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Kadri



Through each gate, Kadri rode, her carriage straight and erect, and her expression one of serenity. Through the first rings - there she allowed Lisica a little leeway to show off for those admiring her - she was of the finest of horses; she should be admired. She realized, entirely, that the lack of banners and other things indicating the full retinue of Amber would cause some stir. This was not unintentional.

Through the second ring. This was, of course, no issue. Kadri kept the look of one should not brook argument on the way to her goal - so the third ring. Coin exchanged hands, and she moved on. The confrontation with the knights was - briefly - worrying - but then - the corner of her mouth could not help but raise slightly at Romana's handling of the Knights of Rames.

She briefly flits her eyes towards nearby shadow.

"Lady. I think today Romana makes you laugh. I know she does me." She said, under her voice.

She looked around the city. While she perhaps more likes simple towns - she could not help but find this ... impressive, of course. So, this is where the important people live among the stone walls of Talantal. She looks up briefly at the citadel, then nods as if it were a mildly interesting sight to be filed away for later consideration.

The final ring, and a door - to a great hall. She felt momentarily nervous - before dismissing it. This was the hunter and the hunted playing their game; the game was about to begin - and - she hoped - she could begin it with a flash. Doublebluff indeed - only actually a much older game in its own way.

As she entered the hall, her eyes cast around those at its center.

The Khorall, of course. Then these must be 'family'.

The corner of her mouth lifts again.

Another argument regarding Bekkah and Romana - seemingly soon enough handled.
Then, the flustered knight.

"Dama Kadri djinn Khayriyah djinn Terilanquel al'Korie."

Silence, the clatter of a metal goblet on the stone.

"It appears Lord Dominic got married."

It appeared that she currently had their attention ... "Very well, Lady Mine, here we go." She thought to herself.

She glides forward a few steps, first crosses her arms and bows in her own style - and then executes a near-perfect curtesy - she had made sure to drill on that - in a sweeping graceful style.

"It is good to meet you Father. Does this day find you well?"

She tinges her speech with just enough of the accent of the plains that, if any had failed previously, somehow, to realize her origins, it would be obvious.

Her smile, perhaps, looks uncannily like one that Dominic himself might make.

Mikal

He rides next to Kadri, newly cleaned and oiled armour over the clothing Kadri provided announcing him as one of hers. He rides sometimes a pace ahead and sometimes a pace behind. He wears his shield on one arm, crossbow on his saddle pommel, swords sheathed but cleaned, sharpened, oiled, and ready. His new dagger from Cesare on his hip near his Main-Gauche. He carries the shield, it's device displayed, mostly as a potential protection for Kadri. Should he detect anyone making any attempt on her during the open ride through town, he would be able to reach across and provide partial cover for her with the shield.

As they reach the Ring Gates, he stations himself between the guards and Kadri, content to simply be. Clearly recognizable for what he is.

At the fourth Ring Gate, he tenses as the confrontation escalates with the Knights, hand dropping to his sword's pommel, but breathes a short sigh of relief as things pass.

He observes the confrontation between the Dayalans and the Guards with less concern, knowing Daxia can take care of anything that happens, and giving a short nod of approval at Kay's handling of it.

Upon finally reaching the citadel, he reluctantly leaves Talia with the other mounts in the hands of groomsmen and enters along with Kadri, Cesare, Dean, Bekkah, and Romana. His eyes flick everywhere, not trusting anyone in this place. Only when they finally enter the final Council Chamber does he drop back a full pace behind Kadri, and to one side, keeping a watchful silence as the discussions proceed. He does his best to place names with people as they speak. His eyes pause an extra moment on Captain Dandy, being the only person in the room whom he has met before, but he stops himself from making any acknowledgement lest the presumed association interfere somehow with Kadri's plans.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Bekkah, Daxia, Mikal, Dean, Cesare, Kadri ... Kay and Romana

"Father?

"Father?

"FATHER?!?!?!?!?"

The eldest Korie, the man with the dark hair that was certainly getting even more gray, even more white as he spoke, stood. His hands slammed down upon the high table, palms flat, in a perfect single whumf.

"Marcus! Where in all of Krysta's hells is my Judge? My Judge, My Captain and the Mistress of ... of ...."

He waved his hand at Bekkah and her Initiate.

" ... her church."

The younger Korie, the presumable heir, looked to his sire, then to Kadri and her household, and with a deep dark frown turned to the man who had whispered into Dorian's ear.

"Well you heard them, get to ..."

"Marcus ..."

Dorian Korie, without turning his head, growled his son's name.

"Yes ,,, sir."

Marcus Korie made his way to follow his Father's command, roughly grabbing the seneschal's arm as he did, violently dragging the man along with him towards one of the gallery exits. In his wake the woman who had sat beside him - perhaps his new wife - remained and at both the heir's departure and the Khorall's correction just smiled. Though it was anything but a friendly smile.

"Judge? Your Rames Knight and his Lady? Don't tell me you are actually going to tolerate this whelp's charade? "

This time it was a Montague who spoke, the one with the bloody swath across his surcoat. His words cut like a stonecutter's chisel, each one grim and tinged with malice. He continued.

"Give me three bells with her and ...."

WHAM!

Sure, sharp and hard, no sibling's love tap, the black haired man was rapped across the back of his head by the second Montague, the older one.

"Jakal. HUSH. How many times do I have to tell you that when in court, you keep your bloody mouth SHUT."

Khorall Hadrian Montague did, however, have a comment of his own. He spoke directly to the Korie.

" ... the second marriage of a Korie was supposed to join with house Montague, bother Dorian. As you can tell, my less than circumspect brother does not take such dis-compliments very well."

The Korie's attention, however, had already returned to Kadri. For the moment the Montague was ignored. Jakal's expression, somehow, darkened even more.

"Lass, if you are lying we shall give your story the wings of a nighthawk when we toss you from our highest tower. You had better hope you can fly as well as that bird and land even better."

As this exchange occurred there we other reaction across the hall. The Kierkegaard delegation looked between the Amber lady and her new in-laws, staying silent, though the elder could not help but smirk. He probably had met Dominic. The Allaine heir simply slipped back beneath the shelter of her book, biting her cheek a little bit before taking a breath and closing her eyes. It was a practice that at least one of this gathering had seen before; it was her thinking about doublebluff tiles.

The lord in the light blue garb, however, could not help but stand, raising a goblet with bright words.

"Now this is grand midsummer's news; we offer our congratulations and wishes for a wonderful and long life to the happy couple ... and ... many ... healthy ... uhm ... oh ... apologies your Dorianship."

The look the Khorall Korie gave the Khorall Larsen was spoke silent volumes before a small exclamation interrupted.

" ... gawk!"

For a few handful of heartbeats a smallish kerfluffle stole the court's attention. As proper, the two newest of the Allaine retinue took their place, behind the Allaine heir; Daxia upon Kisa's left shoulder, Kay upon right. Which, by happenstance, placed Kay between the heiress and her slender blonde escort. It was a simple motion for the elder Koromov to unceremoniously and very pragmatically grab Kay by the scruff of her neck and lift her to the side. There was a flurry of legs and arms before the younger lass was set down. Captain Koromov silently tapped her sword, snapped Kay's spear with her knuckles and then tapped the shorter woman's head with the palm of her hand.

Kay narrowed her eyes, thought a few moments, looked up at her spear, stayed put and simply gnawed upon her lower lip.

" ... at least yah didn't ruffle me."

That simple grumble heralded Lord Marcus' return and in his tow were three personages of the Imperial Court. the first was a rather heavyset - a better word might be rotund - man in deep blue robes. In one hand he carried a tall and ornate staff, the other a leather bound and gold gilded tome. The second was a Knight in full regalia; or at least the odd regalia that was the melding of Korie colors and those of Lord Rames the Protector. The last was an elderly woman in creams and whites, her hair - oddly - shorn shoulder short but still almost as white as Romana's. At that the Khorall frowned.

"I meant the Lady Jasmine. Not ..."

Marcus just held up his hands, palms upwards.

"My dear Lady Anastasia ..."

Dorian Korie's words oozed molasses.

"My dear lady, you should be resting; taking your enjoyment of your twilight years; Lady Jasmine watches over our church no ..."

The elderly Atteran didn't even let the Khorall finish his sentence.

"I am still the ranking Priestess, you young whippersnapper."

She looked to Kadri's small group, her gaze finding Bekkah's charge.

"Besides, this I had to see for myself.

"Sister Bekkah Yurisdotter, Lady bless. Just what are you doing this side of the Silk Creek Ravine and just where did you find this youngling?"

".... enough!"

The Khorall's sharp word sliced across the Court as he turned his attention to the large man with a staff.

"Justice Hawthorne; this .... girl ... claims to be my wayward Brother's wife. Is this True?"

The Judge of Hastur could not hide his surprise. Nor would the other two - the Knight simply placing his hand over his face and the Priestess looked to Kadri. The best description of her expression would be ... impressed. The Judge finally straightened himself, concentrated, opening his book as he spoke, his words ponderous and theatrically as weighty as he.

"Lord Hastur, He who watches over our lives, He who strikes the balance between Rightful Law and Terrible Chaos, who Judges Right from Wrong, to whom truth is your child and from your gaze a lie cannot hide ... We beseech you in this matter of grave importance, to discern light from shadow, night from day, has Lord Dominic Dominie Korie truly taken this woman for his wife?"

He would then wait.

And wait.

And wait.

And wait.

Those in the courtroom would look between each other and to the Judge. Who looked into his book. The Priestess looked over his shoulder.

"Harry. The page is still blank."

"I know it is! What manner of sorcery is this! What have you brought into this court!"

"Harry."

"What!"

"Just ask if they are married."

The justice scowled.

" .... fine. Dandy. Wonderful. Are they married."

The Justice frowned. He looked to his Khorall.

"Well?"

"You aren't going to like this ..."

"WELL?"

" ... by the laws and customs of our lands, aye."

The Khorall Larsen immediately stood up again!

"Now this is grand midsummer's news; we offer our congratulations and wishes for a wonderful and long life to the happy couple ... and ... many ... healthy ... uhm ... oh ... apologies your Dorianship."

The look the Khorall Korie gave the Khorall Larsen was identical to the first. he then swiveled his attention back to the newest Lady Korie.

"Well ... daughter ... welcome ... home."

Somehow the words did not come out sounding very welcoming.

"So little one. Introduce yourself to me.

"Introduce your rather bizarre household to me."

He held up his hand.

"Nonono ... I want to hear who they are ... in their own words."

One by one he took in Kadri's retinue, awaiting each personal answer. Mikal. Cesare. Dean. Bekkah. and yes, of course, Romana.

"Oh.

"And one more question.

"Does your Father know what you have done?"

Kadri

Oh dear. It seemed she really had upset the apple cart. A few of those apples were rolling all the way to The High Tarn and the plains of Kaa - and from the look on the face of the Dama Allaine - Dawnview vale. For a few heartbeats, while the book of the justice remained blank, her heart had almost stopped. Thankfully, it started again.

Her face became much more serious, her voice calm and steady and without quaver - any anxieties submerged, quite deeply; here there was no "fight or flight" - flight was simply not an option - for the moment. Wherever she was still herself, there was freedom. Never had freedom felt so much like being the prospective next meal for a pack of ravenous wolves. Never had she had so many eyes looking directly at her.

For the briefest of moments her eyes flicker to one side, as she speaks - in her head.

Lady mine, I do hope you get at least a snicker out of catching an entire keep of the high and mighty with their pants around their ankles ..."

Then her eyes go straight back to resting steadily on the Khorral.

"Were I lying, father, of all places I would dare to appear - at your court would not be one of them. I am Kadri, daughter of Khayriyah, of the ancient and honored line of Terilanquel. If you find it necessary, I will repeat my bloodline back through as many generations as you wish. Mother made me repeat it often enough. Or you may ask the honored justice if I am who I say I am. He will tell you my words are true."

She folds her hands in front of her, one on top of the other.

This was a time for some truths, if not all truths. For lies would at this time be unwise. While under the eye of Hastur was no time to speak falsehoods.

Her eyes glinted, and narrowed slightly.

"My father desired me to be a political favor to be handed out. I decided otherwise. So, I left. As for 'what I have done' - aside from joining the Honored House of Korie - by now, he may well know. If he does not know he assuredly soon will. I find that I now must say - it is no longer his business. I am who I am. Kadri djinn Khayriyah djinn Terilanquel al'Korie."

She looks over briefly towards the table with the Montagues.

"You will neither wish to believe nor accept if you do, I have no doubt. But this was in no way intended as a slight toward you and yours - who before this day I would not have recognized, and whose marriage plans I was unaware of."

Absolutely true. Through Mikal and recent events she bore the Montagues no love ... But at the time they had been the farthest of things from her mind.

"As for my associates and friends - as you say, they can speak for themselves."

(OOC - Wolf, since you mentioned the banner of Brockman's was present but I did not see Dab Brockman mentioned by name I wasn't certain if he was here. Posted as if he was. Let me know if I need to edit.)

Mikal

He continues to observe the...., well menagerie is the best word he can conjure up. He is strongly reminded, once again, why he has spent his life avoiding places and situations such as this and he offers a silent prayer to Jvrill.

**I do not know what I have done to so offend you as to have me in such a situation as this. I will do my best to represent our order and your will, but when we finally meet face to face I will demand explanation.**

His eyes dart back and forth as the speakers jump back and forth. His only movements a slight tightening around his eyes and small flexing of the muscles in his sword arm when the Montagues make their statements.

As the priest acknowledges Kadri's position he breathes a short sigh of relief, and after Kadri answers the questions about her family line and turns to he and the others near him to introduce themselves, he speaks, briefly and precisely.

"Llugh D'Allyne, My Lord." He replies to the Khorall, avoiding looking at the Montague retinue as best as he can, eyes focused on the Korie Lord. If they take in anyone else, they occasionally flick towards the Dayalans. Although as he speaks he offers a solid glance to Khorall Dab Brockman, perhaps coincidentally coinciding with his speaking the words 'My Lord'.

"Of Brockman's. I have the honour to be bodyguard to Lady Kadri."

The fact he is of Jvrill is obvious by his shield's device, so he doesn't bother to mention it. Besides the fact that with all the followers of Rames, Hastur, and Attera present he sees no need to emphasize it.

He then stops, allowing the others to speak in their turn.

Daxia

As their fingers touched, and Kisa slipped another of her Doublebluff tiles into Daxia’s hand — something seen only, perhaps, by the sharp eyed Captain Koromov — the flame haired Dayalan inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the gift as well as her understanding of its message. Her place at Kisa’s shoulder was only far enough away so her proximity didn’t encroach on her Liege, and she herself had free movement to draw her sword if necessary... but definitely close enough so that there was no doubt she was the Allaine Heir’s personal bodyguard.

Watching and listening to the exchange between the Korie and the Montague delegations... watching and listening to the exchanges within each of the families... Daxia quickly realized that Kisa’s message was simply a confirmation of a conclusion she reached very quickly. She also wondered, at Jakal Montague’s outburst, if dear Dominie hadn’t declared Kadri to be his wife, in part, to garner this very reaction from the Montague Warlord.

Knowing Dominic... yes, it was likely.

At least Khorall Kierkegaard seemed amused by it. His good humor over the youngest Korie’s antics might balance out whatever annoyance he’d feel when he realized the young Amber lass was the Amber lass promised to marry his Heir. On the other hand, given all she’d learned since leaving the Vale, there was also the possibility that neither Khorall Kristof nor Lord Rikart knew exactly which Amber lass the Heir was to marry to bind Amber in a closer alliance to Kierkegaard. There were, after all, so many Amber lasses.

She sensed more than saw Kisa looking at the Pattern of Doublebluff tiles behind closed eyes; Daxia could sense the Pattern and the Paths well enough here that she knew it was a time and a place where the tiles had been set up again, waiting only for the event that would cause the tiles to tumble one against the next, to determine the final Pattern. She knew she’d be able to see that Pattern... dayatina al sedenstevie... if she closed her eyes — something she was most assuredly not enough of a cobble block to do in this room with these people, even if the Captain of the Wild Horde did stand at her back.

Daxia had to bite the inside of her lip to keep from smiling at Khorall Larsen. The man looked for, and found, joy wherever he went. Never mind that political alliances had just been knocked askew... two young people had gotten married, and that was a fine reason for a toast! At least he caught himself, realizing that wishing the young couple many healthy children was, perhaps, not the best thing to say in this chamber. Your Dorianship? Daxia bit her lip a little harder.

At Dandy’s repositioning of Kay, and Kay’s resulting imitation of a strange bird squawking and her quiet comment, Daxia turned her head just enough to look at her Initiate. The slight upturning at the corners of her mouth and the glint in her eyes told the youngster that Verchovai Daxia might just ruffle her hair later for no other reason than Kay grumbled about it.

Her gaze returned quickly enough to the room as the Korie Heir returned with Father’s Judge and Father’s Knight... but apparently not Father’s Priestess. Interesting. All those years standing in Khorall Linnell’s court — with Kassia standing behind her rapping her on the head for her inattention and any reactions to the proceedings — finally paid off in Darksteel when Priestess Anastasia called the Khorall Korie a young whippersnapper. Daxia managed to refrain from any reaction save a fairly normal blinking of her eyes.

It would appear Bekkah might have an ally within these walls... or at least one who could guide her through the field riddled with pika burrows and hunters’ traps.

Watching the Judge watch his great book was educational. Daxia had met an Eye, of course... Lord Random, the keeper of Names. She’d never met a Judge... well, she’d seen the one who’d come to the Dawnview court, true. But she’d never seen one do what Judges do — divine information from Hastur. It wasn’t until the elderly Priestess pointed out that his pages were still blank that Daxia knew such divinations ought to be considerably more swift. The Judge couldn’t get his Lord to answer him? How strange and...

Dominic Dominie, you little scamp! You cast a Block Divination spell, didn’t you? Of course you did... because you knew Father would do exactly what he’s doing now. And the answer to the question varies depending on how it’s asked. I certainly hope your Lady whispers to you about the apoplexy you and Kadri have caused Father.

Khorall Korie’s question was interesting... as was Kadri’s answer.

Would her brothers have had time to return home to speak to their father after chasing Dominie from here to there and there to here? Perhaps not. The minstrels, on the other hand, may well have arrived on the Plains of Kaa with their songs — not so highly exaggerated as one might expect — of the diminutive yet dashing young Korie Lord claiming his elegant and exotic Terilanquel bride... and perhaps they had not.

Though, as Kadri rightly pointed out, it was no longer her father’s concern.

No. It was a concern of the entirety of the Amber Clans now, and this almost certainly would have been what the Khorall alluded to. He was not a foolish man, for he could not have played his game of Horses and Castles with Linnell Allaine for these many handful of years. He likely understood what Kadri did not...

The Clans of Amber were politically aligned with Dawnview.

The daughter of one of those Clans just aligned herself — and by extension, her family... at least until and unless her father disowned her — with Talantal.

So unless and until Kadri’s father — or brothers, or perhaps simply the Amber delegation itself... Daxia wasn’t entirely certain how these things worked in Amber — showed up to deny they knew any such person as Kadri djinn Khayriyah al’Terilanquel, the Amber Clans were technically split in their alliances.

It was no wonder she could sense the Patterns and Paths so well here and now... this was the event that would cause Kisa’s Doublebluff tiles to start tumbling into a new Pattern.

Midsummers Council.

Once again, she and her little group of misfits were at the center of the storm.

My Lady, I’m beginning to think Your purpose is to plunk me down in the center of this world’s most volatile situation at any given moment. Well, if that's Your plan, I thank You once again for sending along His Magnificence to accompany me. It's very kind of You both. If I’m to balance the Snowqueen Who Is Not a Snowqueen in this game of Doublebluff she plays on the board of the world, I’m going to need all the help I can get. Did I mention that I’m grateful?

Daxia’s gaze wandered over the room, briefly stopping on each of her companions... and she took a moment to think of Darian and Jankin, as well. They were likely far safer outside Dominie’s little village than any of them were here.

It’s probably just dumb luck that I fell in with this particular group of companions — or Kay’s luck rippling forward an Age so I’d be with them and in a position to save her when I did. I know... she might not agree with that. I’m still grateful.

The Starrider then simply watched... listened... and felt the shifting Patterns.

Bekkah

Word may not have reached the elder priestess of Bekkah's whereabouts, but one thing she could clearly tell, Bekkah was no longer an initiate. Her response was directed to the ranking Atteran Priestess not to the man demanding it.

"Lady Anastasia, it is good to see you again. It has been far too long." she said as she curtsied low to the woman. She hoped when it was her turn to speak Romana would follow her example.

"My tale is a simple one, perhaps directed by fate, perhaps by chance. As you know, I had been in the outlying areas for years when I entered a town and discovered my sister. It had been so many years since we'd last seen each other so remaining in her company for a while seemed appropriate. Along the way, we encountered this girl, who has decided to join our ranks. I have taken her on as an initiate. Should you get a chance to speak with her, you will find her dedicated to our Lady and quite a learner."

"Introduce yourself to the Lady Anastasia, Romana." she said stepping back a small step to place Romana slightly ahead of her.

Cesare

He had already hesitated before following Mikal's example.. an arttitude befitting any low commoner in such company, a role he had adopted on previous occasions.

With his eyes still downward, except for a quick glance at his questioner.. and then a glance at Kadri as if looking for permission, he answers, maybe feared of further delay.

"Cesare, manservant.. me Lud."

It is a mumble but clear enough.

Romana

The white haired lass too a step forward, her head ducking, bowed politely, and yet if one dared to look beneath the fall of her long bangs they might see something in Romana's blue eyes, whatever it was ... it was not subservient.

Her first words addressed the Khorall of the Grand Duchy of Talantel. They were spoken soft, quiet, flat and devoid of any accent.

"Thank you for making me feel at home."

Then white skirts were gathered up, the easterner taking two bright steps until she stood before the elderly Atteran. She spun around, once, looking to her Priestess with a smile,

"Bekkah says ...."

And then completed the turn to end facing Lady Anastasia. Even before her skirts had a chance to stop their playful flare she bounced in a curtsey that was both proper and enthusiastic.

"Lady'al'Bekkah says introduces ...

"Lady'al'atterahshkah'khal'tsarishnish .... uhm ... ah ... uhm .. ana ... any ...anatata ..."

Romana wrinkled her nose and smiled,

"Lady'al'atterahshkah'khal'tsarishnish'Anastasia please be you to meet Rhomanishkah'al'lhahrhonsha'al'khylyrishkatsarinish'hkal'khal'malnky'Attera."

The ranking Talantal Priestess simply gave the young inistiate a very patient look.

"That's very pretty. Do you have anything shorter, youngling?"

"Oh."

Romana thought very hard.

"Names important, to say who is and is nots; names so very very short here. Silly-silly.

"Romana ... Romana of the ... what is word ... lordy ... noble ... imperialiscious ... nonono, not rights, close, not rights ...

"Romana of ... royal ... family Lhahrhonsha, of City of a Thousand Towers, Kh'Lhy'ra, only daughters of line and now ... and now ...

"... now littlest of all of the Kind One's touch. Never been littlest anything before. So much fun, makes every day new agains.

"Old Lady teach? Promise to learns! Like ... like ...like being nice."

"Old Lady call Romanas Romanas! Well. Romanas. Only once. Promise never need to call twice."

Blue eyes then returned to Doran Korie, a hand rising to point him out to Lady Anastasia

"He can call me Princess."

Cesare

This time he really has to work hard to keep his expression neutral, glad that his bowed head would have hidden the twitch of his lips at Romana's last comment.

Daxia

Mikal's, Cesare's, Bekkah's introductions were nothing out of the ordinary. Each said just the right thing, with the right tone; it was what Daxia would have expected from them... although Bekkah's introduction of herself to Lady Anastasia rather than Khorall Korie did make her younger sister inwardly smile.

However, when Romana turned to the Khorall, Daxia held herself perfectly still. Perhaps it was something in Romana's posture, perhaps it was simply that she'd come to know the Eastern lass and her stories well enough in the past handful plus one months since that fateful day on the Brementown road... but whatever it was, instinct told her to watch those at the head table. Watch the Kories, watch the Montagues.

So Daxia saw whatever their reactions were to the very polite, very proper, very clearly spoken Colonial words Romana gave the Khorall of the greatest keep and most powerful Noble family on the Tarn.

Oh, yes... the Dayalan held herself still — as if Verchovai Kassia stood behind her, ready to rap her on the back of the head — while Romana so politely gave the most powerful man this side of Trundle on the Hill the worst insult Daxia could imagine Romana giving to anyone.

Thank you for making me feel at home.

Not that he didn't deserve it, of course, after insulting and threatening both Bekkah and Romana. But Daxia couldn't allow the thought to do more than drift across her consciousness for a moment, before it needed to be tucked away again. Observation... that was her role here and now. Thinking, analyzing, feeling... all that could come later.

As Romana proceeded to introduce herself to Lady Anastasia, Daxia's gaze moved smoothly between the Atterans and those at the head table... so she just happened to be looking at Dorian Korie when Romana declared that he — the most powerful man on all the Tarn — would be allowed to call her Princess.

That's something that definitely would have made Dazi laugh...

...if they weren't standing in a nest of vipers, ringed by merebeasts.

Kadri:

By Krysta's cold embrace, which I am about to experience ...

Romana has nerve. If I am going to die here, at least I got to see that ...

"Lady mine, are you QUITE sure that Romana isn't one of yours? If she isn't, she should be. Perhaps you can work out a loan arrangement with the benevolent Atterra?"

But right now, there was nothing she could add. Hopefully, the explosion would be ... limited ...

Squire Dean

Realizing the danger to the Lady Bekkah's acolyte, blood roaring in his ears, Dean steps forward in front of Romana, and stares at the Khoral, mouth open. "My...my...name is..." Remembering where he is, he sweeps his scabbard aside and bows as he has been taught. Taking in the faces, hoping to draw their eyes from Romana, Dean says "My name is Dean and I am protector of Lady B..." His eyes pop open remembering the harsh lessons of Lady Bekkah. He shakes his head and starts again. "I am Squire..." Wait, has he said this already? Suddenly he can't see the faces of the people around him...the edges of his vision grow dark. Gods, am I passing out? Never! He makes a attempt to save the moment, takes a deep breath, and stammers out lamely, "I have a sword and I'm with them." Blushing deeply, he backs up slowly, gently pushing Romana backwards into the arms of his companions.

Daxia

No, no, no. No. She absolutely would not laugh... nor would she chuckle, snicker or even smile.

Okay, she had to smile... at least a little bit.

As Daxia continued to scan the room, her eyes rested for just a fraction of a heartbeat longer on Tieg Larsen, and she idly wondered if Dean was somehow related to the Noble Family Larsen just as she herself was somehow related to the Noble Family Allaine...

Because no matter what trials or tribulations they faced, no matter what sort of predicament or crisis they fell into, Dean managed to say or do something that made her smile... after the demons and hunting beasts and all manner of foul Easterners had been slain, of course. You just had to like the lad!

And it was terribly clever of him to point out that he did, indeed, have a sword so that those assembled would be forced to note his affiliation with Lord Rames and, obviously, the sword work styles of the Knights of Rames. It achieved the goal of drawing attention away from Romana while, at the same time, emphasizing his affiliation with the Imperial Church.

Daxia wondered, though, how many of them — well, besides Kisa — would go beyond the obvious to thinking he might have learned a few things from a Jvrillian... and a Dayalan.

Da, maybe he didn’t mean to be so clever, but his instincts were good. Given enough time... why, one day he’d be doing clever things quite intentionally!

... And for Kadri the temptation to laugh and break composure was almost to great - kept in check largely by where she was.

But only just.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Bekkah, Daxia, Mikal, Dean, Cesare, Kadri ... Kay and Romana

The storm rises; like thunderheads driving across the plains. One can imagine the scent of ozone in the air from the lightning as one waited for the following thunderclap.

"How ....

"How dare ...."

Upon the high table the Talantal Khorall's hands slow clenched into angry red fists.

"HOW DARE YOU!"

These were not words of a man angry but a Lord furious. They were, however met by a calmer reply, from the Lady Anastasia.

"Are you accusing one of mine of lying?"

True, the Priestess' words shut the Khorall up.

But only for a heartbeat.

"You!"

Dorian Korie pointed to the Captain of his Knights and commanded.

"Get rid of them, BOTH of them. Hawthorne, dispense MY bloody ..."

The stormclouds had gathered. Here there was the Khorall Korie, all composure lost, raw like a bone poking through the skin, his attention focussed upon a single lady, a supposed princess. If Fury had an incarnation, it would be him.

His heir observed from his father's shoulder, like a true spectator; both watching an elder at work and realizing that not only has a problem been taken from his hands, his slowness of but a few moments ago has now been completely forgotten.

His wife, however, was not swayed by this violent distraction. Her attention remained elsewhere, eyes narrowed, like a merebeast who had found another poaching her territory.

Hadrian Montague had simply crossed his arms, his look one of annoyance, fingers wrapping a droll rhythm across his sleeves, his bane focused not on any of the newcomers but upon the Lord Korie. His companion, the Warlord, however, was too focused upon the center of the Korie's wrath. His expression was one more of contemplation, as he contemplated the rareness of the temptation placed before him, the conundrum of doing things far worse than tossing one from a tower and yet somehow avoiding a Goddess' curse.

" ... that explains ...."

Rikart Kierkegaard whispered two words, before his Father's hand upon his shoulder silenced him. The elder Kierkegaard looked between the Korie and the Allaine, to see which way his loyalties would be summoned.

Kisa Allaine was silent, however Captain Koromov once again had a fistful of initiate's collar, holding Kay back from a sudden cross court rush. As she was yanked back the youngest Dayalan's expression changed from protectiveness, to hot anger at being stopped and thn to a very very shocked and confused look of just what the blazes was I just doing.

The Larsen lord and lady, they were both as quiet as church mice .... watching, waiting.

The lightning was poised to strike ...

Except, of course, no one expected the Squire from Talesan's Village.

Usually silence follows such a bold interruption.

Not this time.

"A sword ... I'll show you a sword ..."

"Jakal, SHUT UP!"

"Why I think he likes her ..."

"What in all of Krysta's Bloody Hells is this ... who let him into my Court? Captain, is this is one of yours?"

"Not her her ... the older her ..."

"From the mouth of babes ..."

" ...oh this Court is going to be fun ..."

"Well, at least one of you understands the difference between protecting and bullying ..."

"Priestess, remember your place!"

" ... oh to take that innocence ...."

"Wife, remember your place!"

"Curiouser and curiouser."

"Well he at least has more sense than their other Squire did."

"Honey, look, that's Dean, you know, Kevin's lad?"

"Oh my, yes it is! Good show boy! Sir Kevin would be powerful proud!"

"Good boy?"

That last was an unbelieving Dorian Korie; his attention snapping back to the Larsens.

"You. Be quiet."

He turned back to his Knight.

"You, explain! Now!"

The Knight once again found his face in his hands,

"This ... this is what happens when you surround a Squire with too many Atterrans. Four too many Atterans, and yes I'm including young Marcy ... or Darcy, whichever one you are. Krysta's dancing bells, you took in twins just to confuse me, didn't you Ana."

"Not to just confuse you, David."

"ENOUGH!"

Again, the Korie's fist slammed down upon the table.

"You!"

This seemed to be his favorite manner of addressing people. This time it fell hard upon the only woman on his side of the high table.

"You! Take your brand new sister-in-law and her bothersome companions and show her to their rooms. She's Dominic's wife so crowd them all into his suite. You can do that, can't you? Something actually useful besides beating my serving staff?"

Standing, Dama Talia Montague-Korie clapped her hands,

"Children, follow me."

Her words sounded significantly more like an order than a request. She walked towards one of the tall arcades, pausing beneath a pointed arch to ensure her words were being followed.

"All this noise, it makes it impossible to read. I shall walk a bit before retiring to my room; Mother said the views from your towers were quite spectacular come sunset. Mayhaps we shall meet again at dinner."

With a polite smile the Allaine closed her book and rose. Indicating for her guard to follow. In response orianKorie dismissed her with a wave and a few callous words.

"You. I thought you would be this midsummer's biggest headache."

The Allaine considered his words and quietly replied.

"Oh, but Court hasn't even begun yet, my dear Khorall Korie."

The Kierkegaards, of course, politely followed in Kisa Allaine's wake.


edit <fixed an important typo>

Mikal

As the Khorall explodes in anger and his initial reaction, including beginning to order his Knight Captain to 'dispose' of them, pours forth, Mikal's hand drops to his sword hilt and he takes a short step, placing himself in a better position to intercede between his companions and the potential threat. His eyes narrow and he watches closely for the trigger to act, muscles in his hand twitching on his sword's hilt.

Fortunately it doesn't come. Others interject, and eventually the Khorall effectively throws his hands up and orders them to be shown to Dominic's rooms.

Personally, given his own choice, he'd walk outside, mount Talia...... **Not that Talia.** He thinks, although imagining the scandal that would cause he cannot help a smile from appearing on his lips....... Mount his horse, and ride as far away as he could get.

But he is the Lady Kadri's bodyguard, and that means he goes where she goes. So he waits, hand still resting on his sword's pommel, although not gripping it, for Kadri to indicate where she is going to go.

Kadri:

Her attention whips back and forth as the conversation moves around like an animal evading the hunt. For a moment, she was sure that there would be blood. She was sure that things had pushed past the razor edge of danger and had fallen off the cliff. Then, a series of interjections from others in the hall deescalate the situation, bringing it back from the precipice – but it had been close enough to see the rocks below. And the rocks were very, very sharp, and the waves high and pounding.

And then her face - for a brief flash - tenses up; Especially around the corners of the mouth and eyes. It took all of the control she had NOT to simply laugh at that point.

Lady mine, come now, come. Too much. Really now this is too much. I'm not going to laugh right now. Later. I like head to remain attached to body, and body to remain with a heartbeat. Easier to amuse you that way"

This was a pit of Vipers, but she decided then and there that there were two snakes that she was inclined to like; the Larsens. They at least seemed … grounded. Real. Perhaps the Allaine. Her eyes then momentarily locked on the Kierkegards. The elder ... and yes, his son. She had seen that face before, one night - long ago. Momentarily, her mind flitted back. That was when, really, the avalanche had started to fall.



She returns her full attention to the Khorral, as her thoughts return to the present with his words to Talia.

Yet again, she essays a perfect curtsey, deep as is appropriate to his station, head down so her face is not, for the moment, seen.

“Indeed, father, your graciousness is everything that I have been led to expect, and more. I have much to learn. May the remainder of your evening be free of untoward incident.”

Is said with a ‘humble’ tone.

Every word was true, and the statement perhaps could be taken as a compliment. It wasn’t one, really. But it could be taken that way.

She essays a brief bow, arms crossed, to the others in the hall - momentarily meeting RIkart's eyes, if they were there to be met - before turning to Talia.

“I follow, Sister. Lead the way.”

”Children indeed. I will wager I have experienced more raw life than has she, as have they.”

None of the internal dialogue, however, showed in her perfectly placid face. She motioned, briefly, to the 'retinue' Then moved to follow where Talia went.

Bekkah will go with Dazi unless Dazi indicates that she wants to be alone with Kisa.

Cesare

He knows that mixing with people who feel they have a given right to make decisions that suit them without thought of any consequence for others, near or far, is a very dangerous thing.

He dutifully (and readily) follows Kadri from the room, taking up a position by the now closed door once they are all inside. He wants some warning if anyone approaches.

[OOC: I believe we all still possess enough sanity to know that attempting to verbally spar with the Korie is tantamount to suicide. <looks around> Yep, even I'm not that crazy... and I'm pretty far gone.]

Daxia

Her gaze lingered on the Kierkegaard delegation for a moment when the Heir whispered his two words. Ah, so it would seem Rikart knew of the arrangement. Daxia wondered if he understood why Kadri did what she did. Perhaps he did... those who lived beyond Cragside, in the Frontier Keeps from Highgaard to Dawnview, believed in marrying for love as much as — perhaps even more so than — political alliance. While a further political tie to Amber was delayed because the bride found herself in love with someone else — well, that would be the story being spread by the minstrels after Dominic’s extravagant performance in Bordertown — it would be difficult to deny the awkwardness, to say nothing of the unhappiness, of marrying a woman who was in love with someone else. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason Amber was interested in the match... but that was, to Daxia’s mind, a distasteful topic.

The scuffle behind her, once again involving the Koromov extremely distant cousins, caused the Starrider to glance back at her Initiate in time to see her what the blazes what I just doing? expression. Ah, at that, Daxia wanted so very much to laugh! She couldn’t... not here, not now. Later though...

In the midst of the cacophony, after one of the remarks, Daxia blinked... darted her eyes around the room again, and then narrowed them slightly at the next sound from that same source.

My Lady, I thank you. Having a follower of Your Granddaughter with us is quite enough. I doubt we poor humans could survive the presence of the Lady Herself in this hall for very long.

She followed Kisa, of course, as was expected in her role. But when Dama Kisa paused to reply to the Khorall, Dazi took the opportunity to whisper to Bekkah.

“Dearest Bekkah, allow me some time to speak with Dama Kisa and my Temple Sisters. I would like very much to introduce everyone to Dama Kisa, and Verchovai Dandy has yet to meet those who joined our group after we left Cragside. I don’t believe we’ll be overly long.”

Conversation in the halls, the little there was of it, was of an inconsequential nature... perhaps a question for Dandy regarding where the Horde conducted their daily practice and whether she and her Initiate might be welcome to join them... greetings made to the Kierkegaard Khorall and Heir, as they were good neighbors welcome in Dawnview, as well as sincere wishes for a pleasant evening when Kisa mentioned she’d like to be alone. For their part, they graciously took the hint to be elsewhere.

It wasn’t until the Allaine Heir and the three Dayalans arrived on the ramparts that Daxia relaxed the tiniest bit... enough to sigh with some relief.

“I’ve already written to Dama Kisa about the matter, but I’ve come it would seem to introduce you to another relative, Dandy.” Dazi tousled Kay’s hair before she could escape, grinning at the youngling when she began her usual grumbling about the practice. “This is Ekaterina Koromov, the only surviving Dayalan of the Battle of Silk Creek Bridge, a long story best told over tankards of ale. Kay... your cousin Verchovai and Captain and Dama Dandelion Alyssa kha’Madoka kha’Ayanna kha’Kame kha’Chikato khal’Homura Akemi Koromov.” She nodded to Kay. “Ja, same Akemi, I think.”

Then she shrugged. “Other than telling you that your cousin is considerably feistier than your younger sister,” she said to Dandy, “I’m somewhat at a loss for words. And shut up, both of you. I’m tired of hearing about how much I talk.”

She then turn to stand shoulder to shoulder with Kisa, saying nothing... only smiling. After a moment, she rested her hand between them, palm up, on the stonework. Daxia turned from the view of the Highside Tarn to look at Kisa.

One heartbeat... and then a second... and finally a third before Daxia spoke softly.

“Khorall Linnell is correct, as usual. The view here is spectacular.”

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Daxia ... Kay, Kisa Allaine and Dandelion Koromov

"I wish I could, but I couldn't."

It was an odd thing for an Allaine to say, as she chose the same crenelated tooth to stand next to, tucking herself up next to the middle Dayalan. Two redheads, close enough that the breeze tangled their hair as the setting sun painted the sky in so many shades of crimson. The Allaine's hand was placed just above the stonework, palm downwards.

"The courier was leaving. I had to look far far ahead. And I had to be careful. Just like the setting up of double bluff tiles determines their pattern when they fall, simply looking at something changes it - so I had to be careful, to guess at a message that would not set matters tumbling out of control, that might make the next one useless.

"It's the best I could do.

"So far far away"

It had been a very quiet walk, from the court to the relative privacy of the tall ramparts. Greetings and partings were exchanged between allied nobles; matters were necessarily strained. All three of the Dayalans would have feel under Kristof's measuring gaze; perhaps because he would have had to pass through both Cragside and Bordertown to arrive at this place. He would, however, be polite and respectful - but it was more a matter of his respect for his most powerful ally's decisions that bought the three swordswomen that manner of benevolence.

As for the question to the Captain concerning hers, it was answered in silence. Only a sharp, serious look and a finger lain atop to her lips was returned.

"And it was one that would only be understood by someone who plays other games than doublebluff with the stone tiles."

This was all quietly spoken. Not that everything on the rampart had been perfectly quiet. In fact there was a little kerfluffle.

"GAWK! Stop that! Use her, she's taller, got more hair and I'll even get you a box to stand on!"

After shaking out her head - making her hair even more tumbled than from just being tousled - the littlest Dayalan circled the tallest, eyes narrowed suspiciously as she looked up to her Koromov ... cousin, niece, something or other many times removed.

Dandelion, however, gave her suspicious to Daxia, for the moment ignoring her being inspected with a quiet and very professional calm. Until, suddenly, her professional demeanor was shattered.

"Hey! Whelp! you poked me!"

"That's right, I'm down here big, tall, spindly - don't you eat - and are you sure you are a Koromov, we ain't never had an empty minded blonde in our family, no when and no how. Let those two go all moon calf eyed - what is it with Allaines and their guards anyways. But I'm down here. What am I supposed to do with you, I'm not suppose to have family, I'm gonna have a unicorn someday - just like Morning Star except he won't carry his nose so high he'll risk drowning in a summer rain - and if you've messed that up I'm going to give you a swift kick in the shin. Wait. Let's get that over with right noooooaaaawwwk!"

Dandelion had the longer reach and all it took was a straight arm on a shorter forehead to keep this one at bay.

"No fair!"

Dandelion simply smiled and kept Kay at a distance, turning to Daxia.

"Fine. This time you really did find a Koromov."

"Bloody right."

"Cor. What am I going do with you."

"Do with me? What am I going to do with you ... you .... you ... Dandy!"

"That's Captain Koromov to you, whelpling!"

"Didn't your Mother teach you to speak to your elders with more respect?"

"Did you even have a Mother or were you hatched?"

"Oh ... you just let me get in swingin' distance and I'll show you all about hatching, yes I will ..."

Finally, or perhaps just having waited the perfect amount of time, Kisa Allaine looked back over her shoulder.

"Quiet. I won't have my guards bickering in public. It's unseemly. It's unseemly because you are going to make me laugh, which would completely destroy the face I'm trying to put forth to the Kories and Montagues."

With a disgruntled grumble, Kay backed down. Captain Koromov simply crossed her arms, looking a touch amused.

"So Kay ... where are you from?"

The dark haired lass blinked, caught a bit off guard.

"I'ma Darkdowner, ma'am. But I suspect you wouldn't be knowing that; me family farm the deepest vale for the Kohnstantins, and being the youngest, and leastwise the most unmarriageable ..."

Dandelion interrupted,

"I can see why ..."

"Hush you. I ain't decided if'n I like you yet. But being the youngest I was sent to the keep to learn sword and shield and sear, not that I had much time for learnin' before they came down the Road East and I was taken in Lily-kin. Lily Allaine that is, not that I'd suspect you know of her excepting, well, as a great great something or other. Verchovai Tashka brought me in, her and Tracy-lynn and Kisa and Jazzy and her sister Jeminy ..."

That would get a raised hand, a silent command to stop.

"You knew Kisa Allaine?

"Yah."

Kay looked down. She scuffed her feet across the wooden planking.

"Only one younger than me.

"Sweet kid."

The Allaine heir was silent for a long set of heartbeats, until she finally nodded, just once.

"Thank you."

Kisa examined the youngest Koromov for a long set of heartbeats before turning to look directly at Daxia.

"No blondes. Thomas Montgomery was famous for his light hair.

"You know, that's exactly what I would do.

"If I looked ahead, and saw trouble, and I wanted to make sure a bloodline didn't vanish, I'd set a family up in the middle of nowhere, where no one would ever think of looking."

Patting Daxia's hand the heir pushed herself off the stone, dusting off her formal tunics.

"Isn't it time you introduced me to the rest of your companions?"