After Bleys retreats from the conversation with Lilly, Paige and Brennan, there is a rainbow coruscation by him from which Fiona emerges.
Fiona is dressed all in green; it sets off her red locks and pale skin. Like her brother, she is dressed in the old-fashioned manner favored by many of Oberon's children. The line of her gown is a little less fluid than Solange's, but she's petite and the boning probably bothers her less.
She and Bleys speak privately for a few moments, unless they are interrupted.
Shortly after Fiona trumps into the Library, Reid enters via the main entrance. He's not dressed in particularly formal nor elegant clothes. In fact, the blotches of paint in various places around his pockets and on his sleeves would indicate he's probably just wearing what he normally wears every day.
The differences, to those who have been in the castle long enough to know him, are threefold:
1) His long, dark hair is particularly wet. It's not entirely clear if this is from a recent dousing in his rooms, or from some other, perhaps external activity.
2) A wild look is in his eyes. They're open wide, almost unblinking as he enters the room, scanning the faces and places of all assembled. They eventually focus on one person in particular and a large grin spreads across his face.
3) He's carrying a sword. Not something most people are used to him doing. Brita's seen him with one. Perhaps even seen him use it if necessary. Jerod's seen him train, and Paige & Cambina have seen him carry when they went off into shadow, but this is something else... He's not WEARING the sword. And he's not WIELDING it. It's sheathed and wrapped, held in both hands as he crosses the floor towards the target of his stare oblivious to all others.
Unless anyone notices or tries to stop him, he makes brisk, long strides across the room directly towards Paige, Lilly & Brennan.
[Brennan, to Paige]
"Has anyone been able to return to Rebma?"
"Not yet to the best of my knowledge, but I believe that the Rebman embassy is very keen to, soon," Paige says. She looks willing to elaborate on both points, but Reid's approach takes her attention.
At this point, Brennan had been eyeing Bleys and Fiona, looking as though he (and Paige?) might want to join them, if they're not looking like they're going to head back.
Paige's body language seems at ease here, but also there's a few looks Fionaward, as if what they've been discussing she'd like to mull over with more informed minds.
Reid's entrance catches Aisling's eye, and she tenses and watches his moves, visibly ready leap from the chair and use it as a weapon if necessary, though she does glance away enough to assess Gerard's position. She has an instinctual alarm at crazy wet men bearing swords. You'd be amazed, the instincts you get growing up in Chaos...
As Aisling tenses Vere makes a small, sudden motion, just in the corner of her vision, attracting her attention. With minimal motion, and a subtle shift in his expression, his demeanour has suddenly gone from unreadable to soothing, a barely noticeable smile radiating calm and encouragement. His eyes catch hers, he shakes his head fractionally, still maintaining the smile, and then he shifts his gaze to watch Reid's approach to Lilly.
Deftly done; she does meet his eyes, in answer to his headshake raising her eyebrows very slightly in an "ah?" expression, and she then looks back to Reid as well, indeed though looking less likely to do something abrupt.
When Reid walks in, Brennan isn't sure whether to be more interested in Reid with the sword and the big grin striding over to Lilly, or Aisling getting ready to brain him with the chair she's sitting in. Maybe it's a Chaosi thing about gifts.
And at this point, he looks like he's got questions for both Reid and Bleys and Fiona. Either way, one set is going to have to wait, and it will probably be Reid's set that does the waiting while he and Lilly talk.
The fact that Jerod's been the one teaching Reid makes Jerod all the more curious as to what Reid might be up to. But despite Reid looking a bit strange (especially the wet hair look), Jerod does not appear to be concerned. Maybe it's that the sword is wrapped and probably not a threat (wrapped = gift in Jerod's world, usually...:).
In any event, Jerod watches curiously as Reid heads over to Lilly.
Reid arrives standing before Lilly and holds out the bundled sword with both hands. "Lilly. I am Reid. Your cousin." He says it in such a way higher waters would interpret as //your only REAL, full blooded cousin// His smile is still excited, but less menacing than it might have first appeared. Pushing the sword towards her again. "A gift for you. I hope you like it."
As things go well, Aisling returns to her previous state, and returns most of her attention to the group around Gerard, smiling slightly at Vere.
Paige seems entranced by the whole show and curious enough to wait on speaking to Fiona and Bleys, at least for a moment.
Confusion gives way to surprise which in turn gives way to joy. Lilly looks like a child on Christmas who has just been given the hottest, most impossible to find toy of the year. "Thank you."
With extreme care she unwraps the blade, examining it as she does so. Ever so slowly she unsheathes the sword, taking the time to look it over. The smile never leaves her lips.
It's a katana; the quality is superb. Mallett would be proud to have made this blade.
It is clear that she knows how to handle a sword. A very large part of her wants to thoroughly test the weight of the blade. That was almost an instinct. But she manages to refrain and sheathes it to keep the temptation at bay.
"It is beautiful cousin Reid. May I ask of it's origins?"
The blade is long and slightly curved. "Hamakaido work. Folded steel, I'm told. A merchant marine captain found himself in need of pawning it a while back, and I was lucky enough to be in the right place, with enough money." [GMs will be able to give details on the quality of the blade, sharpness, balance, etc. Reid only gathers that it is pretty damned impressive.] "I was hoping you'd like it."
Reid finally relaxes. He scans the room again, more slowly this time. "Your father hasn't arrived yet? It's been..... AGES.... since I've seen him." While scanning Reid spots Fiona and waves shyly.
The question pulls Lilly back to the here and now. "He mentioned something about business to attend to when we returned. I am sure he will be here though. It seemed important to him."
Lilly looks down at the katana and her hands. A very slight sigh escapes her lips as she concludes that the blade should be returned to her rooms. "Please excuse me for a moment. As much as I'd prefer it at my side, I believe this katana should be taken to my rooms. I have had enough controversy over my blade these past few days." There is a smile and a twinkle of the eye and she turns to seek out a page.
Paige smiles and says, "I look forward to talking to you later, Lilly."
Bleys and Fiona are continuing to chat in the corner as Reid enters. They watch his approach to Lilly and the gift of the blade, then Lilly's retreat as she finds a page. The sensitive among you do not feel that they would turn away a newcomer to their discussion.
Cambina and Caine appear to finish their discussion as Corwin decides to join Caine with his drink. Cambina appears to be heading towards Brita and Jerod.
Paige offers her hand to Reid., "Good evening, Reid. You look... well. Wet, but well," she chuckles with a flash of white teeth.
Reid shrugs sheepishly. "As far as I can tell, this is the first time two of Cymnea's grandchildren have been in the same room. Ever. And I couldn't meet the daughter of my favorite uncle empty-handed." Reid offers no further explanation for the state of his dishevelment.
Reid continues. "And you, cousin, look splendid." He takes a third glance around the room, this time looking at things other than faces... "Actually, everyone. Well, most everyone, appears in grand form." He smiles brightly.
Once Reid's attention is sufficiently wide to acknowledge other people, Brennan gives him a friendly nod, as well. "Not a grand-daughter, as I understand it, but Dame Aisling shares your lineage, as well. I notice you are still paint-splotched, as well as wet." It's not inflected as a jab, but as an observation leading up to a fairly obvious question.
"Hmm? Oh, yes. I am. I've not met Aisling properly yet. There was a bit of scurrying about concerning Ygg, but I can't say there's been much more than that. I'd sketched out a fair amount of the family tree, and Random helped fill in some blanks..." Reid trails off.
"It's more of a vine than a tree, I think. I could conceivably fill in one or two more blanks, but Aisling would be far more knowledgeable than I. Speaking of Trees, though, how did the sketching go? Did it proceed to painting? If you don't mind my asking."
"Ygg? Too unique. Ironic, no? Actually, a painting would be fine, but I don't think anyone short of Dworkin himself could make a trump of it. There's a difference between capturing the scene and capturing the essence. Some essences are too complex for even an artist with my eye, intuition and experience." Reid sighs.
"Too unique for a trump?" Brennan gives a snort that probably indicates some level of amusement. "Cousin, that's as much a reason to be able to get close to the place for study as its strategic importance. There must be some clever way around the difficulties, somehow. If some inspiration should happen to strike me, I'll be sure to let you know."
"A drink Reid? Perhaps something to warm a wet Artist?" Paige asks, moving things futher along the path she things Brennan's taking.
"Yes. Hmm. Warm. Wet. Don't suppose a hot toddy is out of the question?" Reid arches his eyebrow at Paige.
"Not easy, but not out of the question," Paige says. "Brennan? Something for you?"
Brennan still has his nigh-ubiquitous mug of coffee. If he was able to dredge some up at the farthest end of nowhere, he's not going to do without here. He thanks her, but declines.
However Brennan responds, she's off to the bar procuring a cup of tea, a lemon slice, a dollop of honey, and a cinnamon stick from the tea service on the sideboard along her way. Finding herself a larger Londoner glass, she starts with the lemon slice and adding a jigger and a half of Lands of Peace spiced rum to dissolve the honey. She then adds enough of the piping hot tea to fill the glass, and stirs it with the cinnamon stick, bringing it back to her cousin.
During which time, Brennan is concluding his conversation with Reid, saying, "I hope you'll excuse me, Reid, but now that Fiona is here, I need to speak with her at least briefly before Random makes his appearance."
"I couldn't find any cloves, but I did what I could," Paige says, offering it to Reid.
"Tell me how much you missed me..." she jokes with Brennan.
"So much so as to become disconsolate, and seek the company of Bleys and Fiona," he says, as he is on his way to seek the company of Bleys and Fiona. It's an invitation, but a moderate enough one that she can easily decline to keep Reid company without worrying about giving any sort of offense.
On the contrary, Reid offers Paige his arm and indicates that they should follow Brennan over to Bleys & Fiona to continue conversation there.
Paige accepts graciously, smiling at Brennan with a small wink.
Brennan may or may not have missed the wink, because at the moment, he was engaged in catching Fiona's eyes and tapping the small case at his pocket as they approach.
When they have crossed the space... "Fiona. Long time no see." Reid hesitates a second before making eye contact, not sure of Fiona's reaction to his presence.
Fiona smiles. "Master Reid. It has been some time, indeed." Reid perceives her as friendly and interested, although with Fiona, there is sometimes that air of cat-interested-in-mouse in her interest ...
"Aunt Fiona, it's wonderful to see you well," Paige says, releasing Reid's arm and greeting Fiona warmly with a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek.
Paige looks around, seeing Conner in deep conversation with Llewella and Brita with Jerod. "Really, we must save your daughter," she says to Fiona. "This dinner's to be enjoyable and no more trouble than it has to, and I'm sure that she's done nothing to deserve Jerod talking her ear off all evening."
Paige turns and smiles at Brita, trying to get her attention, a small movement with her hand matches the words, "Join us, cousin."
Having nothing in particular against Jerod at this early stage in their acquaintance, Brennan's got no particular comment to add, there. He does take the opportunity to survey the room again, take stock of who is talking to whom, who follows whom, etc.
Then his eyes fix for a moment on him who we the omniscient players know to be Ossian, and he asks the Clarissi Quorum in general (and Reid) "Who's the one with the reddish hair, over there?" If someone could possibly think Brennan meant Conner, even though he's obviously looking in a different direction, he adds, "Not Conner."
All in a low enough voice that it won't carry beyond the group.
"Ossian. Student... er... former student of Brand. Don't think anyone's actually owned up to being his parent, but he seems to get along here well enough that most consider him family." Reid offers with a hint of irony.
"Oh, was he," Brennan says in a flat voice.
"Yes, a rather capable Artist," Paige says in an attempt obviously move the conversation from the problem topic. "He's well past my ability. Really, he should be the one to tutor Folly, not I, but I'm still flattered she asked."
Paige looks at Brennan, "Have you met our purple haired trubador, cousin? She too is of unknown heritage, but Random attested to her heritage and there's no doubt that her music has a Pattern-like ability."
To Aunt Fiona and her father, "She used it to great effect in lessening Uncle Gerard's pain in the early days after his injury."
"Have either of them walked the Pattern?" asks Fiona.
Brennan shook his head, no, to the question of whether he had met Folly, and noted to himself the attempt to move the conversation off the delicate topic of Ossian's tutelage, but otherwise has nothing immediate to add.
His expression indicates some interest in the answer to the Pattern walk question.
Paige was aware of how obvious the move was, but didn't want to argue with Brennan over the same issues that she did with Jerod, "Ossian, yes, but not Folly, that I know of, Aunt Fiona. Not having one in residence has put a damper on any plans she had in that vein. Neither has Vere, Gerard's son, I believe." She gestures across the room to emphasize her comment, noticing Ossian still speaking with Merlin, and remembering the young Chaosian's expression when she left earlier.
Sardonic smiles seem to be the order of the evening for the Knights, as Brennan's only reaction to that-- and it seems to be the note about Ossian and Tir-na Nog'th that triggers it-- is a sardonic smile and a fractionally raised eyebrow.
"You'll excuse me, if you please," Paige says. "I've just remembered that I promised a friend a word before dinner."
Paige bows slightly to Fiona and her father and raises a glass to her cousins as she departs.
Ossian of course grabs the opportunity to chat with this new cousin [Merlin]. Ossian's body language does by no means exclude anyone from joining the conversation.
"Is this your first time in Amber?"
"Yes. Martin and Paige have told me a great deal about Amber, however."
"Good. Then you know what you see when you take the guided tour. Of course, their descriptions might differ from reality, especially now.
"Paige said you do some painting? I'd be very happy to see some of that stuff some day."
"I have some of my work with me," says Merlin, and pulls out a Trump case. There are four cards in it: Martin, Paige, Merlin, and a dark-haired woman unknown to Ossian. "Do you paint as well, Ossian?"
"Sure." Ossian pulls his own slim Trump case. He shows Merlin the Brand Trump and the Beach Trump.
Ossian thinks Merlin recognizes Brand, and experiences some consternation at his appearance among Ossian's Trumps. But he does not comment.
"Some of those are mine as well." Ossian points at the official family paintings on the walls. "Folly, Paige, myself, Vere, Vialle, Cambina, Solange and Lucas." Ossian hesitates fo a moment.
"And that one too." He points at Jerod in fog. [Hm. At least I think those are the portraits Ossian did. I think Reid did everyone that arrived after him.]
Ossian studies Merlin's cards closely. What is Merlin's style? Can Ossian make an estimation of Merlin's talent?
Ossian thinks Merlin is extremely talented. There's something interesting about his cards. They're not perfectly representational in a photographic style, and something about them suggests to Ossian that he doesn't have quite the same visual viewpoint or frame of reference or something when it comes to painting that Ossian and, say, Paige or Reid all share.
[There are paintings availible by Ossian in many styles, (but none totally abstract) The library portraits are almost photographic. Ossian seems to like weird perspectives, surrealism and weightlessness. He also does very much in black-and-white. I think the Beach Trump is looks almost photographic, or even hyperreal, while the brand Trump is just a tiny bit surreal.]
[Merlin's style of painting is probably the closest thing to Ossian's own that he's ever seen. It's as if Merlin is used to living in a surreal world where perspectives don't work quite rightly, among other minor differences.]
[Q: I seem to remember something about a nude portrait or Trump of Paige. Is that on display?]
[Ossian _has_ painted a nude portait of Paige. Whether and where that is on display should be up to Paige.]
"The portrait of Paige is very good," Merlin says politely, "but I do not know the others well enough to judge. Who is the one all in grey?"
"It is a portrait of dear cousin Jerod over there." Ossian points, and continues slightly sneeringly "Our relationship was kind of clouded."
Ossian flips through Merlin's cards once more. "These are remarkable. Totally unique, in my experience. I wish..." Ossian looks at Paige, at the card, at Paige... "Hm. I think we should try working together on something some day very soon."
"I have never collaborated with another artist, not even my Mistress," says Merlin. "It would be an interesting experiment."
"Neither have I. So it would be interesting." Ossian says, arching an eyebrow. "Is this your Mistress?" he asks looking at the unknown woman Trump.
"Not in matters of Trump," says Merlin. "The lady is my mother."
Ossian senses that Merlin is frightened of his mother. Merlin finds his current situation in this unknown place called Amber a little disturbing, and the number of powerful relatives he's coping with a bit unnerving. But his mother is the devil he knows, and the unknown is less frightening than she is.
"I guess I should have seen that" Ossian says, furrowing his brow "she is...fearsome?"
Merlin nods at this assessment.
As Merlin and Ossian sort of break off into their own little group, Gerard turns to Aisling and asks, "How are you finding Amber, Aisling? It must be very different from your home, based on what I've heard."
Aisling runs her hand through her hair, taking the chance to look at the floor and stall. "I..." she takes a breath, and looks Gerard in the face, and starts again, "This... isn't my first to Amber. That came six years ago-- well, six years for me, a few months before Corwin and Bleys attacked-- when I was sent to watch you." She looks away from Gerard, sharing her attention up at the other two, "I found I loved Amber enough to stay, and Oberon offered me that chance." With a tentative small smile back to Gerard, she adds, "It is very different from where I came." Her left hand is wrapped around her right upper arm, the bandaged hand tucked away behind her left arm.
Vere's attention snaps into focus on Aisling with a frightening intensity. While he was showing no obvious emotions before, the sudden absolute stillness of his body and lack of any expression whatsoever on his face or in his body language is evidence of enormous self control. In a voice devoid of any emotion save cold curiosity he inquires, "Sent to watch us? Would you mind clarifying that statement?"
Solange gently lays a concerned hand on her brother's arm. "I'd be interested in hearing the story, too," she says to Aisling, trying for something a little more reassuring than Vere's tone. She glances over at her father to see how he's reacting.
Aisling is also very still, and she raises her face to look up at [Vere] steadily. "I was a spy. I do not think my count was of a faction involved in the war against Amber, for I never saw any results of my presence save those I caused."
High waters can tell that she is frightened.
Solange is not especially high water, but she's a little frightened of her brother's reaction herself, so it's not hard for her to get there. The look she gives Aisling is mixed sympathy and consternation.
Aisling doesn't react to this.
Vere continues to regard Aisling silently for a moment, then glances at his sister and father before returning his attention to Aisling. His body language and expression soften swiftly, and when he speaks his voice is soothing, "I did not mean to react harshly, Cousin Aisling. This was a surprise to me, and surprises mislike me. Clearly there is much more to this story, and if you are so inclined I would be very interested to hear of it, when and if you feel that you wish to speak of it. For now, it is enough that you are a member of the Family."
Solange looks relieved.
Vere rests his hand over his sister's hand on his arm, and he looks at her seriously, "I choose to trust the Family," he says.
"I understand," Solange says, nodding. She seems to understand the gravity of her brother's statement.
Aisling ducks her head in acknowledgement to Vere's words, the action allowing Solange time to chime in, and replies seriously, "I have also made that choice." But there's unhappiness about something in the exchange, and more there that she wants to say.
Gerard has let his son and daughter react while considering his own reaction, which is surprise, dismay, and concern (although how much is for Vere's reaction and how much is his initial reaction to what Aisling said isn't clear, of course).
Wandering to the hall, Lilly had truly intended to summon a page and be done with it. But her rooms were not far. She could be there and back in only a few minutes time if she hurried. Smiling, she set off.
Opening the door, she entered without taking the time to ensure that it had closed again behind her. Alone, in her chambers, she couldn't resist the urge to try out the katana. Unsheathing it, she took a few moments to just look at it once again. Beautiful. She liked cousin Reid already.
It was not a weapon she had used often but like most blades she knew the basics and a bit beyond. Having something she would have to practice with to perfect gave her a sense of joy and excitement. With grace, she went through a few of the well remembered movements. She quickly realized that anything too complicated might put an undo amount of stress on the dress she was wearing. For as long as she could remember, she had felt men's clothing just much more practical, especially for dueling.
That thought put the smile back on her face. With a sigh she sheathed the blade once more and wrapped it gain as it had been when presented to her. She lied it upon her bed beside with her sword. For a long moment she just stared at the two weapons. It was a very nice to start to what she hoped would one day become of fine collection of blades. Sighing Lilly realized that she had better make her way back to the party, and quickly.
"You two play nice. It wouldn't do for me to come back and find something amiss." There was just the tiniest hint of laughter brought on by the giddy joy she was feeling as she said that.
Turning she made her way from the chamber without even considering bringing Bleys' trump card along.
Brita [perfectly content to talk to Jerod, by the way :)] has watched Paige, Reid, and Brennan approach her mother. Seeing Paige motion to her, she glances significantly towards Cambina who was making her way towards Jerod and Brita. She notes to Jerod, "Paige is inviting us over to meet my mother, but it looks like Cambina is interested in talking as well. Any preference? I am content to let Master Reid catch up with Mother without his student around, preventing more meaningful conversation."
"Actually, Paige is inviting you." Jerod says, taking a sip of his drink. "She's looking to see if she can score points in the endless game of one-upmanship she claims not to follow." and he chuckles. "Possibly by not inviting me she figures she achieves that.
"However, I would think it might be good for you to see your mother. It sounds as though you didn't have much chance in Arden. And it's been a long time for you." Jerod says, looking at Brita and smiling a little. "I know what it's like to miss family. You at least have a chance to get re-acquainted." and he motions. "Go on. We can talk later. Perhaps tomorrow? We can do morning sparring if you'd like."
Brita notes Paige's departure as she crosses the room towards the group and wonders if Jerod had it wrong. Maybe Paige wanted him to join the group and not Brita. This thought produces a slight "no matter" shrug.
Cambina arrives to join Jerod and Brita at this point. "I should have waited for you to arrive, Jerod. Then I could have had a whiskey sour mixed the way I like instead of settling for wine. Caine may be a brilliant admiral but he's a ham-handed bartender."
"That's why he's an admiral." Jerod says. "He can order someone else to get the drinks." and he goes and collects a whiskey sour for his sister while she talks to Brita, returning a few moments later.
She smiles at Brita. "Isn't this exciting? It reminds me of when I was a girl and Father brought me to court for the first time. Tonight, though, there are enough new family members that the attention isn't all on any of us."
"Court at Asgard was not this... courtly." Brita notes. "My uncles tended to drink and fight a lot more than is obvious here." As Jerod returns with Cambina's drink, "If you two will excuse me, Cousins, I will go see if my mother needs anything. Jerod, I look forward to sparring with you tomorrow." With a nod to both Cambina and Jerod, Brita moves off to join the group of Bleys, Paige, Fiona, Brennan, and Reid.
"I will be there." Jerod says (and unless the universe explodes, he'll be there. If the universe explodes, he'll be ten minutes late).
Martin and Benedict walk into the library together. Martin is grinning, as if Benedict has just said something he thinks is highly amusing.
Martin, as noted elsewhere, is wearing jeans and an oxford (button-down shirt). His hair is neatly combed, his shoes are shined. The observant among you think he looks less rumpled than usual, although his vibe says casual effortlessness.
Benedict, like Bleys, is dressed in Amber-appropriate gear. He's wearing neutral browns, unlike Bleys' flamboyance.
On entering the room, Martin breaks away from Benedict. He appears to be heading towards Conner and Llewella. Benedict looks around, as if seeking someone in particular, but not finding that person.
Paige, on her way toward Ossian and Merlin, detours to her eldest uncle. Offering her hand as she approaches, she smiles, "Prince Benedict, a pleasure to meet you. I'm your neice Paige, Bleys's daughter."
He bows. "Niece", he says, politely.
"If you're looking for Lilly, she was last seen trying to find someone to return a present to her rooms. It seems Reid was pleased to meet your daughter and felt he couldn't do it empty handed." She indicates Reid across the room with the redhead contingent.
"I'm sure he could tell you more about it, I can only say that it was a very lovely looking sword," Paige remembered the shared origins, but really it was her cousin's story to tell.
"It has been some long since I have seen Reid, but I count him clever for bringing my daughter steel instead of flowers."
Paige smiles, "She seemd to appreciate it, too.
"You'll excuse me, Uncle, but it's been wonderful meeting you. Martin speaks very well of you and I've always wanted to make your aquaintance personally."
With a small bow, she continues along her path to find Merlin...