other's achievements was usually a sign of a strong relationship
"I'll admit that my world, or at least the world where i was raised, wasn't known for magic, really.   i learned some Sleight of Hand to make my friends laugh, but that was about it.  I did study music, at least a little.  My father made me study violin and piano as a child, and i later taught myself guitar and drums.  Though I don't really consider myself a musician.   What are the more popular instruments here?  And do you Hand large orchestral performances, or is it more of a small scale, more intimate setting for your music?"
When she said "the world where I was raised", there was a moment of hesitation.  Ariadne realized that she couldn't be positive if she was actually born on Earth, or just brought there as an infant.  Did that bother her?
Should that bother her?

Jade beams hearing the talk turn to music but she keeps out of the conversation this is Ariadne's time to shine. She went to blend in with the crowd.

Moving over to Jon, "Are you having fun ?" She smiled to him.

"We are trying to make friends and I think Ariadne may like Usha, like me she is into music and performance, so I had to introduce Ariadne since she is an actress. Do you want me to introduce you to anyone ?"

Jon smiles as Jade approaches "Yes, I'm fine." he says as he leans closer so to reduce the chance of them being overheard. "I've spent years avoiding these types of situations back home. Trying to pretend that I'm nothing more than a woods guide or ranger." he moves to stand behind her, putting his right arm on her shoulder and leans in so that they have the same view. "This all is more frightening than a battlefield for me. And watching you and Ari navigate it so effortlessly is just amazing to watch."

he moves close and whispering even softer "And you look amazing, Jade, easily the most beautiful sight here." and he blushes slightly. Standing back up, he gives her shoulder a squeeze.
"As for an introduction.." he says "I shall just follow your lead."

Jade's eyes widen slightly and she smiles, "Well don't worry this is a battlefield I know well. Though usually I was almost invisible in these affairs. I loved performing for you and the others on Kolvir. I have always liked to perform so I guess that part of my personality is coming out more."

She looked over the crowd remembering the various people she met and picks out a military man. "Ah, I think you will have something in common with him." She nods her head in direction of the man.

Her skin tinged a bit blue in embarrassment but appreciation about Jon's compliment.
"You clean up well yourself, Jon."

Jade led Jon over to talk with the military commander she had met.

Jon smiles "Thank you." and follows Jade over to the officer.

She will introduce the two using the titles she knows including Jon's title of The Eagle as well as his title as Prince.

"Popular? I suppose... ah..." The terminology is different, but basically, Ariadne comes to understand that the answers are basically something like the sitar, flute, violin, something mostly like an oboe, and several types of drums (not necessarily in that order), but that they've recently (well, in the last hundred years) started to get excited about the dulcimer, introduced through trade with other Shadows.

"I personally like the idea of large waves of sound, but I'm unusual like that. If it's not going to be overwhelmed by drums, traditional performances are medium-sized at best.



The general (or so his rank seems to translate, culturally) seems mildly impressed with Jon's titles. "How did you come into the title of The Eagle, if it's not impolite to ask?" the general asks Jon.

The general's long, waxed mustachios quiver when he speaks, kind of fascinating Jade.

In reply to The GM (msg # 276):

Ariadne nodded, frowning in thought
"Waves of sound?  I'm not sure exactly what you mean "

"Um, well, as... as if waves of sound were washing over you, almost overwhelming you...!"

Usha's spouse raises an eyebrow. "...She wants a big sound."

Usha nods intensely. "Really big! But not just drums!"

Ariadne nodded with understanding
"I'm not completely positive i understand, but it sounds a little bit like orchestral music. "
She grinned in realization
"I might actually have a sample of that, if we're lucky"

"Oh? How so?"

Ariadne gave an impish smile and shrugged
"I've never uad a chance to test this, but i might be able to play some recordings of some orchestral music. "

She got out her cell phone, and tried to play some of the classical music recordings her father had sent her, or perhaps even a more modern orchestral piece, like the Star Wars theme or some other movie score.

Usha is interested right from the start when she sees the smartphone. "What... is that? Is that from Begma? How can such a thing work here?"

Then when she hears the music, she's really transfixed. "Oh! Oh!! But that... could I... could-- let's take it out on the balcony!"

"She wants it louder," Usha's partner explains.

Jade blinks overcoming the fascination of the mans mustache.

Looking around for the source of the music.

"If you would excuse me." she says to Jon and the gentleman.

She makes her way to Ariadne a smile on her face.

Ariadne nodded and smiled, happy these obviously knowledgeable experts were impressed with her "magic".
"Certainly, Usha, lead on"

Jade will follow Ariadne and Usha.

Her eyes glittering as she listened to the magic phone producing music.

Jon smiles politely, "Not at all. It is because of my heraldry and my mother's family name of "Hawk". Many get the two birds, eagles and hawks, confused. The title of Eagle has stuck because many see the eagle as majestic compared to the more common hawk." he shrugs. "And you see, several of my cousins have names that are also "things"..." he nods his head towards Jade "Jade, which is a color and a gemstone, we have a cousin named Lance, which is a weapon and a cousin Ballad, which is a song.  Ariadne and I are the odds ones out, but my family name is "Hawk" and thus an animal. And I am pretty sure that origin of the title started there and grew on its own." gives a polite chuckle "Sadly not an exciting title as it might seem.  My title as Ranger, on the other hand, was earned through years of hard work and source of pride of all who obtain that title."

"Oh yes? How many, er, Rangers, are there?"

---

Out on the balcony, Usha listens to Ariadne's phone... "...Can I change it? I mean, try something else?" Her fingers twitch.

"She wants to hold it and play with it herself," says Usha's partner, apparently used to translating more directly. "Is it fragile? She won't drop it-- if she sits down, anyway..."

Ariadne smiled gently
"My apologies, but I'd rather not have anyone else hold it, at least for now.  It's very new and I'm not sure how durable it is. However, if you have another request for something different I can certainly try to find it."

Jade bounces lightly on her heels listening to the music and watching them interact with Ariadne.

"I love hearing your magic phone. Though not all of the music it makes is the best. I liked that last piece though."

Ari lifted an amused eyebrow at Jade's comment.  It was, from one point of view, dissing her choices of music, but she suspected that Jade didn't mean it in a derogatory way.   The green haired girl was unfailingly honest at.times.

*nods* "There are hundreds of Rangers, it is a position once earned you keep for life unless you do something truly terrible or die in the line of duty. Each year thousands of Woodsmen and Woodswomen apply but only a few are chosen to under go the training and fewer still graduate.  The Rangers of my home are elite scouts and escorts, we are nation independent and work with the Wardens.  The various nations or cities or villages can request Ranger assistance and a group will be dispatched.  Rangers don't fight Rangers.  Thus even if two groups of Rangers are leading two opposed Armies, we will not fire on each other, but we will defend our charges/armies. We are a neutral force in my home."

Usha leans in and looks at the screen. "What are those other pictures? Are they similar songs? Can we try some of them...?"




"Is there usually much fighting in your home Shadow?"

In reply to The GM (msg # 292):

Ariadne smiled
"There are other functions besides music, though many may not work locally.  To be honest, I haven't had the opportunity to test most of them. I'd rather not experiment in such lifty company.   At least not yet."

Jade boundes, "Ariadne's magic phone is new. We shouldn't stress it too much but like you Usha. I would love to hear more music from it."

(Lofty? I'm guessing?)

"I just want more music!" says Usha. "Like this song, but different!" She gives you a sad kitten look. "If we keep looking, I feel sure we'll find what we're looking for!"

(Roll Willpower to resist Usha's peer pressure, Ariadne.)

Ariadne smiled, even blushing a little.  Even as worldly as she was, she was susceptible to a beautiful woman with puppy dog eyes.
"Of course, Usha.  I'd be delighted.  I just ask for your patience.   Honestly, it might have been premature to show anyone, but I couldn't resist,  well, showing off a bit to a true music lover."

She tried calling ip other genres of music.  Trying other classical songs, but also, in case it appealed more, some Middle Eastern songs and Indian Bollywood music.


OOC:

17:56, Today: Ariadne rolled 1 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 1,1.  Will power
I think I've found my kryptonite

Usha starts directing Ariadne very quickly, just listening to a few seconds of a song, then saying "No, try that picture next..."

She starts moving through "music that involves an orchestra" very quickly, as the video website suggests various things...

"No... not that one... Interesting, but no... Ick, not that one... Boring... Not this one... Not this... No... Boring... No... No, we're already better than that... That's close... No, not that... Boring... Not this..."

Then she stops... listens... and gets excited. "This! This! This! This is the sound I want!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Lehkou2Do

"Listen! Listen to that! The woman! But the background singers! Listen to how they merge with the instruments! This! This! This! This!"

Usha starts making up dance steps to the music... She gets her partner to join her...

Inside, the music is heard by the others... they get very interested... they watch Usha and her partner, out on the balcony...

They all start dancing...

"Oh my, here we go..." says Ambassador Deszo. He turns to Jon. "There is no party like a Tanus dance party, because a Tanus dance party doesn't stop until the music does..."

They all go wild for the song, getting more and more excited...

"Again!" Usha squeals when it's over. "Can we have it again...?!"