All of you have been notified to meet for drinks in the library at Vespers. Those of you who don't know where it is can get a page to lead you.
The library is a large room, or rather a set of large rooms, filled with books and papers. Books and papers is a broad term covering everything from printed books to scrolls. It looks like it would be hard to get any idea of what's in the library, much less where it is, without the assistance of a librarian.
The library has a sitting area that includes several couches and a sidebar liquor cabinet. This is where everyone expects to meet and where the pages lead newcomers to the castle. There are a number of alcoves off this area where people may speak more privately or read a book.
Assuming this is the same library in which Random and Brennan had been conversing previously, well, then, consider him Really Early.
It was a nook. There is only one library.
Cool. We'll assume Brennan's and Random's conversation ended right after your latest response with the appropriate "See you later's" and leave it at that.
At the end of the conversation, Random called a page to take Brennan to his new quarters. (He doesn't have the one with the cat door, FWIW.)
Having no where much to go and nothing much to do, he'll have run down a page to be directed to a bathing or showering facility.
As you might have guessed from the description of the Prince, Amber has Roman-style bathing facilities. If Brennan wants a quick sponge-type bath in his room, that can also be arranged.
Sponge bath, feh. If Roman baths are it, then Roman baths are it, and Brennan will indulge in a soak of some reasonable length.
After that he'll just return to the Library, rummage the stacks until he finds something interesting-- perhaps a book of history of Amber, to fill in what he never learned from his father, and plops down to read it. If he sees any of Cambina's works, he'll select one of those.
Quickly.
Nestor, the librarian, shows up to help him. Nestor is protective of his books, but is happy to help members of the family.
If/when Brennan mentions he is looking for a history of Amber, he will get Brennan a copy of Cambina's book on the topic.
He does mention he's looking for histories of Amber, and doesn't mention Cambina's name. (Why would he? He doesn't know she's a writer yet.) He does note the name on the spine, though.
Brennan is enough of a reader that he actually asks for three tomes written by three different writers. He only takes Cambina's back to the reading chairs with him, but marks the location of the other two. He likes to compare and contrast.
Brennan, for his part, is now wearing his hair loose, and has changed clothes. Still the same basic theme, though-- black pants, boots and now a black buttoned shirt with simple red trim about the button strip and the cuffs.
He's also wearing a pin at the left side of his collar. The background is obsidian, and there is an inlaid profile of a unicorn head facing to the left, in ivory. People looking very close will find another small inlaid red stone representing a tiny red pendant hanging from the unicorn's horn. (We'll let the heraldry mavens describe that formally, if they wish.)
Jerod arrives a few minutes early, perhaps just in front of Gerard and company (easy timing - maybe he can greet them in the hallway outside).
Gerard, a naval man at heart, prefers to arrive exactly on time, no sooner and no later. When Solange, Vere, and Gerard arrive at the library, they find Cambina and Caine chatting and Llewella established in a corner with a book.
[Brennan reads] until people start to arrive, then greet them in turn. Especially people he doesn't already know, such as the Gerardelli Contingent.
But by that time, he'll probably have been engaged in conversation with Caine and/or Cambina, asking first about the status of army in Heather Vale and then letting the conversation ramble where it will.
Cambina knows about Daeon's departure and that Julian has stayed in the camp, with Random's permission. (She came through on Julian's trump.)
For those interested in dress and appearance, Cambina is a short, slender woman with short-cropped dark hair. She is dressed in what either counts as a divided skirt or loose flowing pants and a loose long-sleeved shirt, both in black. She's also wearing a pair of silver earrings with deep blue stones that Jerod recognizes as a gift from their father.
Caine is dressed as an Admiral of Amber's fleet, and looks smashing (as anyone played by Rupert Everett ought to).
So as not to distract any from the flow of things, Brennan makes small talk that ends up being of not much consequence.
When the Gerardelli arrive, however, well, Brennan hasn't met any of them. So he walks over to introduce himself. "I'm Brennan," he says simply. "I recognize you as my Uncle Gerard. I think I heard you referred to as Solange, and I'm guessing you're Vere? Random has asked that we coordinate, later." To each in turn, he offers a handshake in greeting. Since this is infomral and non-courtly, Solange gets a real handshake, not one of those bow-over-the-hand things.
"Nice to meet you," Solange says pleasantly. She seems perfectly comfortable with the ordinary handshake, and she has a firm grip, not a wussy girly one. :)
Solange has clearly decided that this Mandatory Fun calls for her best sartorial efforts. The sober respectability of Solange-at- breakfast and the trousered practicality of Solange-in-Arden have given way to something else entirely.
Her dark blonde hair, which was plainly dressed with a Juliet cap at breakfast, and down her back in a single thick braid at the encampment, is now threaded with pearls and looped back in two small braids at the sides, with their ends tucked into a larger spiral coil at the back of her head. Her earrings are also teardrop pearls; she wears no other jewelry besides them.
Her olive-green gown of dulled satin has a low, scooped neckline edged in gold, and a high waist trimmed with a broad band of gold trimming. The skirt is open down the front, revealing an undergown of lightweight, old-gold silk, worked all over with embroidery in a pattern of vines and buds in an olive shade slightly darker than the overgown. The undergown also shows to advantage through the overgown's split sleeves. The gold edging around Solange's neckline repeats along the skirt openings, and the hem is decorated with the same broad trim as at the waist. The gown has no train, and it stops just enough shy of the floor to allow the toes of her golden satin slippers to be seen. She carries neither fan nor reticule, and the lines of her gown are fluid enough to suggest that if she's concealing a dagger anywhere, it's not tucked down the front of her bodice. It takes more boning than she's wearing to hide one there.
The smart money says that if she IS concealing a dagger, it's either under her sleeve at the wrist or tucked into a stocking like a sgian dhu. But whether she has one or not, you're certain that she has a pocket-handkerchief somewhere. A lady ALWAYS has a pocket-handkerchief.
If she's wearing cosmetics, they're very subtle. She may have darkened her eyelashes somewhat, and the glow on her cheekbones might be from something more than the healthful effects of fresh air and exercise... but in this light, it's difficult to be sure. She's certainly not wearing anything that would leave obvious lipstick marks on an uncle's cheek.
Gerard is a huge bear of a man and there is something spatially bizarre about him being stuck in that little wheeled chair. There's a blanket across his lap that hides his ruined legs, but not so completely that Brennan, and any other observers, can't tell the wrongness of the shattered mass under the blanket. His arms are still strong and muscular, probably from wheeling himself around. His handshake is firm, and his voice is deep and steady.
All he says is, "Pleased to meet you, Brennan."
Vere is a tall young man of medium build, just under 6' tall. He is wearing a blue tunic over a gray shirt and a pair of gray leggings, with a thick black leather belt and knee-high black leather boots. He has long black hair, currently tied back with a black leather strap covered in intricate Celtic knotwork, and a short, well-trimmed beard. As you approach his blue eyes flick over you rapidly with a measuring gaze, and no emotion shows on his face.
He shakes your hand with a firm grip, and says, "I shall be happy to speak with you later, although I must confess that His Majesty had not spoken of this to me, and I am uncertain of the exact nature of the 'coordination' he meant. However, matters are progressing rapidly, and I have received the impression that the King does not like to waste time explaining the same subjects over and over again to a variety of people."
Brennan chews on that for just long enough that there's a noticeable pause before his reaction. "Threat assessment, at the very least. We've had a busy week at the Other End." To the latter, "That'd be why we're here, I suspect."
"Indeed." Vere pauses and tilts his head to one side slightly before continuing. "It should prove to be interesting to share information. Quite a lot has happened here over the last several years. In many ways this is not the same Amber that you left." He pauses again. "Some of us suspect that to be true on more than one level."
When Jerod arrives, [Brennan] gives a nod in greeting, since they've already met.
Jerod returns the nod, currently in the company of Gerard and family, though also fairly close to his sister and Caine, enough to be in talking distance without having to speak too loudly.
Caine acknowledges Gerard and his children with a nod; he doesn't look shocked to see his brother, suggesting that he had already met with Gerard while Vere and Solange were getting ready.
Solange smiles back at her uncle.
Llewella does not immediately appear to notice Gerard, Vere, and Solange.
[Solange]
_After I went to all that trouble with the dress, too!_
Vere takes a standing position near his Father, but with his back to a wall and as good a view of the rest of the room as is possible. He quickly notes the title of the book Llewella is reading (and if it doesn't have a title on the outside he memorizes its shape and size in case the possibility arises of looking it up later).
Seeing his sister and Caine, Jerod wanders over, a smile on his face as he greets Caine. "Hello again Uncle." he says, nodding to his sister. "We were a bit rushed last time we met. It's good to see you not dead."
And assuming Llewella re-directs her attention from the book (at least so it appears that she's looking at people instead of surreptiously monitoring the situation), she'll get a nod and a smile from Jerod.
If no one in the group has drinks, and wants them, Jerod will collect them, making sure to get himself a decent sized scotch in the process.
[Brennan] already has a mug of coffee at his side. It's possible that there's been a discrete addition addition made to the coffee, but only Brennan's bartender knows for sure.
"Thank you, Cousin Jerod," Vere says. "Perhaps a small brandy?"
"I'll take a large brandy while your pouring." Conner smiles entering the sitting area. "Good evening all." He smiles to the room.
Solange says, "Dark rum for me... you know that, Jerod," her voice friendly and companionable.
As she indicated, given that Jerod and Solange had spent enough time in the LoP he'd probably have a good idea of what she liked and had it ready for her.
So when she asks, it's in her hand a moment later...after which Jerod has a tiny bit of fun with her brother about his drink...
Jerod returns with a medium sized brandy for Vere. When Vere notices the size of it, Jerod smiles. "It's a family gathering...sip it slow and it might last."
Vere allows a very slight smile to touch his lips as he takes the glass. He does not yet drink, however.
Since Conner's been around more and would know a little more of family gatherings, he gets the large brandy he requested.
Conner smiles. "Someone that knows what a large brandy means. Excellent."
"Yeah...a small scotch." Jerod says chuckling.
[Conner]
"Depends on the brandy and the scotch now doesn't it?" He smiles back.
Brita enters shortly after Conner. She nods to those assembled and gravitates to an area near Conner and Jerod. She is dressed in her usual red jacket with white trim, brown pants and boots. One might wonder if she always wears the same jacket, but it does not look overly worn. :)
When Connor and Brita enter, Brennan gives them the nod he gave to Jerod, since he's already met them.
Jerod smiles a bit more when Brita arrives. "Good day. Looks like you've been busy. Arden still there?"
"So far," Brita smiles back. "Despite hundreds of tromping boots and a Cousin-induced fire, I think Arden will survive." Brita sighs wistfully. "No dragons, though."
Jerod hands her something suitable to her tastes for drinking. "Have no fear...soon you will have large numbers of spatially challenged reptiles to play with."
[Solange, to Jerod]
"How'd it go at your end of things today?"
"Fairly good, though certainly tiring. Felt like an admiral with his arm up at attention reviewing the fleet." Jerod says with a slight grin. "Now I know how your dad feels."
Solange's answering grin is about the same strength.
"I spoke to your brother when I got back concerning a small matter. You might wish to speak to him after the dinner about it. He can fill you in then."
"Such mystery, cousin... I'll be sure to do so, although I have a fair guess of the subject already. Or am I in for two after-dinner chats?" she says, looking at Vere and her father on that last.
Vere replies, "No doubt there will be many after-dinner chats, involving many interesting combinations of individuals. However, I suspect that these two share enough in common that it will be advantageous to combine them." He looks at Gerard and pauses for a few seconds before adding, "Cousin Jerod has offered his aid in assisting us in that small task we were discussing, Father."
Solange nods, her guess confirmed.
Gerard says, "That's gracious of him, if his duties permit it." He sounds very firm.
"But Uncle, that would assume that I will have duties to continue with the return of my esteemed uncles." Jerod replies with ease. "No doubt my small talents will be far overshadowed by them, allowing me some time to devote to assisting your son and daughter in their quest."
Then Jerod leans forward a little, saying quietly. "Besides...if the King doesn't let me go help, I'll just call in that marker he owes me for negotiating him out of that prison cell." Gerard would know that Jerod is still being friendly (there is nothing confrontational in his tone), but Jerod is also serious about the marker. It's clear that Jerod still remembers the conversation he had with Gerard five years ago...and that Jerod has decided to be patient no longer.
Having no desire to provoke his father in so public a space, Vere neither smiles nor nods at Jerod's statement, although both responses fleetingly occur to him. Instead, he glances briefly at Solange to gauge her reaction, then returns to observing everything that is occurring in the room without appearing to be paying attention to anyone.
Solange looks interested in what Jerod is saying, and perhaps a trifle apprehensive -- she knows her father isn't likely to react well to it. She does not comment either.
Gerard smiles. "You'd do well to remember that I have many markers with my little brother as well. I would not see this kingdom fall into ruin for the sake of my legs five years ago, and I willna see it do so now. The fact that I am no longer Regent does not mean I have given up all my duties to Amber."
Jerod chuckles. "I would never forget Uncle that when I play with the big dogs, I am always prepared to get bit. Or that they have more teeth than I." he says. "Nor would I cause Amber grief in my pursuits. I said that to you when you were Regent, and to my father. And I know you'll remember that. Consider then what the sacrifice of that marker would mean Uncle, if I have only the one, compared to your many."
It is evident from Jerod's expression he does not expect or seek a reply from Gerard to his last words.
Lilly enters the library. She is a complete stranger to all save Brennan. For the first few moments though, even he might not recognize her.
No, I daresay Brennan recognizes her.
Gone are the trouser and the warm browns of the simple clothing she wore into battle. Instead she looks very much like a woman. A woman in a very red dress. The cut is very oriental in style. Those from some shadow Earth might think of it as a traditional Chinese cut. The collar is high, the sleeves short. It fall to the floor with ample slits on either side. The bright red fabric is adorned with gold brocade.
The woman herself is of average height. She stands perhaps five and half feet. Her body is lithe, her stature bears a quite confidence. The simple lines of the dress accentuate the small curve of her waist. For all that she is off average height, she has a smaller frame and seems a bit on the thin side. Her hair, hanging sleek and loose to the middle of her back is the color of midnight. Dark eyes peer about the room in search of someone, anyone, recognizable. They settle finally on Brennan as she offers him a thin, hopeful smile.
Solange now feels like a big, pearl-encrusted COW next to this willowy knockout, but she tries to remain serene and unruffled despite that. The column of red did catch her visual attention.
And Jerod proves that just because he acts thick...doesn't mean he is thick. Watching for a moment at the entrance of the new arrival, he picks up on Solange and her reaction. He taps at her glass with his own drink, saying very quietly for her only. "Nah...too skinny." His expression is a wry one, the subtle grin and air of confidence a hint of the charm that he buries except for special occasions. She'd recognize it from when they travelled together - its his way of telling her this one might be a beauty in her own way...but Solange has no trouble turning heads either.
OOC: Blake, how sweet! You're a pal. IC: A smile that says the same thing to Jerod. John Malkovich NOT being creepy for once...
And once he's got the answering grin he knows he'll get from Solange, Jerod looks over at Caine, his brow furrowing slightly - Caine would read this as "And this is?"
Brennan watches everyone's entrance, of course-- that's what he does you see-- but Lilly's is the first eyebrow raiser of the evening. A far cry from the commander with the sword from a week ago.
"Dame Lilly," he says. "Happy to see you've come back to us."
"It is good to know everyone has returned." Lilly replies simply her dark eyes meeting Brennan's.
He nods.
He reaches into his pocket and draws out a pin, identical to the one he wears himself, and holds it out. If Lilly gives permission or implies consent through body language, he will gently pin it to her left collar.
"It is beautiful Sir Brennan. A mark of our Knighthood perhaps?" The fact that she does not reach for the pin and keeps her hands at her side is hopefully all the consent he needs to proceed.
It is, and so he does.
"Glad you like it. And yes, a mark of our Knighthood indeed. I'll give out some more, later, so that when people are actually knighted, they can have one, too."
As he does so (if he does so) he'll murmur into her ear, "Sometime you must tell us about your adventures with Daeon." It's a stab in the ark, but Brennan is a good guesser. Then, more seriously, he murmurs the warning, "I'm sure people will ask. Eventually."
As Brennan pins the pin he feels her physically tense but it quickly eases. As he speaks Lilly's eyes catch sight of Uncle Caine. "Eventually may be sooner then you think. I promise you the story when the time is appropriate."
Brennan nods.
When it's properly fastened, he steps back and takes a moment to survey his handiwork on the clothes of someone other than himself. He doesn't take it back or frown, so he must be satisfied.
There is a pause and then with genuine concern, she asks Brennan. "How is our cousin faring?"
"Alive, last I heard. Both of them. But here comes the man who probably knows best."
[Brennan] then offers to make the exponentially growing number of introductions necessary.
Nodding her consent, the two barely have time to move as another comes to join them.
Conner walks over to make one of them himself. He wears a white shirt tucked into black pants with an emerald green vest His auburn hair is cut short and his smile is warm and welcoming.
"Welcome to Amber, Dame Lilly." He smiles. "I am Conner, Fiona's son."
"Thank you Conner." She extends a hand. Like most of the other female cousins her handshake is strong and firm, almost stronger and firmer then one would expect. "But please, among family, simply call me Lilly." Her eyes then look across to Brennan clearly implying that the comment was meant for him as well.
Conner merely nods at that.
Brennan has an ironic enough look on his face that it's clear he wasn't going to keep up with that level of formality for very long anyway. "Connor is also in charge of the medical facilities in Heather Vale, where the wounded-- including Daeon and Marius-- are being treated. How are they, Connor? Any change?"
"Their conditions are unchanged." Conner replies. "Adonnis continues to rest and heal, while Marius lies in his coma."
"That is good to hear." Lilly does not press further.
Brennan doesn't say anything to that, but nods.
Brita wanders over with her ginger ale (thanks to Jerod) to catch this last part and is rapidly introduced to Lilly, and vice-versa.
"Actually, Uncle Julian indicated that Daeon or Adonis or whoever he is had left the camp for the forest. Apparently, that is how he heals best." She offers an apologetic smile to Conner, "I didn't think to tell you earlier. I did offer to go after him, but Uncle Julian thought it best if he handled it."
Brennan tries to keep from rolling his eyes. He doesn't try hard enough.
Lilly looks at Brita for a moment as of she has three eyes. Then realizing her lack of etiquette she simply shakes her head unable to imagine how he managed to leave on his own two feet.
Brennan then asks if there had been any trouble from the Enforced Teamwork Brigades that he had rousted up to help with the hospital and other tasks. If Brita has joined them, that's a question directed to her, as well. He then explains to Lilly that, "Your men are stationed in Heather Vale, as well, with the rest of the Army. I drafted a number of men from the various units down there and have forced them to continue to work together. They will not relapse into factional antagonism if I have anything to say about it. I did't impress any of your men into service, since I was sure you'd be back soon, but they may have... somehow... gotten the idea the volunteering for that duty was an exceptionally good idea."
Conner grins. "No trouble that I know of. They were all playing nice when I left."
[Brennan]
"Ex-cellent."
[Lilly]
"More good news. Still, even the wisest among us will probably not be able
to sustain peace for a very long period of time."
Brennan doesn't say anything to that, but has a definitely "Never underestimate," glimmer in his eye.
"Have plans been made to return the armies to their homes? If so, when? And, while I'm asking questions, where is Heather Vale in relation to here?" Lilly seems more relaxed while discussing the troops and the logistics involving them. She is definitely more talkative then usual. In fact, she seems down right friendly and pleasant.
"Heather Vale is deep within Arden approximately one day's hard riding from here." Conner replies taking a sip of brandy. "As for sending them home, I presume that is part of what we will discuss tonight. All I do know is that Amber can't sustain them for long so away they must go."
Brita is quiet through this discussion, letting Conner talk. She only adds "Arden will likely remain the staging point for sending the shadow troops home."
Returning to Lilly's comments about factional feuding, he says, mirroring his expression, "Never underestimate. There are some levers we have. The KCOR, for instance, is a powerful motivator to keep the Nobility in line, I think. To a degree, it might be a reasonable lever with some of the other groups, too, I'm not sure. But I think that as soon as possible, you and I and the rest of the crew should sit down and have a talk about the Order. I have a few good candidates, but I've hung back from Knighting them so far, so we can coordinate."
"A discussion would seem to be in order." There is much Lilly is leaving unsaid. There is doubt about the effectiveness such a newly found Knighthood can have. But beyond that, and harder to see, is her reluctance to use power, an sort of power, in what she perceives is a negative way. In other words, Lilly is not one to strong arm.
Brennan, on the other hand, is obviously willing to use a strong arm, if a strong arm is what is needed to prevent a catastrophe. If the various Army factions are willing to come to blows with each other, Brennan is not above devising incentives for them not to do so. The Shadow troops are one thing-- they can be sent home with nigh impunity.
The natives are quite another.
[Brennan]
"I don't know about discussion, as such, but it's one of the issues
that's going to have to be dealt with. I've got some ideas, but
obviously have no great understanding of the city side of the
equation."
Brennan looks around, to see if any of the other Commanders have entered, yet. "Wish Jovian were here, but I'm not sure if conditions are right for him to be able to make it."
Lilly nods. "We should wait until all of us are present to make any major decisions. We are all equals after all."
[Brennan]
"Which is why I'd like him around for the important stuff."
Aisling steps lightly out of the doorway into the library and scans the place. If the lights suddenly went out, she'd be able to dodge to whereever she wanted to be. When her eyes touch on Gerard, her face gets still, but she moves her gaze on to finish the survey of the room.
First things first; and there seems to be a pause here. Smiling, she gracefully wends her way over to the group around Gerard and bows, deeply, spreading her hands-- well, hand, and lack-of-hand. Coming up with a glowing warm smile, she says, "Prince Gerard. I am Aisling."
Gerard, who seems just as happy to change the subject, says, "Pleased to meet you, Aisling. My brother told me you were a great help to us in the battle."
She blushes faintly and murmurs, "I did what I could."
Including Vere in the warm attention, and perhaps he catches her approval at his position, "And may it be that you are Vere?"
Vere returns the bow. "Indeed," he murmurs quietly. It's impossible to read any emotional reaction from him as his clear blue eyes regard her forthrightly.
And then to the third of the group, "And Solange. That hairstyle," Aisling says with sincere admiration, "is splendid."
"Thank you," Solange answers. "It's good to see you again, Aisling." She's also smiling.
Vere watches quietly, still no hint of expression on his face.
Corwin and Merlin are the next family members to arrive at the library.
Corwin is dressed all in black, in sort of a monochromatic suited look. The only departure from the scheme is his silver tie-tack. The suit is double-breasted, and Corwin carries it very well. (Maybe he has more in common with Deirdre than anyone would admit.)
Merlin, the more knowledgeable suspect, has taken a sort of sartorial lead from his father. He's wearing black slacks and a black turtleneck. (Maybe he just likes the color.)
When they enter, Corwin sees Gerard at once, and his face falls. He moves towards his younger brother. Merlin follows. The more sensitive among you suspect that Merlin doesn't quite realize what's wrong, although he knows that something is.
Lilly's eyes look over the small crowd that has gathered. Part of her wants to go and introduce herself. The other part wants to stay as far away from Uncle Caine as possible. She just wasn't sure she could deal with explanations right now. (Those with decent water scores can sense her indecision though the reasoning for it might require a good water score.)
Brennan catches te look, then says, "Well, I see at least one other of our number has arrived," meaning Aisling. "And you may not yet have been introduced to Gerard, heis children, or Jerod." He nods in the general direction of the growing knot of family, to which Merlin and Corwin will soon be added.
He offers an arm to act as escort, and says, "C'mon, I'll introduce you."
There is a slight hesitation. Lilly doesn't seem unhappy to take his arm just a tad confused by the gesture. (The higher the water the more likely to realize Lilly has never taken the arm of anyone who was not a father figure.) The brief pause though gives way to a bright smile and a nod as she entwines her arm in Brennan's.
Brennan is pleased.
Lilly manages to remember her etiquette prior to be led off. "If you'll excuse us Connor and Brita. I do hope we get a chance to talk more later." It certainly sounds sincere.
"I look forward to it." Conner nods to her with a smile.
Brennan's body language indicates that the invitation extends to Brita and Conner, too, and that he'll introduce Aisling to them if they haven't already met.
But, one the moment is started and the momentum started, Brennan strides back over to the Gerardelli, Aisling, and Jerod. (Presumeably this is before or just as Corwin enters, because Brennan would have done it as soon as Aisling enters.)
Although, 'strides' is probably too strong a word. Without making it obvious, Brennan shortens his otherwise very long stride to match something comfortable and stately for Lilly. Besides, it's a Library-- how far away can they be? If Brita and Conner join them, so much the better.
Brita, since she already knew 'Gerard, his children, or Jerod' simply notes as Brennan and Lilly leave, "It was nice meeting you, Dame Lilly."
At this point, Conner excuses himself to go talk to Aunt Llewella and Brita remains behind. She wanders over to a nearby shelf of books and peruses the covers. She is obviously still alert to the goings-on in the room, however.