Morning Has Broken

The ride from the steps to Castle Xanadu is uneventful, although as soon as the Castle is sighted, it's clear that it's more awake than usual at this hour. The road down from the castle is busy, and the staff seems to be hard at work.

Vere and Edan ride into the stable area and see the stablehands hard at work. Some are cleaning out stalls, while others are handling horses from the city below.

Stablemaster Donovan comes up as the hands are helping Vere and Edan with their mounts. He's sweating a bit, as if he's been exerting himself, and he's still waving stablehands and journeymen around as he speaks. "Prince Vere," he says with a nod. "Sir Edan, Well met! I was going to send a boy as soon as I could spare one. May we use your facilities to house some of the overflow from the gathering? We'll be full here when everyone comes in."

Vere blinks. "Gathering?" he asks.

"You may," Edan adds, "but remember that Aramsham can have a very foul attitude." He looks up wistfully towards the castle. "And I had the dance all planned out, too."

Donovan smiles. "Your dance goes as planned, Sir Edan. But the King has summoned a family conclave and has a public announcement to make on the morrow. You'll need to see Prince Gerard to get details." He leans closer to the two, conspiratorially, "My lords, Prince Garrett gave me instructions to tell those who did not know the reasoning of it.

"The Queen is with child."

"Ah," Vere says. He glances at Edan, then back at Donovan. "Such excellent news. I must congratulate the King. Do you know where he is right now?"

"Up in the clouds, I am sure," Edan adds.

Donovan looks confused. "No, my Lord, under the waters. Prince Garrett told me he had to visit her relatives, but would be back for Lord Edan's event." He looks down. "I'm sure you'll do better asking him or Prince Gerard, in the house. You may want to keep Aramsham below, my Lord. Morgenstern and Stripey will both be here within the day."

Vere frowns very slightly. "Thank you, Donovan," he says.

Edan nods along. "Now? He has to be there now? Well...please make the arrangements for my horse, if you would, something that solves your space problem and yet will provide as much comfort for Aramsham as possible." He turns to Vere and adds, "We could always Trump him."

"Not immediately, my Lord. Tonight would be soon enough." Donovan attempts to soothe Edan, without actually touching him.

"I must attend to the preparations," Edan tells Vere, "But I would like to be there when you discuss this with the King. I'd like to hear the whole story."

Vere leads Edan out of the stables as they talk.

Edan waits until they are out of earshot of everyone. "Will you be attending the event tonight?"

"I would have said not, before this announcement. I need to report to Caine, and see to the Ladies. But I see no point to traveling to Amber, only to return immediately. So unless some other event intervenes, I will be there." Vere pauses for a moment, then asks, "It is a presentation of your new order to the city, yes? And presumably to those of the Family who have arrived by tonight."

"Yes," Edan says. "I have forces slowly gathering outside Broceliande, but the Order itself is setting up on the outskirts of the city. It is absolutely necessary that we make a good introduction to the people and the Family." Edan smiles. "Random has arranged us a debutante ball of sorts. I hope my dress will be ready."

"Is there anything I can do to assist in this?" Vere asks.

The courtyard outside the stables is being swept, servants are cleaning the windows facing out of the castle, and wagons with goods are arriving from the town below. It's quite likely that someone has spotted the two Lords, but no one approaches.

"Normally I would say no," Edan says to Vere, "as I am sure my majordomo will have already handled all the details. But on the final dance... I have chosen the Echo Game, so that the Queen may enjoy it as much as any other observer. My men have seen me do this dance before, and can play the drum circle I will require, but still it has been a number of years. How good are you at throwing small objects, like coins, or beans?"

"Quite good," Vere answers seriously. "What do you have in mind?"

"The Echo Game is a seamless meld of dance and swordsmanship," Edan says. "I will dance in a clearing, surrounded by a ring of vertical drums. The circle of drummers sit beyond them. You would sit at one end of this ring with a bowl of coins. There are three parts to the dance: in the first part, you would need to bounce individual coins off one or more drums, and I would echo the pattern. In the second part, you would need to sling the coins out of the bowl so that they hit all the drums at once. That is where the dance starts in earnest. And at the end, you will have to fling the bowl at me as I hit the last of the drums."

Vere laughs. "It sounds like fun," he says with a smile. "Do we get an opportunity to practice beforehand, or do I have to do it right the first time?"

"Oh, definitely, we should practice," Edan says. "I'll get the drums set up at the Order. I need to hear what your bowl will sound like, in the air. Also, you are one of the people who will need to intervene if there is a wild throw." He pauses, remembering. "I practiced the dance itself many months in the desert. It is one of my favorites. Very dramatic, as you can imagine. The secret, of course, is the precise placement of the drums- after that, it's all a matter of timing and consistency and knowing where you are. In the second part of the dance, I hardly even notice the blindfold."

"It sounds fascinating," Vere responds. "Let me go to the palace now to make arrangements for a message to be sent to me as soon as the king is available. I should also look over my clothing here to make a choice in what to wear tonight, and speak to Caine to make my report and see if I can arrange for the Ladies to be brought here. Shall we make an appointment of a time to rehearse?"

"I...will rest," Edan says, chewing the words out slowly as if he hadn't said them in some time. "After I see how my engineers are planning to drag a gold star out of a lagoon." He smiles. "We will be ready when you are. Just stop by and we will practice. Ah...would you arrange to return the portrait?"

Vere takes the portrait. "My thanks to you again for your assistance. I will see you later today."

Edan makes his way back to the Order's compound. When he arrives, his plans are to sleep, but he starts by taking a few minutes to whip the place up into a frenzy. "Where are the riders practicing? Where are the plans from the engineers for the star? Where are the drums? Are we a knight-order, or a hotel?"

Smiling to himself, he's ready to handle any immediate problems, and warn the others of Vere's arrival, before he heads off to a nap.

Knights scramble and move to get out of his way, and to appear as if they have not just awoken.

Michelle comes up, tells him the answers to his first three questions, and hands him a folded piece of paper. "Lady Somers stopped by, Lord Edan. She gave me this for you."

The paper is scented and bears Paige's crest on the top. "If you haven't heard the news, call me immediately. And yes, the fact that I'm back means she is back as well. — P"

That brings a smile. "I will pen a reply and send a runner," he says to Michelle. "Thank you. Things look very well handled. For my part, my cousin Vere will come to practice with me later today. Please extend him every courtesy."

When he makes it to his quarters (or, at least, the quarters that have been set up for him), he finds paper and ink and pens a note under the Order's tughra:

"I am most pleased to hear you both are home and safe. I have heard- Vere and I were told as we came in."

He pauses then, and wonders if there isn't a better answer than a sleep-deprived run to Paige in the early morning, or messengers running back and forth all day. He holds Paige's letter above a candle for a moment, letting the fire mix with Paige's perfume. Hopefully, she will notice a nearby candle smoldering with a ribbon of smoke, and either light the candle or Trump him directly.

Shortly, Edan feels the mental push of a Trump contact.

"You’re lucky I noticed your candle trick. If the King didn't want everyone contacted, I'd be asleep somewhere, or in a long, long bath. We were completely wrong about where Solange was, by the way. And I cannot stand the smell of mechanical oil.

"Oh, and I am upset with you. You were going to throw a party and didn't invite me? Your own sister!"

Edan's look of surprise is almost comical, and completely genuine. "I am most ashamed," he says. "I guess Michelle assumed I would contact you myself, instead of sending some formal invitation through her. Which is a right and proper assumption, but I have been distracted ever since I arrived." He smiles and slumps. A little. "I was about to nap myself, so I don't kill anyone with a wild throw tonight. And yes. You must come to my thing."

She smiles, coyly. "I'm teasing. Michelle already invited me for you, but you could've trumped me. I'll be most pleased to come to your thing. I'm sure it will be amazing and talked about for years..."

"I do hope so. If it is not amazing it will still be talked about for years." A pause. "Hannah is back with you?"

She shakes her head, her red hair moving as if she was in Rebma. "She's back, but being her, she went down to that clinic in town. You should almost certainly send her an invitation yourself. Oh, and Ossian and Silhouette are also just back. You may want to delegate inviting people (other than Her, of course) to Gilt Winter, since they'll all go through him..."

Paige smiles. "She's looking radiant, and we were in a faster shadow, but you're not a father yet."

Edan nods. "Thank you, Sister. I will message Hannah and ask Sir Winter to help me with the others. I would have come to see you myself, but I have had a long night, and need to sleep a bit before tonight. Somewhere in between, Vere is coming to help me out with my dance." He shrugs and smiles. "I see how things are going to be in this town. Everything is already so complicated."

Paige lets her eyes smile for a moment, and Edan can see she's truly amused. "You sound like Robin, more than Edan. You can go live in a yurt, if that's what you want, but the city is alive, and you can't help but be swept into the dance."

She gets more serious. "It is like music, just like you'd expect from the King. If you can hear the music, you can feel the rhythms and learn how to thrive here, not just survive. It's going to be the difference between those who plant real roots here and those who merely pass through.

"You will save a dance for me, won't you, during one of the times you allow us peasants onto the dance floor?"

"You will steal the show, dear sister, and you know it."

She laughs, and is clearly pleased with the compliment. "Flatterer. You did learn a thing or two from Father, after all."

After the connection is broken, Edan will nap. When he wakes, he will send a runner to Winter to beg his indulgence in passing along invitations to Family. Another runner will be sent to Hannah, with a heartfelt flowery invitation in Edan's own hand.

The page leads [Silhouette] back to Random's majordomo, and the circle around him dissipates as she approaches.

He smiles and bows as she approaches. "Ah, Lady Silhouette, thank you for your time. I was asked by your sister-in-law to pass an invitation from her to you. She would like for you to have a chance to meet your nephew and niece, but does not wish to perturb your Mother, who is naturally concerned for her friend the Queen.

"If your Ladyship would be amenable to such a meeting, I am empowered by Lady Solace St. Cyr to arrange it."

Silhouette pauses for a moment, struck quiet. He's caught her off-guard, and it is an unfamiliar sensation. "Forgive me, Lord Winter," she finally says. "I'm still adjusting to the concept of possessing family, let alone nieces and nephews. Yes, please. I would be delighted to meet with Lady Solace and her children." Another pause, her voice dropping low. "This will not cause her undue difficulty with my Mother will it? If so, I would not place that burden upon her."

Gilt smiles, conspiratorially, "Lady Silhouette, please be reassured that I am qualified to arrange clandestine meetings in this castle and that his Ineffable Majesty the King relies on me to make sure that such events do not create a burden of undue difficulty.

"Would you prefer to meet in the gardens or in one of the family rooms? I would recommend such a visit be today, before either Edan's soiree or tomorrow's discussions. If you need to rest or otherwise prepare, then this afternoon might be opportune." Gilt looks at his notepad, just briefly. There's another item on it for Silhouette.

Silhouette's heart stirs at the sight. Few things are more attractive than someone with organizational skills and proper lists. A gentle smile thaws her glacial features.

"And speaking of your cousin, Edan has extended invitations to all of his family that are in Xanadu for tonight's formalities. If you need assistance, I can send a seamstress with a collection of suitable gowns."

Silhouette nods, folding her hands together. "A family room would be most suitable, and undoubtedly safer. Less opportunities for one of Mother's little birds to spot us. I am available whenever the Lady wishes.

"As for tonight, I'd be most appreciative of a good seamstress. Reds and golds are preferable. Lord Edan struck me as a man who enjoyed the Flame."

"It does seem to be his inner nature, yes. I did not know his grandmother, but I have heard stories that she, too had that nature." He looks at his flock of pages. "Marzipan will show you to your room, and arrange anything you need, such as the path to the baths. When you are ready to meet your nephew and niece, send for Page Yaw. She will take you to a suitable private space.

"Marz, please take Lady Silhouette to her room and assure that she has all her needs, including the seamstress."

An older page nods. "This way, My Lady."

Silhouette dips her head toward Gilt, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Winter. Your eye for details is impressive and appreciated. Until next we meet."

She turns to follow the older page to her chambers.

Marzipan is attentive and helpful and doesn't leave unless dismissed. "If you will return here 20 minutes before you need to leave the castle, I will have several gowns for you to choose from, and a seamstress to make any adjustments needed and to sew you in. Will you need to ride in the gown, or merely dance? Shall I send for any food for you? Lord Winter isn't as used to the Castle's ways, and their comings and goings and odd mealtimes."

There are a number of styles of clothes available for daywear, including riding habits with pants or split skirts, as well as more traditional medieval dresses with kirtles. Silhouette has seen all of them in Xanadu.

When Silhouette is refreshed, dressed, and ready to go, a new page arrives to show her to the sun room. "It's only a sun room in the mornings, Lady Silhouette, but it is open to the King's upper garden."

The room is small, and the tall but delicate doors are opened to allow the breeze from the waterfall to waft inside. Outside, Silhouette can see two children running around with a somewhat hapless young woman in tow. Seated on a divan, watching the children, is Solace, Lady St. Cyr. She rises when Silhouette enters.

Silhouette drifts in like an autumnal shadow - all fiery reds and muted golds. She immediately smiles at Solace, lowering her eyes respectfully. "Milady Solace. Thank you for allowing me this meeting. I am most grateful for your hospitality."

A hint of a smile shapes as the children continue their antics. "I hope you and yours are in good spirits today."

Solace takes her hands and squeezes them warmly. "We are, thank you and thank you for coming. I don't want to let my late husband's penchant for secrecy deprive my children of the joys of family. They tell me you are his older sister. I can scarcely believe it." She sit on the divan, leaving room for Silhouette, if she chooses.

"Shall I call the children?"

Silhouette joins Solace on the divan, "My status as his sister remains in debate, and an issue of some controversy. I'm not even certain he knew of my existence, in truth. It saddens me that we never had the opportunity to meet. So, you offer me a rare gift today, milady."

She laces her fingers together, "I would be most grateful to meet them now. However, might I know their names first? Forgive my ignorance."

"Philippe is my son, and my daughter is--" Solace smiles, perhaps at the ridiculousness of the name in the overall scheme of things "--Hope. Your nephew and niece. My mother-in-law presumes a great deal about how things should be done, particularly where Lucas' legacy is concerned. This, however, is in my gift, and I am glad to be able to bestow it freely on you." Her voice rises then, in a sing-song maternal inflection. "Philippe, Hope, come join us to meet your Aunt Silhouette!"

A few moments later the two children come in: they have their mother's (and grandmother's) fairness about them. Hope is about five, Silhouette might guess, and has that chubby adorability. Philippe is perhaps three, and comes holding hands with his nurse. Both are dressed as children of the court of Paris.

"You're our auntie?" says Hope, looking up at Silhouette with wide eyes. "I didn't know we had one for a long time."

Silhouette tries her best not to look imposing. It's a challenge, granted, but she manages to create the passable facsimile of humanity. Apparently, the children's exuberance has worn off on her.

"Indeed I am, Lady Hope," she says, extending her hand. "It is my great pleasure to meet you. Your mother was most kind in allowing us to finally meet."

Her forest-shadow gaze turns to the young boy, wondering if her brother's features are there. "And this handsome fellow must be Sir Philippe."

With a smile, she says, "I would have made you both toys, but I didn't know what you liked."

The children are both blonde, having their mother's (and grandmother's) coloring. It's not immediately obvious to Silhouette which features other than that might have belonged to Lucas.

The mention of toys seems to brighten up both children, unsurprisingly. Hope says. "Oh, thank you, so nice of you to think of us," in a way that tells Silhouette that Florimel has had a lot of influence on her upbringing.

"What do we say, Philippe?" Solace nudges her younger son.

"Thank you, Aunt Sil-wet," Philippe manages, stumbling over her name.

Silhouette smiles at Philippe's attempt, "You're more than welcome, Philippe. Before we part, I want you to tell me what your favorite animal is. And, with your mother's permission, I will make toys for you both. I believe it is an aunt's prerogative - if not her Duty - to spoil her niece and nephew." She looks to Solace for confirmation.

"Now, Hope. Tell me of yourself. What do you study?"

Solace smiles and inclines her head; it's clear the permission to make toys will be forthcoming.

"I can read, and draw, and dance, and sew a little, and mama says I should learn how to draw a bow, that grandmere Florimel is an archer and so I can be one too. And I can count up to a hundred, and do my plusses and minuses. Mama reads me history and etiquette, from Paris and Amber. And Philippe takse lessons with me sometimes too, but he's not very good at reading and numbers," Hope confesses.

"Yet," Solace reminds her. "You're doing very well for your age, Philippe."

The boy, who had been wilting a little at his sister's lack of praise, brightens at the sign of his mother's approval again.

Silhouette nods to Hope, "Wonderful, young one. You shall show me some of your art on our next visit, I pray? And when your grandmother dictates that you learn the artes liberales, I can assist in your studies." She winks conspiratorially at Solace, "We wish to keep Lady Flora pleased at all costs, yes?"

"Of course," Solace says in a voice in which Silhouette can hear the steel under the velvet glove.

She leans forward, smiling at the young man, "Do not fret, Philippe. At your age, I preferred catching lizards to numbers. It wasn't until I slept inside a wyvern's heart that I learned my love of the numeric language.

"So tell me what you enjoy to do?"

"I like to dance," says Hope. "I want to be a ballerina when I grow up."

Philippe says, "I like to draw, like Papa."

Silhouette grins brightly at Hope, "Then I know exactly what to give you when next we meet."

Her attention turns to Philippe, "He drew did he? Yes, I believe I'd been told that. I'm sure you're quite the artist. I hope you'll draw something for me, yes? Hrm. I think I know what present to give you, as well.

"Now, only to find out what your mother wants," she says. She winks at the children, half-whispering, as if they're a trio of conspirators. Not very skilled conspirators, considering the subject of the conversation is not a foot from them.

"I need you two to watch your mother and then tell me what surprise to get her. It'll be our little secret. Can I trust you two to help me in this?"

Philippe says, "Yes," but his eyes dart to his mother, who is very obviously Looking At Something Else as if all this activity right in front of her simply isn't happening. "Mama likes perfume," Hope opines.

Silhouette grins brightly, "Thank you. Both of you." She extends her hand, palm out, "Then it's settled. We shall all work together to make your mother happy, yes? I'll collect the gift, but you two must each write a card for her. Philippe, I expect it to have one of your best drawings. Hope can help you with the big words. And then we'll give it all to her as a surprise." After they've shaken on the agreement, she touches each on the shoulder reverently. Something almost human stirs within her, creeping out.

She lets out a soft sigh, and turns to Solace, "Your children are truly beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to meet them."

Solace comes to her feet to give Silhouette, if she'll permit it, a kinswoman's embrace. "Oh, the pleasure is all ours, Silhouette. Isn't it?" She looks to the children, who add a chorus of "Yes, thank you."

Silhouette pauses before finally hugging Solace, her normal rigidity fading in the embrace. Lips close to the woman's ear, she whispers, "No matter what they say, you and yours have an ally in me, sister."

She blessed each child with a soft kiss on the forehead, "Don't forget your promise," she says. "And we shall meet again soon. You've but to call, and I shall come, yes?"

"Of course," Solace says, with a smile. "We're all looking forward to it."

Following her delightful meeting with her new family, Silhouette sequesters herself inside her old rooms. They're much as she left them; an orderly amalgamation of bedroom and workshop. A liberating shower helps her refocus her thoughts, stealing away the unsavory twinge of emptiness haunting her.

She orders an early dinner with coffee, "I would also wish to speak with Prince Conner or Brennan, if they are available. I'd like to discuss a matter of cross-Shadow computing. If they are unavailable, perhaps they might suggest an equally skilled person to whom I might speak?"

Once the servant is dismissed, she begins collecting her tools, as well as a collection of gears, wires, and metal pieces. By the time the food arrives, she's already halfway through constructing a music box for Hope. An hour later and she's completed the task, and on to a mechanical horse for Philippe. The subtle interplay of gears and springs help sharpen her thoughts. She suspects she shall need them in time.

When the pages are asked where Sir Ophiuchius might be, they tell Celina and Robin that he's seeing to the welfare of his steed. But one of the pages would be more than happy to fetch him if Her Majesty would tell them where he's to be sent.

Celina likes moving in paths that are not always the palace, so she will suggest they see the Knight immediately. She also has interest in the aquatic steed to see if there is a variety that would breed into Rebma stock. She asks Robin to do the introductions when they arrive.

Though the Queen's will prevails, Robin is always happier to go the stable than remain in the palace. She indicates that she'll be glad to make introductions, though since she is Robin, Celina can expect to be introduced to the steed as well. Because Eckford is very awesome in his own right.

Robin's steps toward the stable are a bit subdued as she processes what just occurred. But step-by-stroke her heart lightens until she's pretty much forgotten what weighed her down a moment ago. As is her wont.

Arriving at the stable, Celina studies the Knight and the impressive Eckford while Robin makes short work of the introductions. While she has not brought treats for the mount, she whispers a promise she will make up for it in his ear.

Turning to the Knight, she nods once, "And welcome to Rebma. Is there anything you might need in the short term, Sir Ophiuchius?"

The knight neck-bows graciously after something like the Rebman manner, though in a very old-fashioned way that even Celina's aunties might have found rustic and strange. "Your Majesty's kindness to a wandering knight has already been beyond compare; the care you've shown to me and Eckford is more than I could have asked for. But, if Sir Robin has word of my lady, I would hear it, by Your Majesty's leave." He turns hopeful eyes to Robin.

"I do." Robin chirps. "I had word from Vere. He, your Lady, Lady Laudine and Sir Ywain all reached Amber, safely if soggily. Once there, my Uncle Caine welcomed them in his role as Regent." Well, 'welcomed' is an okay word for it, Robin guesses. "Shortly thereafter, Prince Caine dispatched Vere on a mission that he is right now very carefully not getting killed on or I will have words with everyone involved. Anyway, The Queen here has approved your and Lady Morgne's welcome in Rebma as soon as I can get myself up the Stairs to retrieve her." Robin finishes with a smile.

There is another bow from Sir Ophiuchius, deeper this time, directed to both Celina and Robin. "I am deeply in both your debt. If there is anything I can do to repay either of you, I am completely at your disposal, barring, of course, the prior claim of my own Lady."

Eckford the sea-horse can sense his master's delight and is bouncing a little.

Celina smiles. "We can discuss a welcome in Rebma for your Lady, and I would like her opinion on your future plans to find a new home." Celina moves a bit closer to Eckford, stretches her hand out slowly, carefully and just eases fingertips through the mane.

Eckford snorts and lowers his head a little to permit Celina to stroke him.

Robin nods, and then thinks about it. "Ah, pardon me. I'm afraid I have gotten lost. Next steps are... I head up to Amber? Is there more talking to be done before that?" Robin looks over at Celina. Welcoming and diplomatic things are not her forte, but she's willing.

Celina smiles at Sir Ophiuchius. "As Lady Robin reminds me, we travel to meet with family soon but we would dearly like to reunite you with your Lady. Would you be so kind as to stand with us as we seek an answer from my Uncle Caine? There is a walk to make it happen. I do not want to call my Uncle from here."

Celina looks at Robin. "I do have a Trump for Caine. If we go to the Airy Tower, we can ask Uncle if the Lady is able to come through to us. If Caine has already gone on to Xanadu, the Lady is probably still in Amber. Do you think that works?"

"If I am to go to her, I will need to send for clothing suitable to the dry realms, but barring that, I should be glad to accompany you at once," Ophiuchius replies. He, too, is waiting on Robin's answer.

Robin, who is momentarily distracted by the logistics and the Sir Ophiuchius being fine on dry land, snaps too and nods. "Airy Tower, yes! Oh, and I think it works too." She replies with a smile.

And everyone being so eager, Celina leads them back through the Galleries of Glass to the Airy Tower. Along the way, a page can scamper to find suitable regalia for the Knight to present to Amber's Regent. Celina will even give the noble sir some moments alone in the Airy tower to change before she and Robin enter to make the Trump call to Amber.

She then pulls out Trumps and sorts for Uncle Caine. She offers to Robin, "If Caine is still in Amber and willing, you could lead Sir Ophiuchius through the Trump to Caine if that is best. Better would be Lady Morgne joining us here now without traipsing into the other realm? In any case, I should be able to hold the Trump connection long enough to satisfy any courtly farewells in Amber and provide a return path."

Celina holds up Caine's card. "And if Caine is already in Xanadu, I regret the matter waits until after our Family gather."

Robin nods her understanding. Politics and planning -- the hallmarks of a civilized being. Robin herself is wishing she could just go somewhere and kidnap someone. After all, it's been a whole hour or so since she destroyed a trio of priceless artifacts.

Celina speaks to the card, "Uncle? It is Celina calling from Rebma."

Caine answers at once. "Hello, Celina. What can Amber do for you this afternoon?” He appears to be in his office in Amber if his immediate surroundings are any indication.

Celina nods once. "We hope Amber is well, Uncle. I've called to reunite friends. We understand that Lady Morgne visits you in Amber. Robin was part of that rescue and Sir Ophiuchius is safe here in Amber. I thought to reunite them today, or at least let them speak to each other. Might that be possible?" She smiles at ease and offers her hand to Robin so that she might hear Caine's side of the conversation.

Robin starts to wrinkle her nose, but then remembers the King’s advice about editorializing and realizes that she's starting to leak opinions just everywhere. With a deep breath, the girl clears her mind to green shadows, pine-scented breezes and the feel of the wind on one's cheeks. Once centered, Robin takes Celina's hand and nods to her Uncle once she's in the contact.

"Robin, hello." Caine seems pleased to see her, but what that means in a Trump contact is never entirely clear. "I assume you've all heard about the gathering coming? I'm in Amber, still, but I'll be crossing on Gerard's Trump this evening. If you'll contact me again in a quarter-glass, I can send for her and, if she's prepared, have her come through. Will that suit?"

Sir Ophiuchius is waiting anxiously for whatever the news may be, since he's not in the contact.

Robin (and perhaps Caine) can clearly feel through the contact that Celina is pleased with the courtesy and plan, but she looks to Robin, who is more precedent in the matters of these people for now. If Robin seems flummoxed or without opinion, Celina will step in.

"A quarter-glass would be wonderful sir. Thank you. May I also ask after Lady Laudine and Sir Ywain? Will they be accompanying you to Amber? And Vere?" Robin's sure someone would've contacted her right away if Vere had fallen to his death or some other unpleasantness but she's still going to fish for news.

Sir Ophiuchius is relieved at the mention of the time; he's clearly expecting to see his lady soon.

"Vere's gone ahead to Xanadu with Edan," Caine says, answering the important part (to Robin) first. "I mean to introduce Laudine and Ywain to Random and see what he intends to do about them, so I'll be bringing them to Xanadu. Do you--" a you that clearly includes Celina "--intend to do the same for Morgne and Ophiuchius?"

Celina makes a decision, pointing at Ophiuchius with her free hand. "Ah, yes, an invitation can be extended for Lady Morgne and Sir Ophiuchius to travel from Rebma on our journey to see King Random. That makes for a pleasant trip, if they are interested and willing. Please let Lady Morgne know an invitation includes the comforts the Queen may extend."

"I'll do that," says Caine. He's already scribbling a note to send off with one of his midshipmen or whoever else he may have running errands in Amber for him just now. "Anything else, or will it wait until we've reunited the lady and her knight?"

"It will wait," Celina says with a smile. "If you have no news for Rebma specific, I shall call again in a quarter-glass."

Robin nods and smiles as well. See, everyone can be polite here.

Celina lets the contact fall on Caine's modest smile. As Robin knows the particulars, she assures Sir Ophiuchius first, "Your Lady will be joining us shortly if she is agreeable. Our Family is gathering not far away in Xanadu, and as befits your station, we will arrange an introduction to King Random, head of the Family, if it should please you both. We'll be leaving within the day, probably tomorrow morning."

"Your majesty is gracious beyond belief." Ophiuchius bows deeply and gracefully to Celina and Robin. "If your majesty will permit, I will give instructions about Lady Morgne's preferences to your servants, so a chamber can be prepared?"

Celina gives him leave. She has not let go of Robin's hand.

Robin looks down at the joined hands but doesn't question. "More recruits for the Tour of the Wet Sisterhood?" She questions cheerfully.

"Aye," grins Celina. Robin then may perceive a pulse of warmth hug at her hand.

"Thank you." Robin gives Celina's hand a grateful squeeze before releasing it. Then she stretches her out her arms and slowly twirls once or twice, luxuriating in what open air there is.

Turning back to Celina, she asks, "Soooo, is there anything in particular I should know about the members of the Wet Sisterhood before I don't get them involved in a riot in Xanadu? Don't sit A next to B? C is allergic to garlic, but doesn't know it? Watch out for D; she's like to stab you if she thinks she can get away with it? That kind of thing?" Robin finishes with a smile.

"Sure, a few things," Celina says, smiling, "They don't expect to have a good time on the surface. They expect Amber Family to be trying to stick it to them, particularly any men. They expect age and brains to beat youth and skill every time. And they are likely to have some bad reactions to all that air and dryness, so remember ginger water if someone has a panic reaction. Communicate some of your enthusiasm to the young ones if possible. That would be nice."

Celina places her palms together and twists them a bit as if she's working on a stuck jar lid that isn't there. "Actually," Celina adds, "for your own safety and mine, there is another thing."

Celina shakes out her hands, her expression looks flat now, as if she isn't putting energy into being connected to anything else but herself. "Most of what I just said about the Sisterhood may apply to worlds that were once connected to Rebma but have been isolated a long time. Lady Morgne may be the grateful paragon of Order that I hope she is or she may be something older and scarier and not inclined to like us very much. She may not think men are good for more than warrior status. She may have heard really terrible things about Random or Gerard or any Prince of the Realm. She may wonder if some tale of Moins' demise she heard means I am my Mother's daughter."

"When it becomes clear that I support King Random, she may change her mind about me and the throne of Rebma representing the future." Celina stops and looks straight at Robin, still without expression. "The future of Order is something I have to believe in every day, every minute. I sleep it, eat it, and I shall defend it as I must. As much as I wish Morgne as a friend, Rebma needs to know she is not an enemy. If you feel something change in Morgne or Ophiuchius as we visit Xanadu, I'd appreciate your counsel and your observations. Having said that, you and Vere are more important than any information seeking. So don't take chances."

"Ah." Robin blows out a breath. Then tilts her head to one side as she thinks out the various paths of her response.

"I understand." When she speaks, she's using her slow and careful voice. "Perhaps better than you may realize. While I do enjoying expressing myself in, perhaps, a childlike and reckless-seeming manner -- I am also an old-school Lord of Order raised into my Heritage during the reign of Oberon. Family, Patterns, Order and their protection are my primary foci. In that sequence, since it turns out that Family can make new Patterns." Though she's trying to be serious, Robin can't help the 'who'd thunk?' twinkle in her eyes.

Celina listens so carefully, one might think she is listening to prophecy straight from the Sea Hag.

"Also... the philosophy of a Ranger of Arden is hard to put into words, but a major component of it is that friendship and killing are two different things. And can overlap or not as the case may be. We don't confuse feelings with necessity. Therefore, it's not a stretch for me to be friends with an enemy. Or to kill a loved one." Robin's eyes grow sad as she remembers Girth's death.

"Therefore while I do kind of like Sir Ophiuchius, I also realize that he is sworn to his Lady and that yes, maybe she's a scary, ancient power. Like the Dragon. Like Clarissa. Like the General of the Moonriders."

And that's about as long as Robin can remain 'serious' so her normal flippancy starts to reassert itself. "Frankly, this new universe of ours is overpopulated with an abundance of scary, ancient powers; all of whom we have offended in the past. Sometimes just by existing and sometimes by being a bunch of arrogant dicks." Robin's eyes twinkle to show that she picked the gender-based slur on purpose.

"Soooo, I kind of see it as my mission to make sure that no more Lords of Order die, including myself and Vere, and that no more Patterns are damaged. And all the while trying to approach the ancient-scaries of the universe with, hopefully, less of a dick-based attitude.

"Which all boils down to, yes, I will keep an eye on them while we're in Xanadu and if anything starts to smell, I will deal with it appropriately. Will that work?" Robin finishes with a smile.

"Oh yes," Celina says and wipes a tear from her eye. "Yes, that will be just perfect."

Robin nods. And reminds herself yet again that she has to use words with civilized folk.

And Celina resumes a different posture, graceful and timeless.

Ophiuchius returns in due course and the moment to contact Caine arrives. The exchange is handled quickly and the happy couple are reunited. Arrangements according to the knight's wishes are in progress, and Lady Morgne is led off to rest, and a meeting scheduled at Celina's convenience.

So the next meeting will be in the temporary quarters provided for Sir O and Lady M. Their own turf, so to speak, where we can advise them of the family meeting and offer the introduction to King Random if they go with us.

(If they don't want to go, Celina will be understanding of the recent adventures etc, and make sure there is a watch of palace guards and 24/7 three rotation Triton watch as backup to make sure there is no mischief while we are gone from Rebma.)

If this a moot point, or the GMs think we won't see more than 'yes of course' then we can move along to assembling a party to walk to Xanadu, and make that trip.

Lady Morgne is gracious and well pleased to be back in a watery country, though she will be happy enough to visit the High King in his land of Amber, er, Xanadu. Sir Ophiuchius is clearly a little more relaxed in the presence of his lady; he's been anxious since arriving here and the change is evident to Celina (and also to Robin, but she'd seen him with Lady Morgne before).

What questions do Celina and Robin have for them at this time?

Questions from easy to hard:

Does M agree to meeting the King? (Seems like yes from above.)

Yes.

Has M ever been to Rebma previous?

Yes, when it was a young city. It has, from Ophiuchius' reports, changed a great deal.

Does M need a place to settle? Rebma is welcoming.

Morgne and Ophiuchius will need a place to settle and would prefer somewhere like Rebma. But until she has spoken with King Random, Morgne cannot confirm—he may have a duty for her that she cannot decline. Barring that case, they would like to stay in Rebma.

Is M interested in sharing history with the Throne of Rebma, we love history.

She would be happy to, though she is not sure what she will have to contri bute, since her own knowledge is out of date and didn’t pay much attention to history as a student.

Robin doesn't have any questions per se. But she will warn Lady Morgne that her family seems really interested in the Shadow knot thing, so dredging up memories about Basina and how that was done would not be a wasted effort.

For which courtesy Lady Morgne thanks her graciously.

Otherwise, Robin will listen as best as she can. Which probably means letting her mind wander as words fall into her ears; words that can be retrieved at a later date when they seem relevant.

Ophiuchius catches her moss-gathering and winks out of sight of Celina and Morgne as they talk.

OK, only other thing is Celina will fill both of them in on Uncle Huon, who is a paroled Family member doing a penance of service in Rebma. He will be coming along for the Family session.

Yay.... Can we take him in separate (non-fatal) boxes?

Never mind. Robin will be civil -- if not gracious -- about it. (Still want to feed his ear to my firelizards....)

If Morgne or Sir O have any questions in turn, that's OK to deal with now.

They don't have any at this time, but certainly will when it's all over.

When the questions have finished, Morgne graciously thanks the Queen and Sir Robin for their time and gracious help, especially since with this family affair coming up, they do have so much to do. Morgne and Sir Ophiuchius will be ready to attend on them for departure whenever they're ready.

At the appointed hour, assembled in the appointed place is: Celina, Robin, Llewella, Huon (grumble, grumble), Lady Morgne, Sir Ophiuchius and the Wet Sisterhood (how many?). All in their pretty travel clothes (with servants & boxes?) And Robin is the designated 'caller' for a Trump procession to Julian. Is that the plan?

Yes, that's the plan.

The Archivists are coming along. GMs will have final number, but I think there is about ten.

The assembled group, including the howmanyever archivists (the GMs have lost track but 10 seems a reasonable number) and a number of Royal Guards arrive with their baggage and necessaries at the appointed hour and arrive in Xanadu proper on Julian's Trump, where they are met by Gilt Winter and assigned quarters due their rank, and in the case of Huon, their other status. They can change and be prepared for the upcoming dinner and evening's festivities.

Once Robin has boots on Xanadu soil, a peculiar mood begins to take the girl. She starts winding up, an almost palpable energy building in her. She does her best to remain civilized and political, but every second seems to add another layer of vibration to her body and sets another bird loose from her mind.

Initially, she is gracious to her Father; thanking him for managing the Trump procession/circus and seeing if he will be available later for a chat about oh, Shadows and things.

Then she is warm, thanking Celina and Llewella for all their help. She really did have a surprisingly good time in Rebma and hopes to do something maybe not so political with them in the near future. And oops, was that her outside voice?

Celina offers to Robin she is welcome anytime in Rebma or in Celina's suite her in the Palace.

She mentions in passing there may be sunning at the waterfall. Later.

Then she is polite, thanking Gilt for seeing to their guests.

Then she is casual, saying a fond good-bye to Morgne and Ophiuchius, wishing them well in their new lives.

Then she is slightly hurried, making sure that the Wet Sisterhood is going to be okay dealing with her Secretary, Castor formerly of the Children of Lyr. (And frankly, they had better be.) And indicates that they should coordinate with him about maybe a Xanaduvian tour with Robin tomorrow.

Then she is rushed as she checks in with Castor-formerly-of-Children-of-Lyr and lets him know that she's-in-town-and-in-charge-of-a-bunch-of-Archivists (giving him their names) and-she-would-really-appreciate-it-if-he-could-lay-in-the-ginger-water-and-schedule-something-for-all-of-them-to-do-tomorrow. Together. With her. And some-other-really-important-guests. Maybe. F*ck-Huon-he's-on-his-own.

Then she is justhyperasshegrabsthefirstpageshecanfindanddemandstobetakentoVerenow. NowISay!

After that it's just squawks and chirps as Robin tears through the Castle.

The first page she asks directs her to the grand stair, where another page looks at a list and directs a third page to escort Lady Robin to the "King's third-favorite drinking hall". The younger page smirks at the name and the older one looks pained. It may be that Random did that on purpose.

After taking an uneven number of stairs up and down following the boy, he opens a door. Inside Robin can see Fletcher and Garrett and Vere and she hears at least one more person behind the door. "The Lady Robin", the boy tries to announce

Celina is present to answer any immediate questions by the Archivists or the Guard. She talks briefly with Llewella about where her aunts rooms are and then how she is going to arrange the Guards rotation. All guests of Rebma get a single guard at their room door, there is a watch senior who roves the various postings, and there will be day/night rotations. Guards are not restricted to Palace but they are expected to be rested by the time of their watch.

Llewella departs for her own chambers, dismissing her guard as soon as she is out of Celina’s sight.

The Guards are instructed to cooperate with M Winter wherever possible, and call for instructions if it does not seem possible to cooperate.

Celina withdraws to freshen up and change for dinner.

No more than 5 minutes after she retires, there's a scratching at her door. From outside the door, a familiar masculine voice addresses her. "Majesty, it is I, Huon of the Horn. As the junior member of the delegation, I am apparently also your secretary, which is delightful. You have a message from a cousin, one 'Signy', oh apparently Deirdre's child. She asks if she may call upon you later."

How much of that is an act for the guard on her door is unclear. Huon is certainly taking his role literally.

Celina wrenches herself up from face down in the linens, grabs the bedspread, and throws it around her naked shoulders, hurrying to the washbasin. She calls back to the door, "Huon! How kind of you... to bring news." Celina uses the wash towel to wipe the tears from her face and use the water to scrub up her face, hiding any traces. "It is my delight you bring your best humor to the palace."

Celina tilts her head left, then right, checking her composure. "Please enter. Of course I can receive Cousin Signy." And as he opens the door she turns slightly toward him. "Was there any other part to the message?"

Huon's face is a study in earth-based stillness. "The page departed without delivering further detail. Shall we send word to your cousin to attend you? Or shall we wait until after dinner? The page also delivered news that the family was not formally dining, in the absence of the King. It would be a kindness on our part to attend their buffet and not require them to attend us in quarters. They seem ... overworked."

Celina thinks only a moment, then, "Send for Signy, I'll dress and she can ask questions while I do so. I do not think she will mind." Celina smiles at Huon, "I'll be ready to attend the buffet within a few shakes of a turtle's tail. Thank you."