Coronation Masque: Fourth Dance (Hour Two)

Marius will make moves to speak with Aisling when they both are available.

Should this be when she appears during the second dance of the second set? I was thinking, and meaning to respond to your previous message about long-term dancing plots, that you'd probably be dancing then, and she'd cut in for the third, and they could talk after/during/instead of that...

Marius will attempt to signal Aisling subtly, more in a playful, "Want to dance?" as opposed to, "Help, the maenads have me!" manner.

Given the timing, it should work out that by the time Jerod ends the dance with Llewella, he seeks out one or two others given the amount of time that will pass between start of dancing the 30-45 minute change-over.

After that he'll wander off for a short conversation with Demond that will not interfere with his continued enjoyment of the evening, nor will the content of that conversation have any impact or be brought up with others (I love thread-streaming).

So, that means that Lilly is next up on the roster, and at the appropriate interval, Jerod will make his way over. He pauses for a moment, already having examined the costume worn by Lilly and her companion and he nods approvingly, more to himself than anything.

"Good evening Lady." Jerod says, a polite nodding bow accompanying his words. "Perhaps you would do me the honour of accompanying me for the next dance?"

There is a momentary look of surprise on Lilly's face hidden quickly by a polite nodding bow of her own. "Certainly." She says in a clear voice as she offers him an arm.

Jerod accepts graciously, nodding politely to any who she might be with at that moment (Benedict, Paige, Merlin, etc) before whisking her out to the dance floor.

On the floor, Jerod has a tendency to lead through the dances, attentive to any problems that Lilly might have if she has not been exposed to the particular dance being performed but does not dominate the movements. It is clear he knows how to dance very well and has probably been doing it all his life.

Though she certainly does not have the experience Jerod does on the dance floor, Lilly is a very fast learner. Dancing comes naturally and effortlessly to her. Letting the gentleman lead however does not. She seems to be almost consciously reminding herself to do just that. Knowing the right etiquette is easy. Performing it is a bit more difficult. But she is at least making a good effort.

"The opportunity has not presented itself to speak to you since everyone's arrival home." Jerod says. "Allow me to congratulate you on your knighthood, as well as your position as the Queen's guardian."

"Thank you. I was honored to be so trusted by the King. It is my hope that I can continue to serve Amber well for many, many years." Lilly's confidence is tempered by sincerity as she speaks.

"I suspect that Uncle Random would not have let you near the Queen if you had not proven trustworthy." Jerod says. "Family relations can go to hell when you're protecting your own."

"True. Very true. That is part of the reason I suspect so many of our generation never knew Amber until it was necessary. Now we are faced with the task of protecting a home that is still strange and new. It is a bit daunting at times." Though not for Lilly. She seems quite certain of her ability to rise to the challenge.

"And what do you think of your new home?" Jerod asks.

"Amber is..." Lilly's voice trails off momentarily as her eyes take on a slightly distant look. "Interesting? It is both more and less then I expected it to be. That is not to say however that I am in any way disappointed. Quite the opposite actually. I find her to be most intriguing." She nods slightly to herself as she finishes speaking. Sometimes the truth needed to be stated before being accepted.

"Curious. Many people speak of Amber in the former, as being of more. The Sundering no doubt had an impact there." Jerod says. "How is it less than you expected?"

"That answer is bit difficult to voice so you will have to forgive me if this sounds odd." From what Jerod can see of Lilly's facial expression she looks a bit vulnerable as if she is sharing something from deep within her heart. "I adored my foster mother. You must understand that. She and I were very close. For years she filled my head with all of the rules and knowledges I would need to be a lady of the court. She warned me time and again that the path I had chosen for my self would make my life difficult. It was her belief that a Lady could never be a warrior. And I understood exactly what she meant, I was just simply too stubborn to abandon my passions.

"So when I arrived in Amber I expected to find a very staunch patriarchal society. What I have discovered is something different. In that regards what I received was indeed less then I expected. Mind you I believe it to be a good thing. I far prefer to live in a place where I am free to use my talents rather then trying to pretend to be something I am not."

"Hmmm...you will find Amber's patriarchal nature is still alive and kicking." Jerod says. "It just has not surfaced in a way that you would recognize. As the daughter of a Prince, the common rules of conduct would not be applied to you. Anyone doing so would be at serious risk of life and limb, and that's assuming your father did not get wind of it."

This comment is rewarded with a genuine smile. Lilly could certainly stand up for herself when the need arose. It was keeping those passions in check that sometimes caused a problem.

"That does not mean you will be immune to their effects. When the powers that be decide to try to enforce them, they will do so subtly. You will rarely be the object of that enforcement but more likely those around you that are vulnerable to influence. You will need to be cautious in your dealings with those around you as the Queen's protector. Your actions will reflect on her and notoriety is more likely to be remembered than good conduct."

Lilly nods. Of course she had considered all of this. Did he really think she'd be wearing so many dresses and gown of she hadn't?

Jerod's behaviour would not lead anyone to believe he is being condescending. Rather, he appears to be imparting his perspective to someone who is certain to be unfamiliar with Amber's Court (and by extension, Rebma's). Given that it has been his battlefield most of his life, one might suspect that even simple comments on his part might be construed as useful information beyond their surface banality.

"I suspect that being a female member of this family will have both strong advantages and disadvantages. You are right in that we are some of the few who can break the social molds. Yet at the same time we are supposed to be serving as role models. Balancing that requires constant attention."

A bit of a wicked look crosses her eyes as she continues on a far more conspiratorial tone. "I for one believe Paige is making it easier for the rest of us. With all the gossip swirling about her there is little time or energy for the average person to be concerned with the rest of the royals." The easy smile returns as she finishes her comments bringing an ere of jest along with it. Lilly was not one to bad mouth a friend after all.

"Were it as simple as that I would be quite relieved." Jerod says. "Someone could be picked routinely to be the target of the year and handsomely rewarded afterwards for their efforts in deflecting criticism from the Crown." For a moment, Lilly could almost suspect that Jerod was serious in his comments, though he smiles just momentarily afterwards (as only John Malkovich can do it), before he returns to a serious mood.

Lilly nods once in agreement. She appreciated anyone who could take a comment in the vein it was intended and proceed to make it something more.

"There are several groups you will need to be aware of, that are of questionnable integrity and may use the King's absence to their advantage. I do not believe they would move openly against the Queen, but they will certainly move to sway public opinion and gain concessions to their betterment."

Again Lilly nods. "Not all wars are fought on battlefields. And sometimes it is most difficult to discern the difference between ally and enemy. Because of that I am most interested in the opinions you have to offer. I do not guarantee I will agree with you. I will however listen with an open mind and give due consideration to anything you wish to share." The daughter of Benedict is, if nothing else, straightforward.

"Then give your due consideration to that individual over there." Jerod says, manuevering the dance to bring Sir Octave into view for a moment. "Are you familiar with him? He served under your father."

"I do not believe we have met. And father speaks very little of such things."

After Lilly has had a moment to answer, Jerod continues. "Sir Octave had the regrettable misfortune to have a gentleman named Carver as a client. Octave is an impressive barrister and Carver was indicted in a conspiracy to hoard food after the Sundering, a time when resources were quite scarce and many suffered. Carver and his associates were caught and questionned. Many saw the correct way of contrition and threw themselves on the Regent's mercy, in addition to returning all the food.

"Carver decided to push his hand, thinking to demand a trial because of his position. He believed the Regent's Council was weak because we were children, and that by attempting to embarrass the Regent with a public trial, he could get us to drop the charges. I didn't like that, so I informed him and his barrister of the consequences that would ensue were Carver to continue on his present course." Lilly will get the impression that the consequences would have been horribly unpleasant and probably terminal - for Carver.

"Carver and Octave saw the wisdom of my argument and he threw himself on the mercy of the Regent. However, Octave has since made his opposition to the Regent's Council clear. With Random leaving, the Queen will be in charge, but she supported the Regent during that time. Those disaffected with the new King and Queen may find a new ally there."

Jerod can almost see Lilly filing away all of this information away in her mind as he speaks. She is something of an intense listener who nods when appropriate but remains silent. After he is finished she remains silent for a moment to run through the information once more.

"Do you believe they will underestimate the Queen? And for that matter do you believe they are the type of men who will underestimate the Queen's guard?" The latter most definitely is Lilly's way of referring to herself.

"Whether they underestimate the Queen is not of importance to me." Jerod says. "I personally would like nothing better than to have my friend make fools out of them. It would look good on them and establish her as suitable for the role of Queen. I think she could do it. But an open confrontation does not aid the kingdom at this time and will distract the Queen from more pressing matters.

"As to whether you are capable, that remains to be seen. Not all threats can be dealt with by the sword." and Jerod smiles. "I will look forward to seeing how you deal with some of these situations."

"I agree with your assessments, for the most part. And I can assure you that I am more then a sword wielding buffoon. I have always believed that violence in and of itself was not a solution to any given problem. However being able to back up one's threats and offer protection when others are unwilling to reason, well that is a true asset." Now it is Lilly's turn to smile. As the look meets her eyes though there is something a bit feral in her gaze.

"I would expect nothing less from the daughter of Uncle Benedict." Jerod says.

"Folly has told me that you perhaps know one end of a blade from another. Is that true?"

"It is." Jerod nods. "I also know not to tie my ego to its use or another's perception of my skill with it. A truly fatal mistake inside the family circle. Do you need to prove your worth against me? If that is the case, I say that is a weakness on your part. I'd recommend you lose it before someone seizes it as an opportunity." There is no challenge in reply to Lilly's feral expression, but there is also no fear. Not even hesitation. It is clear he means every word.

Something about his words seem to amuse Lilly. It's not as if she is falling over laughing but there is a glint in her eye that simply was not present before.

"In any event, if you're looking to spar you can see me in the morning. I am teaching Reid some of the finer points of the blade and he is gracious enough to help me with Trump. I'm sure he'd be willing to push back his training a bit in exchange for a popcorn view."

"That, dear cousin, was always my intent. I am constantly seeking out new sparring partners. My only assumption was that we could perhaps aid one another. I, too, have a rather full schedule but like you I prefer to spar first thing in the morning. Perhaps our paths will cross."

"I seek always to learn from my experiences. To do anything less is to be foolish. My schedule is free tomorrow at first light." Jerod says. "I would recommend we try then because things will get busier in the next few days and I will probably not be around once Prince Corwin departs."

"That will be most satisfactory."

Once Lilly has had a chance to comment, Jerod continues. "You might wish to speak to Reid afterwards concerning the broadsheet printers in the city. That is likely to be issue number two on your list of things to watch for when protecting the Queen's interests."

"I am slightly familiar with the broadsheets. I do not believe one could spend time in this fair city and not be. And I agree they should be monitored. What I did not know was that Reid had information concerning them. I am grateful to you for passing on that information."

Jerod chuckles. "If I remember correctly, I believe he had one of them roughed up a little to get some information on their little trade dispute. I might be wrong but I'm sure he can provide you with up to date information. I've always liked to keep an eye on them. They are a good barometer of public antipathy. After all, if my Uncle Bleys actually takes the time to read them, there's got to be something to them."

"Hmm... never underestimate the readings of a redhead." Lilly says quietly. She seems quite aware of the fact that statement can and does have multiple meanings.

Jerod does not comment on her statement, having his own opinion of redheads and their readings.

After a moment, in a lightly louder voice, Lilly says, "So tell me cousin, have you a third item for my list?" Her tone carries with it her intense curiosity and nothing more.

"There is a third. Actually a few more, though none of them are of a nature that you will likely to be able investigate in Amber, unless they come to you. Your duties as the Queen's protector will keep you close to her unless she decides to release you from immediate service.

"The last of the ones that would be an immediate issue is a gentleman named Chi-Lin. Your friend Paige has taken responsibility for his parole since he previously served under Prince Bleys during his invasion attempt. Chi-Lin is a treacherous little fellow who I now regret not having drowned during our return voyage from the Land of Peace. However, once cannot live with regrets. I will not tarnish your first impressions of him with my musings. I would simply suggest you keep an eye on him. If he has reformed, all the better. If not..."

"Noted. Be warned though, if my own impressions are even the slightest bit troublesome I may come looking for your full story. And I certainly shall look into Paige's."

"Keep your mind open and make your own conclusions first. I will say Paige's perspective may be suspect. Consider that as you will."

"I have found that truth often lies between perspectives cousin.

"Now, for the sake of my curiosity, shall I assume your only interest in giving me all of this information lies in the protection of Amber? Or is there something else you seek?" Civil. Very civil. Lilly simply does not see any reasons for playing games with Jerod. Not at this particular moment anyway...

"I was curious to see whether Paige had worn off on you or not." Jerod says with a smile. "But you have your father's directness. There is hope for you yet.

This garners a small smile from Lilly but she remains silent.

"I make my offering of information because it is necessary. Were I remaining here for a time, I would investigate these things but circumstance does not permit it. I must find another to serve in my stead. You are suitable to that even if you do not wish to. Your duty to the Queen means you have no choice but to at least consider my words, even if you do not trust my motives. How you choose to react to the information tells me much about you as well."

Jerod will pause in case Lilly has any comment before proceeding.

The small smile spreads into something conspicuously larger. "I will not waste my time worrying about whether I am serving your causes or not. My duty is to Amber, my loyalty is to the king. If the information you have given aids me on this path so be it. However if your needs cross my own I am certainly not going to fret."

"There are some who are quite displeased with how I go about achieving my goals. Yet despite what some might consider manipulation, I do not sanction treachery as a means to obtain my objectives. None of my cousins can claim injury or indignity because of my actions, though some might try by stretching the truth a bit. If I seem to arrange things in such a way, it is because I have little desire for persuasion. Also, I have a thicker skin so that I ignore it if it happens to me in return. My father was better at persuasion and some day I will learn to be as good. For now, this method serves me best.

"What do you think of that?"

"Does it matter? I would think that my feelings for you or your methods would be inconsequential in your eyes so long as I were willing to work along side of you as needed. And for now I am. As far as I see it you have given me no reason to distrust you, or to avoid you. That, I think, should be enough to satisfy."

"For the moment." Jerod says. "Though how you react does matter. It tells me something about you. As my father told me once, it's good to know whether people have learned the golden rules of life. It would appear you have some understanding of them. I like that."

Lilly nods. "Your father's set of rules may still prove to be very different from my own. For now though I see no reason why you and I can not work toward developing a mutual respect for one another."

"Tell me then. What rules did your father teach you? It must have been an interesting life. I cannot imagine what it would be like under Uncle Benedict."

"Actually neither can I. I was not raised by my father. He did hand pick my foster parents however. And they knew him well enough to not question why a young girl far preferred sword fighting to dresses and fancy parties. In many ways I was very lucky. They allowed me to find myself while at the same time ensuring I grew up with a strong sense of personal honor. I suppose my father most likely over saw everything. But the truth is I rarely saw him and was an adult before I knew who he truly was."

Jerod nods, thinking back for a moment to his own childhood. "What were your foster parents like?"

Lilly takes a brief moment before answering, "Honest, trusting, sincere, very straightforward. Mallet crafted some of the finest weapons I have ever laid eyes upon. Jade knew the virtues of insuring that I was well rounded. All in all they were very good people. I miss them."

"Will you return to visit them?" Jerod asks.

"Perhaps. If such a thing is possible. To be honest I do not know of their fate." Lilly can not hide the touch of sadness in her voice.

"Do you have experience travelling in Shadow?" Jerod asks. "If not, perhaps Martin might be able to go back with you. He told me once that he spent time with your father shortly after he walked it in Rebma."

"Yes. Martin is familiar with the lands upon which I was raised. However we both have duties. Finding the time for such a venture may be difficult and in truth uneccesary. I have not had a chance to speak with my father about the Tecys. It is possible he has the answers I seek."

"Be sure to acquire those answers quickly." Jerod says. "I'm sure the King will be busy making people busy. It would be most regrettable to find you have to wait if your father should be sent away for a prolonged period of time. Especially if the answers can be easily obtained in just a few minutes of quiet conversation." and he takes a brief look around while they are dancing.

"Perhaps I have monopolized too much of your time. This might be an opportune moment to obtain what you need."

"I do not believe my father intends to disappear before the ball's end. However you do have a a very good point. With the acoustics of this room being what they are tonight may yet indeed prove to be sufficient for that particular discussion. I had not thought if it." Lilly seems a bit, shall we say, surprised that she had not thought of simply asking him out right this evening prior to her conversation with Jerod.

Jerod smiles, re-directing the flow of their dance a bit. "Grandfather obviously took steps to ensure that when parties were happening, those he did not want listening would be properly hamstrung."

"There is wisdom there. I can not deny that." Lilly says allowing herself to be led along by her dance partner.

Unless Lilly objects, Jerod moves them far enough along the floor to allow them to depart from the dance floor relatively close to Benedict's location (current or last known is up to the timing - I'm figuring it would be after Benedict has departed). Jerod's comments from this point will depend on whether Benedict is still around.

No objections from Lilly. She seems a bit eager to talk with her father.

Before taking leave of Jerod Lilly says, "It has been a pleasure good sir. I look forward to our meeting in the morning."

Then unless the GMs have objections, Jerod will end the dance at an appropriate point where she can either start talking to Benedict, or start looking for her.

The appropriate place is the end of the dance (you can't just casually drop out of the figure without messing up the dance somewhat), so that's when you can go...

And then [Jerod]'s on to his next person...

Aisling will be keeping an eye on Caine during the second set, and when he is relatively free, she'll make her way over, greeting him with a slight bow and smile, "Oh dark-robed one, it would please me to speak with you at some point this evening."

He returns her bow. "Death is ever near, little moth, and there is no time like the present. Shall we retire to the smoking chamber?"

"Does the smoke herald flame? For I should be disappointed to be seduced by death after so short a sojourn here," Aisling states solemnly, and then a half a beat later smiles, a momentary beam of sunlight slipping through an overcast. She didn't know where that bit came from...

He shrugs. "The flame calls to the moth, but the moth chooses the flame." Aisling thinks most people would find his smile discomforting.

Aisling shrugs, of a matched set with his.

"Come, it sounds capital," she adds, starting off in that direction.

Caine finds a servant and an empty alcove in that order and sits in a plush chair. He looks at Aisling, inviting her to speak.

While they are in the process of getting settled, Aisling inquires with a slight open smile, "It seems to me that your costume suggests a willingness to discuss your recent experiences?"

"Or to see who will want to discuss them with me, perhaps. Do you want to know about my near-death experience? It wasn't that exciting, really." He smiles back at Aisling.

Aisling unkinks a little in the light of his smile, returning it a bit tentatively, "Yes, I would like to hear what happened, even so. It was... distressing, seeing your body," she offers with a tiny shrug to apologize for the appearance of flattery, a brief glance out to where a harlequin is dancing with great flair indicating one vector of distress.

"More so for me, I think. I don't think a single one of my brothers has not made a death threat or a murder attempt against at least one other of us in the last few years. That was the way of things. Killing my own shadow was just an expedience to allow me freedom to move and commit fratricide without let or hindrance. Have you ever seen a near shadow of yourself? The near ones are less people-like than distant shadows can ever be."

Aisling drinks in his words like parched earth filtering out thoughts; does he desire sympathy for the death? No, not now, she judges... She shakes her head once to do him the honor of answering his rhetorical question, and asks with interest, "So it was you who made that second attempt on Prince Brand?"

"I'm afraid I haven't read the whole libretto, so I don't know which attempt is considered 'the second'. I made the final one at the edge. It was the one worth remembering. I, of a necessity, stayed away from my quondam corpse after I left it to be found. I hear the services were touching, if brief and mostly overshadowed. Mind you, there weren't political reasons to build me a monument like Corwin's, but one can't help but feel somewhat under-appreciated, all things considered."

"Dignity consists not in having honors, but in deserving them," Aisling quotes, a twinkle in her eye covering more of a sympathetic warmth.

"'I would much rather have men ask why I have no statue, than why I have one ', " Caine counterquotes, "but still. I think the furry guys of Bleys are likely to make me a statue. 'Caine the reborn, Brandslayer'." He shrugs. "I'll never get to like being a god to someone."

"I'd be pleased merely to be spoken of without mutters, here," Aisling comments.

He pulls out a small cigarette case from his cloak and offers her one. "They call these 'coffin nails' in some shadows."

Aisling waves it off with a shy smile, "Thank you." Explaining that she'd like to keep her sense of smell keen wouldn't be kind to him. "And in some shadows, I suppose they think the smoke will hide one from evil... Yet with all of the variety of Shadow available, it seems that you and your brother (she inclines her head, her antennae brushing off towards the Charioteer) were happiest of your family to remain in and about Amber."

"Happiest? Happiness hasn't been Brother Gerard's fate in Amber. The war was an extraordinary time and I hope that we never see its like again. In the end, we were all for Amber, or we didn't come back. I hope the city can survive our unity and presence that way it survived our fractiousness and absence. Amber doesn't need any more trouble right now."

Aisling nods, agreeing to his thoughts, and goes back. "Your brother Gerard... I'm worried about him."

Caine nods as well. "My personal concern is that he'll go back to that damnable shadow of his mother's to get her grandchildren out of trouble and end up sacrificed as a wounded god. Is that what you're worried about, or something else?"

Aisling is looking blank, but she can't hide that this idea has chilled her, and doesn't even really bother to try-- blank is just her natural first expression. "What -is- that place?" she asks, discreetly dumbfounded, meaning of course _tell me of it, please,_ and _why did Gerard hang around there..?_

"Did you ever meet my father? He had habit of falling for the wrong women. Couldn't be helped, of course, he was tempramentally unsuited to any other kind. One of these wrong women was named Rilga and she was from an island kingdom not far from the golden circle.

"I think one of the reasons Dad liked it was that it was brimming with violent, hard-headed women and it was a somewhat challenging place for him to be. And that was the nicest society there, at that. Local magic is local, but locally powerful.

"My brothers Gerard and Julian, Superfluous Royal Princes numbers six and seven, spent some time growing up there. It's probably less awful than I'm describing it as being. Most places are."

Aisling smiles at him, appreciative of the jokes.

"Gerard and Julian got tied back up in it while dealing with their somewhat wild younger sister. She died young, as did their mother.

"My understanding is that Gerard's son Vere is from there. His mother is some sort of High Priestess, which means something to the people there, and it would apparently be political trouble for her if she didn't kill her wounded god of a husband."

Aisling frowns at this, though she's masked by the silver. She regards Caine with some amount of lightness about her expression that is unrelated to her question (she's adding him to the vanishingly short list of "people who have told me stuff and will thus be defended"; right below "Folly"), which is "...Younger sister? Was she of Oberon's blood, as well?" Aisling does not really expect the answer to this to be "yes", but it's worth the breath to ask.

The smoke curls crazily around the hood of his costume before drifting away on the currents of air. "Yes. We all thought she'd died childless, but we were wrong."

Aisling cocks her head carefully, just a few degrees. She's a study, for those with the water to appreciate it, in the desire for knowledge interacting with the expectation of hurt once any desire is known. "Would you tell me of her child?"

"Robin? Rather like her mother. Another one on the 'we should have guessed' list."

Caine is smiling again. It's not a happy smile beneath his death's mask.

Aisling slowly frowns. Somehow, this doesn't seem right, to be trespassing on the secrets of Robin, when they don't even benefit her... Like, it would hurt Robin to know she knew; but then again, who knows when it might come in handy to know? She doesn't feel guilty or ungrateful for the knowledge... Still... Unable to quite put her finger on it, Aisling forgoes followups, and asks instead, "What did you think of your half-sister, Rilga's daughter?" _What was her name?_

"For the most part I avoided her. She irritated Dad, so it was wise to be at sea. I think she was out of her depth and never understood the advantages of self-control. Julian has been a good influence on Robin, in that respect. Benefit of hindsight." [He's gonna make you ask for the name. :P ]

[First Sealord... He would.]

Aisling nods thoughtfully. "What was her name? How did she die?"

"Ysabeau. I don't know how she died. She didn't come back to Amber much after Rilga departed. I think Rilga predeceased her."

Aisling nods, smiles at Caine, and then frowns, going back to an earlier strand of the conversation, "My worries about Gerard are more general... I don't know if I've ever seen him carrying around so much anger." This would be accurate; she's learned enough lately to know that she doesn't, in fact, know.

"How well do you know my brother?" he asks casually, taking a drag of a cigarette.

"I didn't know he had a son," Aisling fires back with a grin, without pause, with implications falling where they may... _I knew he had a daughter_ being foremost among them. And realizing she cares enough about what Caine thinks of her to actually pick up some of those implications before someone gets hurt, she follows that fast with, "I might be the Chaosite most knowledgeable about him... But I've barely spoken with the man, and you've known him since he was a little round baby."

"Gerard was never a little anything." Caine shrugs.

Under her mask, Aisling moves from vaguely miffed to thoughtful, which deepens to the point where it shows, as she lightly taps her lips with her left forefinger.

[Caine]
"The news from the Isles isn't good. It must be terribly frustrating for him, after a lifetime of being a man of action, to have to send his son back to help his wife."

Aisling tilts her head a bit, regarding him; _You think that's all?_

Caine's mask covers any reaction he has, but he looks at Aisling and leaves the silence for her to break.

Aisling takes her hand away from her lips to gesture, spreading it outwards as she speaks openly (but quietly), "I would like to help him, and I think that I can. But... [different tack] Anger is generally preferable to Despair, but it seems to me that it has a tendency to bleed over... I would be much distressed if I managed to arouse your brother's anger towards me, or if something I did tipped his balance away from anger [_and towards despair_]. I hoped that you might offer me some advice, for I have lately felt that I was not so knowledgeable as I thought." _I fear I'm making a hash of this Gerard thing._ Probably because I'm far too presumptuous, thinking I can apply stuff I know about my own character to his, as if we're anything at all alike; and all of my thoughts on the subject are probably false from the bottom up, she bitterly finishes the thought.

Meanwhile, there's a part of Aisling that's scrunching down and murmuring ~aw, this is gonna hurt...~ And she can practically hear Chaosites of her past verbally kicking her, "Why don't you just paint Caine a picture of your character and flaw lines? Oh, because a picture couldn't possibly be clearer than that statement! Not like it wasn't obvious before! You're insulting the being's intelligence with your verbiage! And giving away information about yourself to a creature of that power! Letting it know what you want from it! It's complete conversational failure!"

However, her gaze on him stays steady, and she doesn't do anything overt like blushing to show that she has qualms.

"I wonder if he doesn't create reasons he can't devote himself to his own healing as a way to put off having to deal with the anger or despair. If all his duties and debts were erased, what then would keep him from the pit? Perhaps he needs a certain distance."

Aisling is nodding, a hint of relief showing on her face, that he understood (and that he has for the moment forgone kicking her).

"'Part of the nature of our so-called immortality,' said the man dressed as Death, 'is that we all face the knowledge that if our lives become intolerable, we have to choose a path to our own quietus.' I've seen that. My brother isn't on such a road at this time."

Aisling pauses, and then diverts from the track of the conversation once more, for the cause justifies it... "And what of yourself, my lord? Will your presence grace the next forty anniversaries of this night? Your garb raises more questions than two..."

He shrugs. "We are all in the same boat. Are you as young as you seem? Or is that question meaningless where you come from? Forty years is no time at all. No one who was an able-bodied fighter at our battle in the Abyss will have died of age in that little time.

"In any case, I am loyal to Amber and I expect I will be at Royal Events for some time to come."

Aisling is pleased with the richness of that answer; she can stash it away and chew on it when she likes, getting further meaning out of it, having already gotten what she asked for.

"Time," she answers his question, "is not very reliable where I come from." She smiles a bit and shrugs; if he thinks she's young, there's nothing to be done about that.

He nods, as if he expected that answer.

Returning to the main conversation again, with an air of finality, "So, the question I have about your brother is this: how can I help him without hurting him?"

"If I knew the answer to that one, you would not have had to come looking for me to ask it."

He's... He's suggesting that he'd actually seek her out to volunteer information? Oh, Aisling's in looove! ;)

He snuffs out his cigarette. "If you think you know the answer but are unsure, I will be willing to offer my opinion."

Aisling looks pensive a bit. Then she glances towards the dance floor, where people have been whirling away while they talk, and back to him, and smiles, "Can we have breakfast together tomorrow, then? Tonight, I'd like to dance with you."

He moves his scythe to his back and holds out a hand. "We can worry about that tomorrow. Death will be happy to dance with you tonight, though."

[Assuming she takes his hand, death leads her to the floor and out of the thread...]

Indeed, Aisling lays her hand in his and goes with him, less of the "bedazzled" that she had with Benedict, more of a touch of "happy," though somewhere in there still-- always-- nervous.

The Huntress seems to have alighted in the frame of an otherwise empty conversational nook. She leans against the gilt doorway, but her interest isn't on the Grand Hall beyond nor on the shadowed room of burgundy behind her. Instead, her face is turned toward one of the ornate bird cages arranged in a nearby niche.

Her bright eyes side-look at the exotic creature contained therein, and her full lips are pursed. The bright bird inside is also side-looking at the girl and a quiet exchange of whistles seems to be going on. Whether they are actually communicating, who knows?

When Conner approaches to ask for a dance, Robin politely demurs. Body language though -- she sure tootin' appreciates being lumped in with 'all his female relatives.' Oh yes, she does. Thanks ever so. Ba-Bye.

If you think Conner is being that obvious about it or indeed acting like he's just checking you off his list, you do him a disservice. In any case, Conner doesn't back off that easily.

"Would you care to walk the gardens then?" Conner asks. "I would speak with you if you would with me."

"Why would you want to talk to me?" Robin raises a brow, obviously not understanding. Maybe not so much hostile, as just not seeing the basis for common ground with the Rebman.

[OOC: First off Conner isn't Rebman, he is an Amberite who was posted in Rebma as a diplomat. Second, Conner and Robin once met during a Folly pub crawl and were reasonably friendly to each other but since that was another life I'll forget that ever happened.]

[OOC: Oh, gosh Rich. I hope you can forgive me. I was so tired when I got home from Drownfaire last night, I was barely able to hit the keys in the correct order. I know Conner's not Rebman. I forgot to put the 'Rebman' quotation thingies in to separate out Robin's thoughts from the narrative declarative. Sorry about that.

And that's a very sweet offer to forget that evening in the pub. Thank you. But it's okay. I'm playing as though those things happened -- witness the ocarina/spit instance with Olof :) I just reread the thread to refresh my memory of that night. My, Robin was in a quiet mood. She didn't say a thing.

However, knowing that Robin was with the diplomatically trained Conner and Folly, Amber's mood ring, if she'd been snarling or drinking herself under the table or staring off into space fornlornly, the thread would have gone really, really differently. So -- if it's alright with you (and Karen) -- I'll state that Robin was smiling and listening and nodding in the appropriate places, but not really being too interactive that night. Maybe she had a headache or something. ;) ]

"Because I haven't had the chance to get to know you." Conner replies. "And this may be the last time in a long while that I'll get the chance." His body language suggests nothing more than friendly curiosity and a tinge of disappointment.

"Hunh." Robin's breath gusts out of her and her brows furrow momentarily in thought. "Ooookaaay," She allows, "but I don't want to talk about Brita. Deal?" The Huntress has arched an eyebrow, and not moved from where she stands oh so casually leaning. And it's obvious that she doesn't intend to move until she gets a promise from the blue dragon before her.

Conner blinks. "Deal." He smiles. "I wasn't planning on it anyway. Though I did want to talk about Heather Vale." He comments as they begin to walk out to the gardens. "Or rather apologize for it."

Robin strolls along beside Conner, her movements more free than they were a moment ago, though a certain social inertia seems to have gripped her. She's finding it difficult to break out of patterns that she set by months (?) - dammit, just how long was she here, anyway - of withdrawal.

The mention of Heather Vale, though, has definitely attracted her attention. "Apologize?" The Huntress looks over to Conner with some confusion in her eyes.

"For losing your brother." Conner explains. "I know intellecually that we were just completely overpowered." Conner turns to her. "Emotionally, I keep thinking there was something we should have been able to do."

"Conner." A grim chuckle escapes the Huntress as she shakes her head.

"It's my understanding that my brother," she pronounces the word awkwardly - Daeon is a stranger to her, "desired to leave. And indeed, fought for the right to defy Prince Julian's orders. You were in the no-win place." A sad sympathetic smile crosses the girl's lips as she meets Conner's eyes.

"Had you been able to do something more, you would have been holding a Knight-whatever and a prince of Amber against his will. Trust me. Only badness comes from that. As it is, you freed a close friend, and helped my people escape a rather gruesome end. No apologies needed." Robin smiles quietly.

"Thank you for that." Conner nods. "I knew all that of course but some things you just can't believe until someone else says it." He smiles back then frowns again slightly. "Artemis still worries me though. I've never encountered that kind of power before. It was quite humbling."

Robin nods with understanding at Conner's smile. It occurs to her that she was on the other end of a conversation like this just yesterday. Of course, for that talk the apologizee was a much more gracious person than her. A shame that.

At the mention of Artemis, though, the Ranger's green eyes freeze, though the chill is not aimed at Conner. "Brief me."

Then the girl shakes her head, and some warmth creeps back into her eyes. "I mean," she gives a little embarrassed laugh, "if you would be so kind as to give me your perspective on a certain vegetative bitch who's about to have tres beaucoup badness dumped on her." The half-smile on Robin's lips... maybe it's not such a good thing. More of a gleeful malevolence, really.

"May that look always be directed at an enemy." Conner chuckles though the laugh doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Anyway, there is not too much to tell. Artemis is essentially a primal force and I mean primal in several ways." Conner replies. "She basically brought her own reality with her to Heather Vale. All the spontaneous and expanded plant growth was her influence. It almost seemed like the plants were attacking us but I think that was just the illusion of the grasses and vines growing so swiftly around us. Every male except for Vista and myself were..." Conner hunts for the right word, "mesmerized? Paralyzed?" Conner shrugs. "In any case rendered powerless by her beauty. Even I had to concentrate to not just stare at her. She can also change her shape, swiftly and effortlessly. I only saw her change into a gigantic bear but I feel sure that's not the end of her bag of tricks." Conner looks down. "I take it Julian is preparing to declare war on our favorite goddess?" He asks.

The Huntress is silent as she edges her way through the crowd at the door to the patio, not an ignoring silence, just a 'wait a moment' silence. Once out onto the air of the patio, a spring comes into Robin's step and it's almost as if the glow from her skin becomes a little brighter. But that's probably just the contrast of the dark night with the lights of the Grand Hall. Probably.

The girl strides across the stonework of the patio, ignoring the drifting partiers and twittering pairs of hushed conversationalists until the glow of the decorative torchieres is definitely behind her. In the darkness of the rolling lawns, Robin is definitely glowing more brightly and the flow of her movements becomes freer.

She looks over to her escort with some regret. When she speaks her voice is soft. "Oh, Conner. I'm doing you such a disservice. I hope that there will be time in the future. For us to get to know one another better. And I hope you can forgive me if - for now - things stay... professional as it were.

"As such, Prince Julian's plans are his own to say or not. But a reckoning is coming. And I, for one, am looking forward to it." And Robin smiles again, a warrior captured by a dress, a savage on display in the center of the civilized world, a feral fidgeting at her jesses.

Conner nods at this. "I understand, Spirit of the Wild." He smiles. "I shall simply wish you luck then, and trust in the expertise of the Warden. I'm no Ranger but I have a fondness for Arden. If I can help, let me know." Conner's tone shows that he knows that offer will likely never be called on, but he felt better making it.

There's a grateful glimmer in Robin's eyes for both the offer and the space. If there's anything the ranger appreciates, it's space.

"You've already done much for Arden from all reports." The Huntress chuckles ruefully. "And it seems I've neglected yet another civilized nicety." She shakes her head at herself.

And turns a sincerely warm gaze on the man. "Thank you, Conner. For aiding my land, my men and my brother."

Conner smiles warmly in reponse. He places a hand over his heart and gives her a half bow. "You are welcome, Robin." The moment hangs there and then conner chuckles. "I find myself at a loss for words. A rarity to be sure." He smiles.

Robin seems more at ease, her limbs flowing smoothly as she continues to stroll the dark gardens. She returns Conner's chuckle. "Really? I find myself at a loss for words all the time."

"Diplomacy is the art of saying one thing while meaning another and making sure the one you talk to takes both meanings." Conner smiles. "Having the right words on the tip of one's tongue is essential. Its learning another language really."

"Hunh." The Ranger shakes her head and chuckles ruefully. "I barely speak this language. I'm afraid I'll have to leave the diplomacy to others." Those green eyes dart to Conner, not entirely comfortable, and then back out to the darkness ahead of them. "And stick to giving the evil eye - followed by the sword - to Amber's and Arden's enemies." The girl's lips cock in a flat smile, yep that's the way it is.

"We each go with our strengths." Conner smiles. "Though I sometimes wish I had worked more with a blade. The skill seems more and more in demand of late."

"It seems to me there's enough people around here ready to jump to the blade work. Even if one of em's me." Robin shakes her head, ruefully. "I... I'm finally starting to see the point of the talkin' jobs, Conner. Don't give up on 'em, yet. K?" The smile the ranger sends to Conner is hard fought for, but still hopeful.

"Deal." He smiles back. "Between words and weapons we'll got the job done."

"Phew!" The Ranger blows out a short breath. "You think there'll ever be a time when there's not so much... work?" It can't really be called dark as Robin is carrying her own light with her. And maybe a little bit of hope as well.

"I sincerely hope so." Conner replies. "Somehow, I know its all going to get a lot worse before it gets better, and I'm still trying to work out who is ally and who is enemy in all this."

"Worse? I hope not." Robin looks back toward the castle, a glittering negative silhouette against the starlight sky. The girl folds her arms across her chest, hugging herself for comfort. "We have met the enemy and they are us. Great Darkness, please let them have learned," she whispers under her breath.

"Learned?" Conner echoes. "What lesson would that be?"

"That when you treat a prize like a pack of jackals, the prize is torn apart." Robin's voice is flat and dead. "And there's always other scavengers waiting to take advantage of the distraction." The girl cocks her lips in irony.

"It is hard to teach old dogs new tricks." Conner comments. "But the one saving grace of this family is knowing when to band together against the outside."

Robin smiles, perhaps only a little flatly, to Conner. "Yes, well. One hopes they can stay banded together. Or there's not going to be any inside left.

"Still," a sigh lifts through the girl as she consciously decides to leave that place, "this coronation seems to be going well. No bloodshed, no chains. I suppose that's a good sign." She chuckles.

"Indeed." Conner nods. "Though I admit to be waiting for the other shoe to drop somehow."

"I know I'm counting down to midnight." The Huntress admits ruefully. "But I... guess I'm finding that I'd rather die in hope and optimism this time, then continue to live in fear and dread." The girl nods to herself as though a decision made not so much in words is finding expression its way out in them.

"Some dreams are worth dying for." Conner nods. "Others are worth living for." Conner hums. "Either way, if this is Amber's last night I plan to enjoy it." He smiles and offers his arm. "Shall we return?"

"Okay." Robin lays her hand gently on his arm. "Worth living for." She murmurs to herself and nods. "And enjoying." She smiles to her escort as she turns her feet back toward the festivities.

They return to the patio, Conner leaves her with a smile and a bow, and EoT

Robin returns both the smile and bow.