Three white stone steps at the top of a cliff. ...Most of the time, anyway.

When the full moon shines on them, though, more steps appear... leading up to Tir-na nOg'th, the silvery city in the sky...

...But ONLY when the full moon shines down. If a cloud comes along, a lethal fall waits beyond the third step...

- and here comes a troupe of well-dressed ne'er do wells. It's a darned bit of a hike, but the view's probably worth it, with the sky city floating right there, and the stair touching the three white stone steps. Party time.

Even with growing up in Rebma, Jade is in awe seeing the sky city so close.

Her eyes catching and holding the moonlight as she gazed skyward her arm in Jon's squeezing without her half realizing it.

"It is so beautiful."

Ariadne tried not to look as awkward as she felt as she walked up the stairs.  She was wearing more comfortable boots under her fancy dress, though the boots were fairly fancy themselves, so they didn't clash that much.
Still, she was totally gob smacked by the city in the sky.

"whoa.....it's like something out of a dream..."

*smiles* as he watches Jade "I agree, it is beautiful site.  I look forward to exploring it one day with all of us."
*nods to Ari* "Indeed" he says with awe.

Ballad steps onto the first white stone step; but then she merely turns and sits on the second, using the third as an elbow rest - or she will use the third as an elbow rest. First, Ballad pops the cork on whatever it is she grabbed (wine) and she brought no glasses but she’ll pass the bottle around to anyone who wants a sip, there at the bottom of the stairs of Tir-na-Nog’th, dressed in ridiculously fancy clothing.

She is quiet. Hadn't she said to Ariadne and Jon something about singing songs? She is quiet.

Ariadne looked lost in wonder and then stepped forward and, impulsively, started singing, looking overcome with emotion

https://youtu.be/Li2hddmy63U

Ballad rests her elbows on her knees and her chin on the back of her interlaced hands when Ariadne begins to sing. She’d been studying the walkway, her expression all dark water under moonlight, rubbing her thumb along the stair. But now: she gives her attention to Ariadne, and the present. Jon and Jade. She feels like Lance should be here, too. And perhaps others. The song is a good anchor to now; folklore could rise from it.

Ballad smiles, lopsided; the dimple doesn’t quite come out until midway through the song at some lovely dip of Ariadne’s voice. When Ariadne finishes, Ballad toasts Ariadne with the bottle of wine.

"You're a dream, Ariadne," says she. "What a good song for now."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Tue 15 Dec 2020.

Ariadne blushed deeply, smiling sheepishly.  She was obviously a little embarrassed by her impromptu performance, but flattered by Ballads kind words
"This place 8s definitely inspiring, i have to admit "

Jade will take a sip of the wine, thanking Ballad with a nod. She reaches down to touch the stairs almost as if fearing they might vanish.

Then she hears her cousin sing and a wonderous smile caresses the corners of her lips.

"Sung like a true Siren, Ariadne. I like hearing others sing,  almost much as I like singing."

She applauded her cousins performance.

*smiles* and gives Ari quiet applause in appreciation and awe. He takes a few steps down and then calls outs "Hey, look at this..." and when all three look this way he just smiles.  To the observant, there are tears forming in his eyes and one starts to fall down his right cheek. "I want to remember this vision forever..."
Ariadne standing center of the top step, turning to look his way with a questioning look, but traces of wonder left.  Looking like a fairy princess returning home.  Ballad leaned back resting on her elbows, her legs crossed, her eyes holding mischief, he head cocked just so to see what Jon wants.
Jade, beautiful, enchanting and otherworldly standing opposite Ballad and looking like a Fae Queen, regal in her pose..

A beautiful sight and one he will treasure. The tears are still there threatening to spill.  He then turns away, "I'll be right back, I want to check on the guards", he then leaves perhaps a bit faster than he intended and wipes his eyes.

Jon is confused and not sure what he is feeling or why and that scares him.  Overwhelmed is definitely an apt description.
Once out of the site of the three women, he leans against the wall and sighs. "Get it together! Now you are the one ruining Jade's night and over what?  Hell I don't even know." he berates himself.

Ballad is most extremely pleased to have caused Ariadne to blush!

Ballad says, goodnatured, to Jade when she tries to touch one of the moonlit stairs. "My uncle told me if you paid too much attention to them when you were walking they'd disappear under you." Ballad has -- there on the second ‘stone’ step, leaning on the first (highest) ‘stone’ step — positioned herself as a (very nonchalant [who, me?]) guard. She doesn’t make room for anybody to sit beside her. Moonlight suits her, and so do these stairs, and so does this vaguely Musketeer air she's ready to unsheathe if she needs to.

It should be noted: She does not look mischievous, and it's rather hard to see whether her legs are crossed what with the cascade of ridiculous shimmery-shivery glittering fairy tale skirts, but she does glance over when Jon conjures their attention.

He's going back to the castle to check on the guards? Here's a touch of 'perplexed,' but Ballad turns her attention to: "Then Jade, let's have another song from you - perhaps a Rebman song? Teach us a song we can sing together?"

Jade nods and moves a bit centering herself. Her mind wonders why Jon left as he did. She pushes those thoughts from her mind as she opens her eyes and begins.
A change comes over her clothing, and hair though she looks like herself. It is as if her clothing and hair were caught in a gentle current. Her dress becomes an animated panorama of her memories of Rebma and the sea, as various fish and aquatic animals make appearances and drift by. Clearly Jade is caught up in her singing much like she was in Ariadne's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubZhS-0l4wk

Nearly this whole album.


08:09, Today: Jade rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,1.  Disguise Self.
She is already tired so she will gladly say after this she can't use it till the morrow.

Hearing Jade start to sing, Jon moves quietly around the corner and up the steps, stopping just a few feet away.  He is total mesmerized by Jade as she sings and her magic flows from her. He is lost in her magic and music and he lets the tears flow there is no one else right now, just Jade, himself and the music.  Lost in magic and his own confusion, Jon feels everything from the last few days, hitting all at once.
No sound escapes as his tears fall, but he does slowly go to his knees, almost like supplication to a god.

He closes his eyes and sways with the music.

Ariadne smiled at her green haired cousin
"Jade, you are truly a wonder, an absolute treasure. "

"Thank you, all of you. I loved your song as well Ariadne, now though perhaps Ballad could sing us a song. Is that song you sung Ariadne the typical music of your earth ? If so I rather like it."

She saw Jon and walked over bending down, "Are you ok ?"

This is the first time Ballad’s seen Jade use powers of illusion and it makes her eyes go wide and introspective. How fantastic! How useful for the play! And how, at this moment, eerie and lovely.

The pale-haired young woman applauds Jane when her singing is finished, toasting her with the bottle (and passing it around again, a little moonshine for the moondrunk, hmm?).

At perhaps now Ballad can sing us a song, Ballad shakes her head, "I think it's Jon's turn. We haven't had a song from him yet tonight."

*nods* "Yes..." he wipes his eyes "Thank you.  And sorry for..." *smiles* "You were amazing the song and images, just awe inspiring."  He stands up and looks Jade in the eyes, looking up to her as she is a step up. "You are a gift and a blessing, never let anyone make you feel otherwise" he says with an earnest passion of true belief.

*chuckles* "You want me to follow those two performances?" *shakes his head* "I've neither's talent or skill for music.  But if you insist" *winks* at Ballad "And I know you will, I will give it a try."  He steps up to stand next to Jade.

And he begins to sing, but it is his "native" language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFp9qGtqrbw

Ariadne gave Jon a heartfelt bit of applause
"Absolutely beautiful, Jon!  I've never heard anything about it "

Wondering if Ariadne heard her she was going to ask again but then Jon begins and she was glad that he did as he was right about the three of them most likely insisting.

She too didn't know the language but thought this must be a song of the fae that Jon had spoken about in his home. She liked it as it had many of the same qualities of music like exist in Rebma. It made her wonder about his home and it's people.

She applauded when he was done, "That was wonderful, Jon. Was that the language of the Fae ?"

*nod* "Yes, it is elvish the primary language of the Fae. It was a lullaby that my nanny use to sing to Maya and I when we were young to help us fall a sleep." *smiles* "I heard it some much, that I think it is the only song that I know the words to." *blushes* "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Ariadne shook her head, still sorting through everything
"This might not be the best time, but could you guys all tell me a little bit about your homelands and how you grew up?  I'm still feeling like I'm behind the curve on knowing what is going on around here."

Ballad applauds Jon, too. "False modesty earlier, Jon-o; your voice is as lovely as a sea wave." She means in the city when he was saying he shouldn't sing because he wasn't as witty or as trained as, etc.

"'How you grew up'?" Ballad echoes Ariadne. "What do you mean exactly?"

Ariadne shrugged, smiling sheepishly
"I know it's a very vague and weird question.   I guess just tell me, if you don't mind, a little about your home and your upbringing."

"I think she want's to know about our upbringing ?" She looked to Ariadne for verification.

Ariadne nodded to Jade, acknowledging the oddness of the question
I know that there's no real context to this.  None of us can really compare our lives to something we don't know anything about.   But i guess i was feeling like everyone here had a better handle on magic and other strangeness than i do"

Jade says, "Oh, well I was raised in Rebma which is a lot like what you see around you but Amber and Rebma are mirrors that is why the names of both kingdoms are Palindromes of one another. They are not only mirrors in topography but in many ways. Here there is a king that rules, in Rebma there is a queen. Amber has a male feel to it, while in Rebma feminine principles are more in place. Here thick stone walls are what the castle is made of, there in Rebma sculpted crystal. Here combat is held in high regard, while in Rebma mercy and diplomacy are usually the methods. Rebma is a place of magic with flames that burn green under the waves and there even people from the surface can survive. I was born with the gift of magic, now I know my bloodline is responsible for that. I never knew my parents till yesterday, though I was raised a ward of the Queen. Queen Moire rules Rebma. I was happy enough till I was old enough to know I was orphaned or abandoned. I was quite upset for a while knowing many people around me had actual parents I always wondered why I was left on my own. I really don't want to get into my whole life but I have walked Faiella Bionen between Rebma and Amber several times and enjoy both realms quite a bit."

*smiles* "But at least now you have your mother and us in your life."  he looks to Ballad, "Ladies first? or would you prefer I go?"

“I grew up in a few places, Brecheliant, Arden, where ever Dad decided to put me. Brecheliant is where I was born; it’s a shadow of Arden — or a shadow Arden cuts across — or both. There is a great deal of sorcery about and enchantment but more industry than here in Amber. The Moon there is my grandmother; Dad met Mom while hunting there.” Ballad’s mouth curves. “As it’s been told to me, Mom was under a curse, Dad undid curse, one thing followed another, and so — ring the bells, make happy noise! — you all get to have me.”

Pause for applause. Ballad gestures to herself with a languid flourish, and there's deviltry in the spark-simmer of a smile.

“Dad was far away more often than not,” and the silvery blonde sounds wistful (in spite of herself). “The perils of having a great prince of an otherworld for a father! Alas! But he raised me, too. He taught me about Amber and our family, though I was under strict orders not to engage should I see any his brothers or sisters. Except for my uncle Caine." Ballad scootches up to sit on the top white step, resting her elbows (recklessly, recklessly) on one of moonlight instead and glances over at the castle.

"And were grateful !"

Jade applauds.

*nods* and *smiles* "A regular beam of moonshine in our lives and all the greater for it."

"So if you stay here the stairs will never fade, as daughter of the Moon."
Jade looks to Ballad wide eyed.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Ariadne chuckled.
"If only...."

Ballad gives Jade a laughing look when Jade does applaud. “Thank you for that. You may also applaud, Jon and Ariadne,” Ballad says, very devil may care and jaunty.

And then, "Granddaughter. If only my grandmama weren't a mere shadow of this moon." Her eyes are a-gleam. "This is where I came when I assayed the Pattern. These steps. I remember. But maybe I'll walk it again, hey? But down in the mountain, this time."

"Then all of us will end up walking each of the patterns. That is wonderful. We could compare notes."

*smiles* "Well, I guess it is my turn." he gazes up at Tir-Na-Nog "I don't know much about how my Parents met, but My birth farther was King Eric. He met my mother, Myrna of House Hawk of Amber, and according to Rian, they were wed.  So technically, she was Queen of Amber, though I don't believe she ever actually served. Eric moved my mother and her guardian Sean to the Faewylds to keep her safe while she was pregnant.  I was born in the Faewylds.  The Faewylds is a place full of magic and monsters, dungeons and dragons, Pathfinders and Arch Fae.  Eric made a deal with the Severed Fae Court, which is where I was raised.  My mother married my fathe...step-father when I was bout 4.  She trained me in the ways of court and he trained me in the ways of combat.  My mother told me stories of Amber and my father, but...but I didn't believe her until a few days ago." gives a weak smile "So, while it appears we are better "adjusted" it is really on to some of the concepts of things.  I still don't understand the Pattern or Shadows.  So you are not alone."

Ariadne smirked, though in a friendly way, and nodded.
"All this pattern stuff is relatively new to most of us, but  I was right that me and Lance are the only ones coming into Amber with no knowledge of the place.  But I'll try to catch up."

Jade then says, That is alright you could take us to earth and teach us to ride motorcycles." Jade is proud of saying the word as Ariadne says it.

"We can help you both out here."

*smiles* "You both will be fine.  Give it some time.  You re doing better already."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Ariadne nodded, shrugging with a smile
"I suppose my own upbringing is a bit weird to you guys, even if I take it for granted and ordinary.
I thought I was raised by a smart but rather stodgy scholar and historian named Alvin Arrington, after my mother had died when I was a baby.
Earth is a very advanced world, as far as technology.  We have no magic, or monsters, at least that we know about.  There are plenty of stories of mysterious creatures and magical people, but those are just dismissed as myth and tall tales.
My father was always busy with his books and artifacts of Earth's history, so I was sent to school at a private academy run by Catholic nuns...basically one of Earth's major religions, one that I was taught as true, but have since dismissed as more myth and nonsense.
I spent a lot of time with friends and a few bad influences, and my father was surprisingly tolerant of how many times I was almost kicked out of school for misbehaving.  But I suppose that wild childhood and rebelling against authority helped me become the person I am, pursuing the study of acting and theatre, especially action movies...well, plays, I suppose, though ironically I was always drawn to ones with fantasy and other things that weren't real."
She smirked a bit at the karma involved in that.
"I spent some time acting as various characters, but I was mostly involved in the staged combat and, for lack of a better word, pretend fights in combat scenes in the stories we told.  I wasn't world famous, but I was respected in our community."

She looked off at Tir, deep in thought.
"Earth was advanced in technology, with vehicles like stage coaches that move on their own with the touch of a button and a pedal.  Guns that can kill a man from hundreds of paces away.  And devices that could communicate with people all over the world.  A bit like these cards you guys have, but nearly everyone has them.  They can contact other people who have similar devices, and they can also access most of the knowledge that we've accumulated over the millennia.  Technological wonders, to be honest, though most of us definitely take all this for granted, I have to admit.
And we were convinced that we had no neighboring worlds.  It was just us, but there were billions of people on Earth, so that was plenty for us.  And it made us a bit arrogant, I have to say.  I suppose that's why I'm having a bit of trouble with all of this."
Then she shrugged.
"Then I was coming home for a surprise visit, and found two grey men trying to break in.  Then is was one Incredible Revelation after another, finding out that my father was really Lord Alva, a minor noble here, and my mother was Princess Diedre, an Amber princess killed in a war that still has ripples around here.   I've been playing catch up ever since."

*smiles* "That doesn't sound that different from any of ours.  Sure the details are, but the core of it is the same.  So don't worry about "Getting All of This" Amber stuff. That will come in time." he moves up and puts a hand on her should "I think Jade and Ballad would agree, the important thing is that you are alive and well and you have all of us to lean on.  As long as we have each other, we will never be alone and we can find a solution to any problem."

Jade jumps, "Well said Jon ! The family together faced and defeated the forces of the Hells !" She wore a serious look for a moment.

Ariadne smiled and nodded.
"I'm glad we found each other."

"Everyone has cards on your world and can access all your knowledge. Your world sounds very powerful Ariadne." Looks a bit concerned.

Ariadne nodded, but seemed a little embarrassed.
"There's a lot of power there, but, if I'm to be perfectly honest, most of us take it for granted and waste it on meaningless hobbies and useless knowledge.  And I suppose we also got pretty good at hurting each other with more effectiveness as well.  It's a double edged sword, figuratively. "

Looks in awe as Ari describes the "Cards" of earth. "That would be very handy.  Can they travel through them as well?" *chuckles* "I don't have any Cards." then smiles "Do you have your card with you?  Does it work here?  I guess Cards mostly work everywhere?"

Ariadne shook her head with a wry smile
"You can't travel 'through' them, but the more advanced ones can send images through to other similar devices.    I have mine in my room, since it doesn't seem to work here.  That is one disadvantage, they have a limited power supply and need to connect to Earth to charge and be properly useful "

"Oh, I would still love to see it anyway if your willing to show it to me. It sounds like your worlds magic might be technology."

*nods* in agreement with Jade "Sounds amazing. I look forward to you and Lance showing up these wonders."

Ariadne chuckled
"I just hope we can do it justice.  So much of our technology is commercialized and, like, categorized that it usually doesn't have that same sense of wonder and mystique that magic here does."

Ballad (well-satisfied with this impromptu fancy dress party!) has been quiet and contemplative and perhaps even a touch dreamy. Interested when people were speaking of themselves, of course, except Jon who’s story she’s already heard.

"Oh, I think it all has wonder, Ari. The shadows where they call magic 'technology' and 'science' and there our skills are sorcery and impossible. And the shadows so full of sorcery you can't spit without the spit turning into a flower that demands to duel you, and then you're walking through a field of angry, thorned flowers..." A blink. "I'm sure Earth's accomplishments will be striking, and full of interest. I mean, as a shadow it does seem to have captured an awful lot of attention..."

Ariadne grinned at Ballad
"Well...we DO have pretty good food, I suppose."

"With how many people your world has, you must have vast fields for growing things. Is it hard to meet the needs of so many ?"

Ariadne nodded, though she looked a bit skeptical even of herself.
"There are people who go hungry, though it's been said that this isn't so much because of a lack of resources as it is from a system that makes people work too hard for what they get.  It's a bit complicated, but there's a bit of income inequality.  Many in my world love wealth too much and we tend to squabble over how much we get."

*nods* "Sadly, that is not an as uncommon as it should be." *sad smile* as he thinks about some of the similar issues back home. "But perhaps you and Lance can begin change there?" he says with a bit of cheer. "Who knows."

He then looks to Ballad, our cheer master to help bring us up again.

Ari shrugged.
"I suspect my mother might have been doing that on Earth when this war happened here.  I wonder now and then what Earth would have been like had she lived."

"You could take over her works. Though there must be some reason for it, Florimel lived on earth for hundreds of years as did uncle Corwin." Jade now looks in thought on it.

Ariadne nodded, looking very serious and thoughtful.
"I'll admit that I've been worried more about myself on Earth, helping here and there but only when it was convenient.  I guess I can step up my game."

"Nothing wrong with that." *smiles reassuringly* "But that was before you knew about all of this.  Now you have choices, you didn't know of before."

Ariadne nodded to Jon, shaking her head in overwhelmed amusement.
"It kind of boggles the mind.  What kind of potential do I have to change my world?  How much of all this do I even tell them??  If I actually told them; that I'm a princess from a magical world in another dimension....well, they'd either assume I was crazy or that I was joking."

"As I understand it you can do a lot ! Even if you just introduce seeds, farming techniques, energy sources, technologies and other things, from other shadows. "

Jade says pacing a little bit.

In reply to Jade (msg # 61):

Ari nodded, looking intrigued
"True....what if there were worlds far advanced of mine.  I could revolutionize ny world "

Jade smiles.

"Amber and Rebma have taken advantage of this by there trade with the Golden Circle kingdoms."

Ariadne smirked wryly.
"Sadly, I do NOT think Earth is ready to join this Golden Circle.  They're just too close minded and hostile. "

*nods* "Maybe, not, but you can begin the process.  You start slow and small and expand.  If You mother, Aunt Florimel and Uncle Corwin already have things in place already, you can maybe start with those." *shrugs* "The point is, I guess, that you have options and there is no need to decide now.  Besides, you have us.  I know I'm willing to help you in your endeavors. So don't worry, be happy now." *smiles*

"Oh, I didn't mean for your Earth to join the Golden Circle. You could still bring in things, even ideas from other worlds to help yours. Medical techniques, and medicines. There is so much you could do !"

Ariadne nodded, smiling wryly
"Yes, the possibilities are literally endless.   It's a little overwhelming "

Jade smiles, "I would rather be a little overwhelmed in order to have limitless possibilities. I love being a royal of Amber."

She spins a bit and motions to Tir with both hands, "We have the sky city of dreams and phantasms. Imagine there might be dream shadows, dreams of what could be."

She then taps the ground with one foot.

"Amber has so many mysteries for us, and that is just our ancestral homeland without even setting foot in the shadows. Have any of us, present company accepted." A nod to Ballad.

"Really even gotten to know our older kin ? Were barely learning about each other but we are trying."

She then gestured off to the sea and followed by smoothing her dress which was still showing scenes of Rebma on it, as she had not cancelled her spell.

"The deep blue sea holds Rebma, and yes there are aquatic shadows. Mysteries of Amber's sister city are as wonderous as any here. Were blessed cousins our wonder does not need to cease at some border. I agree Ariadne, the possibilities are endless."

She turned smiling to them all.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:18, Thu 17 Dec 2020.

Jon follows Jade's gesture and nods.  When she takes his hand Jon smiles and turns to face her, he lifts it up rest his other over top of it "Jade, you never need to apologize for being concerned about me or any of our cousins." he removes his hand, leans in and gives her hand a kiss "It was dangerous, draining, scary, but also exhilarating, empowering and humbling." he looks her in the eyes and smiles "But, you, you are amazing beyond that. You walked the pattern without the fanfare or the concern and thoughts of those who care about you.  Ari and I had you, Ballad, Janessa and..." grins "Yes, even Lance. When we walked.  We had so much support. But you, did it without all of that.  Your strength of self, is amazing.  What you've told me so far, you have overcome so much."

Jon pauses and raises one hand to gently caress her cheek "You are caring, selfless, strong, intelligent and capable person.  So thank you for your concern, while I am sorry I caused you worry, knowing that you care is important to me."

Jon then turns, still holding her hand "The view is beautiful, the night and the stars look amazing, the world at our feet.  But none of that compares to you, My Sea Princess."

She nods slowly at parts of his words to her at sometimes the nod speeds up when he talks about how exhilarating and humbling the Pattern is.

"When I walked it, I was proving something to myself. The Pattern brought up doubts as to whether I was truly of the Blood of Amber. I think that was the hardest part for me but when I made it to the center, all my doubts vanished. As much as I loved being there for you and Ariadne and Lance. I don't think I would have traded my personal accomplishment, for the pageantry. Though I admit knowing you, Ariadne, or Ballad would be there for me to dance, and lift cups. It would have made the walk so much easier. We look out for each other like we should and that lightens my heart."

When he caressed her cheek, her eyes fluttered a moment then she closed her eyes. The nod to his words was slow then.

When he gestured around, she opened her eyes. Then he made the compliment of being his Sea Princess. She smiled and said, "Careful, you will charm the shine off the stars, my handsome, Hawk."

Jon smiles at her words. "Just speaking the truth as I see it, M'Lady." he says softly with a short bow.

Jon nods "While I would've loved to be there for your walk, I agree with you on not changing it.  It is part of who you are, the circumstances are as much a part of completing it as the walk itself." he looks up at the stars "Had I tried to walk it as soon as I could, I am not sure I would've made it.  There was too much...anger, disappointment, mistrust in me. It took meeting you, Ballad, Ari, Lance and Janessa to make me re-examine things." *chuckles* "So, no, I would not want to change who you are..." he looks her in the eyes and smiles.

"I must learn more of the world you're from. I am sad that it made you feel angry, disappointed and untrusting. That used to be the way of things here, I hope that we can change that for everyone. Our aunts and uncles, I can sense are trying, trying to be better people around us."

She meets Jon's gaze then smiles, "You do change people though Prince Jon, as I hope that I do. It is the way of many worlds."

Jon smiles "Yes, you do and for the better." he sighs "Indeed change is the one constant in our lives and the past is in the past.  We can't change that nor should we try." he nods "I look forward to taking you there soon, so that you can meet my mother and father. You will love it and fit right in."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Wed 20 July 2022.

"I would like that, to meet your mother. So do you think I would fit in, in your home shadow ?" She looked into Jon's eyes with her own deep green ones.

A small smile on her lips as she thought about it in her head.

Ariadne,  not wanting to disrupt the conversation,  turned to admire the view

Jon's smile gets bigger "You definitely will fit right in.  Your grace, charm and beauty are on par with the noble Fae." a soft chuckle "You will be the talk of the castle.  Trust me." pausing "And don't forget, I look forward to seeing Rebma with you, seeing your home."

Hearing someone quietly approach, Jon breaks eye contact with Jade and looks behind her towards the path and see Ari nearby.

Jon whispers to Jade "It is now almost a reunion, Ari has joined us"  Jon raises a hand in welcome.

"Ari! Glad you're here.  Come join us."

"Hello cousin ! Congratulations again to make it through the pattern then up the stairs to here on the same day. That is definitely an accomplishment." Jade has a wide happy smile as she regards Ariadne.

Ariadne stepped forward.
"This was supposed to be some huge achievement,  but it's really just the very beginning of things, isn't it?"

"It is a HUGE achievement yes. Though it is the key that opens infinite doors to you now. It also puts you on more even footing with our enemy who seem to have some capacity to move through the shadows."

Jon nods "This is a big achievement for us, it proves beyond any doubt that we are children of Amber." smiles "But you are correct, Ari, this is just the first step into a whole new existence for us.  And that does take some wrapping your head around."

Ariadne smiled, but also shrugged in a forced nonchalant way
"So, is there some Pattern Academy we have to enroll in, or do one of these old people just take us to the woods and let us 'have at it'?"

"Your asking the wrong person." She laughs lightly.

"A majority of my learning was self taught, though if one is willing to teach you then take them up on the offer."

Ariadne blinked in surprise
"Self taught??  Wouldn't that be...dangerous?"

"It was, yes but with time I became better at avoiding some of the pitfalls. I am good with a lot of the magical and mystical practices and so it may have been slightly easier for me. I really don't know since I haven't had anyone to compare it too."

Jon shakes his head as he gets a bit of an amused / awed look "You are amazing Jade." then his expression changes to a more thoughtful countenance. "But I guess that makes sense though, given what we know of the elders.  I doubt they were big on helping each other, I wonder if King Oberon trained them?  Yet, my guess is that they were left on their own to figure it out."

"Well, Julian seemed like he would be willing to help and we can always ask the king, or even our aunt Florimel. I bet she gave Prince Lance some pointers. Ballad was going to go into shadow with me and she seemed the type that was self taught also. The both of us were going to help you if no one else." She said to her cousins.

Ariadne nodded thoughtfully
"That sounds like a plan, asking around for tutors, and then teaching ourselves if no one else can be bothered "

*smiles* "Well, we have an advantage.  We have Jade, Ballad and Janessa who can help us master this ability.  So we won't have to go it completely alone."

In reply to Jon (msg # 88):

Ariadne chuckled
"I'm definitely glad we stick together "

"Well we have been only children, or even parentless children for a long time. It is good to have family now to count on and even help out. I know that didn't used to be the way but hopefully we find some strength in our friendships !"

Smiles "Indeed, I feel especially lucky to have met and bonded with you all.  You have helped me immeasurably already."

"So, now that we all have the pattern and I have given some cards to everyone we should be able to keep in touch. I will try to make further cards so that you can have full decks. I think that will be my major contribution during this war. The King seems to want me to make more cards for the family and I would be more then happy too. I will also work to provide magical support. I know we have been training but." She sighs.

"I don't think I am one of Amber's rising warriors. I do think that you two are Lance as well. I am not sure about Ballad or Janessa yet though Ballad seems like she is good at anything she puts her mind too." She brought back her smile.

She then folded her arms, "Of course that doesn't mean I am giving up. I might just surprise you now that I have my new Parasol !"

Ariadne chuckled and smiled at Jade.
"I'll admit that I've never been in a real war. My part of Earth is privileged like that.  But I've studied history,  and played in enough fake wars,  that i understand that while the gun toting or sword swinging soldiers get a lot of the glory, their efforts would be minimal without the people back in labs and factories making new and better weapons.  The people who make weapons more dangerous,  to say nothing of those who help with medicine,  transportation,  and communication.  Without them, people like me are just a bunch of idiots running through the mud with a sharp stick. "

"Thank you Ariadne." Jade welled up with emotion and hugged her cousin.

"Thanks, I think I really needed to hear that."

Ariadne hugged her her cousin back
"No problem,  Jade.  I've been accused of being an arrogant Diva, but I've been in too many big movies not to appreciate how essential everyone else's work is towards the final project "

Jon smiles "I agree with Ari 100%. You are just as important to the unit as either Ari, Lance or Myself. I've never doubted that nor felt that you were lesser than any of us.  Magic is extremely useful in support.  That is how it is back home.  You have your infantry, Calvary, Archers and Artillery.  Mages are usually Artillery or mixed in to enchant the troops.  Mages are often chosen to be protected over a general, because of the value they bring.  Especially if the General is not themselves a Mage." he nods to Ari "And Ari is also correct, that no war is won with the support of the people, Supply Lines, communications, intelligence, etc." grins "So never doubt that you are important to our efforts, and if you ever do feel down seek out Ari or I and we will remind you. How important you are."

"Thank you, you two ! I am really glad I met you. I hope to get to know Janessa too. She seems pretty nice and has that odd shadow earth manner of speech that I am trying to learn. Maybe she can join us when we ride those motor bikes. I think I would really like that. Still I think they must operate with some form of magic. Or really tiny horses."

Ariadne smirked playfully and chuckled
"I look forward to showing you in person.  I'm just sad that I'm not an expert in how they work and how to make an engine.  I'm afraid many of us on Earth are a bit spoiled that way, and never needed to learn 'how the magic worked' in these things."

"That's ok, I bet I could figure it out ! Hmmm I wonder if I could make a magic horse that might work here or a magic carriage ?" The wheels turned in her mind.

Ariadne smiled
"I have full faith in you "

*chuckles* and looks at Jade "I am sure you will master anything you put your mind to." he turns to Ari "I look forward to visiting your home as well.  Since You, Janessa and Lance all come from the same shadow."

"So, what is the plan ? What do you think we should do first. We know a few things about these Gray Men, but we really need to talk to our uncles or aunts to learn more. Even Lance knows more than us because he has been fighting them, I believe."

"We can even take up uncle Julian on his offer to learn more forestcraft. It would allow us to defend the realm and learn more fighting and tactics. Of course that would mean forgoing trips into shadow to learn your new abilities with Pattern."

*Grins* "Well, we've just started our combat training, so we should stick with that.  That will help us with our individual skills and our coordination with each other." *sighs* "I know Lance has issues, so he is going off.  And Ballad, is capable and independent, but I'd prefer that the three is us don't to go out there alone. We are better prepared now, but the Greyman are strong opponents..." he takes a deep breath then smiles "I know it is inevitable. There is so much open to us now. The lure is strong to go out and explore..."

At the mention of the grey men, Ariadne winced as she put a hand over her side, where one of those creepy bastards had stabbed her with their weird hand spikes.  It had happened on her father's lawn, and while it had been a couple of weeks since then, sometimes it felt like it had just happened.  Ariadne had been hurt before, in sparring matches or motorcycle accidents, but this had felt different.  More traumatic, almost as if the wound itself was malicious.   She still occasionally had nightmares.

"More combat training sounds good.   There's no point in learning how to traipse all over shadow if those jackholes can take us out one by one when we're out there. "

"Alright then tomorrow morning I will see you in the training room. That is if the King doesn't call everyone together first. He might now that everyone is Pattern capable."

She grinned and her green eyes flashed, "Who knows, I might be better at practice tomorrow."

Ariadne nodded
"Well, i suppose it's up to the king what happens next.  Which feels weird to say, I'll admit.   But I'm ready for anything "

Jon smiles "As long as we are together, I believe we are up to any task.  And someday, I hope to have all 6 of us together."

"We would be unstoppable !" Jade says with great enthusiasm.
A bright smile on her face at the thought of it.

She then looked to the others, "Alright then, we speak to the King, and then decide what to do. If he doesn't have some task we can go for training or start training on our own. I think we should look for Jenna, and Ballad see if they want to join us."

Jon smiles, "Sounds like a sound plan to me."

Ariadne smirked and chuckled
"Ha!  'Let's go talk to the King'.  That still sounds so weird to me.  But When in Rome,  I guess"

"Did you want to do that tonight ?" Looks to Ariadne.

Ariadne shrugged and smiled
"Well, we've waited long enough,  i suppose,  so the sooner the better."

"Let's do it then ! I think he will love your initiative. Just walked the pattern and POW your ready to tackle royal tasks." She brightly smiled and made ready to head to see the King with the others.

"I'm not sure if it's more Initiative, than it's me getting stir crazy, worrying about grey skinned jackholes trying to kill me.  I take that very personally "

*Grins* "Well, we aren't your typical "royals" now are we?"

"Jackhole, is that some kind of curse ?"

She looked to John, "Why be typical when you can be us !"

She began the trip back to seek an audience with the king.

Jon chuckles and follows Jade towards the castle.

(Hmm, let's see, what time of night is it right now?)

In reply to Jade (msg # 116):

Ariadne smiled wryly.
"It's a curse and insult of sorts, one that is a less vulgar version of a couple of others."