So This Is Chelseanna (open)

[Nell du'Galle]

Celsianna Harbor is the gateway to the remarkable city of Port Chelseanna. It is accessable through three large man made canals on the north side of the Island. They broke the green curtain of evergreens that ringed the island and hid the city from the dangerously curious. Ships would navigate the deep canals that would empty to the Harbor. The harbor was round and broad, not as big as Ieffreon's, but it could comfortably fit a large number of merchant and military vessels.

The city of Port Chelseanna ringed the Harbor. Its buildings were white and glittered in the sunlight, clever and ornate in design. A tower rose in the middle of the city, gargoyles could be seen carved upon ledges as if they were protecting the Thanal Tower. In the backgroud stood Mount Tuli- the volcano which gave life to this island. In fact where the harbor stood was Mount Tuli's sister volcano, which erupted and caused the crater that was the Harbor today.

The Porto (as the natives called it) had six wharfs for ships to load and unload cargo upon the southern side of the harbor. There were two gates to the Porto- the gate for cargo that connected to the Distretto Del Magazzino and the Cancello Del Passeggero that ushered visitors into the Piazza del Mare and onto the main avenue- the Strada di Celsianna

All visitors would be shown towards the Cancello Del Passeggero where a few uniformed Porto Guards inspected visas and checked bags. They were polite men, all young, dressed in dark blue and all wearing High Fan military hats that resembled the fin of a shark.

They would greet men with a brusque manner and would quickly check his visa and ask-
"Why have you come to Porto di Celsianna?"

However, women would get a much more heartfelt greeting. The guards would flirt with all young women, but in a harmless manner...or was it?
"Ah, Serale, Signora...May I get your bags for you? Why have you blessed us with your presence here?"

Cycle four of Melora, Spring, Era XIV

The Imperial Yacht had taken just under a cycle to reach the Eunesian waters. Clement weather and brisk winds had pushed the elegant vessel along, carrying its cargo of passengers to Chelseanna with a minimum of fuss. Bells had been rung a candlemark previously to alert all that the journey was coming to an end and Nell now stood on the main deck, hands firmly holding onto a rail as she looked out towards their destination. Such a journey had been necessary for the young woman was heavily pregnant and was to avoid the ease of teleporting to the destination. However such was not the case for Milo. He had said he would be there to meet them as they arrived, and although she was distracted by the sight of the isle itself, her thoughts were on Milo. The breeze ruffled the forest-green cloak and swept her hair back in gentle undulating tendrils, yet she felt no chill. Instead she felt happy and impervious to the elements. With a wide grin, she glanced at Nikki, her sister-in-law, who had joined her on deck. “Nearly there!” Nell said, her excitement obvious.

Elsewhere on the deck, two nursemaids were attending to Hannah and Owen, keeping the former out of mischief and the latter entertained with a song. Along with these two servants, were a plethora of men and woman employed to maintain such security as was necessary – knights of the black rose, who had been persuaded by Milo to exchange their usual uniforms for something more appropriate for an island stay. Below decks a number of trunks were being packed, ready for transferring to land, containing the paraphernalia required to keep the children in clean clothes for the duration. Nell’s belongings, in contrast, had taken up little room, for she’d hoped to do some shopping and adopt the island’s style for the time there.

The yacht glided on, finally entering the canal that would lead to the harbour. Excitement grew, as is usual when visiting a place for the first time. Nell gazed at the pretty spectacle of the port city which was fairly dazzling in the sunshine, the white of the buildings catching the eye. Behind all, Mount Tuli stood, a watchful guardian over proceedings below. Suitably impressed, Nell’s attention turned once more to looking for her husband, trying to catch sight of him as the Yacht was guided to its docking bay.

[Milo L'Evienne]

A rather large contingent had arrived near the Porto a candlemark or so before the Imperial Yacht slipped into the canal that would bring it into the harbor, their arrival having been arranged a candlemark prior to that by Barrett Tierney in the company of journeyman sorcerer to the Regent, Manyc Ulairi. Barrett, a tall and distinguished looking middle aged human with salt and pepper hair, bright blue eyes and an olive complexion had been chosen to make the arrangements, given the man was of Eunesian descent himself, though not a resident of the isles for many an era. Still, easy enough to discern a trace left of a telling accent. Two Knights of the Black Rose had come along to secure the area and make sure there were no surprises for either those locals not expecting a large group to materialize out of thin air, nor for those doing the materializing. And so once all was arranged and an area cleared away from general passersby, Manyc, a half elf of sharp features, dark hair, droll demeanor and a deathly pale complexion returned from whence he came to aid in the journey of the Regent and the rest of his party.

Next to arrive had been three more Rosemen, all dressed in plain and comfortable clothing rather than their typical armor or livery like those who’d arrived before them, but all armed as usual and still an imposing sight for their height and breadth of shoulder. Though if not for their tendency to wander in formation and linger doggedly around a central figure, they might otherwise be mistaken for sailors or heavy dock workers. Once those on the yacht arrived at the wharf and the rest of the Rosemen disembarked, there’d be a total of twelve all told. There was Manyc on his second trip the isle in one brightening, along with his counterpart in service Gwygwin Hurin. The pair was a study in extremes where the taller Manyc was reminiscent of a waif thin and walking corpse, and Gwygwin, shorter, far rounder and older by several decades, 63 eras all told, was jolly and eccentric even at a glance. With deep laugh lines etched into his wrinkled face, the old human had bright blue eyes and a shock of unruly white hair that matched equally unruly eyebrows, a bulbous nose that tended to whistle when he breathed and ruddy cheeks.

And where both wizards had been similarly asked to opt out of official Imperial garb for their stay on the island so to achieve a less conspicuous presence, Manyc easily complied by casting off his black robe in favor of still dark trousers, shirt and boots. While Gwygwin had somewhat missed the point entirely. Instead of the black robe with its distinctive Imperial seal on his breast, the old fellow had garbed himself instead in a stark white robe, sandals and his ever present raspberry beret.

Milo himself had been eager to cast off the usual trappings of the Imperial palace and had for the occasion given Eugene free rein to outfit him as he would for the journey. Within reason. As a result, he arrived with hair unbound, streaks of premature silver mixing easily with darker brown in a light breeze and dressed in a suit of loose trousers and matching frockcoat of cream linen, coat left open over a sapphire silk shirt sans frills. Somewhat of a change in general appearance, but the larger changed was a relaxed expression and demeanor born of temporarily escaping the tight restraints and official demands imposed by life in the Imperial City brightening to brightening, and a return to the isles where he’d happily spent his childhood. And then of course, there was the notion of being reunited with his family after a separation of a cycle.

Having made way to a spot near the Cancello Del Passaggero, Milo scattered his entourage best he could, though mindful they’d never agree to go far. Still, given they’d all taken up plain clothing, better any semblance of normalcy rather than none at all. ”There she is, milord,” Barrett leaned in next to him with a gesture directed towards the harbor, where the Imperial Yacht could be seen approaching. She was an unmistakable sight all told, with her high sails stark white and sailors crawling like ants over her tall and sturdy masts. On seeing her himself, Milo grinned and watched the yacht’s approach, eyes narrowed against the sunlight in hopes of catching a glimpse of Nell at the rail. Two figures, he concluded when he set eyes on them from a distance, Nell in her green cloak and Nikki in scarlet silk and a matching cloak. ”I imagine it’ll be a few minutes yet before she settles in her dock…Make sure Gwygwin doesn’t wander off meantime will you?” he asked, thus sending Barrett off to keep Gwygwin out of trouble, and out of the local drinkeries, while Milo himself kept company with Sirs James, Aaron and Harry.

Nikki, stood alongside Nell at the bow, was thoroughly enraptured by her first glimpse of the Isle. For all that Rioughe had built a house on Ieffreon and lived there many any era, and Milo along with him, she’d never been to the islands herself. She realized now what it was that had her brother remembering them so fondly, and always so eager to return. ”It’s all so white!” she exclaimed with a wide smile, her dark curls whipping around her pretty face. Pulling back a few errant tendrils that blocked her view, she searched the wharfs for a sign of Milo or those she assumed had come along to meet them. They shouldn’t be that hard to find, one just needed to look for eight or so grown men milling a central figure, while making every conceivable effort to look like they weren’t. ”There’s Gwygwin!” she exclaimed and pointed out to Nell the old wizard lingering nearby a group of burly fellows, those lingering nearby a not so burly one dressed in a cream colored suit. ”See his raspberry hat?”

[Shorty]

To say that the residents of Chelseanna were caught off guard was an understatement. The Porto Guards stood for awhile with their jaws agape at the sudden appearance of the Imperial Yacht and the Regent. They straightened their hair and stood at attention hoping to make a good impression in front of such illustrious company.

Beyond the Cancello Del Passaggero the company could see the Piazza del Mare and the rapidly developing crowd of curious townsfolk. Though inconspicuousness was surely a goal, how could possibly be achieved? Port Chelseanna was a small town and the biggest news since the mainlander evacuation spread like wildfire. The Marquis and Spider almost burst into speculation as the cafegoers wondered what exactly going on.

The Porto Guards had their hands full keeping the gawkers at bay and at a polite distance.

Down at the second wharf where the Yacht slid into mooring the Harbor Master put on his good hat and had his dockhands securing the Yacht with effieciency.

"Make room for the Podesta!" Came a shout near the Cancello Del Passaggero and the official welcoming party from the city cut through the crowd.

Leading the procession was Laertes Vidocai, Thane (or as the locals called him, the Podesta) of Chelseanna. He was a tall, handsome man in his forties, olived skinned and excellently dressed in a dapper yellow suit. Atop his head he wore a powdered wig that curled at the sides and poofed up in the front.

At his elbow was his daughter, the young and beautiful Panope Vidocai. The 'Prize of the Isle' as she was referred to, she walked beside him with an air of calm that befitted an Empress. Her dark hair was braided and she too wore yellow, a comfortable and elegant dress that cascaded off her shoulders and hugged her figure.

Behind them Laertes called out what amounted to the Honor Guard of Chelseanna. Delot Demarkaskus the Master of the Fencing Academy and his dashing son Loris led a procession of students and teachers that formed the city guard- numbering almost 50. They all wore rapiers and dressed in their finest- studded doublets, knee length fencing pants, and thigh-high boots. They all wore Cavalier Hats with long, brightly colored plumes.

Bringing up the rear were a score of violinists from the Conservatorio, already beginning to warm up and entertain the crowd with lively folk tunes.

The music began to swell and an almost carnival atmosphere gripped the crowd gathering in the Piazza del Mare.

Laertes Vidocai positioned them all right outside the Cancello with himself and his daughter out front. They awaited the Imperial couple to enter the city.

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

The Syl'rosyian Elf Lord - no, retired Syl'rosyian Elf Lord, if one could speculate upon that - sat at the corner of a cafe, basking in rays of casual sunlight and enjoying the quiet demure of the crowd. If generalities could be, well, general, then Erenthril Mael'tharias was absolutely exuberant with his stay at Chelseanna. The island was turning out to be everything he wanted it to be; relaxing, tranquil, and most of all, a safe haven and repose from anything big. And that was important. After the whole Phedos ordeal, not to mention working for the Regent on the side, and his own personal business obligations in Mystique, the Elflord was simply seeking some time off from it all. Even if he was adamant in refusing to admit it could very well be a century or two before he stepped back onto the main continent. And he was absolutely fine with that; damn the rest of them to hell and back.

Well, maybe not Nimavel. Or Calairiel. Or Milo. Or...well, pity. Those were about the only three people he'd bothered to keep tabs on, having suffered a major falling out with Motito & Co.

And yet there he was, sipping coffee, reading one of his favorite manuscripts over arcanomechanic treatises and their roles on a planar scope, dressed in his favorite frockcoat. A dark rustic brown, admittedly with some leather, over sized buttons and military pockets thrown into the mix. He particularly enjoyed the little thin leather pauldrons upon each shoulder; it gave it a more soldier-ish appeal, which intrigued him greatly nowadays. Underneath: a simple white linen shirt, coupled with the usual dark trousers and matching boots, accordingly.

And then it happened.

Everyone seemed to buzz. It started when that flippant little half-elf maiden girl came over and whispered into an elderly human woman's ear, causing the latter of the two to turn about eagerly and regard the none-too-far-away gates with a look of sheer excitement. Eren frowned, he absolutely detested rumormongering, and his eyes narrowed as the nitwit maiden went off and rushed to another hapless woman, then another. He tried to ignore them and go back to reading, concentrating on the sunlight splaying across his cheeks, when suddenly some of the men began to look over towards the gates as well. This drew a sigh of protest from the Elementalist as he rolled up the manuscript and leaned forward for another sip of his coffee, a puzzled expression flitting across his curious demeanor as people suddenly began to stand up and walk off.

Minutes later a swarm of eager greeters stampeded past the cafe, past an already empty chair that Eren had abandoned not too long ago, coffee still lukewarm with a few measly crown tip loitering beside the mug; curiosity having set into motion its plan to kill the cat.

[Nell du'Galle]

Nell’s gaze followed where Nikki pointed and laughed as she recognised the comical mage. “Yes! I see him!” she replied, looking at the crowd of people that Gwygwin was part of. “And Milo, there’s Milo!” she added, finally picking him out. Although still far away, Nell waved frantically at the gathered people on the dock and laughed again. “Oh my, there’s a crowd gathering!”

There followed a flurry of activity as the yacht made dock, Nell rounding up the children and nursemaids and fussing about, while dashing – as far as she could dash all things considered – back and forth to the side of the ship to wave again and grin at the fuss they were causing. When all was finally concluded though with the yacht was secured, Nell stepped ashore and into the arms of her husband. Perhaps it was unseemly, or perhaps it would be taken as proof of the couple’s affection for each other, but Nell had no thought of convention and reached up to embrace Milo and give him a loving kiss. Behind her the entourage was disembarking, Hannah squealing for her father’s attention, Owen looking around with bemused curiosity and both being juggled in the arms of their nursemaids.

“I’ve missed you,” Nell whispered in Milo’s ear, although it was not long before the sight of the welcoming party caught her attention. “Goodness,” she said quietly to her husband, “Wigs!” It had been a source of amusement to imagine the powdered wigs back in Aelyria Prime and to be confronted with them now, still so. Her eyes widened at the procession of the city guard as the music of the violinists swelled behind them. No doubt the tall man in the yellow suit was someone terribly important on the island, and some sort of official welcome had been hastily arranged. Composing herself, and seeing it all as rather jolly, Nell looked brightly at Milo to let him take the lead in acknowledging those who’d gathered to greet them.

[Milo L'Evienne]

What had seemed to be an almost sleepy seaside village at first glance when Milo initially arrived alongside his wizards, aside of a few open mouths amongst city security at least, had turned into a carnival atmosphere that rivaled any he’d ever seen on the mainland quicker than he could have imagined was possible. It was almost uncanny, the speed by which the town had mobilized itself, no matter that his intention had been to manage a relatively inconspicuous arrival. Little more than a candlemark after their arrival, and the entire town he imagined had shown up.

”It could be worse. At least they’re not throwing rotten vegetables milord,” the ever droll Barrett Tierney quipped with a telltale quirk of a humored grin from beside him once the man had rounded up Gwygwin and returned him to the fold. ”If only I could rally the Imperial Forum this quickly,” Milo added with a chuckle in return as the colorful, bewigged Podesta and his comely daughter came along with an uncommon amount of fanfare and their welcoming party, complete with a band of violins. ”It seems we’ve created quite a stir nonetheless, but for now, I believe I’d like to meet my wife at the wharf.”

That said, it took bit of maneuvering to get where they were going, but while Rosemen and Wizards had their eye on him, Milo only had eyes for Nell as she disembarked, all the rest and Hannah squealing behind her as she stepped onto the dock. With a wide smile, he swept Nell into his arms, unmindful of the large and noisy audience that they’d managed for themselves.

The kiss was returned without a thought for propriety, a lingering one in fact and when she whispered in his ear, he lifted her up on her toes to kiss her again. ”It’s been a miserable cycle without you Nellie. You’re a sight for sore eyes. And yes,” he added with a grin once he set her down and looked back at the crowd. ”We seem to have created quite a stir you and I. The Podesta,” he said of the colorful fellow and his wig. ”It’s been too long for me and I knew so little of the language even as a boy. But Barrett says, roughly translated, the big boss.”

So saying, and taking a moment to greet Nikki and the children with a kiss on the cheek for each, he allowed time for the rest of the party and the Rosemen to arrange themselves before proceeding back in the direction from which he'd come. ”I didn’t mean to,” he said of all the fanfare while taking her arm in his with a smile. ”It just sort of happened.” So saying and leaving the yacht behind them and with almost two dozen others trailing behind, he escorted Nell back to where the Podesta and his daughter waited and smiled at the pair, a bow of the head to the young woman before speaking to her father. ”Good brightening sir. I admit that the lady du’Galle and I had not anticipated creating a stir with our arrival, but we are nonetheless flattered and grateful for such a warm reception to your beautiful isle”

Meanwhile, Gwygwin from some distance behind and scanning the crowd that had wandered up to witness their arrival, squinted bright blue eyes against the sun, all the brighter for reflecting off the white of the buildings. ”You know,” he muttered curiously while fixing on one figure in particular, caught only in part for the thick of the crowd. ”You know, I think I know that fellow. Elf, dressed like a pirate last I saw him.” Barrett, feeling somewhat burdened by being handed the duty of watching over the wizard lest he manage mischief for himself, muttered in return. ”Quiet you old fool.”

[Shorty]

"Serale your excellencies," The man in the yellow suit bowed deeply and his daugther curtsied.

"Saluto!" The fencing master shouted and 50 rapiers drew. They flashed and glittered in the bright Chelseannan suns.

The Podesta and his daughter approached Nell and Milo, the young woman's hand on her father's elbow.

"I have the pleasure of being Podesta, or Thane, of Chelseanna. I am Laertes Vidocai, on my arm is my greatest treasure," He looked proudly at the young woman. "My daughter Panope Vidocai."

"My pleasure, excellencies." Panope said politely.

"As for surprised," Laertes continued. "I cannot imagine why we would not attempt to show the respect you have shown us in visiting our fair isle. After all, your excellency the Regent is one of Eunesia's favorite sons." He bowed again and motioned for the couple to officially enter the Piazza del Mare and the city of Port Chelseanna.

"Your man Barrett Tierney arrived over a candlemark prior," Laertes strode with confidence as the members of the Fencing Academy parted their line to allow the Imperial party to pass through. As they did they sheathed their rapiers, bowed, and doffed their hats. They held them in their right hands, inches from the ground. As Milo and Nell passed them, they would straighten up and put back on their hats.

"I have arranged accomodations for you and your party lodging at the Marquis and Spider Inn- finest place within the city your excellency. As for any plans you may have, consider myself to be at your disposal as tour guide. I can arrange a tour of our small island if you would be inclined. And tonight? I was thinking a feast in the Piazza..." Laertes smiled. "That is if that's all right with your excellencies..."

[Erenthril Mael'tharias]

The consistent buzz of chatter hummed in the slightly tipped ears of the Syl’rosyian Elven lord as he skirted along the outer edges of the crowd. A few large stout sailors roughed their way past him in a rush to see the source of the commotion, plunging him into a painted façade of a lovely arching entryway into a quiet yet tranquil plaza. Exactly what he was searching for. Too bad it wasn’t real. Ignoring these over elaborate illusions that the Chelseannans seemed so fond of, the Elementalist smoothed out the wrinkles of his nose and ducked underneath the gates of the city, trying hard not to knock into anybody.

It wasn’t before too long that he saw the fancy swordsmen in their puffy hats marching a few ways towards him. Frowning as he perceived a possible collision beneath the portcullis, Eren side-stepped out of their path and caught a glimpse through the vista of people at just who exactly had arrived.

There was a flare of recognition interchanged between the two, although the chances of Milo spotting him in the middle of an raucous crowd of celebrators was nil to none. Eren had to remind himself to close the gaping jaw; what was Milo doing in Chelseanna? And more importantly – and this brought on an even deeper frown of perplex curiosity – why had he chosen to bring his family? As far as unexpected visits went, and this surely must have been one judging by the increased excitement of the crowd, Eren hoped Milo provided the security and entourage needed to ward off any ludicrous anarchists.

He swallowed and wiped his brow, moving away from Milo and the crew and ducking down a side-alley, before taking a less populated street and moving parallel to the troupe. What an unusual coincidence that the vacationing Regent would pick the undisclosed location of where his inside man was sojourning as well. And to think he’d wanted some time off from it all..

Unbeknownst to Milo & Co., they’d just picked up a clandestine bodyguard…of sorts.

[Milo L'Evienne]

With Nell on his arm beside him and a collection of Rosemen, guards, wizards and family strung out aside and behind, Milo met the Podesta’s greeting and his daughter’s curtsey with a wide smile of the sort that hadn’t seen the light of a brightening for many a cycle. The festive air of the place was infectious, not to mention being returned to an part of the world that he remembered so fondly.

”Well met Excellency Vidocai,” he said before turning his smile on Panope, ”and miss Vidocai, a pleasure. May I introduce the lady Vicegerent and my wife, the lady Nell du’Galle, and my sister, Nikki Sea L’Evienne,” he added while Nikki bobbed a semblance of a curtsey in the direction of the pair. ”It’s good to be back in Eunesia your Excellency, I’ve many fond memories of my eras spent on the islands and have never forgotten the unique hospitality of her peoples. And of course the description of your particular Isle in the Herald was too much for Nell and I to resist,” he added while they passed through the corridor made up of colorful hats and gleaming rapiers, which were sheathed, to the betterment Sir James’ nerves, prior to them passing through.

Then told their accommodations had already been arranged for them and offered the Podesta’s personal escort throughout their stay, Milo smiled aside at Nell while wondering if she’d enjoy a tour during one of their brightenings on the island. As for a feast in their honor, he wouldn’t think of refusing. ”Thank you your Excellency. We’d be more than honored to attend.”

Meanwhile…

Trailing along at the back of the entourage, Gwygwin continued to peer into the crowd, old eyes narrowed, frowning and crow's feet all the deeper for it. ”I’m just certain that’s that elf Mr. Tierney, over there under that decorative arch. Do you see him? I wonder should I tell his Excellency.” Mindful that the sorcerer wouldn’t leave him in peace till he indulged his most recent whim, Barrett made a half-hearted effort to look for the point of contention, unfortunately a second or three after Erenthril had fled the scene and taken to a side street instead. ”No Gwygwin, I don’t see him.” He had a notion after all, of just who the wizard was going on about, having seen him in the palace once himself. In response, Gwygwin looked again, his unruly white eyebrows drawn together in confusion. ”Well I’ll be, he was just right there surely Mr. Tierney. I’m sure of it,” he said, but didn’t sound quite so convinced as before as Barrett shook his head and lengthened his stride to catch up with the rest.

[J'lyara]

In the two months she'd been living in Celsianna, Dara had taken a liking to sitting in the park in the middle of the Piazza del Mare on a bench not far from the fountain. It was strategically positioned to see most everything of importance happening in the heart of the city.

With her legs tucked comfortably beneath her breezy red, yellow and orange island sundress and a large sketch pad on her lap, Dara was concentrating on a woman and her young son sampling grapes at a stall across the way in the Agora Bioli. Her hand flew comfortably and swiftly across the pad as she sketched, practicing her craft.

Thus it was that when the Imperial Yacht arrived at the Porto and moored to the dock, Dara saw all of the commotion and quickly gathered her things, rumors on the wind that the Imperial Regent and the Lady Vicegerent were visiting the island spreading through the excited crowd. And excited she was, just as the rest of the frenzied mob of islanders and tourists.

Skin bronzed from a great amount of time under the suns, her sun-streaked red tresses were pulled up and out of her face, as far off of her neck as she could get them. The willowy dress she was wearing giving her the look of a native, Dara could easily blend in with the rest of the onlookers were it not for the unique coloring of her hair.

Turning to a clean work area in her sketch pad, Dara began anew...her hand flying across the heavy parchment as her eyes took in the very handsome Regent and his glowing, very pregnant wife. They were the most thrilling subjects for Dara, her hand creating a festive island scene with the Imperial Family in the middle of it...capturing the moment in a detailed sketch, never having been more inspired than she currently was. She tilted her head this way and that before trying to get a closer look, pushing her way past quite a few others until she was as close as she could get without being in the way.

She had no idea that the Lady Vicegerent standing not so far away from her, she would have claimed two Eras before to be her very best friend in all of the Empire...and that her husband, the dashing Regent, her Mentor and very dear friend as well, that the precious children bouncing between them and the one growing in Nell's stomach, were children she would have loved as much as ones from her own womb had she been of her right mind.

Wondering if she might have the opportunity to serve the Royal couple later, the thought excited her even more as she worked to complete her sketch before they were whisked off to some place where she could no longer gawk at them. Mayhaps she'd even have time to add color to the sketch before time for pracenda.

With all the pushing and shoving from those further back wishing to see, it was unfortunate that Dara dropped her sketch pad, directly into the path of the Imperial entourage and a loud gasp escaped her lips as her “masterpiece” was close to being trampled by the large, booted foot of one of the Knights of the Black Rose.

“Noooo!” She scrambled immediately to the ground trying to snatch her pad up out of the way.

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Delighted to see her older brother, though she'd never tell him so, Nikki graced him with an affectionate kiss on the cheek and a wicked grin which showed real pleasure at seeing his ugly face. Then, however, once introduced, she turned her best, most pleasing and dazzling smile on all there and hung back slightly, not so far as to cause Sir James any concern ~ she still felt that she was in his bad books for bursting into Milo's pirate den a few cycles ago. But just enough that she could look at things without being right there in the thick of it.

Plus, though she'd not admit to anyone, she thought that maybe Nellie and Milo deserved a little time together right now. After all, Nellie was so far gone she looked fit to burst and she hadn't seen a smile like that on her brothers face in a good long while. So his little sister being a pest didn't seem like a good thing to do, hence she hung back slightly.

This allowed her to see the redhaired lady drop her pad and Nikki watched, hoping that the guard was quick enough to stop himself from galumphing over a pad of parchment. Surely, she cosidered, these people were supposed to be quick witted and whatnot, so things would be fine. There was a slight twitch to her memory as she saw the redhaired woman, as though perhaps she'd caught sight of her before, but she dismissed that as her mind either playing tricks with her or filling in the blanks for the woman looked like someone else she'd met.

Of course, her holding back slightly allowed her to half-hear, half-eavesdrop the conversation with Barrett Tierney and her favourite Sorceror, Gwygwin. She glanced over to where Barrett was looking but could see nothing there herself. So, she continued to walk forward and hoped that the Inn they were going to was nice.

She spared a thought for the person bringing their luggage. Nikki had hit upon a most excellent idea, for she had shared Nellie's idea of shopping whilst here but the thought of coming with very little clothing was a complete anathema to the young woman. So, she had sent Teresa, her long-suffering maid, off to find young Nikki ten trunks, five large and five slightly smaller, just large enough to fit inside the large ones.

The five smaller she had then filled (or so she considered - in fact, Teresa had filled them!) with her clothes. Each smaller trunk was then placed in a larger trunk that would be, effectively empty. Nikki had every intention of bringing home ten full trunks.

That thought cheered her and she skipped ahead slightly, catching up at least a little with Milo and Nellie.