Fly-By Hugging

Celina makes a graceful and very slow dance over to Conner where she smiles at him, motions with her own small plate of topside foods, "Hello, cavalier. Is company all right?"

Conner looks up from his dinner plate and smiles warmly. He rises and gestures at the seats around. "By all means, cousins. Please join me. How have you fared since I have seen you all?" Conner settles back down into his seat after Celina has chosen hers. Even en familie some habits die hard.

Celina takes a seat as if floating down into it. "I am in fine fettle, now that I get to see so many friendly faces. Merlin and Fletcher are just back from shadow adventures, so I suppose they should speak of their successes," Celina offers. "We were just talking about travel and working in pairs, per suggestion of the King." Celina gives an inclusive gesture to Fletcher and Merlin.

"I was about to tell Fletcher that my father told me that Random wanted us to travel in pairs since Reid's death," Merlin explains. "Or perhaps that only applies to the youngest, such as myself."

"Well," Fletcher adds. "I've been out on reconnaissance for a few months (confirming where our enemies aren't) so I might have missed that particular travel advisory. Have things gotten even more dangerous since I last headed out?" He looks around at the group.

"Well in the wake of both Marius and Reid being overwhelmed while traveling alone, I can see the prudence of that measure." Conner replies. "Stretched as thin as we are though, I suspect the directive is more of a loose guideline at this point. As far as your query about things getting more dangerous, I don't believe there has been a major shift but we haven't all shared our news yet either."

Celina only shakes her head 'no' to show that she doesn't have a more dangerous story to add.

Fletcher glances around at the room full of family members. "What happened to Reid? I don't know that we're all that short-handed but we're probably scattered and off-guard. I guess that's why we've been called here to regroup."

Conner is both older and knew Reid better, but in case he would hesitate due to Celina's position, she does give him a sad nod of permission to lay out the facts.

Following Celina's lead, Merlin waits for Conner to speak.

"I have the story third hand so I apologize for the lack of details." Conner replies. "For the full story I would ask Ossian. The part of it that I know is that Ossian visited a stronghold of the Klybesian Order and discovered they held Reid's body. After reporting this to King Random, Ossian was sent out again with others to retrieve Reid's body and make sure the Order had a clear understanding that we were off limits to them alive or dead."

Fletcher shifts, standing just a little bit straighter. He sets his empty glass down on a nearby table without turning away from his companions. "How did they account for Reid being dead?"

Celina watches Fletcher carefully now, learning and considering his control of reactions.

Merlin speaks up; this is something he actually appears to know about.

"The story I had from my father, who had it from Ossian, was that someone had murdered Reid. There's a woman still in the custody of the Klybesians named--" he hesitates "--Papillon, I think, who was a friend of Reid's and may know more of his death. My father questioned when I spoke to him whether it was Reid they'd killed, or merely a shadow of Reid, but that seems more certainly settled now."

Fletcher thinks for a moment, and then speaks, "I take it this must have been before other Klybesian activities were known. Is this Papillon being held prisoner by the Klybesians? Why didn't she accompany Ossian and... Reid?"

“I do not know," says Merlin. “But that is Ossian there--" he indicates the curly-haired fellow sitting with Edan and Paige and a very pregnant Hannah, "--and I am sure he will have much to tell us tomorrow. If you cannot wait, though, you should ask him tonight."

Celina looks relieved, "Tomorrow is probably better. I find Ossian open in conversation. What I know is that Ossian and Jerod made a strong effort. If the Klybesians still have this companion of Reid's, it's not because no one cared that she was held. I am curious to hear an answer myself."

Fletcher nods. "I suppose I can wait rather than pester him. Jerod was there too? I met him once when I was in Paris. He seemed sharp and suspicious enough for a job like that. I suppose you both know him better than I do. The family must be pretty nomadic with multiple courts. I gather I'm supposed to consider Avalon my home base, but it's been a while since I really established a residence."

"It's more difficult, I think, when your father is king. Or your mother is Queen, or both," Merlin says, looking at Celina.

Celina nods at Merlin. "I understand it is difficult from both sides of the relationship." Then she looks purposefully at Fletcher, "You may visit Rebma and find it unchanged from what you remember. That may be a comfort."

"All of the realms are welcoming of any that choose to settle there and bring their talents to bear." Conner observes. "Some have defaulted to Xanadu if they have picked a place at all. Most seem content to visit the realms as needed rather than putting down roots. Notably, Aunt Flora has chosen Paris as her home and brought Lucas's family with her. Equally notable has been Folly, Martin and their little one staying away from them all."

Fletcher smiles and nods, receptive to the spirit of Celina's invitation. "I didn't mean to imply that family members weren't welcome in each Court Conner, just sometimes it's nice to have a place to keep a spare change of clothes and a bed of one's own. It also makes coordination and just catching up more difficult, short of occasions like this." He gestures about the room. "I know many people have trumps of course but it seems like a lot of effort to arrange. I've been thinking of engaging a social secretary and possibly a valet to handle correspondence and keep things ready for me while I'm traveling all over. Is there much non-royal communication between the realms yet?"

"Alas, I would say not," Celina offers, "as things are still not steady since the battles and contests. There are indications that Avalon and Rebma are involved in tests by outside forces. Paris has not been completely quiet. Xanadu... I have not had recent news about the Forest outlying."

"I'd only heard vague allusions to problems in the forest during my short time here in Xanadu previously. Is that more dragon stuff? I didn't know Paris had had any excitement at all, other than something about an unknown airship arriving or something."

Celina discusses the Daughters of the Dragons, suggests an update from Paige would be likely tomorrow for everyone. Wonders how successful the work on the codewheels might be and explains how they could be useful for 'Brand related' studies, if Fletcher has not heard of the arcane devices. She also takes Fletcher into her confidence about the missing Jewel of Rebma, and that Moire is likely the Thief of same.

As Silhouette and Solange cross the floor heading for the buffet, a shrill raptor's cry of joy breaks across the room. Following quickly (very quickly) behind it is a flurry of Robin, firelizards and Vere.

Vere is with her, arm linked in hers and a small smile on his face.

Robin's hair is neatly tucked up under a dark green button hat. The beads and feathers of Robin's usual rats-nest styling are now arranged in artful falls at the back of her head. Her face is clean and sparkling, no make-up is required to augment her already rosy cheeks and bright smile.

A soft suede vest in complementary Kelly green cradles Robin's... errr, endowments without trapping her or cutting off her breath. A plain but well-made peasant blouse with a higher collar picked out in green embroidery keeps everything civilized. Cocoa trousers, also of soft suede, hug the girl's waist before dropping straight to the floor. The toes of serviceable but clean boots peek out from under the trousers' hem.

An ornately brocaded belt wraps Robin's waist holding a matching sheath at her hip. It's a small knife, really. Only 8" or so.

Robin's eyes are lit with happiness as she pounces upon her sister with a big hug. While the Ranger is no Brita, she's certainly enthusiastic enough. Little chirrups of happiness escape her as she clasps Solange to her.

Vere is simply dressed for a court function. He wears black trousers tucked in to knee high leather boots, a white shirt with a small bit of lace at neck and cuffs under a bluish grey vest and an open tunic of a darker blue, trimmed in Celtic knotwork. He smiles more broadly as Robin hugs Solange.

A bemused expression crosses Silhouette's features. Caught off guard by shriek and flurry of activity, she steps back - only to quickly recognize the Desultory Dame of Dragons. The confusion immediately transforms to affection, her rose petal lips curling up with uncommon warmth.

Having abandoned traditional dresses, she rather striking in her ash-grey, pinstriped suit and crisp, black trousers. The stark-white blouse makes her checkered tie stand out sharply, its silk length perfectly knotted. Despite its masculine appearance, she seems perfectly at ease with the outfit.

After quickly adjusting her lapel, turning her attention to Vere.

She extends her hand, "You are Vere, yes? I am Silhouette. A pleasure to finally meet the man who makes Robin's cheeks burn so brightly."

Vere takes Silhouette's hand with a small smile. "And it is my pleasure to meet you, as well. Robin speaks most eloquently of you."

Silhouette blinks at this, "I... truly?" She glances over at the reunited sisters. The smile quirks with mischief, "Considering the events of our girl's night out, I am most relieved to hear that."

Relinquishing Robin, Solange steps back to look at her sister at arm's length. "It's so good to see you, sister." Her grin is big enough to split her face. "And you, too, brother," she adds to Vere, opening her arms to offer him room to join them in a group hug.

Vere steps forward into the hug and murmurs quietly, "It is very good indeed to see you here, Sister."

Silhouette folds her hands in front of her, watching the embrace in courteous silence.

"Ooooo, so happy you're back. And so proud of you! For things I won't go into in public. I can't stay long. Got to do things. Hi, Silhouette. Missed you too. Worried about you rusting in Rebma. Can the Queen build you a blast furnace or somthing...?" Robin's words are a jumbled rush as her thought birds flutter around.

Silhouette bows her head, chuckling. "I believe she's located a volcanic vent where I might reside and remain suitably warm." She grins, "You must come visit me someday. I'm certain we can enjoy another night out. With fewer injuries this time, mayhaps."

Disengaging from the hug Vere lifts an eyebrow slightly. "I believe the terms 'enjoyable' and 'injuries' are not mutually exclusive where my beloved is concerned."

Solange snickers. "I need to get Silhouette situated and protect her from--" she tilts her head in the direction of Florimel, who's talking to Julian. "And then I need to find Kyril. But we'll catch up in a bit, yes? The two of us and Hannah?" she says to Robin.

Silhouette chuckles softly, "Yes, she is being most generous." She follows Solange's gaze; the smile cracking with a hint of sadness, "She is most brave to do so," she adds.

Robin wrinkles her nose at Vere as her eyes twinkle. "If one isn't risking injury than one is 'enjoying' hard enough..." she mutters to herself.

"Though I am sorry you got hurt, Silhouette." Robin cocks her head, "On the third hand, we were 'bonding through violence' as you yourself described it. Oh, anyway..." Robin shakes her head to get her thoughts all flying in one direction.

Silhouette shook her head, smiling. "The fault was mine. Although, I did find the encounter most exhilarating. If somewhat unladylike." She brushes a strand of hair back, "I would suggest we have another lady's night out, but I wonder if the city could survive it."

"Yes," Robin says firmly to Solange, "You, me and Hannah -- together." Robin grins again at that thought.

Vere's eyes follow Solange's head tilt and he nods slightly in acknowledgement. "Difficult emotion," he murmurs quietly. Then he throws that thought off with a brief shake of his head and smiles again. "Take the time to speak with Hannah tonight," he advises, "For who knows where the King shall send us on the morrow."

"As soon as I get Silhouette here safely fed, I'll go on over. Because from the look of her, she's not coming to me." A shadow crosses Solange's face for a moment, but she's really too happy to let whatever's bothering her hold her attention. She squeezes Vere's hand and Robin's. "I'll see if Kyril and I can sit with you at this thing after dinner."

"If I'm around, definitely. Must run. Love you both." Another hug for Solange and a twinkle/grin for Silhouette and Robin disengages.

Vere gives Solange a smile and says, "Let us hope we have a chance to speak before the King sends us to our scattered duties." He nods to Silhouette. "And I hope we shall have a chance to speak together, as well."

Silhouette bows her head, "As do I, cousin. Until next we meet."

When they've departed, she turns to Solange, "How long has it been since you've seen them?"

Solange shrugs. "Some months. Maybe somewhere between six and a year as I'd count time. Dad told me years ago that I'd start losing track when I wasn't spending all my time in Lauderdale and Amber. Turns out he was right about that, at least. How long has it been for you?"

Silhouette smiles faintly, lightly brushing the side of her hair. "A lifetime," she admits. "Indeed, I only recently came to this place. My mother believed me dead as a child. She still does, in fact. If not for my unglamorous association with Uncle Huon, I would not have known of the Family, at all."

Solange's expression could best be described as phlegmatic. "We all end up with family of one sort or another--Amber family, or I guess Xanadu family these days--in the end. There's a theory that says we're like metal balls on a sheet held tense in the air: when one of us lands somewhere in Shadow, the weight of one draws others to the same place. Or maybe it's a form of magnetism. Anyhow, if it hadn't been him, it would have been someone, and maybe it was and we all didn't know it at the time. I was lucky: Dad took me on early because my mother asked him to, so I was raised knowing. Same for Robin, except Julian adopted her. Hannah's our sister, but she was left with her father, and she was lost after our mother died. We didn't even know about her. But here she is anyway, just like you."

Silhouette gives a faint nod, “That explains much. I was confused as to the lineage between you three.” A pause. “I suppose it was inevitable someone encounter me in Shadow. Although, I do wish it had been on more pleasant terms. But, Enlightenment always requires Cost.”

As they reach the table, she allows Solange the benefit of going first. “May I ask what you shall do now? Serve the Family, be it Xanadu or Rebma? Or pursue your own goals?”

Taking up a plate and beginning to fill it with a variety of Amber foods--heavy on the meat and starch, but at least allowing for vegetables--Solange takes a moment to reply. "I think that depends on what we hear. It's an all-hands, which means something's either really good--maybe the baby--or something's really not good. And if it's something really not good, then all hands will be needed.

"For me, personally, Jerod and Brennan are still angry with me, and I'll probably need to resolve that, or someone will. I'm sorry what I did didn't work, and I'm really sorry I hurt them and got Kyril in trouble, but I still think I had the right idea."

Silhouette gives a faint chuckle, "Then you and I are sisters, in a fashion. They are quite angry at me, as well. I doubt my closeness with Ossian will help matters." She takes her time adding food to her plate, identifying each item as she goes along - picking out the spiciest dishes.

She cocks her head, "Forgive my ignorance, but what is it you did? One should not be punished for testing a hypothesis. Such action is at the very core of Enlightenment."

"You haven't heard the hypothesis yet," Solange says, sounding not a bit sorry. She looks around as if checking for an audience, and seems satisfied enough with whom she sees to tell the story. "When our cousin Cambina--Jerod's sister, and Brennan's consort--died, under mysterious circumstances, and Queen Vialle disappeared, I suggested my brother use his talent for speaking with the dead to find out anything we could from Cambina. It's not a joke; Vere can really do it. Sometimes. I was forbidden to try it, and Kyril--he's not family, but a friend of mine from the shadow where I was living--helped me borrow Cambina's body and get it to Vere. Nothing came of it, and I was caught, and Kyril was put in prison and I was exiled. Vere apologized for his part in it, and nobody seems to be angry with him any more." She rolls her eyes a little. "Typical. Not that I blame Vere, but it's easy in this family to see that we women have a harder row to hoe than the men."

Silhouette nods lightly throughout the admission, her face a stoic mask. At the last point, she smiles. Her voice remains low, "Indeed. We are expected to remain in the shadows, and leave this world to the wisdom of men. And our supposed sins are more difficult to atone for." Her plate loaded, she gestures toward a quiet island in the sea of activity.

"My knowledge of necromancy and spiritualism are somewhat limited. I dabbled once, as corpses could serve as potential weapons platforms," she explains. "Some of the literature suggested the body retains residual energies, including the last moments of one's death. An image imprinted on the eye, for example. The literature also suggested this information could be extracted, through various means.

"As such, I see no reason why information of this nature should be ignored, particularly if it provides Enlightenment with regard to a murder. Their rough treatment of you is quite unfair and, frankly, shortsighted."

"I should have handled it better. I just ran out of patience for explaining things five different ways to Uncle Corwin--" she gestures at him on the far end of the table from where they are at the buffet "--in order to find the one that stroked his ego the most. We had a limited window to act in, and Dad was against it, and I did it anyway." By the time she finishes speaking, Solange's plate is loaded and she's ready to move on and sit down at the table, which is slowly filling with family diners.

Silhouette follows, "Our elders are somewhat glacial when proceeding along unfamiliar lines of thought and action. I can understand your frustration and desire to move forward with your experiment." She nods, "It may not mean much, but I believe you did the right thing."

"Thanks. I appreciate it." Solange flashes a genuine smile at Silhouette. "Can I get you settled and then run over to see Hannah? I didn't realize she was so far along."

Silhouette nods, returning the smile. "Of course. If and when you need an... open-mind, do come to me and I will be of service."

Upon taking her leave from Gerard Lilly takes a moment to assess the room. The mix of familiar faces feels like home. She missed her cousins.

Spotting Corwin, she remembers the parting conversation with her father. Pass Benedict's regards to Corwin, she reminds herself. Gauge his demeanor. Then there will be time for socializing.

She fixes a plate of food and heads straight for Corwin. "Excuse me Uncle. I wanted to let you know that my father sends his regards. As I have passed on to Gerard, Benedict expects to be here by morning. He had some personal business to attend to and sent me ahead."

Corwin is holding down the end of the table furtherest from Gerard. He politely comes to his feet when Lilly joins him, and helps her into her chair, which is mostly for show. "Lilly. Welcome, and thank you. I'm glad that Benedict will be joining us. How have you been? You've completely recovered from the injuries you took on the journey from Uxmal, I hope."

Lilly nods. "Yes, the time away allowed me to concentrate on healing. It was very beneficial. Of course being away also means I am not as prepared for tomorrow as I would like." The girl shrugs as she takes a small bite of her meal. "I always assume family meetings will have quite the mixture of topics. The question is how the mix balance between good and ill."

"I think Random and Vialle are bringing the good news," Corwin replies. "That means the rest of us are meant to bring the less good. Though I think we have some positive developments, at least. Paris is well and happy, and Rebma seems to be doing well under Celina. And it looks like Jerod and Raven and Brita had a success in Gateway.

"We're still shaking out after Dad's death. It's no surprise people are testing us. We're strong enough to answer whoever challenges us, though."

Lilly takes a moment to process Corwin's words. "United we are strong," she agrees. "And our numbers continue to grow. Though my father still seems uncomfortable with the idea of new offspring. Or perhaps he is just opposed to the idea of me having a suitor. It can be hard to tell."

Corwin's face is always difficult for Lily to read but he seems more inscrutable than usual at the moment. "I imagine it's a little of both. But fathers are always protective of their little girls. No man is ever good enough for them." His glance lands on Celina, who is sitting with Merlin, Conner, and Fletcher. "Have you had a chance to speak with your brother yet, or will that wait until later?"

Lilly shakes her head. "I've only just returned." Her gaze shifts to Fletcher and she studies him for a moment. "We will speak when the time is right. He seems caught up in his current conversation."

"There'll be plenty of time. And plenty of reunions." Corwin glances at Solange and Robin and Vere, all engaging in a group hug. "Although most of them may be a little more decorous than others.

"I'm glad your father will be here to take counsel with tomorrow. I think we're going to need his wisdom and experience more than usual."

This time Lilly leads with a nod. "Agreed," she states simply her eyes taking in the spectacle of the reunion. Time for a new line of questions, she decides. "Is Prince Garrett in town? I see that he is absent from dinner."

"He was here earlier, talking to Hannah and Edan." Corwin glances around for Garrett and comes up empty. "Looks like he stepped out. I'm sure he'll be back soon. Maybe someone coming in Trumped him. His father's supposed to be coming back tonight. Martin's not here either, and I haven't seen him, so he'd probably be the first choice after Gerard. Has your father heard from Martin recently, do you know?"

"No," Lilly answers immediately. "Not that I am aware of. We had heard very little from Family." She thinks about it for another moment and then shrugs. "Though I suppose it was possible. There were times when my father kept watch as I rested. I find it hard to believe that Benedict tells me everything. I don't believe that he tells anyone everything. I am certain that secrecy is indeed a family trait." A smile appears as she finishes her statement.

"I was just wondering whether anyone knew whether Martin was arriving tonight or tomorrow. Merlin hasn't heard from him in a while; he's worried. And it would be bad for Martin to miss this one. And I think we all mislike anyone being missing since what happened to Reid." Corwin makes an effort to brighten. "But you're probably right and whoever knows where he is, whether it's your father or someone else, is just keeping it quiet for now."

"I know very little about the details regarding Reid," Lilly admits. " Are the details known or our we still investigating?" Her voice holds genuine concern as she asks.

"We know what the Klybesians said but we don't know how much of it is a lie," Corwin explains. "They claim someone else did him in and Random says his body has been returned for burial. I'm hoping that someone will have more details tomorrow. That seems to be the answer to everything this evening, I'm afraid: hope someone already knows and will tell the rest of us tomorrow."

Lilly swallows hard and gives a small nod. "I'm afraid I do not bring much information. I am curious as to what has been happening with the rest of the family. I feel a bit out of touch." She takes a bite of her meal. "How are things on your home front? Nothing tragic there, I hope?"

Talking about Paris is enough to make Corwin smile. "Everything is going well. The city's growing and there are paths developing between Le Havre--the port of Paris--and various shadows. People are coming, not just refugees from the war, but those looking for a better life and drawn by what Paris provides. Just, I think, as is happening in Xanadu. It's bigger than you probably remember it, if you haven't been down to the city to visit it recently. You may be surprised by what, or how many people, you see at Edan's proceedings tonight."

"It is good to hear some positives," Lilly returns the smile. "I am anxious to reacquaint myself with Xanadu. And I would also like to visit Paris some day, with your permission, of course."

"You're welcome in Paris, of course, at any time you wish to visit. There are rooms set aside in the Louvre for family visitors. I assume you mean to use Avalon as your home base?" Corwin asks, all courteous interest.

The girl shrugs. "Perhaps. Honestly, I have not stayed still long enough since coming into my own to really feel at home anywhere. But you are right, I should probably at least choose a home base."

"I'd say 'you'll figure it out, as we did', but it was a little different for us. Although Deidre and Flora used Rebma as home base at times, even when there wasn't a war on--but I think that was a little different," Corwin admits. "But I think you'll find a place that suits your needs and talents; I just would expect that to be Avalon over Paris."

While Brita is at the buffet preparing her plate, Ambrose joins her. "Hello, Brita." He reaches past her, not rudely, but practically, to put some fruit on her plate. "I see you've returned from the field. Shall we sit together and speak of our exploits? I'm sure yours are more exciting than mine."

He's dressed in a linen shirt and khaki-colored pants; the same sorts of things he wore in Uxmal. It suits the climate of Xanadu, and probably will moreso in high summer.

Brita's plate is full of various meats and cheeses as well as a few root vegetables, but she accepts the fruit. "It was Fun. I Started with Uncle-Kin Weyland, which Provided some Sport of Deception. Then we Added Cousin Jerod and Cousin-Captain Raven. Captain Raven is a Great Companion for Fun Adventures although a bit Regimented at Times - must come from being In the Navy. We Freed an Emuraptor - a Battle Bird - that Turned Out to be a Young Seer, the One that Returned with Us. Cousin Jerod Brought Weir to the Fun. They Helped Track and Attack an Icy Mage and then a Fiery Mage, both of Gateway. We Stoned the First and Buried the Second. There is a Third, apparently Building an Army of Dead, that we had to Leave her Behind to Join This Fun." Brita pauses for a bite of cheese. "How about You?"

"I've been working with Signy and your mother to teach Signy Uxmali and help her create new code wheels to replace the ones that are slowly dying. In the rest of my time, I've been polishing the translations I have so far so that they make more sense in Thari. Nothing nearly so exciting as you, sounds like.

"Weyland is Signy's father, isn't he? Who taught her the power of making?"

"Yes, I Believe So," Brita says although her attention is focused on the systematically devouring the meats on her plate. She does take a bite of the fruit when she notices Ambrose looking at her plate. "He seems ... like a Mix of Uncle Random and Uncle Bleys." She cocks her head to the side as she thinks for a minute, "Maybe with just a Touch of Uncle Corwin thrown in."

"No wonder nobody wants to get him to make anything. Between that and the prices he charges, Weyland sounds terrifying." But Ambrose sounds halfway amused at the idea. "You make him sound a bit like my father, only maybe he spends more time brooding and less time manic. Did he offer to make you anything?"

"No," Brita states flatly. "But My Brother would Probably Reach Through Time and Space to Stab Our Uncle-Kin if He Offered. I Never met Your Father." She thinks for a bit. "Smith Weyland seems More Lone Wolf than Rabid Dingo."

"So did my father, right up until he didn't," Ambrose replies, his expression gone wry. "But," he adds, more seriously, "Conner's probably right. The legends around him are frightening. I asked Signy to help me with the code wheels but now I wonder whether her father had a hand in making them. I think the enchantments are unique to Uxmal, though."

"Did you learn anything from them, yet?" Brita asks in between bites.

"I spent most of my time with your mother teaching Signy enough Uxmali to make it possible for her to work on the code wheel project. I've done some glyph retranslation of some of the things I've already translated but nothing significant has revealed itself. I think the answers about my father lie in Tir, and since Cambina's death, it is forbidden to us," Ambrose explains.

"Hopefully the Second Set of Eyes will Help You until Tir-na Nog'th is Reopened," Brita notes. "Is there Anything I can Do to Help?"

"I don't know, and I won't, I suppose, until tomorrow. I mean to ask to be permitted to go to Tir, with a spotter, of course. Maybe you could come with me. Or perhaps if you're sent somewhere, I'll go with you." Ambrose smiles at Brita. "Or both."

Brita's return smile is warm with affection. "Or Both," she agrees. "I Would be Interested in Seeing what Scents Linger in the Sky City. I Wonder if we could have a Valkyrie Spotter -- their Aerial Equine Acrobatics are Unparalleled."

"That would be useful, if nothing else as a backup. Do you know how to get hold of any Valkyries in the near term?" Ambrose asks, and it's clearly not a matter of academic interest.

"Well..." Brita seems a little sheepish. "I Did make a Sketch of My New Home Asgard before I Left My Da. Just In Case."

"If there are any Valkyries left after the end of things, we'll have to find them, sooner or later," Ambrose says, sounding pleased. "And we'll have to hope they still have winged horses, or find one for whoever we find to ride. Someone will know where to get those. Our uncle Julian, if half the legends are true about him. Who knows--he might even have some himself."