A note is sent to Zariya (assuming Breyd may get in touch with her) requesting a time and place that is convenient for them to meet, so that Breyd may introduce herself.

A letter will be sent back to Breyd, indicating a time/date soon, and the place to be Amber Castle, in one of the many sitting rooms.

Breyd shows up about five minutes later than the appointed time, stepping in with a bright smile. The front of her rioting copper curls have been left loose to frame her face and brush her collarbones, but there has been some attempt to put the back of it into a golden net. Her dress has been fashioned from a dark, raisin-coloured brocade and manages to seem serviceable and expensive from its lines and style, if a bit stark against the alabaster whiteness of her skin. The only trim seems to be a marching progression of wooden buttons (carved in the shape of little oak leaves) down the front and along the forearms of the sleeves, which fit tightly and seem to cover most of her hands to the knuckles. She offers an apologetic smile as she twiddles a flowering sprig in her slender fingers. “I’m Breyd,” she says directly, “Dunstree seemed to think I would enjoy meeting you, so here I am.”

Zariya is wearing casual clothes, a white flowing tunic and dark brown breeches. Her hair is braided, without any adornments, and seems pulled back maybe a bit too tightly, giving her a very severe look. When Breyd enters, she stands, giving a slight nod of her head in greeting. "I am Zariya," she replies. "Daughter of Caine. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." After that, she sits back down, gesturing for Breyd to do so as well.

"I’ve brought you this for Beltane,” she adds almost belatedly and holds out the sprig. It’s a twisting, coiling branch of wild honeysuckle. “I don’t know the customs in Amber, but it was traditional to give small tokens on Beltane where I grew up. They even had a language of trees and plants.”

Zariya gives Breyd a slight smile, accepting the spring. "I thank you; it was very kind of you to bring something." She pauses, "I am afraid I do not have anything for you. Beltane is an unfamiliar holiday to me."

After a slight pause, she will add, "I know that you are new here in Amber. Is there anything that I might help you with?"

Breyd sits, lacing her fingers in her lap and looking rather prim, although the smile still curves her lips. "I'm afraid I haven't a clue whose daughter I am. Don't worry about having nothing. I expected nothing in return and so I am not disappointed. Honeysuckle is supposed to help guide you to distinguish what is false from that which holds real worth as it rules over hidden secrets." She seems to examine the room with a through and penetrating gaze before resting it lightly on Zariya's face.

"As for help...If you have any need for timber that is non-Haven and non-Rory, I'd be willing to discuss trading terms. Other than that, I really only wanted to have a chance to meet a few more of my cousins and discover what sort of family I've had dropped on me from a great height."

Zariya nods slightly, "I can always use lumber, fine quality, if you have it. What do you require in return, for trade?"

"Brick, mortar, farming tools, limestone, masons," she counts off on her fingers and smiles. "I have a big wishlist, but that'll do for starters...Can you help with any of it...Oh, and don't let me forget. I wished to personally invite you to the Beltane festival in Salic Hills tonight."

"Bricks. Something can be arranged. Contact my office for exact amounts to work out a deal," Zariya says.

After a moment's thought, Zariya shakes her head slightly. "I am afraid I cannot accept your invitation, though it was very kind of you to invite me."

"I will...And I can understand caution," she says without any rancour to her tones, her head bowing in acceptance. "It was very kind of you to meet me without a prior introduction and I appreciate the trust extended." There's something exact in the way she says it, the dark eyes steady.

Zariya smiles slightly. "No offense to you," she says, "but I have had quite enough of redheads for the moment. Forgive me for my rudeness."

"It is hard to forgive rudeness when prejudice is a disappointing flaw -- no matter where it is found -- however, I shall endeavour," she says with ironic gentleness. The dark eyes flash, but she makes no effort to drop her gaze from Zariya's face. "Perhaps with empathy, I may understand it."

She stands, after a moment, and inclines her head, "If there is nothing more that you require, I will take my leave."

"No, I believe all has been said that is needful. I shall send a deputy to discuss trading terms if you will not send them away. I bid you good-day, your Highness," she says formally and rises, offering a neck bow.

This text is copyright © Lana Gjovig and Beth Major; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.

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