After about thirty seconds, [Brennan] realizes that even though he's heading courtward, there's a good chance Random will have gone somewhere else, perhaps even out of Xanadu, if he's already had some news of the attack. Then he realizes he still has Gerard's pack of Trump tucked in his sword belt.
He stops, puts on his game face, pulls out Random's Trump and swings the hammer of his personality at it.
[Assuming Gerard has a Random Trump, and that Random answers with the traditional "Who?" or a variation thereof.]
[Gerard is playing with a full deck.]
"Who calls?"
"Brennan. I have news. Please bring me through."
A hand reaches for his and Brennan feels a sensation not unlike that of stepping through a Parted Veil. He arrives in an antechamber of the main hall. Random is sitting on a small sofa and Soren Daniels is standing across the room. "What news?" says Random.
Brennan takes a moment to survey the room carefully, and find a place to stand. He nods cordially to Soren, but addresses his comments to the King.
"Brita, Conner, Paige, the Twins, and a young Ranger are in the infirmary with Gerard right now. Brita and the Ranger-- Breeze-- are seriously injured, but not gravely. They bore the brunt of an attack by the Beast of Arcadia, which Conner believes was directed at taking the Twins.
"By Conner's report, the Beast... possessed... the Twins, Breeze, and several others. The others and Sir Daeon, who returned recently, fought them."
Deep breath. "Majesty. Daeon is dead. By Conner's tale, I believe he drew the Beast into himself, somehow, then burned himself to death to rid his children and Amber of her."
"He what?" says Soren.
"He 'burned himself to death', Daniels. Pay attention." Random turns to Brennan, "People don't just decide 'I think I'll burn myself to death, to protect my babies.' Hells. Does Julian know yet?"
"Unknown," Brennan says. After a moment's reflection, during which he keeps his hands clasped behind his back, he says, "Unlikely. I just finished bandaging Brita moments ago. I thought he should hear it from someone who was there.
"I doubt Jovian knows, either. Or Robin."
Random closes his eyes and nods, once. "Merde. I can't go now." He opens his eyes and explains himself. "Hannah's walking the pattern and she's having a tough time of it. I can't leave until she's done."
That lifts an eyebrow, and for a moment takes precedence over the unasked question lurking behind Brennan's eyes-- Are we allowed to kill this thing?
Still sprawled in the chair, he looks over at Brennan, as if he is about to continue, then sits up straight and holds out a hand towards Brennan and Soren, palm up.
"You've heard? We have news. Bad news. Take my hand."
It's not hard to figure out that Random isn't talking to Brennan and Soren. If he's close enough to interfere with whoever is coming through, he steps back. Soren has already seen at least one person materialize out of thin air, so he probably knows what to expect. But if he steps forward, Brennan will give him a subtle shake of the head.
In a rainbow flash of light, Folly is standing beside Random, holding his hand. She steps forward and suddenly Garrett is there as well, holding her other hand. The rainbow effect fades quickly.
Garrett's eyes dart around the room as he tries to get his bearings. He's still holding a trump in one hand. He drops Folly's hand and quickly turns his attention to the King.
Random looks at Folly, his eyes wide. "Quick update. Adonis is dead in the recent attack on Castle Amber, which may or may not be over. We've got an audience chamber full of audience expecting The Big Royal Show out front and a different line-up than they're expecting. We'll hit the stage after Vialle and Lilly come down. I've got a matter keeping me from returning to Amber, but it may clear up soon, in which case I'll be needed there."
Folly hasn't let go of Random's hand yet, and from the way her fingers tighten around his, she's not likely to anytime soon. She has gone very still, very calm -- but Random, who is standing very close and who knows her very well, can tell she's fighting back tears.
Random keeps her hand in his and squeezes with just his index finger. 120 bmp, strong on 1 and 3, and steady and even.
Folly still looks very sad, but the rhythm gives her something to hold on to. Her breathing steadies, and she maintains control. She gives Random's hand a gentle squeeze of thanks.
Garrett glances at Folly with concern, but since he never met Adonis, he is able to remain calm. Analytically, efficiently calm. Just like in the Sundering.
"After I come back, we've got a long to-do list, including discussing how and who to clear out of Amber without causing a panic. Feel free to come up with great ideas while I'm gone." Random looks down at the floor for a second, then looks back up.
"I also will need to talk to Julian, who I don't think knows of this yet." He looks grim.
"The bar and the floor are open while we wait for Vialle and Lilly."
Folly retrieves her voice from behind the primal wail she's fighting back and says hoarsely, "Right. Update from our side. Martin's already back in Amber. He ---"
She presses her lips together tightly and takes a deep breath. The others in the room can practically hear the mantra playing in her mind: I will not freak out. I will not freak out. I will not freak out.
Garrett touches Folly's shoulder supportively. He appears ready to finish the briefing if she can't.
She exhales slowly and continues:
"He was already headed that way at Bleys's request, but then Merle trumped him and pulled him straight through. That was just a few minutes ago."
Folly looks into Random's eyes, and her hold on his fingers becomes a deathgrip. "And if you go rushing back there, too, I will personally kick your ass. Okay?"
With another glance at Folly, Garrett calmly takes over the explanations. "Sire, Martin said he'll take charge on that end and report back if you're needed. He wished for you to remain here until you hear from him," he reports officially. Garrett makes no apologies for the embellishment. He's sure that's what Martin meant.
Brennan, still in silk and swordbelt, doubts that either Folly or Garrett have registered his presence. He clears his throat. "You should absolutely not go back to Amber before we hear back from the Prince with an all-clear." And Random knows exactly why, but for Garrett's benefit, he adds, "One of you in danger is quite sufficient."
Garrett nods. He agrees with Brennan whole-heartedly.
He rounds on Garrett. "And you shouldn't be here, either. Not right here." Turning back to Random, "He should be somewhere safe and separate from both you and Martin until the all clear comes back." Brennan doesn't sound like he expects that to happen, but he says it anyway. "Following that train of thought, someone needs to kickstart Prince Garrett's education. Given that Amber is facing threats capable of killing Daeon in the presence of three of his cousins, that shouldn't be Prince Martin. Put me on the list of volunteers to squire His Highness."
Folly looks at Brennan, and he can tell by her expression that something he said disturbed her. But at his mention of squiring Garrett, she gives a small nod.
Brennan's assessment of the situation surprises Garrett, but at the offer of squireship, Garrett looks to his father. Though his expression remains neutral, he hopes Random takes Brennan up on the offer. The more Garrett considered it last night, the more he believes Brennan's straight-forward style would be a better fit for him than Martin's 'you-don't-need-to-know' secrecy.
Brennan frowns through the rest of his words. "For Amber, start thinking numbers. If you want an evacuation in, say, a year, you're signing up to thousands of immigrants a day. Every day. With as much of their households as they can manage. Is there any realistic option other than laying down a Shadow Path and cutting it when we're done? Take some time, start getting this place as ready as you can for lots of people. Start tapping the nobles you can trust for their discretion and leverage their resources.
"At the same time, Amber is probably going to get uncomfortable and unpleasant. Let it. If this means that Arcadia is going to bring war to Amber, Amber's defenses are going to need to be stepped up, city and castle both. You have the Knights and the core of the standing army, in addition to Julian's Rangers. Use them, visibly. By the time you're ready to start receiving, I'm sure people will be ready to start arriving."
None of this gladdens Brennan's heart.
"And we should probably get some Xanadhavian Trumps made, while we're at it."
Random nods and holds out three fingers. He still hasn't let go of Folly's hand. "Three, yes. We'll need to gather back our errant trump artists. Has anyone checked in with Ossian lately? Or Reid?"
He looks around the room.
"Yeah," Folly says. "I talked to Ossian last night. He's still..."
Her eyes widen, as if something unexpected just occurred to her. "He's still off on his vision quest or whatever, but I expect we can get him back here pretty quickly when he finds out about the Usurper." She swallows, betraying her nerves. "I, ah, I guess Paige and Brita are both still in Amber?"
"Brennan, they're in the infirmary, right?" Without waiting for his reply, Random turns to Folly. "They're here."
Folly immediately looks much less worried.
"Two. Absolutely. Any castle we can't keep safe from attack for more than a couple of weeks at a time needs to be militarized. We'll pull out the staff almost immediately and bring the women and children of the soldiers who stay here." He ticks off his second finger.
"Two-B. Amber is a naval power and her friends are a circle of nautical trading partners. We evacuate by sea. With a little magically guaranteed good weather, a flotilla of more-or-less seaworthy vessels, and an adequate number of Oberon's chillins to lead them, we should be able to make some serious moves.
"Two-C, All of this is predicated on Julian not burning Arden to the last matchstick in his rage."
He holds up his index finger. "One. This attack couldn't have happened if I'd been in Amber with my magic rock to defend the castle. My going there makes it safer, not more dangerous. I appreciate the offer of an ass kicking," he says, looking at Folly's eyes, "really, I do, but sometimes the right thing is for the King to throw himself headlong at the danger."
Brennan looks like he's going to argue with this-- perhaps strenuously-- but he does Random the courtesy of letting him finish first... by which time, the argument isn't necessary.
Folly looks ready to argue, too. After all, she was there at that party with the shrieking chaos harpy and her pointy implements of doom. But...
"Besides, I can't go yet. Hannah's on the pattern and she may need my help. Someday, I'm gonna have to meet her father. If he's anything like her subconscious thinks he is, he's a real piece of work."
Brennan lets that slide, but obviously tucks it away for future reference.
Folly can feel Garrett stiffen beside her. His jaw clenches and his eyes flash as he holds his reaction in check. She just arrived! They don't even know who her parents are, yet *she* gets to Walk? Garrett's determination burns even deeper now.
Folly might be indignant on Garrett's behalf, had not another realization just overwhelmed her thoughts. Her cheeks go a little pink, and she looks sidelong at Random. _He knows what I saw on the Pattern._
Random doesn't notice. Or doesn't seem to notice.
"Daniels, I'd like a beer, since you're over there. Folly? Anyone?"
Garrett shakes his head.
Folly opens her mouth to accept, but the immediate protest from her stomach changes her mind. She suddenly realizes that she never had breakfast, and she's feeling a little queasy from all the stress. "Maybe *after* Court," she says.
"I'll save my drinking for when I have to break the news to Jovian," Brennan says. "But a change of clothes would be good."
He continues, "Burning down Arcadia was going to be my suggestion," and he is perfectly serious about it... even if he's not looking for torches and oil just yet. "I thought about the sea route, but there's some obvious questions. Number one is, do you think you can move that many people at once, or were you planning on going in phases? If you can't, how were you planning on not panicking the rest? And if you can... can this place be ready for them all when they come?"
He glances at Garrett, both because of the points that Random didn't respond to, and to see how the young man is bearing under the presure. The look invites his thoughts without calling him out specifically-- there's only so informed an opinion he can have without having Walked, after all. Still.
Random swigs the beer. "Thing is, most of them will come. The city will grow, because that's what they do. I can't really explain why. And people who've travelled in shadow and people who have been near a pattern before are the must susceptible. By providing a vector, we're setting the timing, and maybe diverting a few from Paris, but we're also keeping people from getting lost or staying where they're at risk.
"Some won't come, but it really won't be too long before Amber is a sleepy little mountain town with picturesque herds of Alpacas dotting the slopes."
Garrett perks up as if the pieces of some great puzzle have just clicked into place. _Moving. Not just the castle but... everyone._ He resolves that he will be part of this mission. He will not be shoved in some safe closet somewhere.
There's a determination in Garrett's eyes that wasn't there at the beginning of the conversation. He looks between Brennan and the King as he speaks. "Sire, I can be a liaison between the staff, their families and the royals. Granted, me position has changed, but they still know me. I speak their language and I know how they think. At least most of 'em," he adds as Volume's face pops into his head.
Garrett looks significantly at Brennan. "And I should start me training immediately. If I'm to be any help at all, I'll need to know how to use the Pattern sooner rather than later." His determined look goes back to the King.
Random opens his mouth to reply, but stops when Folly speaks.
"Forgive me," Folly interjects quietly, "but -- burning down Arden and Arcadia? Would one of you mind please telling me just what happened to Adonis?"
Random looks at Folly and waits for silence to settle over the room. "The dragon, the one that Julian is at war with in Arden, attacked the castle. It took over several people and then attempted to control Adonis. He managed to suppress it long enough to step into the hearth, catch fire, and burn himself and it to ashes. That report we don't have yet from Martin will be telling us if they think it's cleared up."
In the silence that follows that remark, the door opens and Lilly escorts Vialle in.
"He left us your card," Folly says quietly to Random, "and I don't know how easy it'll be for him to borrow another -- so you may want to contact him yourself." She looks like she'd like to say quite a bit more, but Vialle's arrival forestalls it. Instead, she gives Random's hand one more gentle squeeze and then, reluctantly, releases it.
Random keeps his hand out for a moment, as if he's resting it on the small of someone's back. He looks slightly distracted. Then he drops his hand and smiles.
Dragons. Sh*t. Garrett remembers the panic that ensued when the dragons showed up at the Coronation Ball. The Queen's entrance startles him out of the memory, however. Reflexively, he bows deeply in greeting. "Your Majesty."
Lilly looks directly at Garrett and manages something resembling a smile. It is meant to be reassuring. Yet, she still looks a little concerned and out of sorts.
Garrett's return glance and slight nod is emotionless. Not unfriendly, but more like he has a lot on his mind.
Folly turns to stand with Garrett, ready to introduce him to Vialle if no one else thinks to. Although, she thinks as she smiles a greeting at Lilly, she feels certain someone else will.
"Majesty," Brennan says, as is his custom to let Vialle know that he's present. "Folly and Garrett are here as well."
"Good morning, Vialle, and welcome," Folly says. She opens her mouth to continue, but...
Then [Brennan] sees Lilly. He greets her with a heavy voice, "Lilly," although there's an echo of a tired field commander in it. For Folly's and Garrett's benefit as well as Lilly's and Vialle's, he gives a concise summary of what he knows. Lilly can probably tell that this isn't the first time he's told this story.
"Not long ago, the Dragon of Arcadia attacked Amber, using possessed victims as the means. We have every reason to believe that her targets were Paige's and Daeon's twins. Paige, Brita, Conner, and Daeon confronted them. Her. Daeon... Daeon sacrificed his life to defeat that attack and save his children. All the rest were in the infirmary with Gerard when I left them, in various stages of injury-- Brita has serious burns, the rest, less severe."
Lilly looks appalled. Anger flares in her eyes. Any lingering hint of a smile is replaced by a look of determination. The problems in Arcadia must be dealt with. Now.
Brennnan looks around the room, and runs a tally. "Prince Martin is in Amber. Celina joined us with the infirmary just before I left." A pause. "I infer that Bleys has gone back to Amber already. Does anyone know where Lucas, Caine, and Cambina are?"
"Lucas was here," Lilly responds. She leaves out the if anyone should know where Cambina is, it should be you remark because she is aware that she can not say it without sounding petty and jealous. Instead she just leaves it at that and awaits information from someone more informed.
"He's not--" Garrett begins, but cuts himself off as Soren speaks.
Soren has moved to the curtained door to the hall. "I don't see them out there, but Thorn has a number of petitioners."
Random glances at Soren and says "wait." He turns to Garrett. "He's not?"
Garrett looks a little uncomfortable with the sudden attention, but recovers and explains. "No, Sire. He went back to Amber to check on his children. Martin knows about it."
"Hmm. Well, anyway, Caine and Cambina went to town this morning. I expect her to show up somewhere that it's absolutely crucial for her to be and not be able to explain the impulse that drove her thither. Caine will turn up, too.
"If Lucas is in Amber, he's accounted for." Random cocks his head and clicks his tongue.
"What is it, dear?," asks Vialle. She closes the distance to where she hears Random and he stands up and takes her outstretched hand.
"Oh, I just thought Lucas meant to come to court this morning. Ah, well. It's been a busy morning. "OK, folks, here's the plan. In order: One, check on Martin, see what he needs. Two, court here, three pow-wow in the kitchen cabinet. Got it? I know it's been a big deal day, but we need to get through the rest of it, so stiff upper lip. Ok, curtain in five. Who has a trump of Martin?"
"I do," Folly replies, reaching into her pocket to retrieve it. She sounds completely calm, ready for business. "You wanna make the call, or shall I?"
When Folly takes out her trumps, Garrett hands Random's back to her. He then steps back next to Brennan to observe the call and the court preparations. Realizing he's more liability than asset at this point, Garrett pulls on his best attempt at court demeanor and silently thanks his grandfather for teaching him how to play poker.
Folly gives Garrett a tiny nod of thanks as she takes the trump and slides it into her case. She carefully pulls out another card and holds it out, face-down, toward Random.
Random reaches for the trump and [assuming Folly hands it to him], concentrates on it for a moment.
"It's me. Is now a good time to ask for a status report?"
[pause]
"We've got some of your wounded here and we've heard of casualties. Do you need anything else to secure the castle?"
[pause]
"Brita and a Ranger named Breeze are in the infirmary. Solange is there? Good, we've been trying to account for people and she was on the 'unknown' list. Is there anyone else you should send here immediately?"
[pause]
"O-kaay. How are the staff? Do we have any unfixable problems with people over the fact that the castle got targeted twice in two months?"
[pause]
"OK, I'm locked in here for at least a few more hours, then I'm gonna want to come see things. It sounds like things are under control. Has anyone spoken to Julian? Who knows enough to tell him something useful?"
[pause]
"How can it be all over and not safe?"
[pause]
"O-kaay. I'll trump you when we're done with the locals and you can update me then. Anyone need to go through?" The question seems to be addressed to both Martin and Random's nephews and nieces in Xanadu.
Folly shakes her head 'no', mostly to herself, since Random's eyes are focused on the trump. She herself is staring intently at a spot on the floor as if to keep herself from changing her mind.
Brennan, who has practiced the art of listening to half a conversation without seeming to listen to any of it at all, gives a conspicuous look down at his apparel and says, "I'm not exactly dressed for the occasion. I'd like to go back through."
Before being handed through, though, he turns to Garrett, saying, "You and I need to have a talk. Soon, yes?" The fact that Brennan's voice turns up at the end of the sentence in no way makes it a real question. Accordingly, he doesn't expect an answer.
Turning back to Random, he unclips the pack of Trumps that Gerard had tossed him. "Jovian probably doesn't know, either. I'll guess how long it will take to reach Julian, and then try to have the right Trump in Jove's hands when I tell him." He presses the pack into Random's hand as he goes through, and just before says, "Gerard loaned these to me. And I hope to have news about my brother, soon."
[And presumeably, he disappears into a shower of rainbows.]
[Random hands through anyone who wants to be handed through and then...]
"Alright then. See if you can get things back to safe soon. If it wouldn't be bad for Amber, I'd like you to be here for the "WTF now?" meeting we're gonna have this afternoon."
[pause]
"I'm not in a war zone, kiddo. You keep safe."
Random closes the contact.
Random blinks twice and looks around. "Well. It's all over but it's not safe, which is not exactly what I was hoping for. Everyone ready for Part Two? Soren, if you'd lead us out..." He hands the trump back to Folly.
Soren nods once, and steps out from behind the curtain. Random takes Vialle's arm and waits for his family to precede him.
Folly puts her trumps away, runs one hand through her still-damp hair, and falls into step behind Soren, just like a thousand other showtimes on a hundred other stages. Only this time they probably won't sweat as much.
She spares another quick glance at Garrett, friendly-like, inviting him to stand with her if he wishes. Then the curtain parts and she's Onstage.
Garrett quickly steps in beside her just as the curtain begins to open. Back straight, shoulders level, heels together, expression neutral. Just like delivering messages to the King's office.
Random and Vialle follow the rest of the relatives out.
Soren acts as herald, announcing the members of the family. He has to get a quick prompt from Folly to correctly name Lilly, and he announces Garrett as Prince Garrett without so much as the blink of an eye. The petitioners are pretty informal; they don't have much of an idea of what to do with a king other than bow to him and call him "your majesty".
The fellow Lilly and Folly saw acting as headman, one Master Bulwark, seems to have the Xanadu locals well in hand. He confers with Soren to get the cases presented. Random makes all the rulings, asking for advice from Vialle, Folly, Lilly, and Soren. There are no cases involving horses, so he doesn't call on Garrett's expertise for that.
The cases are mundane civil matters: market cheating, short weighting, debts not paid as promised. Folly, who attended court in Amber during the Regency, can see that Random instinctively relies on Amber precedent, but has definite ideas of justice of his own.
Every now and then Folly whispers something informative to Garrett about similar cases she saw in Amber, to give him an idea of how these things usually played out. But mostly she listens to the petitioners, getting an idea of who they are and where their concerns lie. She smiles encouragingly at those who seem unsure of the protocol and generally seems deeply, genuinely interested in the concerns and well-being of all the petitioners.
Since Garrett was expecting the use of his title, he manages not to react to it. He hasn't been to court before, but he's been in the presence of the royals enough to be able to copy their behavior. He nods politely. He speaks when he's spoken to. He bows if necessary, watching for Folly's cues. His primary goal is to NOT be an embarrassment. Garrett listens to the cases intently, keeping any opinions he has about either side to himself. And he gratefully listens to any information Folly gives him.
Lilly listens and observes. She wants to remember as many of the names and faces as possible. Her focus is, of course, on those who seem to be on track to becoming influential in city affairs. When asked her opinions, she relies not on precedence but on instinct.
A freshly showered and now blue-dressed Hannah comes in toward the end of the sesson and just stands silently in the back of the room, watching. She does give Random a smile to let him know she thinks he's doing a good job.
After the petitions are done and matters are either resolved or someone is assigned to investigate and resolve the issue (there is more of the latter than the former), Random declares that it's proclamation time.
"Item the first: Soren Daniels, who has acted ably as my Viceroy during my absence in Amber, is hereby promoted to the title of Court Bard of Xanadu. His responsibilities now include giving me advice, making music, and keeping the wheels on this horse."
Folly is on her best Court behavior, so she refrains from immediately flying-tackle-hugging Soren, but she's smiling broadly at him.
"Item the second: Court is so much fun that we'll do it again in two weeks. If something can't wait until then, bring it to someone's attention and we'll see what we can do.
"Item the third: In two weeks we'll see about magistrates, so you have someone to go to without making a Royal case out of everything."
Random stands. "Item the third: Our sister-kingdom, Amber, the Pearl of Cities, has been this very day attacked by monsters from the depths of the Forest of Arden. Xanadu already has taken in the injured from that battle and we expect that she will soon see many who do not wish to be in the heat of war. Refugees will need feeding and clothing and things to do. The crown will remember how her subjects treat each other, oh yes, indeed.
"It is our wish that they be greeted and encouraged to stay in Xanadu and make a fresh start. You people have shaped the seed, and the spring brings the rains and we shall soon see what great tree grows from this Xanadavian rock."
Random pauses and looks around to see how people are reacting.
Garrett listens politely to the proceedings and continues to watch Folly for cues. However, towards the end of the speech, Random must have boosted the charisma level up a few notches. Without realizing it, Garrett finds himself staring at his father in fascination, moved by his words.
At the mention of injuries, Hannah's eyebrows go up, and then her mouth quirks very briefly into a wry grin. She glances down at the floor a minute, and when she looks back up, she merely looks concerned.
Random's words do not surprise Lilly. It is good not to be disappointed for a change, she decides. Idly she surveys the crowd, her expression neutral. She wonders how others will take this news; those who are not gathered here. Certainly the speech will alter with each interpretation. With luck, it will only become stronger and the citizens of Xanadu will rally as expected. Either was, she still did not plan to stay around any longer the absolutely necessary. The call of distant worlds grows stronger in her heart with each passing moment. Soon. Soon she would explore. For now though, she would continue fulfilling her duties to the crown.
Folly looks fleetingly concerned that the King has forgotten how to count to four -- what will that mean for future jam sessions?! -- but the rest of his speech leaves her in total agreement. By the end she's smiling again. She watches Random with perhaps a touch too much visible admiration before turning her attention to the reactions of the assembled crowd.
Somewhere towards the end of Random's speechmaking, Conner slips into the room. Though his outfit clearly marks him as one who should be up front with the King and noblity, Conner just finds an unobtrusive spot in the back to observe the rest of Court. His face and clothes are clean. Barely a hint of ash or blood remains to indicate anything of the kind of day he's just had.
The crowd has been tied up in their own interests, a collection of individuals rather than anything more. Random's speech, both the contents and the tone, seem to galvanize them. The captain of the guard bellows out "Long Live King Random!" and is echoed by a significant fraction of the crowd.
"I certainly plan to," say Random, obviously satisfied. "Thank you. Now go to it, and remember that you were here at the beginning of this endeavor. Your grandchildren's grandchildren will speak of it with pride."
"Master Bulwark, if you would come back this evening, that would please us."
The acting headman looks pleased and bows.
The crowd moves out in a mostly orderly fashion, and the King seems to be waiting for the room to clear a bit before changing the subject. "Okay, that's that..." He is about to continue when he looks back at the door, where there is a commotion. A tall figure, wearing a cloak from head to foot is arguing with the guards. The last of the subjects who were filing out stop to see the scuffle.
"No, I'm not going the wrong way, I'm here to see the King, I'm late!, Get out of my way."
Garrett's attention is immediately upon the late arrival. With a glance at Lilly, he takes a couple of steps, almost casually, to place himself between the intruder and the Queen. He assumes that Lilly, being the only Knight present, will want to be up front. His right hand is on the hilt of his blade, ready to draw if necessary.
Not only up front, but at a good vantage point to protect both King and Queen. Her right hand is ready for a quick draw should the need arise. Every sense is heightened. Always assume danger, her father had taught her; a lesson she would never forget.
Vialle, who has been whispering quietly to Random after his speech, lays her hand on Random's arm. Random reaches over with his free hand and takes hers reassuringly, but he doesn't move to interpose.
Hannah moves quietly back to the door, and lays a light hand on the elbow of the guard closest to her, saying over the din, "Sir, may I help you?"
Folly, too, moves in that direction, wearing the same aura with which she might greet fans after a show: friendly, in-charge, and just a little bit larger-than-life. As Hannah finishes her question, Folly adds, "Yes, what business brings you to see the King?" She's smiling as if this all seems perfectly normal and reasonable to her.
/Well, seems like both the diplomatic and defensive actions are covered./ Conner thinks to simself as Garret, Folly and Hannah position themselves. /Seems best to bide my time and see who needs reinforcing first./ Thus Conner simply reamins where he is moving only if needs a better vantage point to keep an eye on things.
The actions of Folly and Hannah only seemed to increase Lilly's tension. She realizes she may have to protect them as well. She inches forward a bit, ready to strike should the need arise.
At Hannah's and Folly's approach, the guards fall back into the room slightly. Folly can see that Thorn, who was standing near the king, looks frustrated and annoyed.
The cloaked figure says in a voice that sounds increasingly familiar to Hannah, "Your nephew Brennan said he delivered my message, but he didn't tell me Your Majesty's reply. I hope I don't presume by attending court, even if I am late."
Hannah smiles really big in recognition, and turns that smile on the King with an expectant look.
Folly catches Hannah's grin and follows her gaze back to the King. Seeing that he doesn't seem overly alarmed, and with the words of his speech still ringing in her ears, she turns back to the newcomer with a welcoming smile of her own. "I think it will be okay. We're still in the 'casual' stage of working out our protocols, y'know? Who should we say is calling?"
And then, suddenly, Folly recalls the unexpected point of intersection in her recent conversations with Brennan and Hannah. She looks up at the stranger and blinks.
Garrett regards the stranger quizzically, but since Folly and Hannah seem satisfied that he's harmless, he takes his hand away from his sword. He does not move from his spot in front of the Queen, however. At least not yet.
The careful observer might notice that Lilly's right arm relaxes slightly. She is rather convinced that her sword will be either unnecessary or useless. It is best to proceed with a different sort of caution. Expect the unexpected. And remember to thank Brennan for this later, she thinks to herself.
Conner observes all the reactions of his kin with some amusement as he waits for the mystery guest to reveal himself. Hannah's smile intrigues him most of all, especially when Mother's story of her time spent at the Primal filters through. He turns back to the guest expectantly hoping he has gussed his identity correctly.
Random looks at the head guard. "Stand 'em down, Thorn, he's OK." The uncharitable would call his facial expression a smirk. He pats Vialle's hand and she seems to relax a bit.
The guards take the indirect order and step back, but not too far back.
The man throws back his cowl, revealing a mop of curly hair, which he nods vigorously. "I am OK! I was even invited. Mind you, I asked to be invited, but nonetheless, invited is invited." His voice is a notch louder than is strictly necessary and he drawls a bit in no recognizable accent.
He steps past the guards and moves into the room. "Hallo, Hannah, well done, I must say." He shakes her hand in passing, if she lets him.
Hannah does, nodding. "Thank you, but the bigger tasks are ahead, I think," she whispers.
He nods to everyone. To Folly, he stage-whispers "Dworkin, I'm Dworkin. But he knows that..." He moves through the group like a politician at full sail working through a crowd.
Folly is about to offer to announce him anyway -- you know, just for the sake of form -- but she quickly concludes that he really doesn't need an introduction.
As he approaches the dais, he starts speaking, loudly. "Speaking of 'well done', Random, I wonder if you know what this is all fo--" He abruptly stops as he reaches Garrett. He holds up one finger before his face. "I don't believe we've met, and we should have. Who are you?"
Garrett blinks and his eyes widen as he wonders if this is someone he's supposed to recognize. He successfully resists the urge to take a step back. "Uh, Garrett, sir," he finally stammers. Garrett glances inquiringly at Random, then returns his gaze to the curly-haired gentleman. "Um, King Random is me father. And you are... Lord Dworkin, did you say?" He politely adds a title to gloss the fact that the name rings no bells.
"Master Dworkin is also appropriate if someday you are trained by him." Conner comments with his usual grin. He has nothing more to say and dearly hopes that someone will prompt him back to his first line of conversation.
Behind Dworkin, Folly is mouthing "court musician" -- or perhaps "corn magician". With all the distractions, it's hard for Garrett to tell. After a moment, she mimes drawing or writing on her palm and adds "artist". Or maybe "hardest".
Lilly is torn between being amused and concerned. Her mind is quick to condemn her previous actions. I should have given Garrett more information on the journey, she thinks. He is completely unprepared for this meeting and it is my fault. Of course she also knows there is little that can be done about it now. She shrinks back slightly, without ever moving a muscle. Please do not turn you attentions towards me, she pleads silently. As before, Dworkin's presence is making her very uncomfortable.
Vialle leans in and whispers something to Random. The very observant can tell that Random is concentrating on something other than his Grandfather.
"Just call me Dworkin, lad. It's the most descriptive name I've got." His big grin doesn't fade. "Conner, do you think he needs training?" he says over his shoulder. "Can you paint, Garrett?"
The older gentleman's grin is infectious. Garrett can't help smiling back. Based on Folly's gestures, he concludes the man must be some kind of court artist. "I don't know, sir. I've never tried," he answers politely. He also wonders about Dworkin's kind of training. He has a feeling it doesn't involve a blade.
Dworkin's face falls visibly (but within human norms).
"Garret truly has wide horizons all about him." Conner comments. "Training he needs but in what remains to be discovered, I think."
Folly is about to add that Garrett is good with horses, but then Random's look of concentration catches her eye. She regards him with curiosity and tries to work out just what has captured his attention.
Random's focus returns to the here and now.
Hannah fades back to stand near the door again, grinning and shaking her head.
"Wide horizons?," says Random, shrugging. "He is my kid. I expect he'll be quite the horizontal artist...Ow! I meant to say 'let's retire to the back room where we can slouch on the sofas and drink and talk this out'. Master Dworkin, will you join us?"
By the time the question is asked, Lilly is quite visibly staring at the King. 'That's it', she thinks to herself, 'I am *never* sleeping with Garrett. Everyone in the castle will know.' The fact that in the future she might not care so much never occurs.
Garrett manages not to let his jaw drop at his father's comment, but the combination of shock and amusement is written in his eyes.
Dworkin's grin returns. "Of course, of course. I'm hoping that your niece here will agree to demonstrate her art as she told me she would." He turns to Lilly and offers her his arm. "May I escort you?" He blinks slowly and smiles beatifically.
Lilly's attention quickly turns back to Dworkin. "Oh. Of course," she answers sounding rather surprised. Instinctively she takes his arm. Sometimes it was better to simply react. Thinking, in this instance, would have meant a period of awkward hesitation. "And I would be honored to offer a demonstration though I fear I may not live up to my own hype." Lilly is not politely brushing aside the kind words, she truly sounds doubtful of her ability to impress.
He pats her arm with his free hand. "None of us can, child. If we can live up to the hyperbole, then it's not hyperbole after all."
This brings the hint of a smile to Lilly's features. She shrugs, "I suppose there is no arguing that, now is there?"
He waits a few moments for her reply [assuming she replies] and leans in whispers to Lilly. "This doesn't seem very much like a castle, does it?"
"No and yes," she replies. "For all of its grand differences some things have remained very much the same." Her eyes seek out Random for a moment before she returns her attention to her escort. "It is a good fit, I think. But then again, I suppose it should be."
"Well, that's a relief. When I saw it from the outside, I thought this castle could be taken by six ambitious midshipmen and an aggressive hound dog. It's a good thing I don't know much about military matters."
Garrett watches Lilly's reaction, but does not interfere. If she does look in his direction, though, he gives her a supportive smile. And since Lilly's already been offered an escort, Garrett turns to Folly and offers his arm.
...just as she does the same to him. She smiles merrily at the synchrony; Dworkin's infectious grin seems to have rubbed off on her, too. She loops her arm through his and in hushed tones begins excitedly filling Garrett in on what little she knows of Dworkin: he was a court artist under Oberon and teacher to Oberon's children, and he painted most of the Trumps that the Elders use. Folly is clearly a little in awe of him.
Conner watches with amusement Dworkin's offer to escort Lilly and Garret's offer to Folly. Following suit, Conner walks over and approches Hannah. "Everyone seems to be going in pairs." He observes with his trademark grin. "Shall we?" He asks offering his arm. "My name is Conner, son of Fiona." He introduces himself. "I have been looking forward to this meeting since my mother spoke so highly of you."
That widens Hannah's smile. "Did she? Hm. I was thinking I should check in with Gerard and see if he needs my help with the injuries the King mentioned. Do you know where the infirmary is?"
Hannah will take Conner's arm though.
"I was one of the injuries," Conner informs her wryly. "though as you can see mine were fixed with a change of clothes and a drop of brandy. Between Brennan, Gerard and myself all of the wounded have been treated as best as the facilities allowed. I am curious to see what medical marvels we can import into a Pattern realm that allows electricity. That is an interest we have in common I feel sure." Conner grinned ather warmly. "It will be nice to have someone other than Gerard to talk shop with. Most around here can patch themselves up but never really went beyond battlefield medicine."
Hannah nods, smile fading away at the last. "It will be nice to have someone to help find the right path. I don't remember... if your mother told me she had a doctor-son. There has been so much, suddenly. Do you have much experience with this... eh, this type of technology, that is electrical and medical? The possibilities have been like a _gode_ on me. Will you have time to talk, later?" Hannah seems content to follow the group now that she's heard everyone has been treated.
"I shall make the time for such a conversation. I learned the medicine that Amber's tech would support and later learned a medicine so much farther afield that it made my previous education look crude at best and barbaric at worst. Still I now know how to do the best I can with whatever is available. The point of the exercise really." Conner smiles in satisfaction.
As they queue up to move to a more comfortable room, Folly speaks up: "Should we send word to the rest of the family-currently-in- residence? I'm sure some of them would love the chance to say hello to Master Dworkin. Or ---" She looks at Dworkin hopefully. "Or... will you be staying with us for a while?"
He turns back to Folly, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, I'm always around somewhere. Hard for me not to be, really...."
Last modified: 7 July 2005