Day Seven

The morning of the [third] day [after his trip to the Harga'rel estate], prior to travelling to the Gateway embassy, Jerod would arrange a short breakfast meeting with Vialle (assuming her schedule permits).

In the breakfast, he will ask after her, wanting to know if she's doing well and how she's adjusting to the changes now that Random has returned. Given that he does like her, his questions are honest and he is curious as to how she is doing. However, in summary mode, he gets right to the point of his visit...:)

Vialle is happy to chat with Jerod. She seems to be adjusting well, but she mentions she hasn't been sleeping well lately. Her nightmares have been recurring and have been particularly strong of late.

On Vere's recommendation, she has taken Ember, Lord Burn's daughter, on as her secretary. She is also spending a great deal of time with Benedict's daughter Lilly so that Lilly can learn her routine. Vialle, Jerod suspects, finds it awkward to need a bodyguard, and to a certain extent awkward to need a secretary.

She is very concerned about Gerard, and tells Jerod she and Random have offered whatever assistance Vere may want, but nobody has any real ideas.

She says nothing about any potentially unpleasant topic, such as Martin.

He would like to enlist the Queen's support, and that of the ladies of the Court, in aiding with the successful re-integration of the troops. He will make mention that he is sure that Vialle has already been thinking along this line but he would like coordinate things at his end.

Vialle has been thinking along those lines. She had considered asking Flora for help, but decided she didn't want the returnees to be too fashionable.

Jerod believes there are opportunities for the returning nobles, and those that remained, to display considerable leadership in assisting with the reintegration. Especially in regards to helping those of the common folk who lost loved ones during the war, or who are returning invalided. There will be a great need for support, both emotionally and economically. While Jerod has been working on the economic end to some degree, the emotional and domestic side needs to be resolved as well. Here is where Vialle comes in - she would know who amongst the ladies of Court could be counted upon to impress upon their husbands, fathers and sons the need for this leadership. A royal decree for assistance might be very commanding but ultimately counterproductive. The nobles serve much better when they think it is their own ideas - and (Jerod smiles a bit here), we both know who really has all the good ideas in the husband-wife combinations of Amber's nobles.

Assuming Vialle is agreeable, he will provide a base summary of the logistics as to who is involved with the reintegration, basic mechanisms for dealing with general disputes and the contacts for those who are responsible for handling the more volatile disputes (like husbands finding wives who are remarried, or families who have just vanished). He will also identify areas that he believes are possible trouble spots but for which no resolution has been put forward yet and ask her opinion as well as her feelings on the objectives.

Any recommendations that she makes that Jerod believes are workable, he will see about implementing.

Vialle is willing to work on all these matters, and she will think on the unresolved issues.

Jerod will make certain to keep Vialle in the loop for any updates where in the ladies of Court might prove useful in overcoming any kind of resistance at the re- integration, or better yet, in helping with the more stressful periods when families return home. While noble husbands can act stern and dutiful, it is often times better for emotional situations to have the ladies present. Jerod will ask that the Queen keep him abreast of any of the ladies that might serve well in this capacity. He'll also see about keeping track of this through more official channels. Not just the men can earn honours during these troubled times for their leadership and Jerod has never been one to refuse to recognize merit simply on the basis of gender.

Vialle leaves that potentially explosive topic alone, other than to say that she will recommend appropriate ladies and see that they are appropriately rewarded.

For that, Jerod is grateful - the reward part.

Jerod is solicitious concerning her nightmares, not prying into the content of them, though he will ask questions if she broaches the topic herself. He's more concerned as to the toll they will be taking on her and doesn't like her being under stress. He is glad that she has assistants to help and doesn't hide that - nor does he hide the fact that he thinks she'll adjust just fine to having them around. He will ask after her opinion of Lilly in her capacity as bodyguard.

Vialle has been told that Lilly is a competent swordswoman. Venesch has spoken well of her, and Random says that she acquitted herself well as both a knight and a commander on the field. Not that anyone would expect anything else from Benedict's daughter.

Vialle doesn't talk about the nightmares, although she does say that Gerard has looked her over and there's no physical cause.

He will also relate that he will hopefully be speaking to Vere shortly concerning his father, and yes, it is a difficult situation. Only Corwin has any...experience...in this area and even then not to the same degree. However, Vere has made it his mission to collect as much information as possible before proceeding. Jerod does not doubt Vere will find an answer. Whether it is the answer they want to hear, is another matter.

Vialle, who presumably has her own opinions about permanent handicaps, hopes that will not be the case.

In response to Vialle's comment concerning Flora, Jerod will laugh, quietly.

Finally, assuming nothing else comes out, he will ask the Queen if there is anything he can assist her with and should she require anything, he is always available, (subject to the demands of duty).

She appreciates the offer and will remember it.

And for the remainder of their audience period, what little there is, Jerod will speak of much more pleasant things before taking leave of the Queen with her permission.

Toward the end of the first week, invitations, gold leaf on green parchment, sealed with a unicorn's head arrive for the following... Bleys, Fiona, Knight Commander Brennan OR, Brita, Conner, Knight Commander Lilly OR, Prince Martin, Merlin, Ossian, Reid, Garner LeClaire, Lord Jewel, Lord Laurel, Viscountess Wonder, Lord Hardwind, Earl Raptor, Lord Rein, Lord Ransom, Lady Epicure, Ambassador Harper, Gilt Winter, Captain Navneeth, Captain Ramala, and Captain Hassan.

Lady Paige Sommers
cordially invites you to a luncheon
to celebrate her new home
and the victory of our forces in Chaos
Moonday, the eighty-seventh of Winter, Sext
Sommerset House

RSVP

Ossian quickly scribbles an answer:

Surprised I note you, cousin, friend
have found a new place.
To release tension?
To get more space?
Your Tirsday reception
I will be pleased to attend.

Ossian

Barring politics and other unnatural disasters, I shall be delighted to attend, Cousin.

--Brennan KCOR

A slightly pained expression crosses Lilly's features as she reads the invitation. Luckily there was no one around to see it. She was glad for the invitation, she truly was. It meant she had made something of an impression and more then likely a positive one. But at the same time it was an invitation. An invitation to a social event. Lilly knew that there was only one way to learn how to do something and that was by doing it. With a slight sigh she sat at her desk to pen her response.

Lady Sommers

I would be honored to attend.

Until then,
Dame Lilly Smith

Cousin Paige,

Just so long as I don't have to wear a butt-bow, I'll be there. What can I bring? (and, really, what should I wear?)

Brita

NPC RSVPs:

Yes: Bleys, Fiona, Jewel, Laurel, Wonder, Felicity (but not her husband), Raptor, Ransom, Epicure, Gilt Winter, Ambassador Harper, Captains Hassan and Ramala.

No: Martin (signed on his behalf by Gilt Winter, Random's secretary), Garner LeClaire, Hardwind (but Felicity says yes), Captain Navneeth.

No immediate answer: Merlin.

Merlin is out of town, so no immediate answer is expected from him. It is not unusual for Lord Hardwind to turn down parties, but Felicity loves them, so she often attends without them.

Jerod will be there early to secure a private room for the lunch and to arrange for a good meal to be prepared, including an excellent selection of wine. He will be speaking to the club president, Brigadier Malthus, when Conner arrives. Jerod will take a moment to introduce them to each other.

Conner gives the Brigadier a respectful nod and a firm handshake and expresses his pleasure to meet him.

He also offers his hand to Jerod. "A pleasure as always, Cousin." Conner smiles.

"Conner." Jerod replies, returning the offer of the hand, taking his leave of the Brigadier. "A pleasure."

"Things are well I trust?" he asks. "With the King and Queen conducting their interviews with people, the work schedule is certain to increase."

"No doubt." Conner nods. "The Navy sails along well under the new helmsman but the first storm approaches. Too few ships for too many Captains." He smiles. "How goes it on your end?"

"With a bit of luck we can see about arranging for a few more ships, if the King has in mind what I think he's going to do." Jerod replies, motioning towards their room where the kitchen staff are putting the final touches on the table, the appetize rs already on the plate. Wine and spirits to one side await their attention and Jerod pours himself one, making sure to get Conner's choice before heading to the table.

"I've been speaking with Harga'rel and getting some details on your excursion out from Rebma." Jerod says, settling down in his chair once the serving staff have departed. "I'll be speaking to Thalia shortly."

"I presume you are planning to return then." Conner comments sipping his wine. "Any interesting tid-bits from Mister Apostrophe?"

"A few." Jerod says. "Tell me. What do you think of the fact that all the mirrors were smashed?"

"Mirrors have power in Rebma." Conner replies. "I think either they smashed them all to make sure they got any that might have been special. Or," Conner takes a sip. "they smashed them to hide the fact that a particular mirror was the target for either theft or destruction. Of course it could just be old fashioned vandalism but somehow I doubt it.

"Did Harga'rel have any insight on the Tritons?" Conner asks.

"Nothing that he made mention of or would claim." Jerod says. "He does not seem to have much knowledge of them, though I suppose he just might be hiding it well. Assuming I make it back, I intend to do some digging.

"I had not considered the possibility of the theft of one of them. That might prove an interesting venue for investigation. I'll have to see about speaking to Llewella soon. Preferably before the coronation." Somehow Jerod suspects that is not likely to happen.

"My conversations with her thus far have been rather brief." Conner comments. "Not surprisingly they were mostly one sided. She gives away little. Perhaps to a countryman it will be different."

Jerod has been working his way through a large steak while talking and stops once it is done (a very short time too). "I want to go over the route you took to get here, one more time. This time in detail."

(This portion can be done in summary mode but in game time will take awhile. Jerod is a good listener but looks for precision in description, especially from a Pattern initiate. He will chase after details, wanting Conner's impressions without imposing his own ideas).

Conner is finishing up a helping of fish and cheddar potatoes at the same time. "Before I hand you the map to Rebma," Conner replies. "I want to know your intentions when you get there."

"I'm going home for a visit. That and whatever else Random asks me to do." Jerod says. "He's not yet been clear on that venue. When he decides to tell me, then I'll know."

Conner nods and then says. "I want to know who sent the Tritons after Thalia and myself. Will you find that out for me when you go?" Surprisingly, the question comes out not as the beginning of a bargaining session, but as a sincere asking for help.

"I'd be finding out even if you didn't ask." Jerod says. "There are only so many in Rebma who can command their allegiance. Since three of my family members are those can do so, it's in my best interest to prove who's responsible. Before your mother decides to do something that requires my side of the family to respond. I don't think either of us want to go down that road."

Conner nods. "The aftershocks would be felt for centuries." He looks at Jerod for a moment. "Very well. I'll help you."

Conner then proceeds to give Jerod a very precise accounting of his trip from the back door into Rebma to Amber. It becomes clear that Conner remembers exactly what kind of shifts and changes he made and he provides as much detail as possible.

Jerod listens carefully, letting the information filter into his subconscious, letting the pieces come together into a coherent pattern at their own pace instead of forcing them into a pre-determined shape.

When Conner is finished, Jerod looks up. "Thanks."

"I'll be looking to see Thalia in a few days. I'll have to go through Harper first. We'll see if there's any interference or not."

"Interference there will be." Conner smiles. "But I am sure you are resourceful enough to find a way through it. My offer to guide you to Rebma's back door still stands by the way. In case you have problems reading my map."

"We'll see what Martin might be able to provide for me when he gets back." Jerod says. "With luck that fills in enough of any gaps to give me a good clear picture. It's still dependant on whether or not the King's going to send me, and whether or not what we're planning doesn't get thrown out the window by his little coronation game."

"The King is holding his cards very close to the vest." Conner comments. "In that the Poker King is doing very well."

"Just like when he and dad would play cards." Jerod says, remembering. "After he got out of his cell that is."

"Not many people would play with a would be assassin." Conner comments. "Your father was brave that way."

"Dad never respected Random before that." Jerod says. "He always thought Random was a conniving, treacherous little weasel. Which he was before that.

"I'm not sure what happened in Rebma, or what went on between him and Corwin but something did. The Random I remember Dad talking about would not have done what he did. He'd have up and split and left everyone in the lurch. Something changed. So he sent me off to Rebma to negotiate after some feelers were sent out. Dad was never stupid enough to let his ego get in the way of a good opportunity." and Jerod chuckles. "Even an ego as big as his."

"I admired that about your father." Conner comments. "As for Random, some would say Vialle happened to him. I prefer to think he just grew up." Conner smiles.

"I prefer to think so too, though I think perhaps Vialle was involved in it as well." Jerod says. "There's a lot to Random's past that isn't pleasant to consider, especially his time in Rebma because of Morganthe. I've often wondered if maybe he's paying penance by being responsible...or acting like he's responsible."

"Perhaps." He nods. "I think the enormity of things finally hit him too."

"That or he absolutely lost his mind when the Unicorn picked him out to be head honcho." Jerod says. "Hell, the one major event of the season and I had to be here to miss it."

"I know the feeling." Conner smiles. "I hope to convince my mother to conjure a recreation of the event. I'm pretty sure she can do that."

"I'm sure it will be a most enjoyable event."

"To actually see the Unicorn." Conner replies with a bit of awe in his voice. "Anything that causes awe in this jaded family must be incredible."

"Go ask Julian about it." Jerod says. "If the accounts are true, he's seen it more than once."

"If he ever returns with his children, I shall." Conner nods. "Well its been fun Jerod but I really must get back to the Navy." Conner rises and offers his hand. "Good luck with Rebma if you get your chance."

Jerod returns the hand (not literally...:). "Let me know if you don't find the Navy all in one piece." he says.

Conner chuckles and leaves.

Two days after speaking to Harga'rel (and having Harga'rel introduced to the castle functionaries just one day after said event), Jerod makes his way to the Gateway Embassy to speak to Thalia.

Under normal circumstances Jerod would arrange to have a message sent ahead of time, to arrange an appointment through the embassy staff. However, in this case, Jerod doesn't want anyone well forewarned and prepared to avoid him or with a pre- set front - he knows he's not that skilled against dealing with an opponent with a well prepared plan and is much better if they are off balance and unprepared.

So he arrives at the embassy in his formal court clothing, with his sword (looking very nicely polished and shiny but still quite usable). He rides his favorite horse Al'ma'din (born from a mare given to his father as a gift years ago), a white Arabian type but lacking any weaknesses that might be inherent in pure Arabians. He arrives in a leisurely fashion so that anyone outside would notice his approach - other courtiers making a visit, guards, people on the street, etc.

Once he has "arrived", he indicates his request to see the Gateway ambassador Harper. Once that has been done (presumably inside the building and away from prying eyes), he will then mention his second request, to speak to Thalia.

Harper appears. "Prince Jerod! So kind of you to visit us during what must be a very busy time for all of your family. Or did his majesty send you with his decision on our request?"

"Ambassador." Jerod says, nodding a greeting. "I must regrettably say that the King has not yet made a decision, though I can say with some certainty that he has taken your request under advisement. You will understand that he is quite busy these last few days, what with sorting out the return of the army and the arrangements for the coronation. It's not something we've had for quite some time as you can understand.

"I am fairly confident you will have your answer soon. If you would like, I will convey your wishes to him when I speak to him again. And if you would like to clarify your request further, this would be an opportune moment. Though I must first ask your aid in speaking to...well, one of your aides. Thalia is her name."

"Thalia is engaged in some research for me and cannot be disturbed. If you wish to leave a card, I am sure she will contact you at her earliest convenience."

"Research?" Jerod asks curiously. "It sounds intriguing. I do hope she is not too busy. One has the feeling that many great and important events are unfolding. One wouldn't want to be cooped up missing them."

"As to our matter, it is a trifle, really. We wish to buy some property. Such transactions are necessarily complex when dealing between two kingdoms. You may tell the King our coffers are well-stocked and we can pay the price we offered on demand. Or more if he wishes."

"Given the King's largesse in generously paying our troops for their time away from Amber, I suspect that the value of one's coffers might not be as important as one might have previously considered." Jerod says with a smile. "Rest assured, I will see to it that he receives your message. As to the emphasis that he considers it with...ah, well, that is always a difficult thing to estimate. So much depends upon the method of delivery and all."

"Gateway values the friendship of Amber. And her princes. Thalia is a scholar of the hidden arts and a specialist at that. She is investigating certain matters at my personal request and disturbance, while most likely not dangerous, could set her work back significantly. What is the nature of your call here, Prince Jerod? Is it possible that I may be of service?"

"Ah, would that you could be, then I would be most grateful." Jerod says. "Unfortunately, only Thalia and her companions came back from Rebma recently. I have certain questions I wish to pose. Regrettably I was away on trade when she returned and was unable to do so immediately. The King's duties for me have finally allowed me some time to speak to her."

"I am sure she will be happy to confirm and expand upon what your kinsmen have told you, Prince Jerod. I have heard bits of it, and I am worried that there may be some unwholesome influence at work in the city beneath the sea.

"Ambassador Kaia has certainly shown signs of distraction since your kinsmen and my kinswoman sailed into Amber's harbor."

She pauses, and takes a breath. "The question of Lady Thalia and her status in Rebma is a complicating one, Prince Jerod, but not one that professional diplomats such as ourselves cannot resolve. Are you seeking Thalia out as an agent of the crown, and if so, which crown?"

"Both." Jerod says, pausing before adding with a smile. "But naturally in a most unofficial capacity. The new King of course has an interest in Rebma. But to express too much interest at the moment would be to distract from other more pressing matters. I can express any needed interest without such difficulty. As for Rebma, she is also my home. If, we seem to suspect, something is happening, then it is something I would be most interested in as a Duke of Rebma. Thusly, I can serve both kingdoms while walking the line between them. And be in a position to remember those who aid one, the other, or both."

"Gateway is a friend to Your Highness and his kin and regrets the current state of strained relations between itself and Your Grace and his kin. Lady Thalia's escape from captivity by Tritons with the aid of Your Highness' kinsmen is a subject that Your Grace knows raises concerns for the safety of Gatwegians even in our own embassies. She was forcibly taken from our embassy below the waves, you may recall."

"You mentioned Ambassador Kaia has been distracted of late. Is there anything in particular that comes to mind? It might prove beneficial to speak to her."

"The ambassador does not disclose such matters to me. I was hoping you had some insight, Your Highness."

"The good Ambassador of Rebma has not been my guest of late. I must take steps to remedy that." Jerod says. "That Thalia was taken by force was mentioned. It is certainly a matter of some concern to violate embassy privilege. I would prefer to determine who is responsible and deal with them, quietly. Certainly the safety of your people, and mine, is paramount and public offerings can serve only to inflame hearts to rash action, when cooler heads can ensure that justice is executed against the guilty and leave innocent bystanders...as innocent bystanders."

"Those are goals that Gateway will certainly endorse. It is our intent to pursue the matter quietly once contact with Gateway and Rebma are restored. Until then, we are content to let the matter rest. It is certainly better to be quietly wary of another embassy than to bring about hostilities by presuming they must exist."

"A wise course of action." Jerod says.

"Often a diplomat must take the wise, safe course, or even allow a miscarriage of justice in the interests of the greater good. I hope in this case my kinswoman is not so sacrificed."

"My father taught me once that to sacrifice one for the greater good was to diminish the good for all." Jerod says. "We are all, at some point, representative of that one person, in need of the protection of the state. It is one thing to sacrifice oneself of their own free will in defense of the whole. It is something else entirely to be forced to do so.

"I do believe Thalia may have answers to questions that will help to alleviate this situation. Even if she does not, there is little room in my mind for a miscarriage of any kind. Only if she were guilty of some grievous offense would the need for justice come about. Since I do not perceive such a situation, and you also make claim that in fact this is not the case, I do not see any reason for such a circumstance to befall her."

"I am glad you feel that way, Your Highness," she smiles. "It tells me that you will understand that Thalia's work need not be sacrificed and her life need not be risked in order to have her answer your questions today. If you wish to leave her a message, I can have the staff provide you with paper and pen."

Jerod leaves a message accordingly but it is simple. "Contact me. Jerod." and he departs immediately afterwards after bidding the Ambassador good-day.

She bids you good day and has a servant see you out.

Marius will take the opportunity afforded him by the late date to investigate previous knowledge of artisans within the city to find someone he thinks might be able to provide him with an appropriate costume for the ball. He's looking at the colours gold, black, and a deep brown, and he's going to keep the otter theme. What's the state of the arts? Do we have guilds? Apprenticeships? Materials?

Craftsmen like tailors (and luthiers) operate in guilds and take apprentices.

If Marius asks around, he can easily find a tailor to see to his needs. His Amberside cousins would certainly have recommendations, and senior members of the castle staff can tell him who makes whose clothes.

What Marius would also notice is that the availability of quality goods is lower than he expects and there's not so much in the way of imported goods available. Everything seems a little shabby to him based on what he recalls.

He can certainly have an otter costume for the ball.

Whoo-hoo! That's what he wants to arrange, although he'll make a few adjustments to make it a little more exotic than the average otter. Perhaps some curled horns to go with his rakish looks, and give an edge of the sinister to his playful choice. Golden whiskers, for certain.

While he is noting the shabbiness of the city, does it seem like an impoverished state, or is it holding together if the purse strings are tight? He's looking for "missing pieces," in effect. What kinds of patterns seem to be in the shoddiness: is the cityscape different? Has relocation focused around any particular marker of landscape or even economics? Are people less passionate than he seems to remember?

Population is objectively lower than Marius recalls. There are fewer people in the streets and some buildings are abandoned. Almost nothing is crumbling, but some buildings that were demolished after the earthquake don't seem to have been rebuilt and others don't seem to have been repaired. There is very little activity on the harborside, and no arrivals or departures.

Marius spends a long time there, watching, plott--, I mean, planning. How's the red light district?

Open for business! Wanna make a new friend? or two? Bulk rates available!

Marius wonders if it's just shock that Oberon is gone. It's like the people are all at the end of their ropes, and don't know how to feel any more. It's a lot more like the feeling in a city that has lost a war than one that has won.

Marius know that this isn't how the Navy feels. It is not out of the question that this might get ugly.

He keeps reminding himself of the time difference, but... how long had Oberon been gone before this whole trickery business of hangin' incognito with Corwin? The city had survived without Oberon before...and for more years. Hrm.

Marius will take his observations with him as he meanders through the town on his errand, and will cogitate on it carefully that night, not actually hoping for divine inspiration, but maybe poetic. Or something like that.

It's like everyone has the sneaking suspicion that Amber didn't really win the war. It's as much waiting for the other shoe to drop as anything.

Late in the first week, Folly tracks down both Cambina and Vere to solicit suggestions of possible secretaries for Martin. As she told Jerod, Martin requested someone trustworthy to help with correspondence when Martin is out of town, someone who would put up with him, who is willing to accompany him to Red Mill, and -- preferably -- who can read music well enough to help sort and file music manuscripts.

[Cambina]
"Well, the Red Mill requirement eliminates nearly half the population, especially amongst the literate. Probably for the better, knowing our Rebman cousin."

Folly can't quite suppress a smirk at that assessment.

"Have you considered Leonardo Kaliq? He's about to be financially ruined, once the Army gets paid..."

"That's an excellent suggestion," Folly replies. "I like him. And as long as Martin isn't looking for someone to manage his money, he's probably got all the right skills. I'll add him to the list."

"Who else is on the list?"

"Jerod suggested someone called Concord, a student of Barenthkov, who sounds like he might have potential," Folly replies. "I've not met him yet, though."

She adds, "I'm going to hit Vere up for suggestions, too."

Cambina's eyebrows raise when Concord is mentioned. "I'd be careful about getting Martin tied to one side or the other in the whole 'Royal Bard' mess. Jerod can't always tell when he's being partisan. Or maybe it'll be a bone thrown to Barenthkov, who isn't going to be too happy after what happens with Rein and Paris. Do you know someone named Soren?"

Folly's expression goes from agreement to confusion to surprise to defensiveness to trepidation in the space of a couple of seconds. It is with a mix of the last two that she answers, "I used to. I don't know whether he's... around anymore, though." A shadow passes briefly across her features.

"Why do you ask?" she continues after a moment. "And... who is Paris?"

"Soren is going to be involved in the whole bard thing. It's something I dreamed. And Paris is Corwin's city."

Folly gets very still, letting the implications of Cambina's words sink in. A smile spreads slowly over her face. Is going to be.

But then some of the rest of the implications sink in, and she sobers. "How messy is 'the whole bard thing' gonna be, do you think?" she asks.

"It shouldn't be like the war between Cymnea and Fiaella, if that's what you're asking."

"I should hope not," Folly interjects, sounding a touch alarmed.

"It'll be more like a front in a proxy war. It may be a false war or a true one."

Folly frowns, not really liking the sound of that, either. "'Battle of the Bands' suddenly sounds a lot more ominous," she muses. "Thanks for the warning.

"And thanks for the suggestion, too."

Cambina is grinning and you suspect that she was teasing about the actual battles. "Oh, I'll be surprised if it gets past snide, clever lyrics putting down rivals. They'd rather sing about a gruesome murder than commit one."

"Well, as long as they don't start butchering the songs instead," Folly replies, now also grinning. "See, that's why I hang out with musicians."

It's not clear whether she means "because they don't commit murder" or "because they don't butcher songs".

Folly offers another few words of thanks and then takes her leave.

After a long search, both aided and frustrated by servants' memories of where they last saw Vere, who has apparently been traveling widely throughout the castle, Folly finds him in a small room in a seldom used area of the castle. He's sitting on the floor with the contents of a dusty trunk spread out in front of him, and he's examining them closely. He looks up and smiles a greeting when she enters the room, and rises gracefully to his feet.

After hearing her request he frowns thoughtfully and says, "I might have someone in mind, but there are some difficulties. Anyone who has experience with the sort of highly secure matters that a secretary of the King's son will deal with on a daily basis will have already made contacts and be seen to be connected to various other powerful individuals. Have you and Martin considered that matter already?"

"Not explicitly," Folly replies, "but I do know I'm far more interested in trustworthiness than experience. Anyone of modest cleverness will be able to pick up the skills he needs for the job. Weakness of character is much harder to overcome."

She pauses, thinking, then asks, "This person you're thinking of -- you trust him not to spill Martin's business to his other contacts?"

"Mmmm," Vere replies somewhat vaguely. After a brief pause he continues, "I believe so, although that should be for Martin to decide, of course. I was considering Loring, actually. It is my personal belief that his judicial career is not going to proceed very well. He was too closely tied to Paige, and is seen as her creature. Sir Octave, in particular, will be looking for future opportunities to avenge himself, and Loring is a safer target than Paige or Jerod. Loring's continued presence in the judicial system may well serve as a flashpoint, and His Majesty does not need that additional distraction at the beginning of his reign."

Folly nods. "All excellent points," she says. "I don't actually know Loring very well, but Paige seems to think well of him."

Vere tilts his head slightly to one side and considers Folly's reaction before continuing, "I have mentioned none of my thoughts on this matter to Paige or Loring, of course, and I do not know how such an opportunity might be considered by them. You might wish to discuss the matter with Paige before discussing it with Loring." His smile grows slightly wider, and he continues, "I know nothing of Loring's musical ability or lack of it. I did not find it that difficult to learn to read music, myself, and the concept of musical notation was quite a surprise to me. In the Isles music is learned by hearing it, we have no system of notation."

"Yes, well, I'm not surprised you picked it up," Folly replies. "You had a strong background in music, and you're clever." She grins.

"I'm curious, though," she continues, now good-and-distracted from her original topic, "-- do you find that you think about music differently when you think in terms of notation than when you just play?"

"Indeed," Vere nods. "Although I find it is much the same as when I am thinking of the words of the music, as opposed to the underlying meaning. It is one of the reasons I am an instrumentalist and not a singer. Music is, for me, a refuge from the rational, and an opportunity to let my emotional nature achieve dominance in a controlled situation. Thinking of notation throws me back into a more rational mode of thought. It is quite...different." He pauses, and focuses on Folly, "I do not mean to indicate that I ever allow my rationality to be lost," he says. "I am not uncontrolled." For a moment he looks slightly uncomfortable, then his normal mask drops back into place.

Folly gazes intently at Vere for a moment. "There are worse things to be than uncontrolled," she says.

Vere smiles very thinly and says, "Indeed there are. To be judged unstable and irrelevant, for instance. Men in the Isles are not believed to be capable of sustained self-control, and are accordingly not allowed any authority to misuse. It will take longer than a few years to overcome a lifetime of overcompensation."

Folly frowns, indignant on Vere's behalf. But she nods slightly in understanding.

He pauses and his gaze shifts from Folly's face to somewhere just over her left shoulder, "My apologies, cousin, I am somewhat annoyed at my search continuing to prove less than successful," he gestures in the direction of the debris scattered around the chamber floor, "and I fear that leads me to burden you with my personal concerns."

"Vere, your personal concerns are not a burden to me," Folly says firmly. "I mean, what is family for?" She gives Vere a tiny, almost shy, smile.

Vere relaxes, and his eyes return to Folly's face. With a slight quirk to his lips replies, "One is led to ponder that very question quite frequently."

Folly grins, sparkle-eyed with barely-suppressed laughter.

His smile grows wider as he adds, "Some very few members of family are an unalloyed pleasure."

Folly's smile softens as she considers his words. "We are a family gilded with brass," she agrees, "but there's gold underneath if you know where to look." She reaches out to give Vere's hand a gentle squeeze.

Vere squeezes back, lightly, before dropping her hand. Genuine pleasure shows in his face.

"But I should let you get back to work," she says after a moment. "You're still-- It's for Gerard, right? Do let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

Vere glances around at the items on the ground ruefully, "I am grasping at straws at the moment. I have done just about everything that can be done until after the coronation, unless Benedict, or more hopefully Dworkin, arrives before then. Right now I am searching the castle room by room for anything interesting that might possibly be useful to Father's recovery. When one can do nothing brilliant one can be extremely thorough in exhausting the remote possibilities."

Folly nods. "Good luck. I'll let you know if I have any brilliant ideas or stumble across any interesting leads." She sounds hopeful but not especially optimistic.

With a final small smile of encouragement, she takes her leave.