Jade laughed, "You should talk to the King about that, he is in one such book supposedly from your world as it's starting point."

Ariadne looked at Jade, puzzled.
"What kind of book?  Is he a known person there?"

"Doesn't seem that way but our aunt Florimel is."

Ari smirked.
"I can see Aunt Florimel making a big splash wherever she goes, I guess.   How is she famous there?"

"I don't know as I have never been there but I think from what I read she is a rich socialite under a different name. Flaumel I believe."

Ari chuckled and almost rolled her eyes.
"I should have guessed.  Well, I've met a few rich people, but they usually keep to themselves, so it's easy to believe that I never connected with her people.  And I suspect that Father either didn't know about her, or avoided her, just on the safe side."

"I do hope she shows up even though Lance skipped town." She glances around for a few moments.

Ariadne sighed and this time did roll her eyes.
"It honestly bothers me a little bit how he's flaking out, almost like he's giving Earth people a bad reputation or something.  But perhaps I'm overthinking it.  Earth is a big place, and many of us have a lot of different ideas about things.  And goodness knows that Lance has been through a rough time on Earth.  I complain about my life and the cards I was dealt, but I didn't have things nearly as bad as he did."

"He is suffering a broken heart, and for some reason blames Jon for a lot. I don't really understand it fully. I had hoped since you share a culture you might have been able to help calm him. I do know he jumped to help you on the pattern so he does care about you."

Ari nodded, lips pursed with concern.
"Yes, he and I have managed to become friends, I think, but I think his difficult life has made him defensive about his feelings, so he's taking Jon and Ballad much more seriously than he should.  Definitely overthinking everything."

"I try to be his friend, but it is hard because I think he holds it against me that I like Prince Jon. I know Ballad feels odd when I talk about him so I kind of just drop the subject around her. Still Lance should be with us. Joining forces to help end this threat instead of on his own. I guess I am just concerned even though he seems capable of handling his own."

Ariadne sighed and shook her head
"I'm trying not to judge, honestly, but this whole 'falling in love with my cousin' thing is a bit off putting.   I mean, I'd be the first to admit that Ballad is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, and I've been a celebrity judge at the Ms. Las Vegas Pageant.  I dunno,  many because i grew up without relatives my own age i never even considered it. "

Jon stays by Vialle and watches the two dance. He smiles at the beauty of the two women as they dance. "Aunt Vialle, thank you and Uncle Random for coming.  It means a lot to us.  It is nice being around family and friends again." he says low, never taking his eyes off the dancing pair.

  (((OOC: Not sure how late into the party the current thread is, or the time relative to the Pattern walk, but Lance does in fact stop in around 6 hours-post walk time.  If this is falling too early, let me know and I'll hold it for a later date>)))

  Eventually, Lance finds his way, having to ask a servant for the proper room for the party as he had received no formal notice of it.  He is dressed in clothing from Earth, mostly, his faded black jean, his high, soft boots, his red and gold 49-er's shirt.  It's an unusual combination with his backpack, weapon-belts and his sunglasses.  Clearly he is equipped for a journey.

  He stops outside the open doorway and leans against the arch, watching.  He doesn't see Ballad circling about, nor does Flora seem to be present.  The King and Queen are of course there, as are Jade and Jon, and several people he didn't know.  He takes in the color schemes of the room.  The Herald asks if he wishes to be announced, and Lance tells him no, that he isn't staying.  It takes a few minutes before he manages to catch Ari's eye and throw her a thumbs-up and a wave.  When the dance whirls them around, he gives Jade a quick wave, and a nod to Jon if he happens to look that way.

  "Promise kept, I came." he whispers to himself before turning to head off.  "Miles to go before I sleep."

Ariadne was about to speak again when she caught sight of Lance, ober in a doorway to the side of the room.  She blinked in surprise, seeing that the man was dressed like he was heading to a tailgate party, and one on the side of a mountain?
Even if she hadn't wanted to talk to him, her curiosity was definitely perked now.

She spun, letting Jade see their tall cousin, and gave Jade's shoulder a light squeeze.
"Let's put the lesson on hold for a moment,  cousin, Lance is here, and I'm not sure if something is wrong or he just hadn't had time to change.  Let's go say hi."
Ariadne gave Lance a quick wave and released her green haired dance partner, and headed over to where Lance was apparently preparing to leave.

As she neared, she called softly to him, as to not disturb the party.
"Hey, Lance!  You're not leaving already,  are you?  You just got here "
She sounded more confused than annoyed or offended.

Jade's face brightens when they whirl and she see's Lance did indeed show up.

"I agree, I didn't think he would make it. Let's go see to making sure he feels welcome."

She strides over as well, "Hi Lance thank you for showing up. When you made it to the center of the Pattern. I wasn't sure quite where you would go. I am so glad you made it. The dancing has just begun, please come in."

  Lance sees the two break off from their dancing and stops.

  "Ladies," he says, "I didn't mean to interrupt.  Just stopped by to say a quick congratulations on my way out.  I'm already the better part of a day behind on getting on the road for keeping a promise and getting back out into the fray."

  He smiles at Ari, "It's your's and Jon's night to revel.  You made a magnificent achievement today and all the worlds are now your oyster.  Congratulations, cousin, well done."

  Lance shakes his head with a smile at Jade's beckoning.  "If time were on my side, cousin, I would.  As you can see I'm not adequately dressed for the occasion, and I cannot risk a bad shift of the shadows delaying my meeting.  After the Pattern I just went to my rooms as I had a splitting headache.  A few hours of sleep and I'm right as rain though."

  "You two look magnificent.  Please, don't let me keep you from your party any longer."  He gives them both a deep bow.

Jon following the girls spots Lance and gives him a nod. "Excuse me Aunt Vialle, I have some unfinished business." he says eeeing that Jade and Ari are moving to stop Lance from leaving.

Jon walks towards the trio with a smile on his face.

"A moment, Lance. Before you head off again." Jon calls and quickens his pace and arrives as he is bowing.

Jade's mouth drops open slightly.

Her eyes flicker between the two men. The initial reaction of her eyes was Oh no.
Then even though she was a creature of the sea her eyes burned with an inner fire perhaps her mothers influence.

"Just keep things civil, this is a happy event."

Jon gives Jade a warm smile and a slight bow "I shall do my best, my Lady." he says calmly and sincerely.
He then turns his attention back to Lance.  He looks his cousin up and down appraisingly, Jon's posture is relaxed, a trace of the smile remains.

Ariadne frowned at Lance.  Wincing a little with embarrassment.
"My apologies,  Lance.  If we'd known you had so much going on today,  we could have had this party another time.  This shin dig is as much for you as the rest of us, after all.   I'm sorry I didn't think to ask you about what was going on today. "
She put a hand on his shoulder.
"I especially wanted to thank you for everything you did for me earlier.  It meant a lot to me, seriously "

  Lance watches as Jon approaches, and the perceptive might notice that his smile tightens just a touch.

  "Ari, there's no need to thank me, nor apologize.  I've got your back, always will.  Same goes for all the family.  That's why I have to hurry out now, a promise I have to keep."

  He gives her a hug, whispers..

  He straightens as Jon approaches, sees Jade say something to him, and then there he is.

  Lance returns the bow, his eyes not leaving the man.

  "Congratulations on your walk, Jon." he says, a touch of formality.

Ariadne hugged Lance back, nodding to him and whispering in return.
"Please come find me when you get back.  I'll be happy to talk"

She smiled at him, sorry he couldn't stay, but happy he was able to stop by

Jade bobbs her head and steps away to let the boys talk.

Heading back in with Ariadne.

Jon leaves his hand extended. "Thank you Cousin", he says neutrally.

"Thank you for coming, I wish you could stay longer. Jade really went all out on this." smiles "But I understand." he tenses slightly.

Jon closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, he visibly relaxes. "Lance, I already apologize in writing and on the public record.  Since this is the first time we've been face to face since then, I was out of line and I apologize for that.  For the record, I don't hate you nor want you dead. I feel sorry that you feel excluded and put upon by our requests for your company. So, I want you to know, that I wish you nothing by good fortune and happiness.  And if you ever do need help, I will be there.  We are family first and foremost." there is an earnestness to his calm voice.  He remains relaxed.