Order in the Court

All family members in Xanadu receive a note on royal stationery and sealed with the King's Seal.

It announces a formal court with a date a few days from now and all family in Xanadu or who can travel thereto are required to be present.

[OOC: Players can react to this as desired. Most not-otherwise-ruling-their-own-Kingdom NPCs will be there. This is after all current threads, so any PC not otherwise tied up (e.g., in Rebma, in Chaos, etc.) can be here.]

Raven stays quietly on the edge of things when she arrives, waiting to be called. She has turned herself out as well as she can for the occasion, which generally means properly Naval, appropriate bits shined, and everything just slightly worn.

Fletcher has been lurking, greeting family members and introducing himself where introductions are in order. He's in formal attire with his sword hanging over one shoulder.

Prince Garrett arrives on time, dutifully dressed in court-appropriate clothing in shades of dark brown and ivory. Garrett is built a bit like his father, short and lean, but with strong shoulders that appear to have done their share of hard work. His eyes are Random's clear blue, but his complexion is tanned and his hair, neatly combed and collar-length, is dark brown. He takes up a specific spot on the floor near the throne almost as if his mark has been laid out with masking tape.

Jerod will have arrived about the same time, dressed in grey, and find his position with the instinct that comes from long practice in Court. He surveys the crowd that attends upon the King, collecting faces and names for future reference, noting apparent oddities. A few minutes later an attractive green skinned woman with dark emerald green hair arrives and remains with him, exchanging comments here and there as people arrive to take their places.

Brita arrives sporting her formal dark red jacket with brilliant white fur trim. Her red hair is neatly braided in a single long braid hanging down her back. She remains near a wall to the side, her height enabling her to view the proceedings and the placement of windows and archways creating a constant flow of air currents past her sensitive nose.

Signy arrives and takes a position near where the other Royals other than those right near the throne start to congregate. Dressed in muted browns and greens, inquisitive eyes take in the surroundings from a fairly unobtrusive vantage point.

Ossian arrives at the last minute, in formal attire, but with larger spots of paint on his hands than usual. He takes his place close to Brita.

When everyone who is arriving has done so, Random and Vialle step from the back room to the sound of trumpets. They take the throne and wait for the room to quiet.

"I have," Random begins, "an announcement before court begins, which will be shortly. As many of you are aware, The Vale of Garnath returned to port after being lost in the Sundering. Her captain is bloody amazing. Normally,this is where I'd confirm his appointment and whatever medals the Admiralty wanted to give him, but it turns out that he's of Royal Blood.

"Captain Raven, this means three things. One, you're now Lord Raven, my nephew. Two, you get our heartfelt thanks instead of medals and bonuses. Three, we're assigning you to the group of royals going to deal with the Gateway business. That's the great thing about being of Royal Blood."

He turns to the court. "I give you all ... Lord Raven."

When the applause dies down, Random says "Now, Lord Raven, kneel please, and repeat after me..." He takes a breath. "Except the 'state your name' part, you fill that in. OK, ready? Now, repeat after me: I, State-your-name, do swear that I will be faithful to you and bear you true allegiance, obeying your commands from this hour forward until my death or until the world ends."

Raven steps forward and kneels as ordered. She repeats the oath simply and without embellishment, her voice clear and carrying, and then waits.

Vialle smiles, as if approving of Raven's oath.

"I, Random the King, hear your oath, and shall remember. And I do swear that I will defend you and yours from every creature, with all my power, until your death or the world ends. "

He pauses. "Stand up lad, that's all we do. Now, the rest of you. Please feel free to greet New Lord Raven. Anyone who wishes to bring matters before the King and his counsellors, now is the time. Otherwise, it's semi-formal court rules, so pants are optional and you may talk amongst yourselves."

Signy gives a considering look at the King and Raven, before deciding against approaching the King for the moment. The subject of Tomat might be better off in private, and this might not be a matter for the Court anyhow.

Raven, having nothing else herself, retreats from the center of attention.

But regrettably, not fast enough to avoid Jerod, who decides to corner the new member of the family and check them out for himself...

...I mean, he will go and introduce himself and Carina and welcome this newest member of the family...(yeah, that's it)

Raven regards the approaching couple with interest. Here we go... She bows slightly and greets them with a, "Milord, milady," that isnt quite a question.

"Lord Raven." Jerod replies with a nod and a smile. "Allow me to be the first of your cousins to welcome you to the family. I have no doubt you will find it to be most...interesting.

"May I present Lady Carina?" he continues, turning to introduce Carina. "A companion of mine and currently in service to her Majesty."

Carina makes an Amber-proper courtesy, which is probably more polite than this court demands. "A pleasure, milord."

Raven is not used to having women curtsy to her, and it shows on her face briefly. "Pleased to meet you, Lady Carina," she answers, before turning her attention back to Jerod. "It ain't exactly what I was expecting when I got home, that's for sure." There's a wry sort of a smile that accompanies that. "Interesting is probably a good word, sir."

"I think you'll find many things are interesting." Jerod says. "The first being that you don't call me sir."

He turns to Carina for a moment. "The Queen may be requiring your attendance and I've monopolized your time far too long I suspect my dear. I will be certain to catch up with you later." he says, kissing her hand and watching her as she departs. Then he turns back.

"More precisely, you don't call me sir in public or privately. Since you're family, I believe the correct phrasing if you want to use it privately would be cousin. I prefer my name though. And since you're navy you'll know when to use formal titles in public, but those go out the window when we're alone. The only real titles used would be for aunts and uncles."

"I understand you brought Marius back from Gateway." he says, more of a statement than a question, though the question still resides in the air.

Raven just looks at him for a minute, her expression one part sheer pig-headed stubbornness and one part exasperation. She very carefully does not say what she's thinking, though - since that last conversation went so very well and all. And then, "Aye, that was us. It ain't as friendly in those parts as it once was."

If Jerod notices Raven's expression, there is no trace of a response on his face, the slight smile that was there following Carina's departure firmly in place.

"That is good to know. I'm going to be making a run up there shortly, to see what the situation might be and if we need to pounding them into the sea is warranted. I'd be curious as to your impressions of the city and the people, if you have the time."

Raven snorts. "Can't say as how I saw many of them. Harbormaster needs his arse beat right out of his post, though, and we was doing a pretty fair job of it until he whipped out that 'gun' thing."

His expression narrows at Raven's last comments. "So, Huon provided them with some support." he says. "That will be good to know. I had wondered if he might have done so but Marius had not advised us about that when he came back. I'm wondering what other surprises might come up.

"What happened after that?" he asks.

"The usual niceties that happen when someone's taking exception, as I recall," Raven answers drily. "Right up to the jail cell." She shrugs. "They said something about having questions for travelers from Amber. Don't know what it was they expected to learn from us. Picked up Sir Marius in the cell."

"At which time Marius no doubt quizzed you on the situation, and then your jail break was undertaken." Jerod says. "My understanding is that you ran into Thalia a short time afterwards. Can you indicate the circumstances?"

Raven shrugs. "We was headed for the gaol when she turned up. Can't say as how I ever sorted out whether she knew we'd escaped and was looking for us or whether it was just an accident, us meeting. Either way, we managed to draw her attention, whether we meant to or not," and the captain is trying hard to be diplomatic, but she sounds annoyed, "and she was inclined to talk to us. It was agreed she'd help us finish escaping if we'd take her with us, and here we are."

"What manner of assistance did she provide to you during your escape?" Jerod asks.

"Sprang my men and got us back on the Vale without fuss. Things that would have been done anyway, but the way we was going, maybe not so quietly." Raven pauses, considering, and adds, "And for sure not as cleanly. Nothing flashy, nothing showy, 'cept for a bit after we was underway to remind the lads that they shouldn't be messing with any ladies on board."

"Which fits with my initial reports." Jerod says with a slight frown. "Nothing conclusive to determine whether she was making use of you for an escape of her own, or to be a mole. The mages of Gateway are so like cats. She will require some investigation I think.

"I'm curious about other things, but this I think covers my requirements for the King. The remainder is more of a personal curiosity, with regards to how you handled the intervening times when you left port and became part of the Lost. I'd be willing to exchange stories if you've the mind."

Raven shrugs. "She seemed honest enough, and apologetic about whatever had happened to Sir Marius. But I can't say as how I'm any great expert on mages, other than at trying to dodge ones that took exception to us. As for the other - I ain't really got a lot of claim on my time right now, and I can't say as how it would hurt my feelings to tell stories to someone that might not take me for a sailor what's been at sea too long." She shakes her head and says drily, "Even if we was at sea longer than we should have been. Only thing I got planned is that I mean to speak to Prince Garrett after all this, if I can sort out who I'm looking for..."

Jerod motions over in Garrett's direction, the larger than life gaggle that includes Bleys and Ambrose. "That's him, the young, energetic man who takes after his father. Even has his promise too, though I'd not wish the throne upon him. Too much work in my opinion, not enough reward."

Raven follows the gesture and nods to herself. "Got it. Thank you," and there's a sort of chopped off sound that was probably a quickly cut-off 'sir' on the end. "What sorts of stories are you looking for? We spent the whole time wandering about trying to find home; can't say as how it was dull more than a handful of times."

"Actually, your wanderings are exactly what I'm looking for." Jerod says. "The Sundering produced many effects and when we travelled to try to find shadows for food sources I encountered different ones. I am curious to learn of anything else I might have missed."

Raven nods. "We spent a lot of time chasing down what we was calling rifts - holes in the world where you could sorta see somewhere else. That's most of how we was getting around; they weren't always holes, but a lot of them were." She snorts in amusement. "The first one we went through, that one looked a bit like Gateway. That's part of why we took it. It wasn't, but we'd seen more than one rift in that place, and there wasn't much of anything around. Would you like the weird, the good, the bad...?"

"Yes." Jerod replies while smiling. "All of the above."

"Mushroom people," Raven says. "That was one of the strange ones. They looked like normal folks, with the right number of arms and legs and such - which I can't say for some of what we met - but one got killed while we was around, and they didn't have proper innards." She makes a face. "They was sort of white and squishy inside, and I can't say as how they bled at all, and they snapped apart if you tried to bend a bit after they was dead. That whole world weren't right, to tell the truth; we never could get a handle on what the weather was doing, and I still ain't sure that those trees was plants. Sparks - one of the lads - he got too close to one and it started wrapping vines around him. We had to chop him free, and I could swear I heard that tree screaming." Raven shakes her head. "Never thought I'd be glad to see that the next place had cannibals, but at least they was proper men."

"Shadow was in flux during that time." Jerod says. "The paths to the worlds we knew were disrupted. It took quite a bit of effort to find paths to send out ships. I even got stuck in Shadow for a time when our path crumbled. An interesting experience to be sure."

Raven snorts in amusement. "Aye," she says drily. "'Interesting' is a word for being stuck out there." But it's probably not the one she would have chosen. "We was trapped in one place for better than six months. The blasted priests told us their rift would be back next moon-rise. They didn't bother to say which damned moon, or that half their moons only rose a few times a year. Nice enough place, and we was able to do a few repairs while we was there, but it weren't home and it weren't no paradise, either."

"And now that you are home?" Jerod asks.

"Ask me again when I've had time to breathe." That comes out short and exasperated. "I was expecting to be busy, what with my captaincy being a field promotion and all, but I guess it was too much to ask for it to be that simple." Raven shrugs. "Or that quiet."

"You will find there are some benefits to being Family." Jerod says. "One of which is that unless the King has a job for you, your time is yours to do with as you see fit. That can be a good thing when you're wanting some peace and quiet. Or bad if you're wanting something to do and there's nothing around. We're bad when it comes to keeping out of trouble." and there is a slight smile on his face at the last comment.

The goings-on around him with the dispersal of Court have not gone unnoticed to him and both the requirements and opportunities to Court easily present themselves to Jerod as he notices people moving here and there. It is time to take care of unfinished business.

"And on that note, I must bid you adieu. There are matters of Court that require attention. I look forward to hearing more of your tales. I would thank you for your time and if you have need of anything, if I am available I'd be happy to help."

With that, barring additional comments, he's off.

Brita notes Jerod's movement towards Raven. She feels a little responsible for the new cousin, but figures he can handle himself for now. She nods at Ossian and moves towards Signy, intent on asking about the chain before approaching Random.

Garrett waits an appropriate amount of time to ensure that his "son of the King" duty is done, then seeing the Moonrider contingent coming together, he approaches Signy and Brita as well.

Signy notices Jerod moving toward her newly-announced cousin, and makes a mental note to find her new cousin in a bit less formal setting to commiserate.

As Brita and Garrett approach, Signy turns toward them. "Brita, Garrett," she states warmly, a smile crossing her face at the Prince's name. She quickly composes herself into something that is a bit better suited for a formal court. "Another new cousin. Does this happen often?"

Seeing that Raven is already occupied, Fletcher approaches the group forming around Signy. Overhearing Signy's query, Fletcher interjects, "I suppose the saying 'be fruitful and multiply' applies here." He emphasizes 'multiply'. "I was wondering if I might ask you," he waves his hand to include the entire group, "a few questions about religious orders involved in Amber and Xanadu currently."

"Cousin Signy," Brita nods in greeting. Glancing back at Raven, she notes, "This Is somewhat Common for Our Generation." Her eyes travel to Fletcher on the last, not quite sure if he qualifies. She turns back to Signy, "I Also have a Question - about the Silver Chain and whether you have Examined it Yet."

"Questions all around," Garrett notes with a grin. "Let's answer about the chain first in case Fletcher can add anything about his experience with its owners. Then I'd be happy to tell you what I know about the orders," he suggests with an inquiring glance at Fletcher.

Fletcher nods in agreement. "Ah yes, the infamous chain. I'm always happy to help."

Signy gives a shake of her head. "I've not had a chance to contact Edan. After this is done, though, I'll see if he's available so we can go out into Shadow and away from the Pattern." Her voice lowers somewhat to a more discreet level that should be difficult to hear outside of their little group. "I'm not sure if it's wise, but I keep it with me for now. I'd rather not leave it lying around until we know more about it, and it seemed the lesser of two evils."

Brita gives a nod, "It Is the Best Option, but Beware what or Who it may Draw To you."

Across the room, Bleys and Ambrose seem to be observing the group gathered to discuss the chain and having a quiet conversation of their own.

Signy indicates her Uncle and cousin with a quick flick of her eyes, though she doesn't otherwise make any outward sign of noticing them. "We seem to be attracting a bit of attention....."

Brita glances that way and a small smile plays across her face. "Cousin Ambrose and I Recently brought His People through to Reality Xanadu. He Encountered more Blood Lillies on his Path back," she notes as an aside.

She turns back to the group. "Uncle Corwin and Cousin Benedict had a Similar Encounter with Silver Objects from the Misty Realms. Uncle Corwin found a Silver Arm in a Misty Tir na N'ogth Throne Room and Acquired it. His Acquisition was Reenacted in Proper Amber and the Silver Arm Retrieved by a Misty Sword Grayswandir."

Bleys gestures to Ambrose as if to say 'after you' and the two redheads move to join the company.

Garrett smiles obligingly at the newcomers. "Uncle. Cousin Ambrose," he says in polite greeting. "We were just catching up on our trinket from the Moonriders." Though he doesn't ask for their comments directly, his tone leaves the invitation open.

"Cousins," Ambrose murmurs, but his attention is mostly on Brita.

Brita bows to the uncle and smiles at Ambrose as she straightens.

Signy calmly studies the new-to-her relative for a moment, before offering a tentative smile to Bleys.

Bleys gives her a winning smile that clearly betrays his avuncular relationship to Conner.

"Ah, yes, I understood you were to be looking into that," Bleys says obligingly. "If you should like to consult me this evening, after court, I shall be available to render judgement on it. I am only in Xanadu briefly, though, so unfortunately the offer cannot be extended until the morrow."

Ambrose's expression can best be described as patient and long-suffering.

"I am told," Bleys continues, "that Edan was expected to join you. I am here to make his apologies for him, as my current commission from His Majesty requires his presence." Bleys gestures to Ambrose. "However, it happens that Ambrose has completed his duties and is available to join you in his stead.

"If," Ambrose adds, "I would be useful to your quest."

Brita glances at Signy but responds to her Uncle first, "Cousin Edan's Interpretation will be Missed, Uncle, but the Assistance of You and Cousin Ambrose would be Most Appreciated." She turns back to Signy, "Cousin Ambrose is Well Versed in Our Grandmother Clarissa's Style of Sorcery."

Signy nods briefly at the end of Brita's assessment. "More eyes would be better, especially with Edan being called away," she notes. She offers Fletcher an apologetic look before stretching out a calloused hand towards Ambrose. "I don't know if we've met. I'm Signy, Dierdre's daughter."

Ambrose has done his share of fighting, based on his calluses when he takes her hand in a friendly clasp. "Ambrose," he says.

[Signy] gives her Uncle a quick glance. "When would be a good time this evening to call on you, Uncle? Is there a private place where we can all meet that will let us look at it?" It's clear that for the moment she considers everyone in this little knot of the Family to be part of the proposed evening session.

Garrett glances up as well, interested in the answer.

"We'll need to Trump somewhere that I can do a smidge of sorcery on it. Meet me at the stables immediately after dinner and we'll get far enough down the mountain that I can part the veil to your mother's laboratory." This last seems to be directed at Brita, based on the direction of Bleys' gaze and his smile.

Fletcher smiles at the newcomers. "I look forward to seeing what sorcery can reveal. I do wonder if it has any other properties in common with Grayswandir. Accessing multiple congruent realities in the proximity of the... a Pattern is novel, to say the least."

Bleys' offer piques Garrett's interest. "I'd be interested to see what comes of that as well. Can someone who's not trained in sorcery actually see what's going on though?" he asks, directing the question to any of the sorcerors in present company.

"From what I have Seen, it Depends on the Sorcery... and the Sorcerer," Brita notes to Garett. She cocks her head at Fletcher, "Multiple Congruent Realities appear to be Popping up Near Several Patterns - Cousin Ossian and I Experienced a Past Reality near Mirror Rebma's Pattern."

"You won't see what I'm doing but I'll be glad to explain the results, Your Highness." Bleys frowns slightly. "I don't like all these temporo-spatial disruptions so near the center, particularly not with the Moonriders so active--well." The wave of Bleys' hand is careless, but the motion doesn't match the look in his eyes. "There's nothing more to be done about it until after court, to be sure. Until then, I have other duties. Nephews, nieces, please excuse me to attend on the king."

Bleys gives a courtly neck-bow, and moves off in the direction of Random.

Brita bows in response as Bleys leaves. She turns back to her Cousins, "After Dinner - Just Like when we Found the Silver Chain."

Fletcher jokes, "That's not exactly what I meant by 'congruent realities' but there it is. Should we try to replicate the meal?"

Signy gives Brita and Fletcher a sharp look. "And we just had another member of that night show up, as well." She refrains from looking in Robin's direction or raising her voice.

"We just need the original holder of the chain to make an appearance now," she mutters, half to herself.

Ambrose shakes his head. "Let's not, and say we did. My father told me stories of the Jewel of Judgement and I'd rather not confirm them." He glances at Fletcher, as if considering asking him something about congruent realities. "Do you think we'll leave directly from our aunt's laboratory to the next step on our quest, whatever it turns out to be?"

Fletcher adds, "Well, I'm glad to tag along for a while, but at some point I am going to need to get on my way to Rebma."

Signy gives a wistful look at Fletcher. "If you see Celina, tell her I haven't forgotten our conversation."

Signy lets out a quiet sigh that blows out her cheeks as she looks at the rest of the group. "So, there's nothing else we can do until after dinner tonight?" She looks over at the newest member of their family, talking with Jerod. "Is it customary to go over and introduce ourselves at these things?"

Brita glances at Raven as well, "It Can be Customary. Captain-Cousin Raven is Probably Uncomfortable in the Court Setting." She grins suddenly, "And Lord-Cousin Jerod is Probably Not helping. I need to Snag Cousin Robin for a bit. I will catch up with You Later." Brita bows to the group and begins to head off towards Robin.

"I have not attended a court session in Xanadu with so many of our kindred, but it seems as though that would be appropriate," Ambrose offers. "But perhaps you and I can speak later, in more privacy, Signy."

"I should meet Raven as well but...". Garrett cranes his neck and takes silent inventory of the people in the room. A look of resignation crosses his face as he continues, "Duty calls. Pardon me," he addresses the group as he makes his way out of it.

He touches Signy's elbow lightly as he passes and says to her, "We'll catch up," then heads off toward the other group.

Signy inclines her head in a gesture of farewell as Brita and Garrett make their way over to Robin. As they depart, she turns to Ambrose and Fletcher. "I think I'll make my way over to the newest member of our family and at least make an introduction," she comments. "Anyone care to join me?"

Fletcher, somewhat at loose ends for the moment, decides to go with the flow. "It certainly seems the polite thing to do." He gestures, indicating that Signy should lead the way, and follows her.

Robin arrives at the gates to find them open. A page tells her that the King is in court and all are free to go in.

Robin thanks the page, calls her saurian friends down to herself and trots on into the Castle. Once inside, she does pretty well: only one missed turn and then straight on toward the noise and people smell of "court."

As the noise increases, Robin finds herself slowing down in reluctance until, by the time she reaches the open double doors to the throne room, she's practicaly creeping. Trying to keep a grip on her own and her friends' emotions, Robin peeps around the door frame. One pair of green eyes and three pairs of whirling multicolor eyes take in the spectacle therein.

No Vere. No Silhouette. Pout, pout. Ossian, Robin grins. Jeord, nose-wrinkle. King. Brita. Both looking busy. Lots of other folks too. Huhn, maybe she could just flag them down. But no. The last time she avoided a family "thing" she got in trouble, sooooo.......

Robin's face crinkles in a 'really don't like it' kitty-grimace. And as the picture of reluctant adolescence, Robin sidles into the room in all her rumpled Ranger glory.

Gilt Winter walks over to her, all smiles. "Lady Robin, so good to see you again. The King has been looking for your return since he heard about the end of the cockatrices. Will you be wishing to speak to him here in court or after the petitioners leave?"

Robin smiles back. "It's good to be back. After the petitioners is fine." She shrugs, nothing urgent or bad is happening, so why bother the King when he is Kinging? And then the girl clearly doesn't know what to do with herself.... until she spots Brij across the hall.

Robin's smile changes from polite to happy as she sees her niece. She turns back to Gilt Winter with her brows raised with court-etiquette/civilized behvavior confusion. "Is it okay if I talk to Brij while I wait?"

Gilt laughs. "You may speak to whomever you choose. I suspect that you'll want to speak with someone before the court, finding a royal alone, decides to attempt to gather your support."

Gilt's easy smile makes a joke of it, but Robin can tell that a number of the people here are sizing her up.

Robin blinks in alarm for a moment. While the first part of Gilt's statement made sense, the rest of it came across as a random collection of otherwise recognizable syllables. The girl holds her hand up for a moment as she parses those words: one way then another. After a moment, Robin's face lights up and she smiles to Gilt.

"Shall I escort you to your niece?" He offers his arm.

"Thank you." Robin chuckles as she lays her hand on his arm like her father taught her. "And thank you," she continues ruefully, "for protecting the poor court from the results of such an ill-advised attempt."

Thereafter she does her best to match Gilt's pace through the room, though she can't help a cheerful wave to Brij as they approach. Look she's walking! In public yet. Snicker.

Brij is dressed in long light trousers that look close enough to a dress to pass but would probably do for light athletics, topped with a long tunic in a similar pale blue that sets off her complexion. From somewhere, possibly Bleys, she's gotten some flashy jewelry that dresses up the outfit to court dressiness. She catches sight of Robin and detaches herself from the company of a redheaded woman--not family, but one of the courtiers, and not an Amber native from the look of her clothing--to come over, arms open, to give Robin a hug. "Aunt Robin! I didn't know you were coming to court!"

Gilt drops his arm slightly so Robin can free herself and return the imminent embrace if she wishes.

Robin does indeed free herself and, with a slight juggling of fire-lizards, returns the hug enthusiastically (if not quite with Britan Fierceness.)

"I didn't know I was either." She replies, grinning. "I just blew into town and here I am." One free hand waves around, taking in the whole -- very odd to Robin -- scene.

"Oo! Now that we're all calmer, let me introduce you - both of you," the girl nods inclusively to Gilt, "to Peep, Chirrup and Ooot, my favorite little ones and wonderful partners in crime." Robin's eyes are glowing with fondness as she gestures to each of the fire-lizards in turn.

Brij puts up her hand to the firelizards like they're cats and lets them sniff her. Ooot sniffs longest and makes a burbling, questioning noise as if he hopes Brij might have brought his dinner with her.

Robin chuckles to Ooot and scratches lovingly over his eyeridges.

"If you'll excuse me, His Majesty requires my presence. Ladies," Gilt says, and bows.

Gilt receives a grateful and acknowledging nod from Robin. She knows that since she's at a safe camp, his duty calls him elsewhere.

"That's all right, Gilt, go give Syd my best." She beams at him before turning her full attention back to Robin and the lizards. "As soon as this thing is over, lovelies, your mama and I will find a biiiig snack for you."

Peep makes an approving sound at Brij and Robin.

Robin's happy chirp of a laugh joins Peep's hum as she adds her confirmation to Brij statement.

Eventually Robin's eyes wander around the room -- the court, as it were: full of peoples and costumes and noise and smells. Brij is treated to a considering side glance. She's not Aisling. Or Lucas. But she certainly seems to know what she's doing.

"Soooooo," Robin drawls casually. "Can you explain to me how fancy clothes and jewels help get the job of running the Kingdom done?" The look on Robin's face is a mixture of sardonic befuddlement, with just the slightest hint of hope swimming deep in the green.

The firelizards settle in; they're not entirely happy to be inside a building with so many people, but at least it has high ceilings and is otherwise bright and open.

A sentiment Robin thoroughly shares.

Brij starts pointing at various courtiers, using her own body and Robin's to screen the motion of her hands. "Camouflage. Status display. Mating display." She continues in this vein with half a dozen more examples. "Now imagine you have to be in charge of all these people. How do you show them when you come in that you're in charge? Their language is all about clothing and jewelry and you have to speak it if you want to be taken seriously in court."

Robin's eyes grow round and light with comprehension. "Oooooooooohhhhh...." she breathes out low and slow with epiphany. Her hands begin to flutter and her eyes begin to dart as thoughts start tumbling faster and faster through her mind. So much so that she almost misses the rest of what Brij says.

[Brij] shrugs matter-of-factly. "It's possible to overdress for these things. Bleys says the Xanadu court is much less formal than his father's was."

This is not something Robin finds immediately obvious, but it could be true.

Robin's eyes dart back to Brij from far away. Relative formality is not something that Robin has the ability -- or the experience -- to gauge. A rueful tic tugs at the corner of her mouth: before her growing understanding overwhelms her.

"Soooooooo... Uniform, definitely. I'm a working Royal. With weapons instead of jewelry." 'Cause she's a fightin' Royal too. Robin nods as her eyes sweep back over the crowd, not so much talking to Brij as using her as a sounding-board. "But well-made. Of good materials. To show I give a damn.

"But..." her brow furrows. Rangers don't have uniforms. And she, she's growing away from being a Ranger. To being a Kingsman. Her eyes drift to Brita and her red coat. But Robin dismisses that idea pretty quickly. She's never managed to hang on to a individual piece of clothing for more than a week or so.

Then her eyes drift on to Jerod, in his emblematic grey. Comes the memory of Brennan in black and red, Ossian in blue and silver, Bastard Corwin in black and silver, Bastard Bleys - red and orange, Rat-bastard Caine - green and black, the images flicker faster and faster behind her eyes.

"Oh. Oh. Oh. Those stupid colors -- they're 'Royal Me' uniforms!" Robin's eyes are very round as she turns back to Brij. She blinks rapidly as she tries to focus downward some. For her, colors are the easy part -- brown and green. But the clothes, the uniform itself?

"I wish Silhouette was here." She sighs mournfully. Silh totally knows how to shop in Xanadu. Unconsciously, Robin licks the phantom taste of peaches off her lips.

Brij starts nodding as Robin talks about the meaning of the colors. "I don't know Silhouette, but if you want to ask someone, maybe you should talk to, well, the Queen?" Brij gestures in Vialle's direction, but not with the sort of careless jerk of thumb that she used with the other examples she made to Robin. "Even though she can't necessarily help you herself, she'll know who to tell you to recommend.

"Just don't ask my daughter. She has weird ideas about what's appropriate. You have to know the rules of how to dress in court before you break them and even if Folly does, you don't. Yet."

As court is beginning to wind down and the last few petitioners are approaching Random, it becomes evident to Robin and Brita that almost everyone meant to be involved in the duel is present at court with the exception of Venesch himself. Garrett, who permitted the duel, is here, as is Venesch's second Jerod. And Venesch himself, although not present, is somewhere in the city and could be brought up to the castle if needed.

It is time for something to be done about it.

Brita has made her way over to where Cousin Robin talks with Folly's Mother. Her smile is almost wistful as she takes in the small winged beasties Robin has draped about her like colorful jewelry. She stands to the side in Robin's line of vision with a casual stance almost like parade rest as she waits to be noticed. [I don't think Brita has been formally introduced to Brij.]

"Folly. Purple." Robin nods in response to Brij. Then her brow furrows. Her Father said darn near the same thing about rules and breaking them too. She's still not quite sure what it means. As her gaze wanders in thought, it drifts over her "C"ousin and she smiles.

"I can ask the Queen," Robin allows, "but I always thought I was a little... rough and ready for her. As for Folly? You know, back when Aisling was with us, I was thinking of getting her, myself, Folly and Brita here" a welcoming smile is directed to the waiting Goddess, "together in a conspiracy of trouser-wearers."

"Brita? Have you met, Brij? Granddaughter of Julian, paramour of Bleys, mother of Folly and expert at getting Caine's goat." Robin's voice is warm with mischevious fondness for her neice.

"Brij? This is Brita, daughter of Fiona and Vidar. And one of the best amongst us." While the mischeviousness fades, it's obvious that Robin is both fond of and respects Brita: a rare combination in the wild child.

"Hello, Brita. Nice to meet you," Brij says. There's no purple in her hair but otherwise she has a reasonably strong resemblance to her daughter.

Brita's smile widens. She approaches and bows slightly to Brij, "Lady Brij," she says, and then she clicks a short cadence at the flight of dragons and translates for non-Ranger ears, "Fierce Ooot, Valiant Chirrup, and Regal Peep." She bows again, perhaps a little more deeply than to Brij. She straightens. "I had Wished to Discuss the Words for the Honor Duel..." her words trail off as she notes the approach of other cousins.

Taking his leave of Lord Raven, Jerod makes his way over to the coalescing group of cousins remaining in Court that are associated to the duel. Jerod does not consider whether this ocurrance is due to accident or design, only that it is an opportunity to deal with a thorny issue and hopefully to everyone's benefit.

"Brita." he says, nodding a greeting and a smile as he enters into the conversation zone. He turns slightly to Robin and Brij and greets each in turn similarly.

Brita's smile is not forced as she returns the nod and then bows again to approaching prince.

"Jerod." Robin nods a greeting to Jerod as her smile fades to her working expression. For a moment, there is a slight tensing of Robin's eyes as cousins continue coalescing out of the 'court' around her. Not a comfortable situation for any wild animal. But Robin quickly gets control of her expression and her feelings.

Garrett arrives just behind Brita and makes his greetings as well to Jerod and Brij. To Robin, he adds, "Lady Robin. I didn't expect see you. I thought you were still in the Forest."

"Highness." Robin nods with a quick smile. "Loose ends are all tied up in Broceliande. Paige and Edan said they could lug the knotwork back themselves so I came on ahead. Didn't want to be late." She finishes with a wry twist to her lips.

"If there's some business you need to conduct, I can be on my way," Brij says, eyeballing the obviously unhappy Robin. "But if there's something I can help with, I don't mind lending a hand. What's this about an honor duel?" She looks around at her cousins, hoping someone will supply an answer.

Jerod looks over at Brita and Robin, remaining attentively quiet as befits his position as a second.

"Uhhhh..." Robin spreads her hands helplessly toward Garrett and Brita. It's all so public here, and she's afraid that anything she says is going to break some rule or piss someone (Jerod) off. So she settles for 'help me' eyes and a fluttering gesture of 'I don't know what to say.'

Brita smoothly interjects with no derision in her voice, "When Cousin Robin returned Uncle Houn to Former Reality Amber, the Danger of Our Uncle was not Relayed with him. His Subsequent Escape besmirched the Honor of the Captain of the Guard. He was Going to commit Ritual Suicide but his Hand was Stayed by Cousin Robin. He then Opted to Challenge Cousin Robin to an Honor Duel to Regain his Honor." Brita stops, her head tilts slightly as she thinks through her words and then she nods firmly once in conclusion.

Garrett nods in confirmation of Brita's version of the events. Noticing Robin's discomfort, he offers kindly, "It's an honor duel so it's all gonna be public at some point, but if you'd rather take this part of the discussion to a quieter corner, we can do that." He nods toward an alcove near the windows.

"Yeah, I think I would. Thank you, Highness." Robin nods with gratitude and relief. Windows! Excellent.

"I don't mind having you here, Brij." She adds to her niece, "but I'm... not sure of the... rules." Robin's eyes dart questioninly back and forth between the Prince who is the official Arbtier and the Prince who is the official other side.

"That sounds like the sort of crap Syd used to get into. I'm not surprised it happens here when he's in charge, either." The noise Brij makes can't exactly qualify as a sigh, but it conveys something of the same meaning. "If it's all right for me to stay, I'll keep Aunt Robin company. I can keep my mouth shut if I need to."

"If it's fine with Robin, it's fine with me," Garrett says with a shrug.

He leads the group over to the indicated alcove. Once there, he turns to face them, looking more businesslike. "So, as I understand it, we have Brita and Jerod as seconds," he begins. "Where do we stand on negotiations?"

Ooooo, windows are good. For both Robin and her little friends. The girl makes sure to park all four of them where they can get the most light, air and sense of openess. And then looks around to the others curiously.

"We met a little while ago." Jerod says. "As far as negotiations, we did not appear to have a problem with terms though I believe Brita wanted to verify something with her brother and Robin. It should be quite beneficial to both sides and will certainly let us get past all this without having to draw any blades I believe."

Robin's eyebrows go up questioningly. Without drawing blades would be good too -- if Venesch is alright with it. After all, this whole stoopid thing was his idea. She shoots a questioning look to Brita.

Brita nods to Robin and says to the group, "Without Blades is the Goal. I was Just Working on Discussing the Form of the Apology with Cousin Robin."

Garrett turns to Jerod. "Highness, you know Venesch better than all of us. Any ideas on what might work here?" he asks.

"Venesch has lived his life by the dictates of duty and honour." Jerod says. "Whether someone agrees or disagrees with that lifestyle isn't really relevant. It would be like trying to disagree with the existence of air.

"Any issues that arise will come because of a misunderstanding of the definition of honour and how as part of this duel process any apologies and acts of contrition, on both sides, are viewed and offered. Honour for him isn't some hidebound set of rules that you unquestioningly follow because you're a drone. He follows that way of life for reasons, reasons that he believes makes his life and by extension, his society better. It is a stance that can be a very lonely and isolated one. Some might not agree, but I would advise them to consider what kind of drive does it take for someone to stand by such a way of life, and do it year after year in a place like Amber.

"In a strict practical sense, your highness. Don't bullshit him. If an apology is to be offered, make it sincere. If an apology is expected from him, then make the demand appropriate. If a duel to is to be done, then make it happen. But don't lie to him about it."

By the end of Jerod's statements, Robin's arm are crossed and her head nodding in understanding. The Ranger is all business and gratefully re-oriented. It's hard to remember all that honor stuff when you're not standing right next to it.

"Right," she nods. "What I remember from our initial discussion is that Venesch felt the need to have his worth and value as a warrior re-established, hence the duel. Iiiiii don't really want to engage in a public martial display but will, if it's necessary to... for his honor.

"In terms of apologies..." Robin starts to squirm a little, "I understand that my rather ham-handed attempts to get him to Xanadu, well, humiliated him. And I'm totally willing to sincerely apologize for that. In return, I'm thinking that the former Captain of Amber's Guard loudly calling me a traitor in the castle courtyard. Demanding my arrest. Well, no matter how pissed he is, that's kind of unfortunate. Especially if I'm actually going to be hanging around here for any length to time. I'd rather that that was cleared up. If an apology for Venesch is the way to do it, fine." She shrugs.

"Other apologies...." Robin's green eyes narrow slightly as they dart to Jerod. "I don't understand. So sincerity might be an issue."

"I Think Your apology to Captain Venesch for Violating his Honor by Failing to Inform him of the Danger of Uncle Huon and then Forcing him to Reality Xanadu and His apology for Publically and Falsely Accusing You of being a Traitor would Suffice to Balance the Scales," Brita turns and raises an eyebrow at Jerod.

"Sufficient." Jerod says. "Though I will point out that while he made an accusation that turned out to be false, I would counsel against trying to get him to attest that he knew the accusation was false when he made it. The accusation was incorrect and he will admit his mistake. Venesch is too honourable to make a statement to deliberately impugn someone's honour. That is not his way."

Jerod obtains the attention of a hovering page and has them send for Venesch to attend upon his highness Prince Garrett.

"Time for some closure, your highness?"

Garrett starts to agree, but is interrupted.

"Wait, please." Robin holds up a hand and turns to Brita. "What do you mean by 'for violating his honor by failing to inform him of the danger of Uncle Huon'? I don't understand that part." Robin does her best to keep her voice level, but clamps her mouth closed perhaps a little too sharply at the end.

"No one told Venesch about Huon or his abilities and that he could escape inside an hour once he was in a cell in Shadow, which is what Amber is now." Jerod replies. "We kept it secret to protect ourselves. So, Venesch did exactly what he was supposed to do. And that got him busted. Why? Because he was the Captain of the Guard and he was supposed to not fail. But he did. And he failed because we didn't give him the information needed to do his job. So, he was placed into a situation for which it was impossible for him to do his duty...but he was still held to account for failing to do his duty."

"Right," Garrett nods. "He made his resignation to Caine and Caine took it. I was there for that part. There was no reason for Venesch to believe the outcome would have been any different than throwing Uncle Corwin or my father in the dungeons, but yet it was because AMBER is different in ways that only we know about," Garrett explains. "Had Venesch known, he would have done more to restrain Huon securely and we wouldn't be here now."

"The Castle Guard are Not the Forest Rangers," Brita says to Robin with a slight shrug. "They are Brave, Skilled, Loyal - all that Makes a Good Guard - but they do Not Have that Wild, Free element. They are more...Formal, more Ruled. They Could Not Sense the Change but would have needed to Be Told."

By the time Brita and Garrett finish their explanation, Venesch has arrived.

"Your Highness sent for me?" Venesch addresses Garrett. He looks briefly at Robin, then at Jerod. "Have the seconds arranged the details? I can send for weapons if we are to resolve this matter at last." It is unclear how much of the preceding conversation he might have heard.

Garrett draws himself up to full "prince-on-duty" posture at Venesch's sudden arrival. "Yes, Venesch, I did," he states firmly. "The seconds have made arrangements that I deem to be acceptable. Lady Brita? Prince Jerod?" he says, handing further explanation over to the seconds.

Brita does Not roll her eyes - she really wishes she could have spoken to Robin alone, separately first. Dratted Court. She looks directly into Robin's eyes and says, "Weapons will Not be Necessary," and then she smiles - the confident, bright gleam reminiscent of Connor's best; the wink of encouragement only Robin can see.

Ooookkkaaaayyy. Robin trusts Brita - that's why she asked her to be her second. And Brita knows Robin's percularities and druthers better than most. If Brita thinks it's going to be okay, well Robin can play that throw. She firms up, turning her attention back to Jerod and Venesch.

"Agreed." Jerod says to Venesch. "There will be an exchange of apologies, not blades."

"The apologies will be made in full court. Here and now," Garrett decrees.

Brita bows to the Prince and says, "Perhaps Cousin Jerod can Explain to Duelest Venesch the Agreement We have Arrived At while I Speak with Cousin Robin?" The implication is that she wishes a word alone...

"Your highness." Jerod offers, awaiting the permission to step aside for the moment.

Garrett assents to both requests with a single nod.

Venesch nods in a way that is halfway to a bow, but does not step away, either. "It is, of course, the duty of the seconds and all involved to attempt to reconcile the parties to a duel. While I have no objection to settling this with blades, I can be contented with an appropriate apology." He turns to Jerod. "What terms are offered me in exchange for relinquishing my honor debt, and what must I do in return?"

Brij mutters under her breath, "He's Xanadu's first lawyer." It's soft enough that probably only family members can hear her.

Garrett mostly stifles a smirk at Brij's comment. "Prince Jerod, please explain the terms to Duelist Venesch. And Lady Brita, please prep your own duelist accordingly. I'll give you both a few moments while I prepare the court." He nods once more and departs to find Random.

Random's easy with Garrett's arrangements. If they want to duel, he gives his permission, but wants it here, in front of the court. If they don't want to duel, the court doesn't get the entertaining spectacle. Random notes that this is strictly personal, and doesn't affect Venesch's position or lack thereof in Amber or Xanadu. They can always apologize and then duel for the King's Pleasure anyway.

There's a beat as Garrett tries to determine if his father is serious about a pleasure duel. He discards that option with a comment about not wanting to get blood on the carpet and moves off to speak with Gilt Winter about whether there is a proper protocol for making a court announcement or if "Prince's Perogative" applies.

Gilt thanks Garrett for asking him. He suggests that the court will be satisfied with whatever the Prince does. He suggests that Garrett make his announcement from the dais, so that the sound carries to the back. If Garrett wishes it, Gilt will be happy to announce his upcoming announcement.

"You'd better do it. I usually just whistle loud through my fingers to get attention," Garrett replies with a grin.

Robin turns to Brita, moving somewhat away from Jerod and Venesch for her "prep." Her line of sight is such that Brij can join them if she likes -- or not as Brita likes.

"Brrrrrita. This is going a little fast for me." In Robin's emerald eyes, low sparks of anger are warring with swells of fear as all the while Robin struggles to find some path to propriety other than fatalism or blank withdrawal.

"I, I don't think I'm qualified to apologize for the Family for failing to inform Venesch of Amber's change of state." Her brows draw together. She thinks that's what she heard Jerod say, but she's not certain.

"You Are," Brita states. "You Are Family."

Family? Robin considers that.

She's always known that she was Family. And she's always known what that entails; the duty, the oblibations, the danger. But now, Brita (who doesn't hate her) stands by her, Brij (who might actually like her) drifts away to give her space and Vere (who loves her) keeps her sane. Trust, she told Vere, she's got a problem with Trust.

And one of the handful of people she does trust is talking to her and she'd better pay attention. Robin yanks her mind back from the clouds and listens to her "C"ousin.

Brita shrugs slightly, "You Can State that you Apologize for Not Being Aware that the Guard did Not Know the State of Affairs and for Thus Failing to Alert Them to the Danger that was Uncle Huon. It could also be that Just Failing to Alert them that it Was a Prince was Enough to Perpetuate the rest...," she shakes her head slightly. "No, I would Just stick to the First bit - You Apologize for Not Being Aware that the Guard did not Know the State of Affairs and for Subsequently Failing to Alert them to the Danger of Prince Huon. Because of that Mistake, a Good Man felt he had Lost his Honor and you Wish to Redeem it with this Apology. - Sound reasonable?"

"Yeah," Robin nods with her eyebrows raised, "it does."

"But... Brita," Robin starts squirming again. "I still kind of feel like I'm being set up for Ca... someone's else fall. I don't have a problem doing that for Jove. But... this other person? Am I setting a bad precedent here? Am I looking at a future where everything is always my fault?" White teeth start to nibble at the corner of her lip.

Brita looks puzzled for a moment and then almost laughs before recovering her composure. "This is a Former Reality Amber Issue. You are Apologizing for Then Regent Uncle Gerard and Others who had not Fled the Fall but who hadn't Gotten Around to Explaining to the General Populace About the Fall." Brita shakes her head slightly, "The Only Part that is Your fault," and the emphasis on the word implies it wasn't really, "was your Interruption of Captain Venesch during his Suicide Ritual and subsequent Actions in Dragging him like a Recalcitrant Child to Reality Xanadu."

Robin's head bobs once. "Okay. Apologies from the Family for failing to inform Venesch of things that were necessary for his duty and then expecting hm to perform said duty with Unlce Huon as though he knew. Apologies from me for arrogant, ham-handed and humiliating... er, rescue's not the right word, is it?"

Brita cocks her head to one side as she mulls options. "Perhaps something along the lines of 'intrusion into his cultural rituals'?" she shakes her head and sighs, "Probably Too Formal. I Wish My Brother was Here; He is Much Better with Words." She thinks some more, "Perhaps you keep it Simple: You Apologize for Arrogantly Forcing him to Your .... hmm. 'Will' Sounds like you Seduced him [said with a completely serious face]. How about You Apologize for Interrupting his Cultural Ritual and Arrogantly Forcing him to Return to the King's Palace?"

"Weeeelll," Robin wrinkles her nose as she mulls it over. She wishes Conner were here too. "Arrogantly forcing sounds about right, but 'Cultural Ritual'? That sounds pretty flimsy to me. Why don't we call it what it was, an 'Honor Ritual'? As in 'I'm sorry I interrupted your Honor Ritual and arrogantly forced you to the King's palace.' Does that work?"

She wrinkles her nose again and rears back a little in distaste. Stupid words.

Brita smiles warmly, "Perfect! My Brother would Surely Approve."

Brita glances around at the other groups. "It Appears We are Almost Ready."

She turns back to Robin with another, softer smile, "You Are Ranger, Survivor of Blackness, Tamer of Green, Mother to Dragons, Love to a Good Man, and Blood of Amber. You can Easily Give This apology to a Worthy Opponent even with all these Peacocks and Peahens watching. You need Speak so Your Voice is Heard, but you Speak Only to Captain Venesch and Uncle Random."

"Thank you, Brita. That's just what I needed to hear." Robin smiles back fondly.

(If Brita allows it) Impulsively, the Ranger etc. hugs her second, right there in front of the peacocks and peahens of the Court.

Brita returns the hug.

"Okay." Robin says releasing her Cousin and bracing herself as she heads back toward the others.

"You know," she drawls in a falsely casual manner, "while Venesch and I were arguing out in the wilds, he gave me a really excellent word. One I took to heart. He said he hoped that I shared some traits with his ancestral enemies, the savages."

"'Savage." Robin savors the taste of it on her tongue. "I really like that. Not childish, not stupid, not crazy. Savage." She lifts her chin with a green spark of pride in her eye and a wry twist to her lips. "That I can do. And you're right, Brita. Only a worthy opponent gives gifts like that word."

"Savage," Brita repeats, savoring the word. "Untamed and Free," she adds nodding, "A Good, Strong Word - Very Fitting."

"And violent." Robin nods in satisfaction as a dark grin dances over her lips. "Thank you, Brita.

"Soooooo, what do we do now?" she says swinging her arms a little and looking around at the other clusters of folks.

"We Wait for Prince Garrett," Brita spots him talking to Gilt. "It will Not be Long."

Jerod nods once as Garrett departs, motioning Venesch to one side out of range of the others.

"The terms are a set of apologies." Jerod says simply. "Robin will offer an apology for her actions in handing over Huon to you, specifically in that she did not provide details concerning who he was or the actions you were to take in securing his detention. Since you had no way of knowing who he was, it was unreasonable to expect you to be able to succeed in holding a Prince, even if the Regent decided to use your offer of resignation to his advantage."

"Your apology, in response, will be to indicate that she is not a traitor, more precisely that you were mistaken in your original assessment of the situation. They will not ask that you apologize for deliberately calling her a traitor, or to apologize that you impugned her honour in a malicious fashion, simply that it was a mistake based on the information available at the time that you made it."

Venesch nods. "I can make that apology. What of the matter of Lady Robin's assault and kidnapping of me? That is not a matter to be treated lightly. If she wishes to apologize in part and still duel for the other part, I will be content to do so.

"That is to be part of the apology she will put forward." Jerod says. "Keep in mind that Lady Robin is....not skilled with words. Her apology may be somewhat....fumbling, in its delivery. In that respect you may be sure that she is not trying to deceive you. I think you will agree that honeyed words and shallow flattery are not her forte."

Venesch nods. "She is a woman of action. I am surprised that she agreed to the Prince's proposal. None of your Uncles would have done so. This will not be my first honor duel against members of the King's family."

Jerod smiles. "Of that I have no doubt. But I would hope that my cousins and I are not our uncles. If we are, then we are doomed to repeat their actions...and look what that got us."

A quick check of the other group and Jerod looks back at Venesch. "They would appear to have completed their discussion. Let us put this to bed, shall we? I have duties to perform for the family, and I would like to make sure you've got something to await you once this is taken care of. I owe you nothing less for your service."

"Jerod," Venesch says, softly. "Do not forget the lessons of your father's reign. In the court game of today, I am but a reminder of the past. You may well stop injustice or ingratitude now, but have a care not to set yourself or me up as targets. My time has passed and I will retire, with honor if I can." The old teacher seems older today than ever. "By this apology, we will have made Prince Caine look bad, and I have no expectation that he will take that lightly. You should consider the matter settled and I shall exit from the public life of Amber and Xanadu."

"I never doubted that this would be the last time you would come before court." Jerod says, his expression serious once more. "I have not forgotten the lessons my father taught me of court, or the ones you taught me. It is on that note, when you make your retirement, that I offer whatever you might need to fulfill it. I owe you a debt I cannot repay, but I will try nonetheless."

Signy slides through the remnants of the court, skirting the edge of the knot forming around Robin, over to where Jerod stood next to the newest member of the family just scant minutes ago.

She stretches out a hand in greeting. "Hi. I'm Signy. I figured I'd come over and say 'Hi' since I've only been part of this family for...." Her brow furrows for a moment as she thinks. "Maybe two weeks? It's hard to figure out time some times. I only had a couple of weeks pass, but for where I came from, it was years."

At the last, her voice trails off with a bit of melancholy.

Fletcher has followed Signy over, and is waiting respectfully for her to finish her introduction before he introduces himself.

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am," Raven answers, shaking her hand firmly. "I'm afraid I don't entirely follow, but I can't say as how that's anything new. And you are, sir?" she adds, looking at Fletcher.

Fletcher steps forward, smiling. "I am Fletcher, another cousin. Welcome. I guess you might say I'm an old hand at this. I've been around Xanadu and Paris for several weeks. But then I suppose we were both in Amber before."

"Pleased to meet you as well, sir," Raven says. "I guess you've both got the advantage on me, seeing as how you've both been here for a couple of weeks. It's... very different from Amber."

Signy offers up a disarming smile at that. "And yet, I've never known Amber, so you have a leg up on me there."

Deep green eyes focus on Raven knowingly. "I may have a couple of weeks on you, but with this Family I don't know that there's a lot of difference between a couple of weeks and a couple of hours in terms of getting used to things."

"And yet you both seem quite at home," Fletcher reassures. "And yet, Amber seems a large thing to let go."

"Aye," Raven agrees. "It's a very large thing." And then she chuckles. "And begging your pardon, sir, but I only look at home. This ain't anything like - well, what I'm used to. I guess it gets easier?" That's directed to Signy.

Signy gives a conspiratorial grin to Raven. "If it does, I'll let you know."

Fletcher asks, "What was it like out on the high seas during the whole recent unpleasantness?"

"Heh." Raven smiles. "It weren't boring, sir, that's for sure. Is there something in particular you're looking to hear?"

Fletcher shakes his head. "Just wondering what it was like, wandering through end of the world."

Across the room, the knot surrounding Robin and Venesch breaks up, with Garrett heading for his father and the duelists and seconds retreating to more private corners. Brij, momentarily abandoned, comes over to the three Amberites.

She greets her cousins.

Signy gives Brij a smile as she replies to Fletcher. "This was that Black Road business, right? It wasn't a lot of fun on the land, I can't imagine that the sea was appreciably better." She turns slightly towards Raven, interested in his take.

"Can't say as how I know anything about a 'Black Road', ma'am," Raven observes. "There was a storm like none of us had ever seen what knocked us off course, though. Big, nasty bas-" she clears her throat. "Sucker of a storm. Don't know that I could tell you all the places it dropped us afore we was spit out the other side, but most of the ones I do remember, somebody got killed or we came too near to being killed."

"Black Road?" Brij asks. "I must have missed the day we had that history lesson. Would one of you care to enlighten me?" She smiles, with a slight touch of flirtation, at Raven and Fletcher, mostly Raven.

Fletcher switches to Court mode and tries to explain. "In order to attack Amber, forces from Chaos had to travel the length of the universe. The manifestation of the means they employed to do that appeared in Amber and many places as a 'Black Road'. The disruptive forces of the 'road' manifested in other forms depending on the properties of various shadows which it intersected. I was specifically interested in what form the final 'storm' which resulted in the end of the 'road'. I believe it originated in Amber and has been dubbed, 'The Sundering.'" He looks around the group, mildly curious to see if this makes sense to those assembled.

"There's precious few roads in the ocean," Raven observes drily, with a faint smile. "Most of the time, stone don't float too well. Just curious, sir, but if I'm sorting out what you're asking right, you do realize I ain't got the tools to tell you how those things go together? I mean, there was a storm, and it was over when the ship stopped heaving us arse over teakettle over the waves. And then we found out we was off all of our charts. Seems like that storm was part of this 'Sundering' thing, but bugger all if I know if that was your 'final storm'."

"We had trouble where I lived. Bizarre things. People thought they were demons," Brij offers. "I didn't believe it but I was never much of a believer in magic until it was shoved into my face. But I've seen enough strange things my daughter started hanging around with her musician boyfriend that I'll believe they were demons now--or at least some creature from a strange Shadow that we'd call a demon." The word 'shadow' sits strangely on Brij's tongue, telling them all that she's not a native of Amber.

Signy nods. "I was part of a warband, and also had no idea of my heritage. At times, it felt like that road and the things that travelled on it were drawn to me like I was a magnet."

Fletcher smiles. "I guess we're just used to always being the thick of things."

Before Brij can answer them, the herald calls the court to order and Garrett begins to speak.

Garrett strides toward the dias, straightening his shirt and fixing his hair as he goes. Once there, he looks over at Jerod and Brita in turn. Both appear to be ready and he gives a barely perceptible nod to each to confirm this. Assuming no indications to the contrary, he looks back at Gilt and nods once firmly.

Gilt nods at a page, who moves a curtain and hits a very large gong. Conversation rapidly stops, and everyone looks at Garrett.

Garrett's stomach wraps itself into a tight knot as the crowd goes silent. Father would make this look easy. Martin would just muscle through it. It's a matter of style and Garrett doesn't have one. Yet.

He breathes in to control his voice, squares his shoulders and speaks in a voice that's clear even at the back of the room. "Lords and Ladies of the Court. Several days ago, a challenge of honor was issued to a member of the Royal Family. Since then, with negotiation and additional information, the parties have arrived at a resolution that is acceptable to both them and the Crown. There shall be a public apology issued for the actions that caused the underlying dispute.

"Lady Robin and Captain Venesch, kindly approach the dais with your seconds."

Robin strides forward, her chin still lifted, her eyes clear. The bones and feathers, beads and shells in Robin's hair glimmer in the lights of the Court: wild, savage and proud.

Brita follows a pace or two behind and to the side, her bearing straight and face a neutral mask.

Once the parties are in position, Garrett continues, "As I understand the initial dispute, the action that prompted the conflict was initiated by Lady Robin. Therefore, Lady Robin, you will begin." Garrett looks to Robin and nods slightly. Though his posture does not change, his eyes when he looks at her are kind and meant to calm.

Robin nods back to the Prince. The small tick of a smile at one corner of her lips acknowledges Garrett's efforts on her behalf.

Then, Robin turns to Venesch. She meets his eyes with a serious mien. Putting one hand over her heart, the Ranger bows to the former Captain and speaks clearly.

"Venesch. It has been brought to my attention that the Royal Family of Amber withheld certain information from you. Information that we felt was private but was also critical to the performance of your duty. Therefore, when I sent Prince Huon to Amber, you had no way of understanding his capabilities and were incapble of performing your duty. Because of that, your honor was besmirched. For that, I apologize.

"Later, I compounded the misunderstanding by interrupting your Honor Ritual and arrogantly forcing you to the King's palace without regard for your situation or nature. That was poorly done of me and I am sorry for the harm it caused you."

She finishes with a rueful twist to her lips and a bob of her head.

Brita's eyes gleam with pride although she manages to maintain her serious mien as they await the response from Venesch.

Jerod also waits patiently, having moved into position with Venesch upon hearing the call to Court from Prince Garrett. He listens carefully to the Prince's call and to Robin's opening, feeling for the sense of the court spectators and how they are viewing this event, and watching Venesch for any hint that he may decline the apology and choose to force the duel.

Venesch bows towards Robin. "I am satisfied. I find that I was overhasty in accusing you of treason. I was mistaken in my original assessment and I withdraw the accusation with my apology."

Robin's brow furrows briefly. She should say something, she knows it. She just doesn't know what. After an awkward pause, it finally occurs to her. With some relief at figuring it out, Robin nods. "I am satisfied."

Garrett regards both parties in turn as they speak. At the end, he takes a moment to be certain both have finished.

[Assuming no additional comments from the parties involved or from the peanut... er, Court...]

"There being no further comment, I, Prince Garrett, hereby declare this matter closed," Garrett states firmly. "It shall not be spoken of again." If he had a gavel, it would have used it, but since he doesn't, he simply nods to Gilt Winter to do whatever is needed to formally close the proceeding.

Again, Robin's brow wrinkles briefly. ?The daughter of Ysabeau is slightly sensitive to royal pronouncements of not-speaking. ?But then dawning understanding ligths her eyes.

Ooooohhhh, now she doesn't have to face the inevitable gossip-fest that would normally follow such an event. ?The Prince said not to speak of it, so she doesn't have to. ?In fact, she can't. ?Awesome!

She looks over to Gilt, waiting for the signal to release her to the much-preferred task of lizard-feedin'.

Jerod also watches for Gilt, waiting patiently, making further note as to who in the audience may be agreeing or disagreeing with the outcome of the event.

Gilt bows to the Prince, and the King, and signals to a musician, who starts playing something flourish-y on a cornet. He smiles at Robin, nods at Venesch, and approaches the throne.

Venesch bows towards all and sundry and turns to Jerod. "Thank you, my Prince. I shall depart."

He nods once. "If you require anything, please let me know."

From across the room, Martin catches Garrett's eye, nods once, and smiles.

Garrett grins. Doing so is probably not regal, but he can't help it.

Raven listens to the event quietly, in the sort of pose one might expect of a sailor listening to someone higher in rank giving a speech.

Signy listens quietly, before turning slightly back to the rest of the group with a slightly puzzled look on her face.

Brij shakes her head. "At least that's settled. Men," she says to Signy. Then she smiles at Raven and Fletcher. "Present company excepted, of course."