The evening of the fourth day (for the time lords and ladies amongst us) after Amber was suddenly blessed (?) with a (brat)pack of new royals, Lady Lorelay is having a private concert for select noble friends at her small estate just outside the city of Amber.

A half hour before Sandwyn comes to collect Jade, and hopefully another brace of princesses (strong neutral on the idea of Lance and Jon coming, but c'est la vie), he sends word to Jade to let her know. He has one sister among all the brothers and knows sometimes people like a bit of 'I'm almost there' advanced notice for final touches and flourishes.

Eventually, just before sundown while the sun skids toward the horizon, the cousins' ride has arrived. Servants scatter to find them, wherever they are, together or alone and let them know. There's a spacious carriage, two horses, and Sandwyn conferring with a member of the Amber Castle guard about the small honor guard that'll be following them just in case.

No hurry to post here, guys. Feel free to play meeting up before hand or whatever in your other threads first if you want. But when you are ready, have at.

"Ahhh everyone this is Sandwyn and Sandwyn I know you have been wanting to meet her, may I introduce Princess Ariadne, isn't she lovely. Prince Jon, this is Lord Sandwyn he invited us to the concert tonight." Jade stepped back with a smile to see the two meet.

Ariadne almost felt like she was supposed to curtsy,  but refrained,  merely nodding and smiled.
"It's a pleasure to meet you "

Jon smiles and approaches Sandwyn and offers his hand to shake. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Sandwyn."

When the young royals appear on the scene, Sandwyn addresses a final remark to the guards and then stands at the carriage. His aquamarine eyes are warm and crinkle at the corners when he smiles, as he does now first at Jade and then encompassing the others. His mustache is classic Errol Flynn, and he presents a rather elegant figure, especially when he cuts a bow like so.

"Good evening, Princess Jade. I find myself bound to say I've rarely been presented with two so lovely ladies. Princess Ariadne, one hopes you'll forgive me if I come across very enthusiastic, but we are relations on my mother's side, which I believe solidly knocks my brother Carwyn out of the running for 'most likely to have adventures.' He'll be so put out. And ah, Prince Jon!" He returns the handshake, and if Jon has any hidden weapons they must surely be shaken out by the apparent enthusiasm with which he does. "Glad you could make it. Will Prince Lance and Princess Ballad be joining us as well? Allow me."

He gets the carriage door for Jade and Ariadne.

Sandwyn is dressed in russet, but he's a little fancier (although not much fancier) for the house-concert - his fashion might best be described as fantasy Regency, heavily inspired by medieval. Welcome to Amber.

"Your looking handsome for the evening Lord Sandwyn. I did extend the invitation to the others and Ballad sadly had previous plans." Jade does seem genuinely sad about that.

"Lance still has the invitation extended but he did not get back to me on it. He may show I am hopeful. Though he would have to show up in a separate carriage it seems."

Jade inclined her head in thanks with a smile when he got the door for them and let Ariadne get in first then got in herself.

Once in the carriage she will sit near Jon so that Ariadne can sit near Sandwyn, "So, please tell us of Carwyn. Ariadne's competition in adventure." Jade said with mischievous merriment.

Jon gives Sandwyn a welcoming smile and no weapons fall free from the shake. "Thank you very much for the invite."

Jon smiles as he and Jade are seated next to each other. He does look on with curiosity to hear about his brother.

Ari smiled at the enthusiastic nobleman, though she had no idea what he meant after 'we're related on your mother's side'.  Still, she listened to the conversation intently

Of course Sandwyn lets the royalty determine their own status etcetera etcetera as they take their seats. If asked, he might say--any lover might tell you--the best seat in the house isn't beside the person you're intrigued by, but rather, across from them where you can gaze to your hearts content. Unless it's a big state dinner. Then the people who are next to you are your doom or your salvation, depending on how things fall out. Ahem. Anyway, Sandwyn gives the coachman an order and the coach begins the descent from the mountain, a small honor guard following along behind.

Now there. Sandwyn settles. Smiles engagingly around. "Carwyn's my second youngest brother. He joined the Navy when he was at the age to apprentice; before that, he borrowed one of my father Lord Rondoval's boats, meaning to take a pleasure jaunt to Minos, although he hadn't told father so there was a bit of a do; before that, he was always getting into nautical scrapes. He's a navy man, through and through."

*smiles* "Interesting.  Indeed it does sound like Navy is in your brother's blood.  So how big is your family?  I'm an only child myself."

"Seven boys, three girls," Sandwyn says. He seems a little relieved by something, but in the next moment is asking, "But I'm being rude, monopolizing the focus of this conversation. You three are on your way to a night of musical entertainment. I know how Rebma does things, but what about out in the shadowlands? Do you all have expectations about what a house concert will be like?"

"I've met a few military people back in my world,  so i ca respect that.  Concerts on Earth vary by size and style.  I've been to staduims with 10,000 screaming fans, and I've attended private performances where I'm only one of a dozen audience members.   The smaller ones are usually more formal and sedate, but can be fun as well "

Jade eyes widened hearing just how many brothers and sisters Sandwyn had. His father was practically Oberon. She was about to merrily chime in as was her way when his next words dimmed those chimes. She instead smiled primly to allow her cousins to get to know Sandwyn more and to share their experiences of their home shadows.

Jon looks in awe at the size of some of the earth concerts. "That is amazing Princess Ariadne!" Jon is in formal court mode in his speech. He shakes his head "Nothing so big back home for me.  We have a few amphitheaters and theaters for public shows.  For the court concerts, similar to this, they are typically very formal with the nobility checking out each other looking for advantages and minimizing scandals.  Usually the host is showing something off." *smiles* "But I don't know what to expect from Amber."

The young nobleman has an air of attention when Ariadne speaks; tries to meet Jade’s eyes, and offer the green-haired Princess a we’re-from-the-center-of-everything-smile, isn’t the other stuff interesting?; and when Jon speaks in tones of formality, his air is attentive again, although a smile plays at the corners of his mouth still.

“Ah hah. I believe Lorelay’s concert matches up more with Princess Ariadne’s experience of a private performance. This event isn't very formal, just a small group of eighteen or so, though I suppose now that you three are attending, you might change the atmosphere. Here in Amber we members of the nobility typically just try to have a good time, no scoping out advantages and minimizing scandal." He winks. "Are you three musical?"

"I love to sing." Jade smiles her eyes almost sparkle at the thought.
She looks around to her cousins even though they had spoken to them about the subject before she sat quiet for them to respond to Sandwyn's query.

Ariadne nodded,  smiling at the man's description of the night's events.    To his question,  she nodded as well
"I've been told i have a reasonably good singing voice,  and my father had me take music lessons, piano and violin,  when i was a child.  I later went on to learn guitar and drums on my own, and was even part of a small insignificant band.  We have mostly played for ourselves,  of course,  but we weren't terribly bad."

*chuckles* "Sadly no musical talent here.  Passable is a group perhaps.  But Ari and Jade are terrific" he smiles broadly as he remembers the miniconcert on the steps for Tir Na Nog'h.  "Lord Sandwyn, do you think it will disruptive that we are attending?" he face shows genuine concern. "I would hate to disrupt Lady Lorelay's evening." tone still formal, but concerned and thoughtful.

"I'd love to hear you sing," Sandwyn tells Jade, eyes sparkling in return.

Ariadne, he hmms and nods. The sparkle Jade got becomes a keen, honed interest, and he clearly has a question but just as clearly has decided to reserve it for later. He asks this other question instead, which is not the one that makes him look so interested. "Did your band have a name?"

And then, Jon. "Disruptive? What does milord mean?" Sandwyn asks.

This is where the carriage turns in a direction they are not used to, off to the countryside surrounding the town. Rolling fields, little wooded copses. Beauty. It's very beautiful in Amber, pastoral but a heartbreak of a poem and the evening air has a certain smell. Fresh. The freshest.

*nods* "Our presence and unexpected attendance.  I got caught up in the excitement and didn't think of it until now." he says with gravity and concern. "I don't want to cause our hostess any inconvenience."

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 19):

"Our band was called Third Rail...."
She chuckled with a wry smile
"Unfortunately,  that's a reference very specific to my world, but it was meant to represent something dangerous and rebellious,  since we were rebellious children who thought we were too smart for the adults around us. "

She listened to the answer to Jon's question,  as she was also wondering,  though not too seriously,  about what their arrival would mean to the small soiree.
She presumed very few people would really care, but one never knew

Jade blushed a little then began to sing her eyes closed as a soft song came to her lips. Once again she was lost to her music. She still heard her cousins talking so she kept her singing soft until there was silence where she could fill that void with her voice.

She did so love to sing and though she always had some fears of how it would be perceived it was always nice when someone requested to hear her sing.

"My love, my love stands far above, in the world of trees and burnished gold. My friends they say to stay away from the lands of Amber faire. Yet my heart does hold to love so bold, At sky and see is where I shall be to meet my love the crashing waves above so close yet worlds apart." Musical accompaniment once again joined her singing magic and music were so closely aligned in her. Also the sound of crashing waves was there but not so much to drown out her singing.

"Does he see me, within the sea. My hair flowing like sea grass. He looks, he looks through wood, glass and brass. Though his view is out across not into the sea at me. Worlds apart holds victim my heart." Jade reaches out like she is reaching out to breach the water that is above in the song.

"No more shall I hide, my love, my dreams, I reach, I breach the divide.
The queen found out, her fears her doubt sent her guards to drag me down. In bubbles that stream and silent screams. I return to my own world again." The sound of bubbles and the darkness in the cart grows slightly more claustrophobic.

"Why do our worlds keep us apart, the queen holds me within her court the sin of love so well known. Forgiveness is given yet the queens will is driven into my mind, my soul." Jades eyes are glimmering a soft green.






08:15, Today: Jade rolled 12 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,6.  Soft Singing.

Ariadne smiled and nodded in appreciation at Jade's song

Jon grins and it seems like he might take her hand, but stops. "That was beautiful Jade, sad, but beautiful." he says with amazement and perhaps hints of tears? as the subject matter is..."You are always amazing when you sing."

He sits back ~Was that a message?~ he thinks to himself.

“Perhaps you’ll delight Amber with some music from your shadow one of these evenings,” Sandwyn says to Ariadne. “With a hint, I’m sure Lorelay would be only too happy to host again. She likes to be the first one to show off new talent off.”

When Jon explains, Sandwyn shakes his head. “Ah. Well, no. I invited the princesses, after all, and I wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t think it would make Lorelay happy. As long as you’re courteous guests, and there’s no reason you wouldn’t be? I presume?, then you can put your mind at ease. Everybody will be eager to befriend you. They’ll…”

But Jade sings her song. Accompanied by illusory musical instruments, mer-creature music; Sandwyn rests a hand over his heart, quite clearly very fetched. When she's done, he applauds her, aquamarine eyes gleaming. “I suspect Princess Jade is always amazing, period. Very chilling, my lady. And, as a man from Amber, I confess I find it flattering to think it might take something so great and ineffable as the will of the queen to keep my undersea love from me.”

Jade's eyes return to normal after a short time and she finally speaks it takes her a bit.

"Yes it is a tragic tale Jon very sad." She then looks around at everyone with Sandwyn being across from her. She blushes but at the misinterpretation still the complement receives a smile.

"It comes from both Rebma and Amber's history. It is a cautionary tale. Princess Morganthe of Rebma and Prince Random the now King. Once had a romance that made many a Rebman girls heart soar. At that time many wished to travel to the surface of the sea and see if the men of Amber were as romantic and larger then life as the Prince. Sadly the tale for our original couple ended in tragedy, a pregnant unmarried Princess, a scared young Prince, broken hearts, and ultimately death of the Princess. The child lived but his story was sad as well. The Queen was in mourning for her daughter for so very long and for that time forbid any of Rebma's women from the use of Faeila Bionen. Only the Princess Llewella was free from that royal order and I suppose myself now if it ever gets reenacted. I know I usually sing happy songs from Rebma but as this is part of it's long history as well I felt it call to me when asked to sing. Thank you for your compliments. Oh and I have spoken with Ariadne about possibly singing with her sometime, we would just need to practice together some."

*smiles* "No, I don't believe any of us have cause to be discourteous."
Jon pats Jade's hand affectionately after Sandwyn's comment, "Indeed, Princess Jade, is always amazing." and he smiles.

Jon nods taking in the history lesson. "You two will be very 'Cool'" he says enthusiastically.

Ariadne listened to Jade's tale with a sympathetic face, careful not to show any condemnations about the emotional reactions of a monarchy.
She smirked,  though in a friendly way,  to Jon's use of her world's vernacular.
"I can't promise that my music will be well received by the locals, but I'll do my best to be cool."

The young nobleman also does not remark on the history lesson, although he nods thoughtfully when she says that child's story was sad as well.

"Whose homeshadow is that slang from?" Sandwyn asks. Nobody will ever be able to accuse the second son of failing to keep a conversation going! He seems warm and interested. To Ariadne, he says, "As for whether your music will make an impression on the local scene, we get all manner of strange trends here. I'm half afraid of what Akwaeke's music is going to sound like. I believe glass is involved?"

Jade smiled and turns an expectant look to Ariadne to explain her colloquialism to Sandwyn.

Green eyes shimmering in the carriage.

Ariadne smiled at their host
"I was raised on Earth, and am still learning about my Amber heritage "

"Jon and I have learned to use some of the vocabulary from Ariadne's earth. Cool does not mean getting cold or chilly the way it does here, on earth it means awesome, great or exciting." Jade smiled.

"I rather like using the vocabulary of different shadows that I learn about, though I understand it can be confusing. I suppose it is a bit of eccentricity on behalf of the royalty."

Jon smiles and nods at Jade's explanation. "It is fascinating how similar and disparate the various shadows seems to be."

Ariadne blushed a little,  shrugging
'Sorry about that.   Other worlds sometimes have their own strange ways, i suppose "

Sandwyn seems fairly interested in Ariadne's input, and of course he offers Jade a twinkle-eyed nod as she explains about slang, though he chooses not to say very much about it.

"We are told that shadow is infinite, and that the royal family may find anything they desire in it," Sandwyn replies to Jon. How do the nobles of Amber feel about their leaders anyway, who seem able to manifest whole worlds according to their whims? The nobles don't have that magic, although perhaps some of their houses have roots in shadows useful to Oberon or some of the princes in the far distant past.

He smiles at Ariadne. "Here we like new things. What does it mean to you, to learn about your heritage here? If there's anything I can do to help," a pause, he looks around, "to help any of you, do not hesitate to reach out."

Ariadne nodded to Sandwyn and smiled almost shyly.
"To be honest,  it's all still feels a bit unreal.  Like it's a story someone told me, but one I'm not sure is even true yet.  I....I hear that were related,  somehow?  Is that true?"

"A good story, I hope, one you're anxious to read on." His aquamarine eyes go all soulful, as is their wont. He nods when Ariadne questions their connection. "True indeed. Through my mother, Lorelle. She is technically aunt to your father and his brother. We thought Alva long lost..."

Ariadne chuckled wryly
"Not so much 'lost' as 'temporarily misplaced'.  I can't imagine what that was like for him, cut off from his entire heritage,  possibly forever "

Jade smiled seeing them hitting it off and Ariadne learning of her family connections.
Ariadne could rest easier now knowing her father Alva won't be alone.

Jade then took a moment to open one of the shuttered windows to look at the countryside get a feel for where in Amber they were heading.

"It wasn't roses for his family here either," Sandwyn says. "But," hesitation. Then, "During and just after the Black Road War, there were many disappearances. Everybody loved the Princess Deirdre. One does what one is asked when the royal family has a request. I should dearly like to see some of these 'infinite worlds' which we hear about, one day. Though I shouldn't like to be stuck on one. Family is important to me."

He's not the kind of host to let the others just stay silent, so his next question is directed at them all: "So what does this new generation of the Barimen family do for fun anyway? Prince Jon?"

The view Jade gets is lovely: a stream which catches the light of the setting sun and shimmers like a ribbon of gold among low hedgerows and low stone walls, a little flock of sheep grazing, some russet trees and small thatched houses, one with a weather vane that depicts a unicorn rampant. There seems to be a walled garden off on its own there... If she cranes, she can see Kolvir and just the very edge of the castle just beginning to be illuminated. The sky is very blue...

*smiles* "So far, we have had intimate parties on the steps of Tir-na-Nog'h and on the beach.  The first night, we had an impromtu meet and greet of the five us." Jon gives a nod to Sandwyn "And tonight is our first formal public outing." he sets back and looks over at Jade and watches her and the scenery. A small pleasant smile creeps on to Jon's face unconsciously.

"Oh I loved our concert near the steps of Tir, it was wonderful and we all got to dress up in our colors." Jade smiles remembering it.

"Oh I have never been so far from the city, look at how beautiful the countryside is. Lady Lorelay must live in a lovely place. Look at the river like liquid gold."

The corners of his eyes crinkle. "Lady Lorelay does possess a beautiful house, and she has filled it with all manner of curiosities. Collecting curiosities is one of the passions of her family." He leans forward to look out the same window as Jade; seated across from her, this means there's a casual intimacy to the gesture. He leans back after to let Ariadne look out the window, too. Back to the subject at hand: "So what you like to do for fun is spend time with one another?"

Jon smiles "So far, yes, that seems to be so, now that you mention it." *shrugs* "Now if you are talking before we all met, that may be a different story.  As for me, walking in the woods back home, enjoying all of the natural splendor. The occasional faire."

Ariadne chuckled at her new relatives questions about how the cousins spent all their time together.
"Well, i suppose it sounds a little strange that we have been spending all out time together since we met a week or so ago,  but some of that was from necessity,  since we've  had to stick together to defend ourselves from the weird grey assassins out there in shadow.   Though,  for the most part,  we get along very well and enjoy each other's company "
She shrugged
'Perhaps when this shadow assassin situation gets resolved,  we can be more casual about what we do in Amber "

"I did mean before your arrival, in your daily lives until now," Sandwyn tells Jon, laugh-lines still crinkled around his eyes even though he's not quite smiling. "But it's reassuring to hear that your thoughts go first to your time in Amber. These gray assassins," Sandwyn says, turning more to Ariadne. "Do you have any idea where these new troubles are coming from?"

ooc note: I'ma timeskip us to the concert portion of this evening in a few more posts, so get your prep questions in now :P

"They are massing in a shadow, Princess Ballad knows a bit more. So it is more then just a few kidnappers or assassins, these gray men are a true threat.  I was attacked in the city if not for my parasol things might have been more grim."

*Nods* Jon leans forward in his seat "Indeed, they were able to identify us, even before several of us know our true origins, and tracked us down in Shadow." looks at Jade and a nods "Correct, it does seem they are not a small unit." smiles disarmingly "But, I don't think we are in an immediate threat, us or Amber." his voice and tone are calm and reassuring.

Ariadne shrugged at her relatives questions
"Once we finish our training here, I suspect we'll start looking in ernest for these grey ghouls.  We've heard rumors of some vendetta against the family,  but nothing serious "

*nods* "We need to get Ballad and Lance up to speed with the training as well." he frowns "But both of them are probably going to be resistant." then looks at Ari, then Jade "But, so long as we are as capable as we can be, we either won't slow them down or can cover them better. Especially if they reject the offer of training from Master Fenton."

Jon sits back and looks at Sandwyn. "I heard that the Lady has a painting that she hates, but still has it on display and that no one should comment on it.  Is that true? That seems odd to me."

They are massing in shadow is the kind of detail that Random hasn’t exactly shared with the public. Sandwyn looks concerned. In immortal Amber, the city at the center of it all, they have long memories—and the Black Road War is still ‘recent history’ for all it was decades ago now.

"Training?" Sandwyn asks. Then, since this seems a safer subject, yet still potentially interesting on the gossip front, "Why will Princess Ballad and Prince Lance be resistant to training? Master Fenton!" He whistles, impressed.

...And then comes Jon's question. Sandwyn... His eyebrows rise and then he chuckles, hah, breathily. "Where'd you hear about Myrasal and Helatrix? It is true, Lady Lorelay is not fond of that painting. There was some story about it, but I can't remember..."

Remember to PM me, the Storyteller, with how your character wants to come off to the nobles and/or anything your character might want to do with them.

*smiles* "Yes, I consider ourselves lucky to have Master Fenton as our Instructor." Jon chuckles "Well Lance has decided to throw himself into travelling Shadows, apparently for the Crown.  But We haven't seen nor spoken to him directly in a few days.  And Ballad..." Jon gives a warm smiles as he thinks about her. "She is already experienced when it comes to Shadows and combat.  And is very confident in her abilities.  She may see it a great opportunity, actually.  Or she could feel she doesn't need it." Jon sits up "She, for me at least, is hard to read and predict.  But she is dependable and fun to be around."

He looks to Jade and then Ari "Wouldn't yo both agree?"

Ariadne chuckled at Jon's assessment of Ballad,  nodding
"Yesah, she comes off as a bit of an 'old hand' at Shadow and Palace Goings On, though that might just be her laid back personality."

Jade looks at her other two cousins, "Yes, Lance is serving the realm so is now only here from time to time. Ballad, Ballad is more of a free spirit like a leaf in the wind caught but currents and flows I'm not sure she knows where she will end up but always welcome when she arrives."

Sandwyn is happy to geek out over Master Fenton a little, although he does it in a pretty collected way, sharing a story of some feat of bravery of Master Fenton's involving a monster from deep Arden and a duel from a champion from Minos.

Sandwyn is also so interested in the other royals, though he seems a little surprised by the description of Julian's kid. The new generation is absolutely judged by their parentage, as the old generation was before they started making an impression.

He throws in a story about Baronet Arrington, Ariadne's paternal uncle, and that brings everybody to: Lady Lorelay's House. For those who like a Shadow Earth reference, imagine a small chateau or cloister house from the French countryside - such as seen here. There are lights on in most of the windows, twinkling through the long twilight that's juuust beginning, and behind the house is a truly beautiful many-tiered garden fed by the stream that snakes around this property. It looks enchanting, and the carriage drops the four off just at the entrance.

A servant provides information: refreshment in the parlor, concert will be in the garden after. The servant will provide escort, too. Bows are deep, everybody treats the new royals like royalty, you see.

Sandwyn offers Jade his arm with a courteous bow, winking at Jon in a we-shouldn't-all-be-escorting-our-relatives, eh-what? and whether she takes it or not the next stop is the parlor.

They can hear a din of conversation the door is opened for them, laughter and somebody banging on drums in a way that it doesn't take savvy to know means the somebody is probably already tipsy. The parlor has about twenty other people inside it, all dressed gloriously and glittering, lit by candlelight and merriment, a game of something that looks vaguely Jenga-like going on in one corner, cards at a table, a long sideboard with drinks and glasses and circling servants, a lot of pretty glass, and everybody's dressed up for fun but it isn't a formal concert. This is a thoroughly social group of young nobles being chummy, so there's no formal announcement of Ariadne, Jade, Jon, and Sandwyn's entrance, although they'll be noticed almost immediately.

What will they do?


(Y'all, I pause so you can react to the grounds and Imminent Socialization. Gimme an entrance!)

Ariadne listened attentively to Sandwyn's stories, to her uncle, eager for any information on this new extended family she seemed to have, and also to the stories of Master Fenton.  Stories of "daring do" were almost unheard of on Modern Earth, with the only stories of action and adventure she had were the occasional drunken bar fight or a quest for Chinese food at 3 in the morning.   Hearing about Fenton battling monsters, or being in an actual sword duel, was a strangely magical experience.  It was almost more other worldly than anything she'd experienced so far.
And the noble's home didn't disappoint either.  It was beautiful, easily comparable to the Swiss chalets she'd seen in brochures on Earth.  Ari looked around in wonder, though she tried to keep her cool demeanor.   It felt wrong to be a princess but gawk like a tourist (though she still wasn't sure she felt like a princess).

Keeping in mind other galas she'd been to, though she also remembered not particularly liking them, in general, Ari exited the carriage with a calm poise and detached but friendly demeanor to everyone she saw, though her sharp eyes took in everything.

Jade used her message spell to telepathically speak with Jon.

~Jon I think I should take Sandwyn's arm since he invited us all here. I feel bad but it is proper etiquette. You are able to respond telepathically~

~I agree with you.  But this is our unofficial debut, so let's follow proper etiquette.~

Jon gives Sandwyn a smile, a nod to Jade and Sandwyn, then offers Ari his arm.  As he takes in the site.
"This is a beautiful estate." he says quietly and his whole demeaner seems to relaxed a bit.  "This is the type of place, I'd like to have someday."

Jade nods and takes Sandwyn's arm stepping down after the others.
She walked with dignity and grace she knew this could quite possibly raise Sandwyn's standing and keeping that in mind She did her best to make a sweeping entrance all emerald, midnight, and starshine. Bright smiles to the nobles, a bit of gossip for her fellow ladies. A hint of Llewella like mystery.  Just a hint Jade is so not Llewella.

Sandwyn is utterly innocent of any apologies floating over his head, although he does find the way Jade and Jon both stop and Do Nothing Else as they shape those words to be extremely odd (in fact, he gives Ariadne a raised-eyebrow look, like, is this common?). Also finding something odd about the brace of royals, another young noble watching from the downstairs window. The young window noble strokes their chin thoughtfully, but any seeds planted now will take some time to flower...

This, ladies and gentlemen, is a dun dun dun moment, though who knows it? The future knows it!

-

Sweeping entrance is absolutely a go. People stare at Ariadne first; they don't notice how wide-eyed she is with awe. They notice how sharply beautiful she is, how finely drawn. People stare at Jade, who sweeps in with dignified drama; they notice how exquisite she is, sunlight on a sea wave, green as the deeps. They notice Jon too, and murmur. He does look rather like a Faiellan. Some people smile, a bold man lifts a drink in a half-hearted toast, with a deep and somber smile, and some people merely seem to anticipate the fun of raking new people over the coals er that is welcoming them to the fun.

First things first: Lady Lorelay.

Lady Lorelay is pure sizzling energy, a force of nature, a whirlwind. Somehow she manages to be these things in the form of a plump and pretty young woman with very curly blond hair, full lips, a broad nose, freckles, and a dress that is to die for while also being a lot of dress. It isn't tacky! No no. Lady Lorelay is from the Flora school of fashion--cutting edge and perfection, only.

But if one were deciding what muppet Lady Lorelay would be, it wouldn't be very hard to pick.

She has a strident voice, very commanding! Very pretty, too! And she claps her hands (curls bounce), and skips on over to her new guests, "Sandwyn, you've brought me such gifts!! Hello, hello," and she sweeps a curtsy, "I'm so glad to host you three tonight. Make the introductions."

She doesn't exactly snap her fingers at Sandwyn, but basically. He is a good sport and does: "This is Princess Ariadne, daughter of Deirdre," and Princess Ariadne, daughter of Deirdre can see two nearby people particularly perk up. "This is Princess Jade, daughter of Fiona," and Sandwyn pats Jade's hand, and then she's released from his arm. There are more whispers. "And last, this is Prince Jon, son of Prince Eric." Do they imagine a note of warning in Sandwyn's voice?

Lady Lorelay clap clap claps her hands again. "I love this look on you, Sandwyn! Will you and Prince Jon be masculine friends, stomping around with swords? I can't wait to hear of your exploits. And you, ladies, are both ravishing; I had heard, but seeing is another thing entirely. Oh! I do hope you'll feel welcome. Do you like drinks with bubbles in them? I have ever so many drinks with bubbles I can offer you. The concert is beginning soon but there's still time to talk oh! Would you like a tour? Who would like a tour? I'm going to be very selfish and immediately steal you away from my other guests. Do any of you like chickens? I have a very interesting collection of chickens." She beams.

ENERGY. ENERGY. POW POW.

(This would probably be the right moment to give hostess gifts.)

Ariadne is, she would admit to no one later, at a bit of a loss as to what to do or how to react to everything.  One the one hand, acting like an arrogant, unimpressed princess might not win her any friends, but, on the other hand, acting like an enthusiastically impressed visitor might cheapen her in the eyes of the aristocracy.
Luckily, she had some acting experience to fall back on, and did a combination of the two (or rather, something between them, where she was appreciative, but didn't looked at all overwhelmed.

She gave her best "impress the movie investor so he'll give us money" smile to their hostess and nodded to her.
"I would love a tour of your home, Lady Lorelay."
Ariadne's accent seemed to shift to a more formal one, sounding much more like her father, who's accent she learned to imitate (much to his annoyance) at a very young age.
"Your estate looks exquisite from the outside, I'll admit I've rarely seen its equal, and I can't wait to see more.  And while chickens aren't a passion of mine, per se, I'll admit a curiosity to see what kind of animals my new home is capable of producing, with the right expertise."


OOC:  I was presuming that Jon was giving the gifts for all of us, but if not I can edit.

Jon disengages from Ariadne and gives Lady Lorelay a deep formal bow and if she likes takes her hand and gives it a gentle, light kiss "Lady Lorelay, it is our pleasure to join your event tonight.  Thank you for having us." he says with formal and friendly tone.  He then presents the gifts from all three. "My Lady, please accept this simple and humble gifts on our behalf." He smiles and whispers to her "I hope you will forgive any disappoint, as we had precious little notice." and gives her a conspiratorial grin and a wink.  "I agree with Princess Ariadne, a tour would be lovely, but I will defer to Princess Jade." he then turns and looks at Jade.

OOC: unless Jade wishes, we can assume that Jon gave all three.

"I would love a tour, of your lovely home and grounds Lady Lorelay. As you know we have no avians in Rebma so I would love to see your beautiful chickens,  shall  we Sandwyn ? Cousins ?" Jade smiled brightly like coral catching sunlight.

To Ariadne, Lady Lorelay smiles brilliantly, fluttering her lashes Pure Cocquette, and clap-claps her hand again. There’s a certain something knowing about her smile when she says, “Flatterer! But I do know a fair amount about the little fluffballs now, I must own. They can be downright filthy, but I like that about them. Roosters, of course, are monsters.”

She gasps, placing a hand to her rather attention-grabbing decolletage, then gleefully accepts the boxes, sweeping the trio a Very Elegant Curtsy. “How very kind of you all.” She snaps a finger and one of the servants is already taking the boxes away. “I will open them later, after I have already taken a first impression of you all.”

And then Lady Lorelay moves to hook an arm through Jade's, although she doesn't without an indication that this would be acceptable, saying conspiratorially, "Ah! That's right! They say you were raised in Rebma. You must get terribly strong with the tides always tugging at you; I quite exhaust myself after mere moments swimming," she laughs. "We have one of Rebma's aristocrats visiting us here! You must have a little chat later. Sandwyn, come along, it isn't mete for three gorgeous women to only have one chaperone."

Sandwyn gamely comes along, giving Jon an amused look. "If you command it, so it will be," says he.

And Lorelay leads the way, out of the parlor and down the hall.

Jon smiles "Thank you, My Lady." he then steps back.
He falls in behind Jade and the Lady Lorely. He shrugs to Sandwyn and smiles.

Jade smiles brightly and of course accepts Lady Lorelays arm.

"Oh I love to swim and we do tend to grow strong yes. If you have one of my countrymen here of course I would like to speak with them. Now though let's enjoy your tour !"

Jade was feeling like she had found a brand new friend just the brimming energy and excitement of Lady Lorelay made Jade feel happy. She was glad that they had brought gifts.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Fri 21 May 2021.

Trying not to glance more than necessary at the Lady's decolletage,  Ariadne smiled back and joined the group.

Tra-la-la!

Lady Lorelay's energetic bombast continues through the tour. There is one hall, complete with sweeping stair, which has quite a few truly remarkable paintings, including one which she whispers was painted by a Prince of Amber. The painting is of lily pads on water, and glinting beneath the water, the suggestion of a sword's hilt and bone. The painting they've been warned against commenting on is most decidedly there, as well, although they might have trouble picking out which it is exactly--there are a few paintings of women with horses. There's one that is extremely impressive, however, featuring a woman astride a horse (or maybe it's a monster? It's a horse if a storm pretended to be a horse), apparently on a cliff, a valley spread out beyond her. Her eyes are deep rich brown and she seems a merry woman indeed. Many of the paintings seem to be portraits in varying styles, and a family resemblance can be picked out among some of the men--slightly long nose and narrow face, affable gray eyes.

When Lorelay leads everybody to meet the chickens, the chickens immediately swarm and peck at everybody. It doesn't hurt and they don't do much damage, but they are chickens and therefore little monsters. She does collect: many different breeds on display, some fluffy and silly looking, like muppets, some rather small and sleek and speckled, and there's one hen who is the color of molten gold and another hen which is a pale and delicate blue and apparently lays green eggs.

Lorelay introduces everybody to an evil-looking one-eyed rooster named Necropants. She tells them, "We were convinced he was a cockatrice when he started growing, but he wasn't, so we didn't kill him after all. Ill-favored beast, isn't he?"

And chatter chatter chatter...

...and when the tour is done (OOC: Feel free to let me know if there's any part of the manor y'all would have been interested in exploring particularly or any comments y'all might have made, I'll give you some more detail :P) and they're back in the parlor, Lorelay introduces everybody around.

Before the three cousins know it, they have drinks (BUBBLY!) in hand and Lorelay is telling them the concert will start in a quarter of an hour but PLEASE won't they SCATTER instead of staying in a little clump and go say hello to her guests! She shoos the cousins to various people.

OOC: Yr hostess is trying to break you up! For a couple posts, at least. Tell me where you go. Find a specific person or wait for someone else to approach? (i.e., Jade to the Rebman, or Jon to [waits for Lorelay to introduce him somewhere]).

Jon is drawn to the "Storm Lady" painting as they are in the hall.  Without realizing it he moves closer to the painting almost as if he is under a spell.  He examines it in great detail. Absently "This is a remarkable painting." he says in low voice.

He then shakes his head as if clearing out the cobwebs, looks around and blushes slightly a he realized how close he got to the painting.  He quickly moves to catch back up to Jade and the others.

As they get to the chickens "That is an interesting variety of chickens.  I didn't know such a wide range of chickens existed" his tone is genuine and amused.

As they reach the parlor and asked to scatter, Jon whispers "safety in numbers." under his breath.
Jon looks around and thinks ~NOW, I remember why I prefer the woods. The dragons are less deadly than high society~
But as he has mostly this evening, he sorta waits to take his queue from Ari and Jade.

OOC: Does anyone catch Jon's eye or looking his way? He isn't Lance ;) so no one is going to be falling over themselves to be near him. Like are there any Ranger types?  I almost feel like Geralt of Rivia at the Cintra court party :)

Jade messages Jon STAT ~Don't you dare !~ as he get's closer to the painting of Lady astride horse.

Jade smiles brightly, "Oh hey here is some of that wonderous Rebma strength !"
She grabs Jon from behind to prevent a Faux Pas.  Even as Jade is a comedy of Faux Pas.

"See even a Prince of Amber has problems with us ladies of Rebma." a waggling of green brows.

She let's him go of course unless it turns into a wrestling match.

When they got to the chickens Jade was smiling and laughing as they converged on them.
she bent down to pet them. Making comments on the different breeds especially the ones she found funny or exotic.  She was quick to take a liking to Necropants.

When she was back among the nobles, merchant's and concert goers she asked Lady Lorelay where the Rebman merchant might be. That done she makes a bee line for them all smiles like a shark on approach.

Ariadne also feels drawn to the ladies on horseback,  having always enjoyed that look.
Having been practically raised in a museum by her father,  she knows a little about art, and can make a few vaguely intelligent comments about them.
The chickens freak her out a little,  and it's all she can do not to flinch as they swarm around them.  However,  the more exotic ones, unlike anything from earth,  definitely attract her attention.   She pets the furry ones.
"Why, they're....actually kind of adorable,  to be honest "

Later, she's annoyed by the implied "instructions" to mingle,  but is resigned to it, knowing that this visit might very well be as much political as friendly.
Ariadne,  though,  is very much out of her element,  since no one here knew her works on Earth, nor probably shared her interests.
So, by default, she did what she always did at parties when she got bored.

She started looking around for attractive and interesting looking women.    Keeping in mind that she might have more relatives nearby, of course.

Jade sees Ariadne ignoring what happened to Jon and going for the same Faux Pas.

You have got to be kidding me

Jade looks to Sandwyn to stop this one but if he doesn't act she will.

~Thank you.~ he sends back to Jade.  As she wrestles him, he relaxes at bit more as her touch definitely breaks the spell of the painting.
OOC: And now we know the real reason Jon blushed.

Watching Ari and Jade head off in different directions, Jon looks around again.
He stands tall with his hands behind his back, cutting a very regal / military figure as he tries to decide how best to approach the party.

There is probably a shadow where Jon does get to make his comment on the painting and a most dramatic and unenjoyable tragedy spins out from that one social faux pas. But this is True Amber, and Jade stops Jon. Do they wrestle? If they do, they get startled looks from their noble companions; if it is only the one brief grab, it’s still cause for startlement, and (See even a Prince of Amber has problems with us ladies of Rebma) Lorelay smirks. “And I thought usually it was the other way around.”

Sandwyn, meanwhile, looks like he’d rather like it if Jon dropped dead. A second son is gracious when the First ‘wins,’ but not right away. He's examining another painting when Jade looks to him for help with Ariadne, but fortunately Ariadne is in the clear. She's not commenting on the stormhorse painting, only some of the other paintings of ladies with horses. Lorelay seems pleased with all the comments! Delighted at the reception her chickens find! Delighted at Jade's delight with Necropants!! Generally delighted with the company all around! DELIGHT DELIGHT.

--

There are fifteen minutes before the concert. Fifteen minutes to be awkward or to mingle or to both.

Ariadne finds beautiful women aplenty, although none quite as lovely as her relations. C'est la vie. Here are some to choose from, eh? Over by the card table, there's a woman with red hair and a vaguely masculine, tailored outfit--George Sand-esque, a tattoo on her cheek of a sword through a heart. Over in a small group is a beautiful woman with eyes the color of very dark purple grapes and very strong arms studying Ariadne with lazy appraisal, a necklace like feathers around her neck.
Jade finds her countryman easily. This is no merchant: this is a proper nobleman of Moire's court, his aquamarine hair long and braided with pearls; his eyes, the color of a seal's; his dress, somewhat scantier than a true Amber nobleman's would be, with rather more skin showing. Jade has probably seen him before, knows him to be of House Requinoir, whose house sigil is a shark biting through an anchor's chain. They fancy themselves mystics, not usually very interested in the neighboring realm that is Amber.

Jon finds himself alone for one very stressful, very awkward moment. He's not comfortable in a crowd, and there are none that he might automatically peg as a 'ranger type.' Then, why would somebody who works in the forest dress like they work in the forest at a noble party? It takes some assessment.

Sandwyn claps Jon on the shoulder before long. "Come, Prince Jon. As Lorelay has decided we should be 'masculine friends,' let me introduce you to another of Fenton's students," he says, gamely.

17:28, Today: Jade rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,3.  Jade -Who is this guy Int.


An inclining of her head on approach to the nobleman of House Requinoir.
"Countryman." she says on nearing him, "How favor the tides with thee ?"

20:00, Today: Jon rolled 6 using 2d6 ((2,4)). - Perception

Jon gives Sandwyn a friend smile, "Indeed." he says non-committedly in response to Lady Lorelay's earlier pronouncement. "Thank you, that would be nice." and he indicates for Sandwyn to lead the way.  Jon follows Sandwyn.

Not wanting to disrupt a card game, Ariadne approached the group with the dark eyed woman.  She gave a practiced seductive smile and nodded.
"I love that necklace.   It's a lovely style.  Is it made in Amber, or lands farther away?"

OOC: 20:17, Today: Ariadne rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Flirtation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ariadne:

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

Jade:

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

Jon:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onfroi shudders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 88):

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

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

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

--

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

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

--

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

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

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

--

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

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

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 94):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 98):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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