The main hallway leading into the Great Hall is composed of false arches and beamed ceilings that hint at a massive works yet unfinished. There are striking similarities to this and Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. The pillars have strange creatures and figures out of Amber's mythology and history that no one has spoken about.

The floors are a deep dark granite flagstone, polished and shining in their rustic splendor. The walls are white marble with streaks of bluish grey. There are large colourful tapestries along the walls with sconces with magical and firey torches in place. The soft light is similar to that of sunlight in the shade. There are many doorways however the one with the red carpet leads in a straight line from the entrance to the Great Hall.

The front doors leading to the Great Hall are fifteen feet high and eight feet wide. They are of a dark citrus wood that is both very rare and extremely beautiful. The light citrus wood became extinct on Earth Prime around the time of the 3rd Century after climate changes in North Africa. The dark was never on that world. The wood naturally had in it, designs of a unicorn dexter rampant that is bisected when the door opens or shuts.

Some of a tapestries are very new. Many of older ones are still in Suhuy's, Jasra's and Kelric's treasurehouses.

There is one where Dworkin and the Unicorn compose the book of the unicorn. Another has Bariman City sinking in the Grand Bahama banks. There is a tapesty honouring all of Oberon's wives: Cymnea, Faeilla, Clarissa, Rilga, Dybele, Harla, Paulette and Mirienna. Each tapestry has a crown consort on their head.

No weapons are in the hall. Except by the guardsmen.

However armed guards stand in full plate armour at attention at each of the alcoves every ten feet armed with a large pike and shield with the unicorn emblem on it. They have a broadsword sheathed in their hilt. They are wearing jupons over the amour,also with the unicorn.

A quick glance indicates that they are the Royal Gentlemen of the Guard who are one of Oberon's many loyal regiments that vanished from Amber after the Battle of Patternfall.

The lights dim down as the trumpets begin to blare a terrible and melodic fanfare that rips the silence of the Great Hall.

Drums begin to beat full notes as the orchestra hidden in the second story alcove begins to play:

Theme from the Common Man

(the air towards the ceiling is filled with magical illusions from fantasia style with forest elves frolicking in the glen and sitting on large toadstools, petting deer. Xanthus made a very pretty 3D show.)

then

A cross section of the 1812 Overture where instead of the Marseilles facing the cannons it is Ride of the Valkyrie.

(fireworks going off, the unicorn spears the dragon with her horn and chases off the red lion. It is if there is a large battle overhead with powers and magics and on the way out the unicorn steps on the tail of a rather stupid looking dark wolf)

Greensleeves

(there are candles in mid air Hogwarts style then they fade as there is a full supernovae overhead, eerye and beautiful)

Song of Joy

(Mirienna and Oberon are three Dimensional images walking along the castle walls overseeing their city down below. There is Noldorin script overhead which turns to Tharii. One Year - Oberon Rex Amberesis.)

There is a clap of thunder and the room explodes in a ball of light with intensity and leaving everyone blinking.

A loud voice with no direction of origin belts out: By the Grace of the Unicorn, His Royal and Imperial Majesty, Oberon, King of Amber, Emperor of the Golden Circle, Prince of Thelbane, Prince of Atlantis, Prince of Kolvir, Lord of Mount Kolvir, Lord of Amber Castle."

Oberon enters from the side door with the Noldor Queen Mirienna. Everyone stands up. He is holding his gentle wife's hand as the lights dim everywhere but on them. Oberon then raises his hand and a terrible bright Aura surrounds them and inspires an awe feeling in everyone then he dims it and they are both seated on their throne.

He calls out,"Be ye all Welcome in Amber and Look upon Our Works Ye Mighty and Rejoice!"

Then as everyone is seated and Lord Gram stands and procedes to walk in perfect formation to the throne and bows stiffly and formally at the waist and then says to the King.

"Lord Dread Majesty. I am wishing to inform you that our Guests will be arriving:

(Oberon favours him with a bow)

"Carlton, the Monarch and Laird of Inverness is our Most Honoured Guest and will be attending Your Royal Person at Court."

The large doors open. A blond man in the uniform of an Admiral of a navy steps over the threshold. Fine dark blue silk, lots of gold lace and braid, gold buckles on the shoes. A three cornered hat with plume tucked under the arm. Three paces behind, two beings head and shoulders taller, in bronzy plate armor and helms, with weaponry stowed in holsters and scabbards.

As the person steps into the room, the herald: "His Majesty, Laird Carl the First of Inverness, God- Creator of Inverness; Prince of Amber."

The blond proceeds down the carpet. Where the family is seated, the guards hold back. When he reaches the steps, Carl stops and uses the hat to flourish some, and bows low to Oberon. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to be invited to join you this day."

"Thank you Grandson. Pray be seated." Oberon notes with a smug satisfaction.

after, another bow to the Queen. "Your Majesty, the legends of your beauty pale beside the truth."

Mirenna favours Carl with a warm smile and says in pure Tharii without accent,"One is most delighted at such a noble visit as from yourself."

Carl bows again to the Queen at her words. He pauses at the step up, and reaches into his pocket for a handful of what look like trump cards. One is selected and offered to Her Majesty, a page having to step forward and transfer it. "A mere token, your Majesty." he tells the Queen.

"Thank you," she says, "Very pretty painting."

It shows a necklace of a large facetted stone, matching the Queen's eyes, and surrounded by diamonds and on a diamond set chain (think ala Hope Diamond).

Another is offered then to His Majesty the King. "To the esteemed Monarch of the Kingdom of Amber from the Laird of Inverness." again a page gets to transfer it...

Oberon smiles, takes it, glances quickly at it and passes it to Gram with a satisfied smirk.

A two handed great sword, showing even in the sketch a perfect ladder. The metal of the hilt is strange, and has a light lavender hue, and it is set with more stones of the same hue but much darker, the pommelstone about the size of a goose egg. It has a matching scabbard set with that same strange metal, and made for belting onto the back, so it could be easily drawn from over the shoulder. Motif at the base of the guard is the Unicorn Rampart... carved into the shield shaped royal purple stone set there. It is a light and extremely edge holding alloy, with the purple stones being diamonds....

Oberon grunts a Thank you and starts appraising it.

Buku....

Carl nods his head fully at the words from Oberon.

Then two more that a page gets to give to Gram. "To the Kingdom of Amber from the Creation of Inverness." There appears to be a note with those two.

One shows a great pile of gold coin, the other, a cheque with the Red Lion symbol in the corner. Note says 'hold gold card facing floor off second floor access, and tap center of card' Cheque is for considerably more than last one....500 million Thelbane Pounds. Estimate of the gold is similar...brand new Amber Crowns minted to exact standards of alloy purity and quality by the Royal Mint In Danji.

Oberon nods and smiles at this cash grab on his part.

One more card, transferred this time with a polite nod, "To Lord Mage in Residence Xanthus, from the Creation of Inverness." is stated.

Xanthus grunts; he flicks a look at it and shoves it in his pocket.

A crate containing several bottles, of dark blue glass, and corked and sealed with gold foil caps. Examination reveals it's a rare mushroom based brandy, known for it's delicate flavors....

After this presentation of the static Trump Sketches, Carl ascends the step and takes the seat prepared for him, pausing to bow once more to Oberon as he steps up to the level of the Throne.

Carl sits with the practiced care of one with the properly calloused hindend from thronesitting...apparently the seat is less hard than he expected, and he settles in with a stoically bland face of the 'royal we' [this one rates with the politician's plastic smile and the beauty queen wave].

"Nice gifts you bring. Amber accepts these." Oberon says,"Now you need to train your peers, your elder grandsons to do the same. I would love to have Rolandae, Haven and Mecklenberg all bringing me similar gifts."

"Your Majesty, I would have better luck herding cats without a can of tuna." Carl says gently but bluntly. "Perhaps though, have they been extended an invitation to attend on a State Visit?"

Oberon grunts,"Let Cedric and Olivia keep their furballs and the tuna to feed them."

"It will be a hot day in the north pole when Reinhard comes to Amber, cash and credit card in hand, seeking forgiveness for his many many sins and bearing tribute."

"I'm afraid there is little I would be able to do to convince any of them to make the trek here and offer tokens of friendship between their monarchies and Amber." Carl replies, not mentioning the T word.

"Have fun." Oberon says and then,"Thanks again."

Carl bows from where he is seated, then settles in to be a quiet lump throughout court proceedings....

Oberon nods, and directs a lesser throne of honour be made for him to face the Court to Oberon's right.

"Paolo, King of Avernus, Lord of the Patternlands is our Most Honoured Guest and will be attending Your Royal Person at Court."

Oberon nods and directs a lesser throne of honour be made for him to face the Court to Oberon's left.

Paolo is attired very simply in the black dress uniform of an Amber Field Marshall, complete with red sash, high collar with Unicorn insignia, and polished black leather boots. He carries his baton, a battered affair of brass with a green crystal knob, tucked into his belt on his left hip, and his cap under his right arm.

Once introduced, he salutes the King and takes his place to Oberon's left. His eyes move ceaselessly, appraising all the new arrivals.

King Oberon looks over to Paolo,"Welcome to Amber, Grandson. One hopes that you had a pleasant visit to Amber."

"Have you spoken to the Lord Mayor Zariya about the Guilds and Blackhall?" Oberon asks Paolo.

"I have not, Majesty," replies Paolo. "But if the Guilds can restore the Piazza d'Isobeau to some fraction of its former beauty, it would be a kindness to her blessed memory which I would appreciate."

"The people of Amber are grateful for your generousity, Grandson." Oberon observes with a pleased look to him.

"There are some debts which cannot be repaid in full," Paolo says. "In these cases, the only recourse is to be eternally vigilant to the well- being of those to whom the debt is owed."

"What are the shape of Amber's Guilds?" Oberon asks Paolo curiously,"Are the lamplighters reconvening? Many were persecuted when the cruel usurper queen was here."

"Of all their qualities, the one I admire most is their ability to persevere," Paolo replies. "The second is their enduring modesty. They are content to serve quietly, but to serve nonetheless. Many of the Guilds have reconvened, and those which have not yet reestablished a presence have enjoyed the support of their brothers until they can do so. I expect a full renaissance within the year, notwithstanding any impediments to the contrary."

"We welcome the strength of purpose and industry of the Guilds as they work to better Amber." Oberon states firmly yet politely.

"And His Majesty, of course," adds Paolo, with a wry smile. "L'etat, c'est vous."

"Vous ditez droit absolutement." Oberon responds back,"Je suis the roi, l'etat, et le droit."

"Not to mention a bit deus." Oberon says back merrily.

"C'est bien que les anges peut rester a votre droit," agrees Paolo. "Ou ils peut decender au feu s'ils ne sont pas aussi sage. . .comme moi, j'espere." he concludes with a smile.

Oberon chuckles,'Plus c'est change..."

"What tongue of man is he trying to impress us with this time," Xanthus says to Mirienna.

"It is French. Flora says it is a language of romance and gentle poetry." Mirienna tells her brother.

"Sounds like hens and roosters in a barnyard," Xanthus sneers.

Vladimir smiled at this exchange between the Queen on her brother.

"It is also the language of diplomacy on Earth Prime, and a valuable tool if one seeks to dally there," Paolo offers, without rancor.

"Oui", Vladimir murmured under his breath in agreement with Paolo.

Xanthus says,"But it is a language of men. Few men are ever diplomatic."

"There's no bone in a man's tongue," Breyd remarks, "But it's oft got a man's nose broke."

"If one wishes to learn, one must be able to listen. You of all know this to be true, si?"

"I need not listen to human chattering at all if I could help it. You Amberites should use Noldorin. More elegant."

Oberon sighs. Audibly.

"We have new Princes and Princesses of the Blood to present to Your Most Royal Majesty and with Your Majesty's Grace, they will make their Oaths of Fealty, Allegiance and Obediance. They will also be inducted into the Orders of either St. Germaine or Ganelon. They will also be entrusted with Counties to be enobled with. And they shall receive positions where they may be of direct service to Your Majesty and to Amber."

Balaam puts down his pen at his desk to the left hand corner of Oberon where he smirks. Then he picks it up and resumes.

Xanthus sitting bored at the right hand corner of the room looks at his fingernails and is weaving complex spells for something to amuse himself with.

Queen Mirienna smiles warmly to everyone with a warm welcoming expression.

Gram continues: We have Princess Matilda of Haven to present her credentials to the Court and to His Majesty for accreditation.

Oberon looks wan and it is obvious he is not impressed with Kelric's choice of envoy.

"Your Majesty, we are happy to welcome the Ambassadors of our royal cousins, Count Throndo Carolingius of the Court of the Kolvirii and Prince Mandor Sawall from the Court of Chaos." Gram says.

"We also have a criminal matter for Your Majesty to pass judgement on, under House Law. Princess Scherazade has been attaindered for High Treason for disobeying Your Majesty's Grace when she wickedly fled her County and the Realm inside a rolled up carpet and was discovered in Neuvo Sangre. She will be retrieved and taken to the Court to face Royal Justice."

Oberon is stonefaced as Gram reads this. Balaam's face is exhaulting in triumph. "Master Balaam will be the Accuser." Gram adds.

"His Majesty will speak on other foreign and domestic policies and will make decisions and pass judgements as well as receive petitions." Gram says, as he bows again and returns to his seat.

After other family has been seated, and the magic show and the processional of Monarch and Consort and the announcement of guests and major agenda... "The Dame Margot," announces the Herald with more fanfare than an average Prince.

Dame Margot walks confidently to the throne, curtsies to a smiling Oberon,"The new princes and princesses are ready for presentation to the Court."

Oberon looks favourably towards her,"Thank you, Margot," he begins.

"Princes and Nobles take notice. There will be new princes tonight. Be ye ever so friendly and be ye ever so welcoming. Our new blood will thicken our court and work towards rebuilding our shattered kingdom."

Margot curtsies and steps back five steps facing the King.

Oberon remarks,"Tell the white armored champion that there is NO frigging sorting hat!"

Margot smiles to her monarch,"That duty has been performed Your Royal Majesty."

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Breyd!"

Her Royal Highness, Princess Aura!"

There is a certain poetry to Aura's outfit, the silvery white of winter giving way to the newness of spring. Her hair is pulled up and back by pins topped with pale green peridots and left to cascade down her back in a fall of curls that emphasis the elegant curve of her neck and the dangling earrings of pearl and peridot. On her brow is a silver circlet edged in tiny pearls and set with square cut light catching faceted peridots that accent her eyes. Her gown. fitted through the torso and falling in lush folds to the floor, is predominatly a silver white, the texture of the silk brocade reveals itself to be cleverly embroideried Mallorn leaves, a subtle tribute to Amber's elven Queen, that appear to be drifting and swirling downward towards the floor, more color coming into them as they do so that her gown goes from the silvery white at the shoulders to a subtle green until they are are the color of the leaves in early spring around the hem and the edges of the angel wing sleeves that are made of a lighter silk so that they flow gracefully from the band of peridot green velvet on her upper arms above which the fabric is slightly poofed. The only other color in her ensemble is the Atlantan fire opal that hangs as always from a silver chain around her neck. the colors reflecting the green of the peridots predominately with the other colors muted behind the green. She smiles to the Crown and curtsies deeply and gracefully before moving to her seat where she shots Julian a sympathetic look..

Breyd follows like an afterthought. She's never needed clothes to make waves. Still, she seems to have made a rather stunning departure from her usual dull and dark colours for this session of Court. She's clothed in a gown of ivory samite and cloth-of-silver, lined with silvery satin. Long, dagged sleeves almost touch the floor, and the close bodice of her gown is slashed almost to the belly, the deep vee covered over with a panel of orante Parys lace in dove-grey. The skirts are long and full, the waist very tight with a girdle of silver holly leaves riding the slight swell of her hips. The holly berries have been fashioned from garnets. Slippers of soft grey doeskin encase her tiny feet. The fiery glory of her hair is loose, spilling in it's usual riot of coppery spirals; but tamed back from her face with twin locks of hair twisted back from her temples and bound with silver cord behind. Compared to Aura's confection, Breyd.

She curtsies to her grandfather and leige, Oberon, before rising to take her place in the princess gallery. Her dark eyes are alight with a morbid sort of excitement as she glances at her mother.

The herald cries out as the pages lead them to their seats without approaching the throne.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, the Prince Phillip of Amber, Grandson of King Oberon." the herald declares.

Philip strides in, and follows the pages to his seat

From atop Oberon's dias, the dread Amber Monarch grants the new prince a nod of approval.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, the Prince Whitley of Amber, Son of Julian." the herald declares.

Whitley makes sure his blue cloak is spread out behind him. His blond hair looks like it has not a single blond hair out of place. His matching blue eyes are twinkling and he's smiling with a broad smile with perfect teeth as the handsome hero in white armor walks through the doorway to meet his destiny and his royal grandsire.

Fiona glances over to Flora and rolls her eyes. Flora snickers. Julian looks at Oberon stone faced. Oberon winks at Julian.

Aura looks in Julian's direction sympatheticly again and shakes her head. "Tragic," she murmurs under her breath to be heard only by those sitting beside her

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, the Prince Elendil of Amber, Crown Prince of Koros. Son of King Oberon of Amber"

Elendil sighs. He'd been wondering how he'd be called in. With practiced calm, he enters the doors. He is dressed in high Sylvan court garb, a green embroidered jerkin over dark green tights. Beneath the jerkin, a fine silken shirt of a silverish material. He wears comfortable brown leather wrapboots, polished to a shine. Stitched leather vambraces protect his forearms, each reflecting the symbol of his Elven court. His long silver-blonde hair is braided at the sides, pulled back into a single braid at the back of his head, his bright blue eyes are light and attentive. His distinct elven ears are noticeable. Over his garments is a fine elven cloak, clasped with a silver-trimmed leaf at his throat. On his back, a bow and quiver hang, along with a matching pair of ornate short swords. He strides down the aisle with confidence, looking Oberon, his father, in the eye willingly.

Oberon looks very regal with the large golden Amber Crown of State on his red hair. He looks at his son from a distance, matching his son's look with his own bright green eyes.

The pages then lead Elendil to his seat at Court. Conveniently Aura is on one side of him and Breyd on the other.

Xanthus from his spot lifts his chin arrogantly and flares his nostrils at the new arrival and mutters something inaudibly in Noldorin that causes Queen Mirienna to turn and scold him with her index finger.

Considering Breyd is standing rather near ground zero when Xanthus starts twitching, it's a wonder she manages to retain her poise and look unconcerned and unaffected as the hum passes along the courtiers. She looks sulky instead, mostly because her pinochole cards have been confiscated. She glances at Elendil, pulls a grin that looks far too impish by half and then with a little ceremonial show, lifts her own ruddy hair away from her ears. She's got pointy ones too.

Breyd goes back to glaring at the tapestries opposite, vowing not to fall asleep in court again. The last time she did that she woke up Lord Mayor. a most disagreeable circumstance. Besides, she wants to be awake when Scherazade is sentanced. She's brought popcorn for that.

Elendil's eyes flick to Xanthus, but he does not respond in any other way. He whispers polite "hellos" to both Breyd and Aura. His eyes scan the dias, finally coming to rest on Fiona, hoping to catch her gaze.

Queen Mirienna gives him a warm and friendly smile to welcome him and says Hello to him in the Sindar (or common) tongue of the Elves.

Xanthus gives his beloved sister a look of reproach which she decides to be oblivious towards.

As his eyes pass her, he stops in surprise at the friendly welcome. He bows his head respectfully and a genuine smile sweeps across his face, reaching into his eyes. He then mouths his own "Your Majesty." in the Sindar tongue, before continuing on his search for Fiona as the next arrival is announced, and the Queen's friendly gaze passes him.

Aura pats his hand and smiles. "Told you," she whispers and then descreetly points out Fiona's location for him.

Fiona does not see him but her hand gives him a small gloved wave.

He sighs, pleased, at least, that she's willing to acknowledge him. He returns his attention to the rest of his fellow new arrivals, as well as Breyd and Aura.

Breyd sits up again. The dark eyes are furious, like boiling, molten molasses. Looking at them in close proximity, the resemblance between Breyd and her mother is unmistakable. The same sly, mocking smiles, the same short height, the same flawless white skin...save perhaps Breyd's hair is a bit more carroty, a bit more red-gold and, of course, her face is slightly more angular, more elven than her mother's. The odds are looking good for the same short temper as well...But whatever has set Breyd off isn't completely clear, and it is wiped off her face throughly a heartbeat later.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"Her Royal Highness, The Princess Valerie of Amber, Daughter of King Corwin of Parys."

Valerie is petite with short, dark brown hair that stops at her shoulders. Her face is youthful almost innocent in appearance, her nose is strong, but doesn't over dominate her face. Her eyes are large and a deep, deep blue, like the sky just before the dawn. She is dressed elegantly, a green angel wing dress with silver side lacings and ornamented with a silver kirtle adorning her frame. A silver and opal necklace embraces her neck, though she wears no bracelets or rings. A simple, yet elegant circlet of silver ivy adorns her hair which has been half pulled back in a very simple style that allows the waves to gently frame her face.

At the sound of her name, Valerie takes a deep breath. Nervousness has crept up again, though it's not nearly as bad as it was before. She casts a quick glance to Breyd and Aura, strangely taking comfort from their presence before she walks forward and steps through the doors.

Master Gram sitting near the King gives her a kindly look as the pages will lead her to her chair in the front of the uncles and aunts near the Royal Throne where she and her cousins will sit.

A smile is returned for the welcoming look and Valerie relaxes even more. She waits for the pages, then follows them to her seat. She sits, as indicated, her shoulders back, her back straight and her head held up. She watches the proceedings, remaining quite, for the moment, despite the whispered conversations of a couple of people nearby. She takes note of each person called, smiling at all who catch her eye. She keeps her hands still in her lap, her feet flat on the floor and does her best not to fidget, no matter how much she wants to.

Aura flashes her a warm smile in a 'see? you'll be alright' way

Breyd smiles comfortingly as well before saying out of the side of her mouth to Aura, "So...what do you reckon? mincemeat in about two weeks?" The friendly grin doesn't flicker for a second.

"You're generous," Rory mutters from behind them. "Sheep to the wolves."

"Careful, darling," Breyd drawls teasingly, "Your fangs are showing." She flashes a gaze full of laughter over her shoulder at her ruddy-haired cousin before turning her gaze forwards, before Dame Margot can scowl at her.

Elendil manages to refrain from commenting at the conversation between Breyd and Aura. However, he did seem to be enjoying it. After the sentencing of Scher, he whispers "Congratulations." to the both of them.

Aura smiles silently in thanks but it's clear the entire episode concenring Scher has left as rather unpleasant taste in her mouth.

"For what?" Breyd says, looking perplexed. "Oberon's judgement? Pray, uncle, it would be better if you praised your father."

Vladimir looked over at Elendil and Aura and Breyd curious at their conversation, he listened.

"I merely meant for your efforts in bringing her in, for if it weren't for that, my father wouldn't have been able to pass judgement." Elendil says by way of explanation.

"Ah," Breyd says with a glance at Caine. "That would be Aura and her honour guard. She dealt with King Jason....I would say the honour of the day goes to her." Breyd seems very demure and modest about all of this.

"By the time I came into it, it was like kicking a puppy," Aura mumurs. "Although she did most of it to herself."

Aura tsks at her from the other side of Elendil (god, poor Elendil. ;) ) "I think she'll last longer than some others," she mutters back.

Breyd eyes the new lot, the dark eyes penetrating, as if she could peel off the skin and get a good look at the soul. "Possibly. Jessa lasted several months.." Breyd admits.

Vladimir sitting next to Aura, glance out of the corner of his eyes at the whisper conversation between Breyd and Aura. Then looked back at the sentencing of Scher, he was to well schooled to show his reaction to the proceding.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, The Prince Isaac of Amber, Grandson of King Oberon of Amber."

Issac steps forward from where ever he's been standing. Looking very grim to mask his nerves, his false demeanor almost distracts from the fact that he's still wearing his old gray wool suit. Bracing himself up to his full height and squareing his jaw he looks more prepared for a fight than anything else.

He's a huge fellow, standing six foot tall. His build is reminiscent of an impenetrable fortress wall. His scruff of a beard and unruly hair frame a broad face and dark eyes. His attire is less than elegant. A light gray wool suit of sturdy construction gives him the looks of a hard working man. His stride is monstrous as he walks though the great doors and into the public eye.

[Editor’s Note: No one tell him that at least two Princesses are taller than he. J]

The pages will rush to escort the troubled new Prince from the entrance to the seating with his cousins.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, the Prince Vladimir of Amber. Grandson of King Oberon."

Vladimir gracefully stepped forward the silver and blue/gray of his robes swirled elegantly, as he gave Dame Margot a respectful and appropriate bow before following the page into the Court and his assigned seat. His face is serene as he walks into the Court.

Vladimir gracefully stepped forward the silver and blue/gray of his robes swirled elegantly, as he gave Dame Margot a respectful and appropriate bow before following the page into the Court and his assigned seat. His face is serene as he walks into the Court.

From the top of the dias, on his throne, the redheaded King Oberon with a terribly satisfied smile, favours his newest arrival with small clapping from his hands.

Vladimir bows to Oberon fully acknowledging his clap, his face still serene. He gave Oberon's Elven Queen an appropriate elven bow then stands and walks the rest of the way to where his fellow newly announced Princes and Princess area. He gracefully settles down next to Princess Aura, gives her a soft smile. And watches the others arrive.

Oberon favours the arriving grandson with a slight smile and nod in return.

Queen Mirienna will smile warmly and say in Tharii,"Thank you Prince Vladimir."

"His Royal Highness, the Prince Whitley of Amber, Son of Julian." the herald declares.

Whitley makes sure his blue cloak is spread out behind him. His blond hair looks like it has not a single blond hair out of place. His matching blue eyes are twinkling and he's smiling with a broad smile with perfect teeth as the handsome hero in white armor walks through the doorway to meet his destiny and his royal grandsire.

Fiona glances over to Flora and rolls her eyes. Flora snickers. Julian looks at Oberon stone faced. Oberon winks at Julian.

Aura looks in Julian's direction sympatheticly again and shakes her head. "Tragic," she murmurs under her breath to be heard only by those sitting beside her

"Shush," Breyd shushes Aura with a devilish grin. Then she squeaks like a girl at the sight of Elvis and starts blowing him kisses and fluttering her fingers so Whitey will notice her.

Zariya arrived in Court before Scherazade's punishment; that was something she wanted to see.

Zariya is wearing a rather racy outfit, though in muted tones. Her dress consists of a bodice, tight and snug and low-cut, of dark green silk bordered by silver, cut off at about her solar plexus. It is sleeveless, though she is wearing armbands and bracelets of silver, etched with various scrollwork patterns. The bottom is a loose-flowing skirt, situated fairly low on her hips and held in place by a thin belt of silver, studded with small emeralds. Her midriff is bare, though covered slightly by the wide gauzy shawl she has looped around her arms, back, and shoulders. Her black hair is pulled back into a single braid, though loose wisps of hair hang artfully, framing her face. Silver ornaments have been braided into her hair, chiming softly together when she moves. Her braid hangs to about mid-back. Green slippers adorn her feet, matching the color of the dress. Makeup has been applied, giving a bit of color to her lips and easing the harsh angles of her more natural angular features.

Zariya is a tall woman, standing at around 6' or so. She is dark-skinned, and obviously of a Middle Eastern sort of descent. She is lithe and lean, and when she enters court, she walks with a sort of rolling grace, altered from her normal confident stride. If none of her attributes or dress were able to catch a person's eye before, the suggestive way she walks would do it.

Aura, who had been dressed much that way when she arrived in Amber, looks pointedly at Alexis, who made it clear such attire was not acceptable..

Vladimir looked at the newcomer and lifted a silver eyebrow, and wonder just what her punishment would be for dressing inappropriatedly.

Alexis stares right back. Not flinching.

Breyd's wondering what they've been putting in the water...and is placing silent bets with herself about how long it's going to be before Zariya falls out of that dress. Breyd reckons a few more deep breaths whilst curtsying. This is passing the time better than pinochle.

Valdimir and Elendil and Breyd's enhanced ears pick up Aura's indignant sniff and it's rather difficult for them to miss the flare from the fire gem around her neck as she mutters something under her breath in Atlantean that promises not to be translatable in polite company.

Breyd rolls her eyes and sighs in a resigned way.

Elendil, for his part, merely smiles and places a delicately calming hand on Aura's knee. He gives one, gentle, squeeze.

Vladimir gave the slightest shake of his head at Zariya attire, surely that was not on the list of acceptable Court attire.

Sabine arrived after Zariya, but in time to hear the sniff as she walks past to her own seat. After seating herself, she leans forward and murmurs, "Careful on that judgemetal stuff, Vlad-boy." She leans back and gets to people watching.

"Go easy, Sabine. Everybody must have a starting point from which to expand...or contract," Breyd notes. "And it's not the making of mistakes that kills, it's how well you recover from them."

Sabine grins at Breyd and pokes her in the side with an index finger, here's hoping she's ticklish. "I have to bother somebody since you're being nice to me."

"Oh, THAT can change," Breyd promises darkly, her eyes narrowing. The evil glare sort of proves she's not ticklish, but she does take exception to being prodded so off-handedly.

Sabine laughs merrily and says, "There you are. Just checking."

[Editor’s Note: Part of this next bit happened before Court, but I put it in here since it leads directly into Scher’s punishment.]

The caravan moves out, silent and imposing. Aura riding to the head of it between the captains of the guards. Scher's double kicks up a fuss but it is briefly squelched when one of the guards gags her and seems happy to do it too.

Towns are passed through, Scher knows this because of the sounds, but as they group passes through the towns, even though blondfolded, the prisoner can feel eyes of hundreds watching her, judging her, and finding her lacking.

As the caravan enters the streets of Amber, Scher's blindfold is removed, the guards rearrange their places and now ride in front of and behind the wagon in which the the accused stands chained and bound and displayed for the townspeople to see, still in her form of a wooden soldier, along with her double, hands bound and mouth gagged riding the mule behind the wagon bearing the accused.

It is not a pleasant welcome.

Shouts and jeers of "Traitor!" "Slut!" "Firebug!" "Tawdry Harlot!" "Round heeled gutternipe!" "Vampire lover!" as well a an assortment of rotting produce and other things best not looked too closely at, are flung at the Royal and her double recieves the same treatment for good measure as they pass through the heart of Amber City.

Because of the sorcery on Scher, she looks none the worse for the experience physically, remaining clean and spotless. Her double does not far quite so well

The caravan swells in size, as the mob starts to follow, winding up the side of the mountain towards the castle. The rear guard finally turns and halts the progress of the citizenary near the gates for security reasons.

The prisoner is unloaded as the crowd outside the gates cranes to watch in silence but she remains in chains as she is led inside and into a side room to await her summoning and everyone they pass in the halls stops and stares accusingly. She will recoginze the bags of blood from Jason's and some equipement, but Aura, who has come ini as well, gives the things a disdainful look befre her eyes flick to the shadow of Scher.

"Get her cleaned up enough that she doesn't leave a trail of refuse all the way to the Throne," she orders tersely. "The Royal Court will be defiled enough as it is with this sordid business."

As guards move to do her bidding, Aura looks at her ensorcled cousin. "I won't claim to know everything about you or even this mess you're in," she says. "But the next time someone tries to help you or offer advice, listen and do not try to shift blame for your misconceptions on them later. My brother deserved better for what he tried to do. Don't bother to deny it. I heard you."

"When Oberon is ready for you, the guards will bring you in. Until then, some self reflection is likely in order."

With that, the Atlantean turns on her heel and departs, leaving the wooden soldier and her glaring double alone in a room full of silent and unquestionably loyal to the Crown and Aura guards who have no apparent interest in either prisoner and will not speak to either of them.

Oberon wears a stern face,"Guards!" he calls out sternly.

Two Royal Guards march to the throne, halberts at their sides as they salute smartly.

"Bring in the miscreant, Her Highness, Princess Scherazade." Oberon orders.

The Guards salute and leave the Great Hall.

They return with the demoralized Princess Scherazade in chains and in disgrace.

With Caine looking stonefaced staring at Amber, the Guards escort the Prisoner to the bar of the Court where she is required to nod herself to the King.

Master Balaam rises goes to the throne, bows to the King and with a smug satisified smile, the hunchbacked Appointments Secretary trundles over towards the bar of the Court and smirks at the Princess.

Balaam leers forward at Scher and says to her,"You, Princess have been successfully attainded for treason, illegally leaving the country, sedition, harbouring vampires, and creating international incidents that embarrassed the Crown of Amber."

Balaam is wearing a long frock coat that trails down to the floor past his shoes, his breath smells of drambuie and rum. He is long faced and a single lank of hair covers much balding but is still prominent in his face.

"Princess, you have been a very bad girl."

"I have affidavits from Princess Zariya, your guardian, from King Jason of Neuvo Sangre, from Princess Breyd, Ambassador to Haven, Prince Rory of Amber, Princess Aura, Ambassador to Neuvo Sangre of what happened. We have heard your confessions and defences forever." Balaam says smugly, "I guess the House Laws and your oath of obedience to his Grace and Majesty, the King means nothing to you."

"To the fact I was assigned a guardian was unknown to me."

Balaam snorts derisively.

"I would have taken what i had known to His Grace and Majesty. But the work of others has made my words void in all counts. To bring what I had only little proof of to any of you would have been met with laughter, and fits of histeria, from me no matter what words I said or how much proof I gave you. "

"Do you know what your problem is, Your Highness? You are a piece of the machine that thinks it is the whole of the machine. The flute that believes itself a symphony. You have malfunctioned. Admit it, and you'll feel better. Your only destiny is to be a nail that is hammered down. Bang, bang, bang."

"I believe my self to be an unnessary piece of the machine. For i have never belonged anywhere." She replied solomnly.

"I guess you are chosen to be our redeemer, our own person who can by rolling themselves in a carpet repeatedly to deliver in some bizarre incestuous love match with you and an unwilling Prince Bleys. His Royal Highness, innocent of any role in this heinous and harlotous adventure, was never involved. You were forbidden to leave Amber, and were to remain in your Shire under the care of Princess Zariya, yet you abjured the ridings and the very realm itself and was apprehended in Neuvo Sangre by their pathetic justice system after you were anxious to denounce the King of that country's mother to him."

"Were an insanity plea allowable, it would be uncontestable."

"Your hosting, billetting and hiding of vampires in contravention of Royal Law is heinous and you should have known better. Especially after you hid them from a posse of Princes and Princesses dedicated to slaying these evil creatures in Amber."

"Why can you not listen?" asks Balaam simply yet rhetorically. "You were told time and time and yet time again."

"Unacceptable! What a sad thing you are. Unable to answer even such a simple question without falling back on references, and genealogies and what you say other people call you. Have you nothing of your own? Nothing to stand on that is not provided, defined, delineated, stamped, sanctioned, numbered, and approved by others? How can you expected to fight for someone else when you haven't the fairest idea who you are?"

"Dose anyone need to be specifically anyone to exist. 'I think therefore I am.' Someone once said. Can you think of only serving other and still exist Master Baalam? I have been given a title that even my birth dose not intitle me to. Told of a role that I am supposed to be. That I'm supposed to do something other then serve people. All I know is serving and helping others. That is what I am. My assets are the crowns I take only what is needed to survive for myself. For I do not even deserve life. I learned that as the first thing I can remember. Are we not all reflections of our childhood ? What I learned from mine is that I am expendable that I am nothing remarkable. That I was left alone for a reason. That I was left alone because I was not needed, that I was not to be helped, that I was not wanted. If you do have another side to that I would be glad to hear it."

"You are a Princess of Amber. You are to serve the Crown. You are to be an adornment to your generation, not a laughing stock or a silly girl strumpetting herself at her uncles."

"If that is what you call respecting others, and wishing to help them. I would wish to be other then the laughing stock others have favored to make me. That I can forgiven them for what they did in trying to make me as they wished me. To become more then what i am, and more then what they wished to be."

"How do you know the chosen love of Bleys or any other? No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother. Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame... for one person. In the dark. Where no one will ever know....or see. I've been in the service of the King for centuries, looking for wrongdoers... Watcher in the night, looking for an honest man willing to fail for all the wrong reasons. At last, my job is finished. Yours is just beginning. When your darkness comes, know this: You are the author of your own misfortune."

"I may be the author of my own misfortune. But I at least do not believe in such fairy tales as love. Created to amuse children. I have never known such a thing in my memory, nor have I found proof of it here. I did what I did out of concern and respect. Yes unfortunally the information that I had receved was incorrect. My actions were ment to result in something good. I do not know of jeliousy or love. Emotions are friviolous and unnessary uses for mental engery that can best be used elsewhere."

"What about the people you work with, the people you call friends? Why were you willing to sacrifice them? What about your family, what about your Kingdom, what about truth, what about blood, what about right, what about wrong, what about your future, what about faith, what about sin, what about hell, what about death, what about life?!"

"What about Amber?"

"My life is forfit for the desire of all others. My life is to serve, to help, and to obey. My actions were ment to help Amber and those of Amber. Unfortunally what I had been told was false. You ask me about death and life. I deserve death and forfit life, for despite trying a scientific mind can not find somethings in reason and logic."

He turns to Oberon and bows,"Your Majesty, The attainder prisoner is to have no trial. She is to be sentenced without plea nor without statement."

King Oberon looks gravely at Scherazade.

"You have disappointed me and betrayed Amber. You are a selfish foolish girl who was warned repeatedly."

"You will not be allowed to speak. You are to listen and for once, to obey. If you interrupt me or these procedings, Rory will be instructed to gag you."

"The Vampire Lestat, presumed put to death, will suffer Death by Royal Executioners if EVER found in the Kingdom of Amber of any realm of the Golden Circle or this side of Ygg summarily and without trial and/or sentencing."

"We blame him and his Chaos Vampires, no doubt under foreign agents for you being led astray." Oberon says,"You are young and callow. While this does not exonerate you it does mitigate the harsher charges against you by suggesting that you did not seek overthrow of Amber and its Crown Royal."

"All vampires operating without Royal Permit will be destroyed." Oberon states flatly.

Oberon continues,"The County of Dianavale will be put under Alexis' trusteeship and will be under her administration answerable to the Lord Chancellor's office until I say differently. Revenues will be seen to the County and its needs. Any surplus will be forfeit to the Crown as a residual fine."

"You will retain the title of Princess as you are of the Blood, but the courtesy title of Your Royal Highness, will be removed until you are to be released."

Oberon scans Scherazade magically and then nods to Xanthus. They both concentrate for a moment and all spells placed on Scherazade by Jason and others are removed.

"You are not to communicate with Prince Bleys of Amber in any way, in any form outside of a note through Princess Aura or in her absence Princess Breyd." Oberon thunders at her,"You will not harrass and humiliate the name and honour of a Prince of Amber to make us a mockery in the Courts of Chaos and the Realm of Haven and the howling wolves of Mecklenberg."

"Your Subjects in Dianadale are to be assessed an extra fine of 5 silver a year per man woman and child, each pig, cow and beast of burden is assessed a fine of 1 silver a year to pay the cost of your incarceration."

"Your foreign and domestic assets are to be seized and forfeit to the Crown. Your shadow or shadows is or are to be placed under the guardianship of the Princess Aura." Oberon says

You are to be consigned to be imprisoned in the Royal Dungeon at Our Royal Pleasure until such time as we see fit to assess if you will be fit to be amongst the company of men and women let alone Royalty."

"You may receive visitors but they must be in the presence of both Princesses Breyd and Zariya."

"Take her away!" Oberon commands the guards who lead the unhappy prisoner to incarceration in the dungeons in the basement.

Breyd is, quite unashamedly, looking very, very smug. She glances casually over at Uncle Caine. Yes, it's probably petty, but Breyd is enjoying this.

Caine cooly looks at Breyd, "Hurry up, if you speed yourself you can find one for yourself to match your residence in Avernus."

Breyd tuts. "Uncle, Uncle...They haven't paid for the labotomy that will make me stupid enough to be like one of your progeny...After all, they haven't sprung for your vasectomy yet. I'd consider it before you beget anymore ungrateful little terrors like Ricky the Thicky's daughter."

Without fanfare or any announcement, Constantine appears seated at Court; he wears his colors of deep blue and white, with a long scarf of blue cashmere wrapped around his neck and trailing behind him. When he appears in a seat his arms are wrapped around a staff of sorts, a smooth affair of ash without ornament.

He arrives in time to see Scherazade escorted out, then gestures to a servant, to whom he whispers something quickly.

Sabine arrives at court after Scher's sentencing and strides in confidently. The 5'10" tall swords-woman moves with easy grace as she walks the long walk to her appointed seat. Today she is wearing a long flowing silk gown dyed to resemble the many colors of the sea; dark at the hem and gradually fading to the blue of tropical waters. The sheath dress shows off her form well as she moves, as she passes one can view the plunging back of the garment that shows her smooth, tan skin. Her ensemble includes a scarf draped around her neck, falling down her exposed back. This item also seems to echo the colors and movement of ocean waters. Sabine's waist length ebony hair is worn up today in a smooth chignon. Her only jewelry are a pair of platinum bezel set sapphire stud earrings that match her eyes.

Tara notices Sabine walk in and smiles at her briefly before reverting her attention back to the business at hand.

Sabine sees her and winks at her as she passes.

Breyd's smiling brightly, an echo of merriment, as she watches Sabine take her place.

After Sabine is seated she looks at Breyd and motions to the scarf, "You like?" she grins at her cousin. She crosses her long legs, exposing strappy silver heels that lace up her calves.

Rory slips into court without his usual fanfare. He's wearing a black cloak pinned back at one shoulder, with a lining the color of tarnished brass. A tunic of deep purple extends to mid-thigh, and is bound at the waist with a sash to match the cloak lining. His hose, like the cloak, is black. He sits behind Sabine and Breyd.

He leans forward in his seat and murmurs to Sabine, "I like, though I may be biased."

Sabine looks over her shoulder at him and winks. "I find the colors of the ocean very.... calming?" Her tone slides up at the end, but she turns back to watching the newest cousins making for the throne.

"I thought the word was 'relaxing,'" Rory purrs.

She grins and keeps looking forward, "And I thought the word was 'crazy'."

Oberon raises an eyebrow and mutters,"Crazy like a red fox." to no one in particular.

"All of the above,"he answers. "Catch me after Court. I need some help killing some people and breaking some things, and you're my favorite assistant for ass-kicking."

"Gotcha." Sabine says with a twinkle in her eye.

"Much more classy," Breyd agrees. "I see you've been playing Shepardess as well to our new little lambs?"

Sabine looks over the front row of new found family and shrugs, "Three at most I think - Grandpa must have assigned someone else the others. Did you get any this time?" Her tone has gone from informative to downright dirty.

Breyd laughs throatily. "Oh, aye. Even managed to bring them all in in one piece. Did you bump into Abigail as well then?"

"Thankfully no." Sabine says as she takes in the room. She turns back to Breyd, and stage whispers, "Do you think Aura will approve of my outfit?" She pulls a face at Breyd and leans back in her chair.

Breyd starts to laugh again. "I'm probably the wrong person to be asking," Breyd admits merrily. "I'm fashion-challenged according to most of Creation and I'm inclined to agree. Why should a wren try to compete with peacocks? My talents lie elsewhere..." She glances across her new uncle, who is seated next to her and watches Aura, who is sitting at his right hand.

Aura doesn't look up from her sketching but she tilts her head just enough to stick her tongue out at both of them

Sabine grins and sits back, having gotten the reaction she was going for. She really wants to swipe one of Alexis's needles for more fun and games in court. "I missed the good part, huh?" She asks her neighbors - referencing Scher's sentencing.

Alexis seems to only have one needle, and it is being used, so she'd miss it greatly. It's not certain what she's doing other than a very elaborate border or frame so far, in four shades of blue. She stoically goes along, periodically changing colors, and makes tiny cross stitches.

Dunstree comes in after Scher leaves -- from another door, if possible. He did not want to see Scher's sentencing.

He sits down next to Constantine, if there's a seat available.

Dun still wears earth tones. Black, brown, grey. Rumor has it that he tried to come in wearing sandals but a desperate blocking action by frightened valets dissuaded him.

Or the rumor that his sister Alexis would have sat on Dunstree and reshod him in the entryway.

As it was, it seems that there is ONE person that no suitable garb could be rounded up for, hence one dark grey business suit in an otherwise sea of suitable court garb....

For others, Alexis stands 6'2" in bare feet and has a large boned frame that is rather non overly padded and fairly athletic (she's a big girl and not because she's heavy). Black hair, ice blue eyes. At the moment, she has on a square necked ice blue dress, the area to her neck filled in with a net of fine silver and pearls at the junctions. Full gathered sleeves, points over the backs of the hands. Bodice to waist rather fitted and well decorated with silver threads and pearls...full skirts to floor. Her hair is caught up in a silver net adorned with more pearls and faced over with a twisted braid of the ice blue, silver, and pearls. A pair of drop pearl earrings and a collar of pearls with a teardrop mabe for the accent right at the notch of her collarbone. She looks the height of probably 1350 fashion... except she doesn't need 2' of chopines to make it work.

Breyd's avoiding Alexis' eye at the moment, considering the last time she saw the giantess, she was intent on spiking her into the turf and sitting on her until she squeaked 'uncle'.

It happens eventually, that the two make eye contact. Alexis merely smiles slightly, hikes a thumb up discreetly, and winks at Breyd.

Breyd just looks rueful and slightly embarassed, laughing silently. She shakes her head and nods before paying attention to the floorshow again. She's still slightly miffed they confiscated her pinochle cards.

Alexis has a small tote that is covered with fabric that matches her gown, she parts the silver gilt wooden handles and brings forth some needlepoint on a stretcher and proceeds to start quietly adding a few stitches to whatever she's doing for a pattern. A folded over small rectangle of paper is being referred to now and again, and the pattern dutifully copied over to the fabric.....

"Hello," says Constantine. He blinks a few times, looking around the room. "I hope I didn't miss anything."

"Well, I missed something I was hoping to," Dun says softly. "How have you beem Constantine?"

Constantine looked sidelong at Dun and managed a smile. "Same as always. Tired of work."

"Grandfather's projects or your own?"

"No difference," he says, gripping his staff a little more tightly.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, The Prince Gunnalf of Amber, Son of Prince Brand of Amber."

Gunnalf is about 6'6" tall and is fairly well built. He is wearing black pants with red stripes the gathe baggily over the tops of his supple black boots. His tunic is elbow length and also black contrasting his pale skin, pale red hair, and icy blue eyes. His only adornmentment are a black leather baldric with silver inlaid in a very intricate pattern of knots and swirls holding the sheath for a large Viking sword at his right hip and a single leather vambrace on his right arm. His hair is in one simple braid that reaches to just past his shoulder blades and sports a narrow mustache and a goatee.

Oberon notices the new brother to Rory and smiles broadly to the young man.

Xanthus snorts and says to Mirienna in Noldorin,"This one DEFINITELY has NO Noldor blood. Hmppph. At least Rory has good high Noldor blood on his mother's side."

Mirenna ignores her brother and smiles to Gunnalf sweetly as pages take him to his seat.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, The Prince Victor of Amber, Son of Princess Deirdre of Amber."

Victor steps into the Court with the confidence of one that has done this many times before. He stands about six foot tall, with skin tanned from a life at sea. His thick black hair is braided down his back to between his shoulder blades. Victor wears a sea blue cape trimmed in white fur over a white silk shirt and black hose. On the shirt is a heraldic crest, a sea blue field with a vertical white stripe on which are three dolphins. A ring of rainbow stone glints from his left hand and a ring of steel and rubies glints from his right.

He walks confortably towards the King with a pleased diplomat's smile and eyes taking in those watching him.

Oberon nods to him politely and with a sharp look of approval.

Mirienna, the elven Queen with pointed ears and a sweet smile, greets him non verbally with a polite incline of her head.

Her brother Xanthus, cannot be bothered and is talking to a small sprite he conjured on his fingers. Bored he incinerates it then wipes his hands of the dust.

Aura watches Victor's entry with interest and then looks at the silver haired Vladimir to one side of her and the elegantly earred Elendil to the other and then smiles over at Breyd and whispers. "It's almost an embarrassment of riches, isn't it?"

“Don't worry," Breyd says reassuringly, "I'm sure you can get through them all."

Aura just flutters her eyelashes at her fiery cousin and produces a small sketch book from up her sleeve.

As he is led to his seat, Victor smiles at Breyd and gives Aura a long look as if trying to memorize her before sitting down.

Breyd glances up to grin roguishly at Victor before glancing at Aura's sketch. She bursts into laughter.

The great doors open and the thin old herald who was employed continually through ten different Amber regimes bawls out in a surprising thick baritone voice,

"His Royal Highness, The Prince Maximillion of Amber, Son of Prince Gerard of Amber."

Maxmillion strides into court. His long brown hair is tied back into a long braid. He is wearing an ebon suite with red striping. A long black cape fastened to it at the shoulders. His deep blue eyes look at the king and the queen and he gives each a bow. He then allows the pages to escort him to the area with his relatives.

King Oberon nods crisply to him and then Queen Mirienna will give him a warm welcome.

Pages will take him to sit with his cousins in the front row of Court.

Maxmillion will look around the vast room, at all the people. He will smile to those sitting near him and look at the proceedings.

Blond haired Laszlo walks in, with a grumpy-looking dark haired man in a grey uniform trailing behind him, carrying a ledger. "That's the lot then, is it?" He enquires of his assistant, who nods curtly before taking his place with the other officials. The Prince takes his seat and makes himself comfortable, looking relaxed. He wears black trousers with a gold stripe running along the seam with a forest green jacket, the polished gold buttons showing the emblem of the Postmasters. The jacket is done halfway up, a cream ruffled shirt issuing from it, on which rests a shiny medal. He is wearing an ornate sabre and the golden spurs of the Order of Ganelon, which jangle on his mirror-finish high black boots. He pulls a notebook from his pocket and sits with pencil poised, as if expecting news of import.

And Breyd watches him, the dark eyes intense. Oddly enough, the angular face goes still, as it it's not sure what it should be displaying for once. Perhaps a shade of pensive, she turns her gaze back towards the throne and then glances at Eledril and Aura.

Aura looks over from the sketch of the Elendil she is working to Breyd and winks before she gives her brother a smile in greeting.

Laszlo grins in response and gives her a little wave. His green eyes briefly settle on Princess Breyd before he returns his attention to the matters of court.

Balaam smirks meanly at George at his seat and hands King Oberon a note.

Oberon glances at it and scowls at Balaam. Balaam shivers up under the baleful gaze.

Oberon says to Balaam harshly "Did you give him my order?"

Balaam falls to his knees, presses his face to the kneeling cushion and says in a soft voice, barely audible,"Yes Great Leige," he says,"I did but he refused to follow your dread orders."

Oberon ignores the prostrate Balaam,"George, Boy. Come here." he barks out.

"Prince George, the slothful of Amber," calls up Balaam spitefully," Tell us what you have done other than help Ferris and Rory steal from some poor demon's home."

"What of your alcoholism?" Asks Balaam, "You are disgraceful with your clear and present addiction to those horrid mint juleps that you swill down like Haven on a day of half price slurpees."

"Do you even know what your position here at Court is? Did you have to get reminded of today's Court eight or nine times?"

"Are you trying to become an honourary Mecklenberg by being more obnoxious than Prince Otto of Haven?" Balaam says mockingly.

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince George, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

"Yes Grandfather did you wish something?" George says completely ignoring Balaam

Oberon growls,"You will answer that loathsome creature who is asking you questions. I don't have him stand close to me reeking of booze and body odour for my enjoyment."

George will head up to Oberon.

"Why did you disobey my direct orerr?"

"I will not believe anything out of Balaams mouth, I believe he is exceeding your orders and ripping off Amber for his personal gain, I have no problem following your order with a few exceptions. You know that.

"I do not believe you gave Balaam orders to steal your daughters and granddaughters underwear to sniff.

"Boy." Oberon says his voice raising,"Balaam may be a toad but he was delivering a direct order. Do you have the wit to consider validating an order you question."

"If you ever," Oberon's face becoming ruddy as he restrains himself,"do that again, you will be washing everyone's underwear in the castle with the scullery maids for a month."

"Does anyone want to ask Georfge of his other duities?" Oberon sputters.

"No starch in my underwear," Breyd requests. "You might want to put less in Zariya's as well. She might relax then."

"You're not touching mine. I'll have my servant do them." Alexis ominizes.

Sabine's eyes are hooded as she asks, "You guys wear underwear? huh." She settles back in her chair a bit bored.

Rory leans forward and whispers in her ear, "I like that kind of talk."

Sabine blows him a kiss.

Aura shrugs. "Takes all kinds."

Vladimir had to resist smiling at these comments, though he murmurred something very soft that maybe Aura and Elendil might have been able to hear,"Should have him work in the nursery for a few days."

Sabine grins at this and has to ask, "Kinds of knickers?"

"That too," Aura smiles

Sabine hums a bit at this and is really tempted to go on in this vien, but she settles back and let's court go on.

Oberon calls out after Gram hands him a note on a silver round tray," Breyd, Exthian, come up here now."

"I hear that you have a present for me." he says smiling a little.

"Several, my liege; but not as many as I'd hoped..." Breyd says smoothly, showing no surprise that she has been called forward with Exthian. In fact, she rises with him and gestures to men in livery with the Ouroboros symbol on the front. The lug a heavy chest up before the throne and Breyd theatrically opens it, showing a lot of golden coins (and, boy, was that a pain to get converted)..."Behold...your *ahem* subsidy from Garnath. At least the downpayment of it. I anticipate bringing the rest to you before the end of the year, Your Majesty." Breyd curtsies deeply to the throne she smile brightly at the Queen.

Oberon casts a look at Breyd that reminds her much of the whipped cream and the talking cat. He smiles,"Well done girl. Well done."

"I understand that I am being given another subsidy by Rolandae to refer to your title as Ambassador instead of High Commissioner so you are doing very well." Oberon purrs to her,"Very good girl. I like money. Especially in gold rather than invisible Suhuypounds that he can pare down and mill with service fees."

Oberon rises and tests the chest with his hand in a number of seamless spells then plunges his hand into the gold greedily and demonstrating his strength he pull out the heavy gold coins by a near bucketfull with this big hands and in childlike manner lets the gold drip through his fingers and tinkle back into the chest.

"Well done," the redheaded nephew of Suhuy says,"Well done girl. For this, you are promoted from Countess to Margravine of your Duchy."

"I thank you, Seanair*; but we have another present for you. One that may delight you in another fashion..." Then she casts a sly glance at Exthian, letting him take the centre stage.

* Gaelic for 'Grandfather'

Then she casts a sly glance at Exthian, letting him take the centre stage.

For whatever reasons, up until this moment, Exthian had been absent from the Court session. While Breyd was speaking with Oberon, Exthian had managed to make his way into Court and make his way right up through the room, and step into Oberon's view as Breyd steps back.

Exthian is in clothing nearly too simple to even be allowed in Court. It is all dark gray with red or silver lining. Boots, pants, jacket, shirt...but well made and designed. Exthian falls to one knee, his head bowed in front of his lord, all in one smooth gesture. Carefully he reaches into his coat pocket and removes, to those close enough would see what looks like, the missing Amber Royal Seal.

"My Liege, I believe this belongs to you." He offers it to Oberon.

Oberon smiles,"Yes, I think my stupid son Bleys gave it to that usurping bitch cousin of mine, Jasra of Suhuyways."

He smiles"I guess you deserve a present too. This is some of Aura's fine Atlantean stones. These are pearls that hundreds of toothless crones went swimming into the deep in order to extract, polish and ship to Amber under exclusive contract to Aura. I suspect that they are going to be a hot fashion item soon enough so you can be the first to receive one."

Oberon steps down from his throne and opens up a small green velvet sack and hands a large marble sized yellow one to both Breyd and to Exthian. "I hope you treasure these and hoard them correctly for your services to King and Crown."

He winks to them,"If you are good to Aura, she will tell you a secret power that these have." as the king fondles the lost seal of his office he waves them to both be seated.

Working on her sketches, Aura just chuckles softly.

"I guess they vibrate or something," Breyd says in a stage-whisper to Exthian as they return to their seats. She's grinning impishly at him.

Now THAT gets Sabine's attention.

Aura doesn't say a word, just smiles as she continues drawing

"I'm not sure I want to know," he responds, taking a last look at the peral before putting it into his pocket. He follows Breyd towards her seat, but as it appears, all of the newcomers are already crowded around the fabled Aura and Breyd. Exthian takes an open seat as close to Julian as he can get away with...

Breyd bends fowards in her seat, walking Exthian walk further down the row with an odd little predatory grin on her face.

Oberon pulls out a scroll which Balaam obsqueiously hands him before bowing five times. On the fifth bow, Oberon leans over and snatches it out of the fawning sycophant's hands.

"Our Lord Constable of Amber, in charge of the Castle and area around it, is our Son, the Prince Bleys." Oberon states while the former Constable Eric is visibly annoyed.

"Our Lord Chamberlain will remain the most excellent grandson, the Prince Nicolo." Oberon says,"Did you bring back the cigars from Haven City I asked you to buy?" he asks Nicolo tapping his foot. "I wanted two crates."

"They're here," calls out Nicolo from behind a tapestry. "But unless you want Bleys and Gerard raiding your stash, I'm not going to bring them out until you want some."

The tapestry rustled a few more times.

"Go ahead, baby, beat it. I'll catch up with you later," came Nicolo's voice; a buxom young blonde courtier slid out and made a quick exit for the door. Nicolo, however, remained hidden.

"If Gerard and Bleys want to raid my cigars they may want to keep Scher company in the dungeon," growls Oberon fiercely, "Kelric made off with my hoard of old Atlantean cigars - for himself. At least The Queen Usurper did not get them to sell off or destroy. Luckily Haven and Mecklenberg wizards found out how to duplicate it for themselves and I can get replacements. Trouble is those Mecklenberg scum will not sell it me."

"Your Majesty, you mean the five dozen a month I've been sending haven't been arriving?" Carl asks. "The Danjitzi copies that are really close? I know the first shipment arrived...."

Xanthus is more concerned about the bimbo,"Who is that for?" pointing at the blonde tart and freezing her in place. He looks at Oberon and Nicolo deliberately and fiercely.

"Our Lord Admiral will become our son Prince Caine, our thanks to Prince Gerard the outgoing Admiral. Prince Caine will help reduce piracy on the high seas."

"Our Lord Marshall will remain our most excellent son, the Prince Benedict," Oberon nods to Benedict who is looking out a window somewhat bored.

"Our Warden of Arden will remain our most... er, good son Julian." Oberon says and then quickly reads the next entry.

"Our Viceroy of our Kingdom of Remba will be our daughter, the Princess Llewella," Oberon says,"And there will be no more memorials to that bitch Moire. I could almost thank that useless Osric for ridding us of her."

"Our Court Magician will be our brother (in-law) the most excellent Prince of the House of Feanor, the Lord Xanthus Feanori."

"Our Lord Chancellor will be the Princess Fiona ." Oberon says crossing out the planned name (Eric?) "Our Lord Steward will be our most loyal servant, Lord Chantris."

"Our Viceroy of the Patternlands will be our most excellent grandson, Prince Paolo."

"Warden of the Ports will be our excellent son, Gerard. Caine has been smuggling again." Oberon grouses openly.

"Our Lord Treasurer of Amber will remain our Daughter, Deirdre."

"Lord Constable of Amber will be our son, Eric who will do better in this role," he says menacingly, compared to the botched up job he did in Amber Castle. Demons running around in the household," Oberon snorts in derision.

"Our most tasteful daughter Florimel will remain as Chatelaine of Amber."

"the Command of the Fleets shall be:

"The Green Fleet: Random
"The White Fleet: Gerard
"The Exploratory Fleet: Lord Chantris"

"I am creating a fourth fleet command: The Ardor Fleet. Rory. He will be responsible for the waters within 100 miles around Ardor's coast and inland seas and waterways. I do not care if he annoys local governments either. One condition. Any ship that is flagged with my flags become NAVY Property." Oberon says pleased. "The Fleets can use Roritania at no cost to the Crown or the Horns of Hathor."

Rory smirks at that last pronouncement. It looks like he's trying to think of a tastelessly overstated way to add an admiral's braid to every item in his wardrobe.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Victor, Earl of Bessborough, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Victor rises when his name is called, strides confidently towards the bench, bowing where it is proper to do so, and then dropping deftly into a perfect kneel before Oberon. "Majesty." He says head bowed.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of him in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Victor?"

"I am."

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

"I do."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Bessborough?"

"I do so swear."

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"I am your loyal vassal, Majesty."

"Good," Oberon grunts and then continues.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Boy."

(Assuming that they do)

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Victor on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir Victor of the Order of St. Germain. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

"You honor me with your favor, Majesty." Victor replies rising and then bowing to his King. "I shall be worthy of it."

"Good,"Oberon says sternly,"You will be called to prove your worth soon enough. "you are to be the new Ambassador to Koronande. Laszlo bought himself a Senate Seat in that Country and needs more time to be the Minister of Highwaymen and Steaming Envelopes."

Laszlo puts his hand to his chest as if mortally wounded. He almost protests...but thinks better of it.

"You will consult with Breyd, Rory, Zariya, Exthian, Aura, Laszlo, and other cousins - privately -who can help you on your Mission to work with the Republic of Koronande and to prevent a bunch of Haven subsidized over gorted evildoing Noldor from taking out the sun and the moon for kicks."

"Don't let your cousins bamboozle you. They are more dangerous that the Court of Ardor anyday." Oberon says.

Seemingly recovered from the slight to his integrity, Laszlo breaks into a broad beaming smile.

"An impossible task with uncertain allies?" Victor grins. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Majesty." He bows. "You may rely on me."

Gram gives him a chain of office that is worn around the neck while this is being said.

Then Oberon bids him to be seated.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Princess Caprice, Countess of Pepin,, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Caprice rises and starts to move towards the bench in front of Oberon. She is composed, at least until the hem of her unfamiliar skirt catches between her feet and almost trips her. She mutters an obscenity under her breath that only those seated nearby can hear. With an annoyed sigh, she reaches down and gathers the material in one hand and proceeds once again to the front of the throne, holding her skirt up around her knees. When she gets there, she kneels gracefully and arranges her skirt around her. As she looks up, she once again pushes her hair off her face and gives Oberon an open and confident smile.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince ss Caprice ?"

"I am Caprice."

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

"I do hereby pledge allegience to King Oberon and His heirs."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire o f Pepin ?"

"I do swear."

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

Caprice lowers her head for a moment, appearing to be lost in thought. Taking a deep breath, she looks up and into Oberon's eyes and replies.

"I do hereby pledge my vassalship and loyalty to you. You have my trust," she pauses a moment before continuing boldly, "As long as you do not betray me or the trust I have placed in you, Grandfather."

Oberon says in a stern and definitely authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Girl ."

(Assuming that they do)

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Caprice on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Dame ." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on her shoes,

"You are Dame Caprice of the Order of Ganelon ": Oberon says to her.

"I will honor the favor you have bestowed on me and will do my best to prove that I am worthy of it," Caprice says as she rises to her feet.

"As so you should," Oberon says

She continues speaking as she gathers her skirts up and turns to go back to her seat, "It has been a pleasure meeting you Grandfather. I look forward to further meetings."

"You are to assist in running law and order in Amber City." Oberon bids her as Gram places a chain of office around her neck," You are the Sheriff of Amber and as such you will be the chief law enforcer in my capital. Lord Mayors seem unable to keep order and make sure the spies are not caught for the Mayor to try and hang at Hanging Night. You will root out spies and saboteurs."

"I bid that you consult with both the Lord Mayor for instruction but also seek out Princess Breyd and Prince Dunstree and seek out why they failed."

"The Lord Mayor will continue to see to public entertainment and Royal Justice by administering Hanging Night."

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Whitley, Earl of Docklands, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Whitley will bow and Smile to the King.

"Your Most Royal and High and Mighty King," Whitley sasy and he bows again,"I am your Loyal and True Knight."

"That remains to be given." Oberon says,"You are no knight until I dub you a knight. Petty shadows mean nothing to Amber. Shadows they are and shadows they will be in the face of the might of Amber." he says admonishing the paladin with his dubious order.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Whitley?"

(response)

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

(Response)

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Lothario?"

(Response)

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

(Response)

"You are Sir Whitley of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named." Oberon tells the blond knight. "You may NOW call yourself a knight but you serve Amber and its king. You are to ignore previous orders and your definitions of good."

"To serve Amber's King and its Realm is the ultimate of good but the ways of good may involve pragmatism so if you do not know if you are doing good or not,"Oberon tells Whitley firmly,"Then you may ask Master Gram."

Oberon then has a chain of office bestowed on Whitley by Gram. "In our military, the elite guard and our rangers are cavalry units. A key office is the safety and wellbeing of our horses that we need to defend Amber and scout for evil doers."

"Therefore, I am delighted to name someone as brave and heroic as you to be the Master of the Stables." Oberon says to Whitley,"You will see our horses and the stablehands and grooms are in good order."

A lacy, green thong lands on the floor next to Whitley just before Breyd lets loose a tiny scream and swoons.

Elendil manages to gracefully catch the swooning Breyd in his arms, a slight smile playing across his face as he awaits Oberon's and Whitley's reactions.

Aura looks blankly at the swooning Breyd. "I'm not sure I want to know.."

Oberon ignores it and is talking about the next person coming up.

There is a muffled noise from behind Breyd. Rory has stuffed the extra sock that he carries to court for 'silencing' purposes into his *own* mouth. The strain of not laughing is bringing tears to his eyes.

Even Oberon notices that. He shakes his head and mutters,"...Brand was the same way..." shaking his head some more.

It probably really doesn't help that while Breyd is dangling in Elendil's arms, she's pulling silly faces at Rory on the sly, egging his urge to laugh on further. The Helgram kids are acting up again.

Rory tries to shake a scolding finger at her, but ends up having to clap both hands over his mouth.

"You...are....horrid," he finally manages.

Breyd looks singularly unrepentant. She crosses her eyes and sticks out her tongue instead once everybody's looking back at Oberon.

Vladimir was not as fast as Elendil was at catching Breyd, but he did stand and step over to his side and looked at Breyd in his armr. He gently checked her pulse, then dips a hand into his robes and removed a slender vial which he openned and passed it under her nose -- smelling salts though not as bad smelling as there more mundane equivalents.

"Princess Breyd?", Vladimir asks concerned.

"She'll be fine," Aura says. "She just has a temporary case of, um, the vapors."

"She is feinging." Elendil says with a whisper and a wink to the concerned Prince.

Zariya, in a rare show of expression in court, rolls her eyes and shakes her head, looking amused (because she also got to meet Whitley) and annoyed (this is the middle of Court..) at Breyd's thong-flinging, swooning display.

After arefully slipped the closed vial back into his robes, Vladimir gave a soft smile to them, he murmured to them softly -- so he doesn't distribe Court,"Yes. Thankfully. " He gives them both a nod and returns to his seat.

After arefully slipped the closed vial back into his robes, Vladimir gave a soft smile to them, he murmured to them softly -- so he doesn't distribe Court,"Yes. Thankfully. " He gives them both a nod and returns to his seat.

Breyd's eyes discreetly half open and she winks at Vlad just before she makes a 'miraculous recovery.'

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will Her Highness, The Princess Valerie, Countess of South Garnath, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Countess of South Garnath? Where had that title come from? Valerie casts a glance in Aura's and Breyd's direction, taking a bit of comfort from their presence, then stands. She focuses upon the throne then, shoulders back, her back itself straight and makes her way forward. She is acutely aware of those present in the room besides them, sure that their eyes are on her and a bit overly consciencious of it. She's used to being in front of an audience, but she's normally performing; this is something quite different than she is used to. Valerie lifts her chin, keeping her gaze up and finally coming to the kneeling bench. For just a hairbreath of a moment she hesitates, as if she isn't quite sure whether or not she should kneel. Evidently, she decides to do what she hopes is more respectful and without prompting, she slowly lowers herself down upon the bench, her skirts settling down and cascading about her.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps her to her knees like kneeling at prayer and her hands are placed in front of herself in supplication as Oberon then places his large hands outside hers.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Princess Valerie?"

Valerie's eyes widen at the sword. While it is one thing to see it upon someone, it's quite another to see it upon the one who could order your death. She wonders, exactly, how strict Oberon is. It isn't so much strictness that she minds, but unfairness. Is he a fair man? The girl lifts her gaze from the sword and meets the eyes of the man who is of some relation to her, somehow. How, she isn't quite sure, but she has been told that he is, at the very least, family.

"Yes, your Majesty"

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

Allegiance to a King that she knew nothing of. Valerie had been thinking of the questions she would be asked, as she had been told of them. She could not pledge her allegiance to a king that she knew nothing of, who had held no rule over her until she had been brought from her shadow. She could not honestly say that she would remain loyal to a man who ruled over a land of which she had not been a part of until she had been taken from her home. She could, however, pledge her loyalty to her family. Whether she knew him or not, if he was blood of her blood, then she would pledge her loyalty to that. So be it.

"Yes, your majesty."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of South Garnath?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"Yes, your majesty." Again, pledging not to Oberon, not to a man that she didn't know who she was seeing for the first time upon entering the court, who towered above her from her position on her knees, but to a man who was, in some way, related to her by blood.

Oberon gently favours her with a very momentary smile then he continues

It is a strange thing what a single expression can do. By the tiniest twitch of a brow or the slightest tug of a lip up or down, one can tell a little of what another is thinking. The smiles strangely relieves the young woman and she returns the smile. While his is fleeting, hers remains.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Girl."

Valerie bows her head and draws up her skirt just enough to keep from catching in an undignified fashion. She kneels before the king, her kinsman. Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Valerie on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Dame." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on her shoes,

"You are Dame Valerie of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

The same order as Elendil. Valerie wonders how many others will be named to this Order. She's honestly not quite sure what the involvement of such a title is but she expects she will find out soon. At the king's command, she rises and looks up to him. Whether or not he returns it, she smiles at him. She follows the smile with a deep curtsey, hoping that she is not out of bounds and waits to be dismissed.

Oberon gives her a nod to let her know she may return to her seat.

Valerie turns at the indication that it is all right for her to leave and makes her way back to her seat. She heaves a very soft, almost silent but relieved sigh and closes her eyes for a moment. When she opens them, she looks over at Aura and Breyd and smiles brightly at them. Perhaps the things she's most grateful about is that she's not made a fool of herself; or if she has, she doesn't know about it yet. Perhaps things won't be so bad after all.

Aura grins and gives her a wink before turning back to observing the giongs on

Oberon then has Gram stop her before she sits down, "Princess Valerie."

"I have decided to see you named to a position at Court," The King says,:"Our Court need not be as formal and stilted as the archaic Court of Thelbane where it makes Louis XIV 's Verseilles seem austere. Nor should it be like Kelric's mockery of formality in Haven where they turn the throne room into a sock hop for him and little friends."

Oberon nods to Gram who puts a chain of office on Valerie's neck. "I name you to be the Secretary of Council. This is a post that requires you present when Council Meets and execute the orders of the Council. As Council has not met yet," he smiles,"there is no work to be done. Also you are the Secretary ex officio of the Regency Council. You may hire a small staff and have offices on the second floor of the palace by the Council Room."

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Mason, Earl of Sarnum, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Maximillion, Earl of Kolvir Hills, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Maxmillion smiles and rises from his seat. he makes his way down to the kneeling bench and lowers himself unto it so his cape is out behind him. He lowers his gaze once in the presence of Oberon.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Maximillion?"

(response)

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

(Response)

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Kolvir Hills?"

(Response)

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

(Response)

"You are Sir Maximillion of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

Maxmillion looks up at Oberon "Thank you, your Majesty."

"Well now that we have a big strapping lad like you, we should put you to work,"Oberon says, as he strokes the bottom of his chin where a beard was.

"Hmmmm.... A Court Position here, that will allow you to be mobile when crises come. Master of the Royal Household."

Gram brings in the chain of office.

Oberon says,"You work under Lord Chantris and mainly just learn about our Court and Royal Household though deputizing for Chantris when he is at war."

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Tara, Countess of Kolvicaster do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Tara rises pausing briefly to smooth down her dress before walking sedately to the kneeling bench. Once there she will kneel beside Valerie and await her other new cousins.

(this is after Valerie is completed)

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps her to his knees like kneeling at prayer and her hands are placed in front of h erself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside hers .

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince ss Tara ?"

(response)

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

(Response)

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Kolvicaster ?"

(Response)

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

(Response)

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Girl."

(Assuming that they do)

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Tara on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Dame." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on hershoes,

"You are Dame Tara of the Order of St. Germain. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

"You may remain while I bestow your position." Oberon says.

Tara bows her head and replies, "thank you my liege."

"You are now to be named to the position of Ambassador to Koros. We have Elendil who is also the Crown Prince to that small realm populated by Silvan. It is on the Amber home planet on the Ardor Continent. You should seek briefings with Elendil about his foster father's court. His mother is the Queen Regnant so she has the dynastic blood." Oberon comments.

"As well you should seek time with Breyd, Rory, Laszlo, Exthian and Zariya who know the politics of the region. The time of building up is at hand. The Court of Ardor's schemes grow bolder."

Tara bows her head and replies, "thank you my liege."

Tara nods gravely and replies, " I will do as you say my liege. I will do my best to seek out thinformation needed that will benefit both Amber and Koros." Tara then rises gather ing the folds of her skirts and the curtsieing deeply returns to the cousins taking a place near Elendil with the hope they can have a meeting soon after court. Following that she will seek out Breyd, Rory, Laszlo, Exthian and Zariya to learn more in regards to the politics of Koros.

Elendil sits a little straighter in his seat, pleased at the kind words concerning his family from his father. He favors Tara with a nod to show his support for her Ambassadorship.

Laszlo scribbles something in his notebook and nods to his secretary. The dark-haired man frowns, checks his ledger, then dashes off, returning a few minutes later with a leather portfolio.

At an opportune moment he offers it to Tara, bows awkwardly and resumes his brooding by the door.

Tara afte making a cursory glance at the folder Laszlo past to her turns back to him with a smile of gratitude, hoping that he will not depart before she has a chance to speak with him directly.

Tara nods and smiles at Elendil pleased he seems at ease with her recent Ambassadorship, then whispers quietly, " Perhaps we can meet in private when this is ove to discuss Koros?"

Again, he favors her with a smile and a nod. "If you have a Trump, I shall contact you when I am free." he responds, quietly.

"I do" and then quickly passes elendil a trump of herself. " Do you have atrump as well that I may have Elendil?" then flashes him a dazzling smile.

"An elf is ever prepared." He says, producing a Trump from his belt pouch with a flourish.

Aura sighs. "Do you mind doing this later?" she says to Tara. "Middle of Court, talking over and around people. Might be construed as terribly rude and you could end up with Rory's sock in your mouth. I'm given to understand it's a nasty experience."

Thank you Elendil for the Trump and your offer of assistance" and with one last smile for Elendil turns herr attention back to the events at hand.

He nods his welcome and returns his attention to Breyd and Aura. Oh, and the Court proceedings as well.

" My apologies Princess Aura...after you and Princees Breyd were talking I did not realize it was an unwise idea." and she smiles slightly at Princess Aura.

(They are seperated only by Elendil, not talking across two or three people)

"That, my dear," Breyd says looking supremely smug, "Depends entirely upon who you are talking to and if you have the wit to keep up." At the moment, Breyd looks like she's rather doubting Tara's.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Gunnalf, Earl of Jannock, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Gunnalf slowly rises as if he is afraid to upset the table and chairs around him and walks slowly towards the the throne.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Gunnalf?"

Gunalf responds slowly and thoughtfully. I am he.

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

I do pledge it.

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Jannock?"

I do swear it.

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

I do so pledge.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Boy."

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Gunnalf on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir Gunnalf of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

Gunnalf rises slowly, bows and leaves the royal presense in the most respectful way.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Isaac, Earl of Alesmont, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Gunnalf?"

(response)

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

(Response)

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Jannock?"

(Response)

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

(Response)

Issac snaps to attention the second his name is called, going from sitting to standing almost instantly. His jaw clenched tightly to keep his teeth from chattering fist knotted as tight to keep his hands from shaking, he takes a more subdued stride to the foot of the king than he did upon his entrance. His mind distracting itself with abstract thoughts such as "What a nice cushioned bench they've set out. It must be a comfort when he cuts your head off to know you'll land somewhere soft".

Still he approaches The King with as much dignity as he can muster, looking upon Oberon with fear mixed with respect. He bows stiffly, hinging at the middle, straightens, and kneels solemnly.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Isaac?"

"I am." Keep it short, he reminds himself..

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

"I do, sir." Keep it simple.

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Alesmont?"

"I do, sir." Keep your head.

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"So long as you will it, sir." Too many words! He's sure to take it wrong and where will you be then? A good deal shorter I reckon. Hats won't trouble you anymore. Issac bows his head forward, shivering slightly. His knuckles turn white as he tighens his fist even more. A knuckle pops and he grits his teeth hoping it wasn't as loud as he immagined it to be.

"Is he straining to fart?" Breyd asks incredulously, looking a bit dumbfounded.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Boy."

(Assuming that they do)

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Isaac on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir Isaac of the Order of St. Germain."

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Phillip, Earl of Glastonburgh, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Philip approaches in the fashion Dame Margot perscibed, winking to Oberon and his Queen as he kneels.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of him in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Phillip?"

"I am."

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

"I do so pledge."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Glastonburgh?"

"I do so swear."

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"I do so pledge."

"Then so be it." Oberon says in a voice that is soft yet so dread that one could hear it on the other side of the Amber continent.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Boy."

Philip kneels, looking serious and attentive.

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Phillip on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir Phillip of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

"I will bring honor to the Order and to you, my Liege."

King Oberon stares out not to the back of the room but even beyond, as if there is a horizon visible within the Great Hall of Amber, his eyes seem to penetrate for miles, even leagues as the green iris' mask some singularity he reflects in his very pupils.

"Amber is not only a realm of land and castles. Amber is a land of people. A people who must be able to rise and be great once more. The One True Kingdom must resume its place at the head of nations and be an example to us all,"Oberon says to everyone and also to Phillip.

"The terrible wars that followed me are to be resolved by me but not by me alone but with a new generation of Princes, Swift and smart, bold and brawny."

Oberon looks at the row of Phillip's cousins,"I have found such women and men."

"Alas, the greatness of country is not its gunpower, Rolandae owes its very life to Suhuy and his bankers from preventing their massive military industrial complex from collapsing and becoming a cosmic rust belt. It is not how well they treat the privileged citizenry inside its core, that is Haven and it is a land that is good for storing money and living DNA. It is not in Imperial Splendor that came from even more Imperial Atlantis. Atlantis is all but the Atlantic except for a few islands Kelric and the Mecklenbergs squabble over. Thelbane is but a regularly scheduled civil war." Oberon tells all,"The Glory of Amber is in its trade, its fleet, its staying small and lean. Amber works because we make it work. We trade, our trade makes us allies, our allies make us gold and we do not need a huge bureaucracy or a powerful military industrial complex. We are but ultimately one city, one castle. The rest is for you to train and grow in."

"However the greatest land is in its people. And a civilization is judged how they treat their weakest and most vulnerable. If the weak are given hand outs they become accustomed to them. Haven is but a huge welfare state and this is not for Amber. Thelbane allows people to die of hunger on the steps of the mansions and townhouses of the Princes. Bances should see the woe to his own flock and attend to their needs before issuing hurricane volume vituperations towards Amber and its king and people."

"The position of Royal Almoner is to go in the city, in the countries and work to see that the immediate needs of our people are met. Then to see that they are working, co-ordinate with public works on training and with the Counts of Shires to ensure that the people in need are fed fish while learning to fish."

"I am happy to entrust you with the chain of office of Royal Almoner." Oberon nods to Gram who puts the chain of office around the neck of the young Prince.

Philip lowers his head to make it easy for Gram to put the chain on him.

"Wear it well. Choose a staff and begin your work. You may use one of the standing offices of the ancien regime and make is workable with Alexis' heavy hand." Oberon nods.

"Thank you, Majesty. I will raise up the downtrodden, that they may add to the greatness of Amber." Philip thought to himself, "Whatever else Oberon is, he certainly knows how to build a nation. This office could be more important to the strength of Amber than any military endeavor." More than anything else, Oberon's understanding of the importance of building up every person in the realm won him Philip's love, as well as his respect and loyalty.

"And know that while we are merciful and protect the innocent, there are times when the wicked must be punished with severity unto the law and where the law does not exist, even more." Oberon warns,"However that is not your area of jurisdiction. There are others better conditioned and by nature better suited for enforcing the King's Justice." Oberon says,"But you shall help the meek and needy while they do their jobs."

"Amber was not ruined by good men seeking a better world for us." Reminds Oberon. "When I left there was a working city here." He gives his sons a dirty look scanning them all with annoyance.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Elendil, Earl of East Sigismund, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Elendil risies from his seat, looking first at Aura, then at Breyd. He moves to the aisle. There, he straightens his apparel before proceeding down towards the Throne. He makes brief eye contact with Fiona, but then turns his full attention to the Crown. He bows to both the Queen and the King before kneeling on the pillow. He bows his head, before rising it, and looking Oberon in the eye.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Elendil?"

Elendil nods, then offers the proper Elven response, "I am Elendil, son of Eadrin, Queen of Caladril; son of Oberon, King of Amber."

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

Another nod. "I do so pledge."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of East Sigismund?"

Another nod. "I do so swear."

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

A final nod. "I pledge my loyalty and vassalship to you, Oberon of Amber."

"Excellent," Oberon says with a smug look at Xanthus. Xanthus is pulling out a scroll and is singing some strange Noldor tune softly that has made his sister's ears and face go red.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Boy."

(Assuming that they do)

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Elendil on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir Elendil of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

Elendil straightens at the naming. He finally looks back into his father's eyes. "I will serve you and Amber beyond the best of my ability, father." He waits to be dismissed.

Oberon nods and favours him with a pleasant look."Good. I am expecting great things of you, boy."

Elendil returns the pleasant look, his face even expresses a bit of relief, for those who can see it, of course. "I will not let you down, father." He says, bowing his head, slightly. He turns to regard the Mirienna. "Nor you, my Queen." he says with a pleasant and friendly smile.

"Good." Oberon nods,"You may join your cousins now."

He gets the nod to be seated

Elendil nods and bows, sweeping his gaze quickly across his brothers and sisters before turning and returning to his seat, spurs jangling melodically.

Vladimir gives Elendil a respectful head bow as he settles to his seat.

Elendil returns the smile and nod as he seats himself next to Aura and Breyd.

Oberon says to Elendil, "Now that you have been knighted I need you working for me. I need you back part time in Ardor. Not in Koros. I am having another be Ambassador there. And I am waiting on the Dusherans because they are going to probably have a new government soon."

Oberon winks at Laszlo.

Laszlo inclines his head in a small bow of deference, a sly smile on his face.

"Elendil, you are to be Ambassador to two side by side countries that are undergoing a lot of change and may be targets of the Winds of Ardor. You are Amber's voice to Roritania and Hathor. Breyd also part times as the Alexis of Hathor where she helps make roads since Hathoreans are lazy." Oberon chuckles.

Elendil receives, from Gram, the Chain of Office, then is given credentials to both small Courts.

Elendil bows as the Chain is hung from his neck, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I will do Amber justice by bringing her voice where it is needed, your Majesty."

Breyd's watching Elendil like she wonders if he'd taste better with a cream sauce or ketsup. Her gaze flicks over towards Laszlo for the barest of moments.

"Make it loud." Oberon winks at Rory and Ferris,"They are pair of bad boys who need help."

"I'll take whatever help I can get," Rory affirms.

"Its true. He takes whatever he can get," Breyd says and looks ready to duck if Sabine wants to hit her.

Sabine sends her an arched eyebrow and a smile, "The best?"

Breyd can only laugh at that response.

"I never settle for less," Rory replies.

"Yes, I've heard you drive a hard bargain," Breyd replies archly and glances at Sabine again.

Obvioulsy all that running around back and forth to the docks to meet folks had Aura out in the wind too much and she just might be coming down with something because she suddenly is overcome with a coughing fit that she muffles in Elendil's shoulder. Coughing, laughing, hard to say.

At this Sabine has a cat-ate-the-canary smile on her face. She looks at Breyd and readies another poking finger.

Tara raises an eyebrow at Aura in response to the latest bout of chit chat.

Aura doesn't say anything at all. Breyd and Sabine are sitting next to each other and Rory right behind them. This obviously does not violate Aura's no talking around/over people rule and as Rory is the Keeper of the Sock of Silence, he obviously knows what he's doing.

Aura flips to another page in her sketchbook though and starts on a new drawing that seems to amuse her.

Vladimir looks over at Aura sketchbook and murmured softly to Aura, "You are most skilled Aura."

Breyd's staring at Tara the way cats stare at mice. "Oh, dear..." she says to Sabine, not sounding dismayed at all. "Looks like somebody wants to come out and play."

Tara favors Breyd with a look that implies no fear.

Sabine intercepts that look and chortles, "And looky, looky - she's not afraid of you... yet. Always takes them a few months to figure out who not to judge lightly." Sabine says to Breyd with her eyes on Tara. "Think she'll think the same of me?"

Vladimir quietly notes who is still talking, for later lessons on Court Ediquette.

Breyd grins wider."Well, it'll make up for them nicking my damn playing cards at the very least. I wonder if she's going to throw a party...I so enjoyed Scherazade's."

Sabine nods and says, "Well, if one of them doesn't throw a little fete, perhaps we'll put on one of our own." Sabine produces her trump deck from upon her person and offers to lay them out in a reading for Breyd to pass the time.

"I've thought about it," Rory says, "but considering my less than universal popularity, I'm not sure that anyone would show up!"

"I'll bring the popcorn this time," Aura whispers out of the corner of her mouth. "I think it's my turn"

Sabine looks at her with a straight face and says, "I think pearls rather than popcorn would get the crowd buzzing. Looks like some of them need it." She rolls her eyes at Tara & Vlad.

[Aura] looks at Breyd and holds out her hand. "If I can borrow yours for a moment, I'll show you what it does."

Breyd leans in as well...it looks like a clutch of schoolgirls gossiping as she passes the pearl over...

Vlad watched the woman (Breyd, Aura, Sabine) out of the corner of his eye.

Valerie can't help but be distracted by Tara, Aura, and Breyd. She looks over at them, though she doesn't speak. She lets her gaze fall upon the formally vocal but now rather silent Elendil, then looks over at Aura. She remembers what she has been told about protocol and proper behaviour and decides not to speak. She certainly doesn't want to make Dame Margot, much less the king himself angry. So, after a moment of looking over at those who are talking, she faces forward and settles herself to be pretty much bored the rest of the time. Of course, something interesting could happen. This is a new experience for her and one can't be sure what exactly will happen at such a thing.

Vladimir looked over at Sabine and Breyd, clearly they needed to be reminding that there was acceptable levels of conversation at Court and they were treading the line.

And Sabine looks at him with a question in her eyes - didn't she already warn this newcomer about judging the family? Sabine offers Vlad a razor thin smile and offers, "Hey Vladboy, you need to back up a bit." Clearly the raven haired woman does not like others pointing out lines and when she's crossed them - unless they are lines in the sand.

Vladimir turns his head enough to look at Sabine with his icy blue eyes. He says nothing just looks at her then looks back to Oberon and the offical going ons of the Court.

She smiles at him and winks.

Rory leans forward again to whisper in Sabine's ear. "Some people are taking themselves far too seriously, don't you think?"

Vladimir turns his head enough, to look back at Rory and Sabine -- it is enough to show the faint pointed tips on his ears and a clear indication in his eyes that he had heard them. Then he looks back at Oberon and the rest of the Court.

Sabine responds to him, "I think he was born like this."

"Must be a terrible handicap," Rory says. "How much longer do we have until we can blow out of here, anyway?"

Sabine sighs and whispers back, "Are they all going to be this tiresom?"

"They can't all be you and me, m'dear," Rory answers. "In other words, I think so."

Victor merely wacthes and listens to all the byplay with an amused smile on his face.

Aura catches his eye as she looking over the people nearby for new subjects to draw and she gives him a sly wink before working again, this time obviously on one of him

Victor chuckles and smiles back at her with a look that says he'll be wanting to see that drawing later.

Sabine shrugs and looks about. "Well, looks like most of the puppies have been recognized. I'm sure Grandfather has a few last minute surprises, then we can hit the reception room bar."

"Good. After the nonsense in the harbor, the rotten weather, and the court experience, I could use a few stiff belts," Rory mutters. "After that...remember the hunting lodge I mentioned I own?"

"Oh yes. I'm in." She murmurs over her shoulder.

"Something to look forward to and get us through this particular ordeal," he whispers. "I know I need an incentive."

She smiles at this and replys, "Gods, I hope not. Then who would we have to play with?" Her grin has a leering, dangerous edge to it.

"Most of the time I like playing with you just fine," Rory says, winking. "But you're right, it's nice to have some chew toys lying around."

Good luck dragging Sabine to [etiquette lessons]. She sees Vlad looking them over and gives him the finger. Since he's so touchy, it's 'court finger' - she's holding it down so only he and a few others in thier box can see it.

Breyd's just wondering how Rory's going to take Sabine flashing his knightly order's hand gesture around...

Rory, at least, seems to find it highly amusing.

Caprice, who has been studiously ignoring all the commotion around her....as well as the flying thong, can no longer help herself. She puts her head down on her lap and starts to laugh out loud, with total abandonment.

Breyd glances at Caprice benevolently. "You know Rory...you might want to make Sabine a dame of your Order based on that alone," she remarks.

Sabine looks unimpressed and says, "Is it me, or do titles like 'Dame' make one sound supremely old and dried up?"

Aura's staying out of this. She leans back out of the line of fire and moves Elendil back with her. "You never know when that thing's going to go off," she whispers to him and winks

Breyd has always smoked under no smoking signs and walked on the grass when she damn well felt like it. Some overly serious, dark and gloomy Gus with a stick up his jacksie is *hardly* likely to make so much as a dent.

Since it appears Breyd has finished with Tara she returns to reading the folder whle also paying attention to the goings on in court....smiling slightly to herself.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Vladimir, Earl of Lothario, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

Vladimir had risen when he was called to the throne, he gave Elendril and Aura the barest of glances then walked with serene grace to the kneeling bench. Pausing as directed by Dame Margot the appropriate distance and bowed to King Oberon, "Your Majesty". Then settled down appropriatedly on the kneeling bench, his head bowed respectfully.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Vladimir?"

(response)

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

(Response)

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Lothario?"

(Response)

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

(Response)

Balaam appears with a clipboard and a very smug expression on his face in front of the Court "His Most Royal and Imperial August Majesty will call a number of the younger Princes up and they will make a report on their Counties, their duties and how they serve His Majesty and Amber."

Balaam is ticked pink as he reads out the list of names to come up and kneel and make reports to the King.

Balaam looks eagerly at his sheet and his beady little blue eyes fall upon Breyd eagerly.

"Will Princess Breyd come up and report on her County and its development or lack thereof. She is to also report on her illfated term as city mayor and also on relations with Garnath." Balaam says eagerly

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Breyd, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

Breyd quirks up an eyebrow. "You don't want to know about Haven then, my little Deathwatch Beetle?" she invites silkily. She grins.

Balaam ignores her insult and says,"Please tell us. We want to know of your foreign affairs in Jasra's son's country."

It was more of an observation than an insult...

"King Kelric is interested in better relations with Amber. The return of the Original Seal was a gesture of good will, so that you would know that Kelric was serious in his intent." Breyd says evenly, her hands spread in an open, expansive motion. "He realises that as Amber fares, so fares Creation and as such it would be foolish and dangerous for him to turn his back towards Amber. He wishes to talk about detante and perhaps look towards the future."

Oberon looks at Gram and they both laugh. Outloud.

Bleys pipes up,"Good one, Breyd."

"It is with this in mind that I wished to petition Your Majesty to grant extradition against those of Prince Julian's men who have perpetrated skirmishing actions within Haven's borders. A small action, but it would show good will and it is a small sacrifice to obtain it. They would be given a fair trial on Haven soil. Of course, this gesture would probably irritate the Mecklenbergs as well..." she suggests consideringly.

Julian's face goes red and he rises again but Gerard pulls him down in time.

"Denied," Oberon says,"I may give them medals though if I see them. The former Marquess was a Finndoist traitor and served in his army for centuries. He is no loss to Amber."

"You do not take sides against the family," Paolo adds. "Especially with foreign states. You would choose Kelric above Julian? A curious choice."

Breyd tilts her head. "Who said I was offering them Julian?" she asks incredulously. "I was offering a cheap sop. Pawns are not the worth of the Knight of Arden," Breyd points out. "Else one would think the privates in your armies had the same value as your generals..."

"If you permit someone to attack even the least of your followers with impunity, you open the door to your eventual ruin," shoots back Paolo. "Attacking a pawn indicates your intent to take the King. Giving up one of Julian's men to Haven is the equivalent of letting them try Julian in abentia, which is not acceptable."

"But," Breyd counters, "Sometimes one must bait with cheese or honey to attract. A trial is not necessarily an attack OR an execution. Nor would it be a slur against Julian's might if a few of his men get a slap on the wrist and sent home told never to be naughty boys again."

Breyd turns to Oberon, a look of appeal on her face. "It would simply be a gesture, Your Majesty. Perhaps if YOU tried them rather than Haven?"

"Salic Hills is flourishing agriculturally, Your Majesty. It's rolling hills are rich, but I enriched them further by harvesting peat from local bogs. We have fed and sustained ourselves through this winter and I anticipate being able to bring grain, fruits and vegtables in plentiful supply to Amber City by next summer, when the first harvests are made, reducing the amount of grain imported. I have some plans for advancing the idea of water meadows among the farmers this coming year, although it will take some engineering. Our pitiful flocks are flourishing with the new fodder grown this year and I am pleased to report that the quality of wool will be better than last years.

Oberon nods,"What contributions to the Crown this year?"

"I have your taxes here, Grandfather...and Gram has another gift that I brought for you; but I'm shy and don't tend to give things like that out in public often..." Breyd demurs, lowering her eyelashes in a perfect parody of maidenly modesty.

"Well we do now." Oberon says,"I want you grandchildren to be competitive and bring more and more gold to my court. Look at gold as a means to keep score."

Another coffer is brought forwards. Inside are the taxes and a sealed account of Salic Hills, down to the last copper groat. "I'd like a receipt for that," Breyd says pointedly, glancing at Balaam.

Gram nods and prepares one as treasury pages count and balance and tally quickly.

"We have also made ourselves self-sufficient through the timber trade, and with monies advanced from this I have been able to invest in grain and fuller's mills. I also have invested in a Royal forge near Salic Town with which I have procuded improved farming impliments which will further His Majesty's fields productivity.

"Excellent,"Oberon says,"How soon will it be up to production. We need to increase our grassroots military industrial capacity without industrialization. Each village should have a military cottage industry. Took me a thousand years of trial and error last time. Bances and Suhuy will not be that patient before they play their next round of tricks."

"It is good to invest for tomorrow but bills need to be paid today, Princess," Balaam says noticing Oberon's concern and following it through like a rat terrier.

"The taxes are paid, keep yer shirt on," Breyd snaps at Balaam. She considers and quirks a skeptical look at Balaam. "In fact, you can consider that a standing request. Please, for the sake of humanity, keep your shirt on."

Balaam stares blackly at her and scowls.

Oberon laughs again,"Careful of your tongue Young Miss. Not that you have to worry about Balaam but you will make terrible enemies with it. I laughed at the Mecklenberg propaganda against you. Not there is anything wrong with upsetting Old Swayville's stormtroopers."

"I have also invested in a medical college, but one that focuses on using magical skills instead of technological gadgets, to help improve the health of His Majesty's people."

"Are you involved with Alexis' tomfoolery?" Balaam asks,"She is setting up higher learning for people unable to count on their fingers and toes."

Breyd rolls her eyes. "Nonsense. This isn't about ivory towers or any of that kind of crap. This is about survival. The Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and numerous cultures all practised medicine without having to become souless technocrats. A healthy, live peasant is going to produce more than a sicky, dead one. I haven't broken a single one of Grandfather's technology mandates by focusing on homeopathic, herbal and magical remedies. I'm just selecting the ones that are effective."

Oberon nods, closing the matter.

Breyd pauses.

"During my term as Mayor, I established martial law mostly because I felt too many of His Majesty's enemies were allowed free reign to run through the city. This was in the wake of several attacks upon Amber Castle, as many of you may recall. I re-established Hanging Nights to a standard of which His Majesty approved and used it judiciously to kill foreign spies (rather than consort with them to harm my own cousins). I established curfew to curtail illegal activities and to hinder any foreign agents among us. I changed the dole, so that all able-bodied men and women who relied upon it became a workforce for the Crown and could, perchance learn a skill through their labours."

Oberon likes this and smiles,"Too bad you did not continue." he then snarks."I liked those hanging nights. Maybe you should assist Zariya in program development. Hers lack imagination though the crowds appreciate her viciousness."

Breyd gives Oberon a frank look. "I left by His Majesty's order because my imagination lent me the wit to question the propriety of executions overseen by a Mayor instead of Judiciary Offical of His Government. Of course, His Majesty's decision to relieve me of duty before I could prove my willingness to continue to serve him has taught me wisdom and the error of my ways. I have applied my imagination to other ends. I am not so sadistic as to enjoy cruelty for recreation, but I perform my duties to the fullest extent that talent and birthright have granted me. I am His Majesty's vassel to command." She delivers this forthrightly, her chin held high. "Is it your will, Ard Righ, that I become involved in the affairs of Amber City, so far as these matters are concerned? If so, perhaps you might grant me the title of Sheriff and you may have an active one for a change." She suggests delicately.

"Nope." Oberon says,"I have another slated for that role."

"Current relations with Garnath are improving. At the very least, My Leige has seen more of his subsidy than he had a chance of previously. Enchanting Mrr doesn't seem to take rubies, golden bowls or collars after all. Whipped cream seems to be more effective and vastly cheaper."

"Well you redheads and your cats." Oberon shrugs. "Whatever works and gets me cash."

"Yes, Seanair," Breyd agrees affably and glances up at Oberon's ruddy hair, her angular face pointedly bland.

Breyd's eyes flick towards Balaam as if to say, 'Is that all then?'

"No Oberon says quickly, ignoring Balaam,"Does anyone have questions for Prioncess Breyd?"

"Will the Duke of the Amber Islands and Earl of Hiram present himself and tell us what he has done in his extensive territories besides protect Jasra's House and sell protections to Chaos Reactionaries?" Balaam says snidely.

Rory looks at Balaam and shakes his head.

"You lost the reports we gave you last week, didn't you," Rory accuses. "This is pitiful What did you do, use them to mop up your own vomit? I'm amazed that the comic relief you rpovide is worth the trouble of your incompetence."

Balaam looks offended and scowls at Rory. "You are wrong Prince. I have not received them nor has Master Gram."

"It is obvious, then, that you are a worthless cur, not fit to foul our air with your presence," Rory says.

"Spare me your recriminations, Prince Rory." Balaam calmly and smugly says,"I do not fear your simple words and I take comfort in the fact that I do worry what a man of your quality and character thinks of me."

"His Majesty's name, not mine," Rory reminds him, "and I rule there by his blessing. By what right do you question it? I rule and I reign. What more would you know? Ask, and it shall be answered. If you want a fishing expedition, get your pole. Walk downhill, and you'll find the ocean."

"I'm conducting business as normal," Rory says, "which is allowing me to pay my tax levies. Is there anything else that matters?"

"And how much did you pay the Crown in these levies?" Balaam asks him.

"What I owed," Rory says imperturbably. "If the treasury does not deem you sufficiently reliable to be trusted with such figures, I will not supply them to you."

"The King asks for them now to be openly revealed. It will show if Rory is in face just smoke and mirrors in his contribution or is a worthy target for others to aspire down towards."

Oberon above nods indicating that the Royal Court is to know.

Rory shrugs. "A moment, then. Your majesty, if you would drop the teleport wards around the castle... Bye-bye!" He disappears in a fountain of gold and purple sparks.

A moment later he re-appears, along with a sturdy freight pallet stacked with strongboxes. He pops the catches on one of them and lifts the lid. Inside are neatly stacked gold bars. He takes one out and hefts it.

"Not a terribly creative or flashy gift," he says, inspecting it critically. "And I suppose that I lose some points on presentation. But it's the perfect gift for the man who has lots of everything." He gives Balaam an ugly smile. 'Why don't you inspect the proof marks, Balaam?"

He tosses the bar at Balaam - hard.

"Will Prince Rory tell us of his diplomatic duties in Ardor and how he has been building his private Empire in "Roritania"." says Balaam with a snide look to Zariya.

"His Majesty's name, not mine," Rory reminds him, "and I rule there by his blessing. By what right do you question it? I rule and I reign. What more would you know? Ask, and it shall be answered. If you want a fishing expedition, get your pole. Walk downhill, and you'll find the ocean."

"and why are you harassing Lady Pearl's trade. She has complained of you burning her trading facilities with Koronadae. Koronande Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a note denouncing you with an official protest. What say you to this Rory of "Roritania"?"

"Object lessons," Rory replies. His grin is unpleasantly sharp. "There has been a dearth of piracy against friendly shipping or dealings with the Mecklenbergs ever since. It must have been rather educational."

"Ever hear of launching a complaint?" Balaam says,"Or do you act like your brother, Kirk the Terrible and seek to best his record of atrocities."

"Just because it's an atrocity doesn't mean it's a bad idea," Rory says. "But, yes. I posted complaints here in court. You were evidently too drunk to notice. She sank and burned some more ships." He shrugs. "So I did something about it. Payback is a bitch, and so is she."

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Rory, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

"I have a question, if it please Your Majesty," says Laszlo, rising to his feet. He smiles at the red-haired prince and inclines his head slightly. "I should like to know why companies that have been granted Royal Charter, which are already part of Amber's navy by royal decree, should be required to pay taxes to find the shipbuilding projects of the Commander of the Ardor fleet. I would suggest that said Commander has funds enough to pay for the building of a fleet out of his own pocket, without destroying what little remains of trade around Ardor."

His next comment Laszlo refers to the king directly. "His Majesty will recall the projections I presented him about revenues due to the crown from trading operations. I would argue that those revenues will be jeopardised completely by this unnecessary levy, which amounts to a blockade."

"My pocket and royal navy funds are two different things," Rory says. "But...I see a way out of this. You say the ships are already part of the navy. If his majesty would merely transfer command of them to me, the problem is solved." He shows his teeth in a wide, white grin. "The fact that they are navy ships operating in my theater and not under any commander theoretically puts them under my command anyway. It is a burden I would be happy to accept."

Laszlo nods sagely. "I judge this an acceptable compromise, though command will of course revert to that of the Lord Admiral outside of the Ardor Military district. Chartered companies should not be overburdened with administration, registration and the like. A change of captains along the way will do no harm. Does this arrangement have His Majesty's blessing?" He asks addressing the throne.

"If you can work something out between the pair of you," Oberon says,"Then I have no immediate objections."

"Princess Sabine, besides your horse that eats more meat than Prince Corwin and Prince Merlin, would you come up and tell us what you have done with your post as Master of the Royal Mint and your County? " Balaam says cruelly.

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Sabine, including a secret trip to some beach in Roritania, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King." Balaam says jealously.

Sabine rises and approaches the throne. A wide, crooked smile is in place as she shoots a look at the little twerp Balaam. She returns her gaze to His Majesty and does a very slow, controlled curtsey. "Your Majesty, as permitted during your last court, I have visited several counties of the realm and surveyed them for precious metals to add to your coffers. Sadly, only copper deposits have been found so far, but these have been collected and deposited in your coffers. Records of quality, quantity and where these deposits were found have been filed with our cousin, Princess Zariya."

"Good. We need ore and raw materials." Oberon grunts.

Sabine waits a moment and then continues, "I will of course be continuing my surveys and will remit all finds to the crown. As to my shire of Dagobert, well Sire, the people are happy, prosperous and well fed. The vineyard and glassworks continue to expand in operation and have begun to turn a profit. All proceeds have been reinvested in equipment to grow the businesses."

Sabine waits on her Grandfather's grace.

Oberon nods and waits if any questions occur.

"Prince Constantine, Tell us of your Duchy and your work for His Majesty. We want to hear more than cloud cuckoo land in your spare drippy wet tower and if any of those gadgets are of any use to anyone." Balaam says harshly to the redheaded young man.

Balaam grins"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Constantine, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

Constantine stands and makes his way to the Throne, where he nods to his father, then bows to Oberon.

"I continue to work on such projects to which His Majesty has directed me to focus. In addition, I sealed the Abyss rift on Kolvir, destroyed a creche of Ovo, Pe Choi and Mek pods nearby, and met with Breyd a number of times. Oh, and Scherazade once."

Carl leans a little in his chair, listening to Constantine. "Was the creche on this side or the Abyss side? Are they trespassing over the line?"

"No wonder he looks tired all the time..." Sabine says in a low voice to those seated near her.

"My condolences..." Mutters Balaam.

Constantine manages a brief smile. "She is young, and ambitious, and without benefit of guidance or support. I did what I could, but I am too busy to help her in the way she needs to be helped."

"I thought it was Bok Choi?" Oberon asks curiously, then complains "Weird foreign Shadow names. Suhuy's fault. Too cheap to change the universal shadow maps."

"Kenu'uk'e the Pe Choi was an odd creature, with an unpronouncable language," agrees Constantine.

"Then rename it. And him too" Oberon says shortly, "And tell him to learn Tharii. Sounds like Peek a choo." he snorts. "Get some Rilga deacon to convert him and give me a name I can pronounce."

"Too late," Constantine says, rapping his staff absently on the ground with gentle tap, tap, taps. "All that's left of him are a few chitinous plates and some greenish mulch. And he was in better shape than the Ovo creche."

He bows to the King.

"I'll be teaching at great-great-grandfather's school if you need me, oh Oberon. Maybe I can do better with the young ones."

"Remember few will come to Amber. Most will go to Chaos." Oberon says,"But you can learn how to teach there and then come and teach the adults here."

"As His Majesty commands," Constantine says. "I hope they are up to it."

Balaam is delighted and is almost as happy as Lutterkin in a field of clover when he sees it is Zariya's turn,"Princess," he says eagerly and cruelly, "It is your turn to tell us of your role as Amber's donothing Mayor and your other lackluster public positions."

Zariya rises and approaches the throne. She holds her head high, giving Balaam the sort of look one would give a worm found in a bitten apple before turning to address Oberon. She curtseys to him, low, formally, and gracefully. "Shahinshah,"

Oberon smiles to Zariya favouring her with a smile.

she says upon straightening, "I have not, as Balaam claims, been a 'donothing' Mayor. The streets of Amber City are safer than they have been in the past, with twice the number of guardsmen patrolling them. _All_ districts receive the same benefit of safety in the streets. I have conferred with Princess Alexis on Public Works as you requested, and found the work she has done to be excellent. I have established a program in which native- born Amber citizens can open their own businesses within Amber City at no cost to the throne. I have overseen the Samhain Hanging Night, dispensing justice in Your Name. Rubble is being cleared in Amber City, through the efforts of the Mayor's Office and the Public Works office, so that rebuilding can start in earnest. And," she concludes, "the Treasury has been given a sizeable donation from the Mayor's Office."

"What of the next hanging night?" Oberon says eagerly,"I want a big show at Candlemas or Imholc."

Balaam stomps one foot at her imperiously,"You are commanded to establish an extraordinary show for Hanging Night. What are your plans, Princess."

"As you might remember, I was given the post of Lord Mayor right before Samhain's Hanging Night," Zariya comments. "I did not have time to put on an extraordinary show. For the Candlemas Hanging Night, plans have already been laid in place. If it pleases you, Shahinshah, they can be submitted to you for final approval."

Carl's face gets very masklike at this discussion. He finds something in the tapestry over there to stare at.

"I want to see some Mecklenbergs swing,"Oberon says firmly,"We need to send the petty fascists a message. We are not a basket case like Haven who trembles everytime the upstart Reinhard stubs his toe. Hang at least a half dozen of their hapless hirelings this Imholc."

Carl's face is unreadable to be sure. He's gotten moreso as this has progressed. Nary a word is said however.

Oberon is deliberately oblivious to this.

With a glance to an increasingly stone-faced Carl, Zariya curtseys to Oberon, "As you will it, it shall be done."

Xanthus whispers to Carl,"Do you know how to make platinum into bauxite? I found the alchemical technique and its rather interesting. I was able to change a whole vein of it in shadow. Quite a neat spell."

Carl shakes his head slightly 'no' at the first question, having leaned over slightly to listen to Xanthus. "Can it be reversed?" he asks in the same low tones.

"I have not invented the reversal," Xanthus shrugs cavalierly.

"I prefer arcania to be runnable both ways without having to use a major miracle in case it went off by accident or I don't like the result." Carl replies quietly.

"We want to know of your County and your botched Guardianship of Princess Scherazade and your own incident causing behaviour to get you thrown out of Neuvo Sangre and how the treasury lacked tribute from Garnath."

Zariya flicks another glance at Balaam, her lip curling in disgust for the man. She returns her attention to Oberon, giving him a smile, albeit a tight one. "Shahinshah, I have sent detailed reports of my County's status to Gram, as was requested. If you wish a summation of it, Viallevale is thriving. As for Scherazade...I was forbidden many types of punishments that I would have otherwise chosen for her. She was not to have been imprisoned for very long, nor maimed--else I would have cut her tongue out. With those two restrictions in mind, and being that she was still a part of Your Royal House, I felt that whippings were to be frowned upon as well, though I felt--and still feel--that she needs them. Corporal punishment seems to be the only type which she understands. After all, His Imperial Highness Paolo also imprisoned her for a short time, and she seemed to have learned nothing from that encounter. So, operating within those restrictions, I set a list of punishments which I sent to Gram. It was approved. Unless I was with her every moment of the day, it would have been impossible to track her movements. If I was to be Scherazade's watchdog, how would I be able to carry out the other offices that His Majesty kindly bestowed upon me?"

"You did as you can." Oberon says,"You and Breyd ought to visit her and help her see the error of her ways. Remember she is a princess and no torture."

Zariya nods, bowing her head to the King, "I will visit her, if it pleases you, my Lord."

Zariya pauses for a moment, collecting her thoughts, "As it was, it was made clear to her that the restrictions I put upon her were done with your authority, and that her punishment would be severe if broken. I cannot be blamed if she is mad and unable to understand the simplest of commands.

Oberon nods and accepts this.

Carl's face is unreadable through all this.

"As for Neuvo Sangre, that matter had been discussed and dismissed, unless you have forgotten it, Master Balaam," Zariya continues, shifting her gaze to sneaky little bastard for a moment. Returning her attention to her King, she says, "As for Garnath, I did ask for tribute but was not given an answer." After a slight pause, she adds, "It is beneath me to coddle and coo with obese cats in order to obtain what is rightfully yours, Your Highness, as you yourself had pointed out at an earlier Court.

Oberon laughs loudly and smiles to Zariya,"Point made. Rowan is a horrid beast. I hate cats."

Zariya returns the King's smile, agreeing with him wholly on that subject.

"Besides," she finishes, "it was nearly impossible to get anything done in Garnath while Rory was there. It seems that His Fatness, Rowan the Mrrr, was determined to use Rory and Dover as 'interpreters'. His Chubbiness refused to see me unless my cousin was also present."

"I am glad Rory kept his spotted menace from talking," Oberon agrees. "Cedric's wife, that Olivia has thousands of cats and I want to get sick when I go to Olympica Palace and she has two loves: Precious stones like gravel and her tens of thousands of meowbags."

"Ah, unfortunately, it was Dover doing the 'interpreting'," Zariya replies. "It would have been insult enough to have Rory do it alone, but..." She gives a small shrug and a sigh, making a flicking sort of gesture with one of her hands, as if to punctuate that that's behind her now.

"If it is not money or troopers, Rory needs his fingers and toes to figure anything out," Oberon says lightly,"Now I want to see you bring me more money, Zariya. I can't let Rory be the top producer for Amber. I am sure you would like to kick his talking cat and if it came to court and spoke at me in its foolish drivel, you would get your wish."

By now Princess Alexis has probably managed to embroider half the Bayeux Tapestry.... She looks resigned, and sort of mortified, at the proceedings topics. Head down, she concentrates all ladylike on her womanly arts in her lap.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zariya replies with a smile.

After a moment, she continues, going in a different vein, "As for producing money...if it pleases Your Majesty, I would like to take Coaldale--a County next to Viallevale--under my wing and start rebuilding it. That way, when it is finally appointed a guardian, the County will already be well on it's way to being self-sufficient."

Oberon nods his permission.

"Is that the sound of sour grapes I hear," Breyd asks merrily. "I thought her Highness demonstrated her knowledge of international politics and diplomacy rather well when she decided to imprison all foreigners in a fit of xenophobia."

"Perhaps you might care to review the records of those arrests," Zariya replies calmly, not even bothering to turn to address Breyd. "Only those people who were working for the Amber government in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and receiving payments from foreign countries for information passed along. The rest of the foreigners departed on their own accord."

"Ah, that explains the extortion attempts and the screaming about terrorist tactics," Breyd says, nodding sagely.

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Zariya, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King." Balaam rubs his hands together with much glee.

Breyd raises her slender hand lazily. "I have a question," she drawls. "Why did the Lord Mayor see fit to stop my Cousin Rory and I from making a wonderful present for Her Majesty, the Queen?"

"If Breyd is referring to the attempted purchase of large quantities of land in the City by herself and Rory," Zariya says, "then perhaps they should have made their intentions clear to begin with." She turns to address Breyd, smiling, "As it was, I merely acted in the best interest of the city, avoiding the consolidation of the majority of private land under one company." She turns back to the King, "As it is, that land that was purchased is under the City's control now. Homes for your people will be built on that land, as well as state run businesses to bring in monies for your Treasury, Shahinshah. If it pleases you and your Gracious Queen, I will create a park in the name of Her Majesty, in lieu of the gift that I inadvertantly deprived Her.

"Ah, another munificent donation by the bountiful Mayor. Still handing out fish, are we?" Breyd's smirking.

Xanthus stands up,"Yes. I think that is fine. Queen Mirienna Park in both the common tongue of men here and in High Noldor. Let the Silvan learn to read before they want their chatter heard."

Oberon nods in assent to the idea.

"As you wish it," Zariya replies with a curtsey.

"Rory and I were planning a park as well, but we were planning on importing Malloren trees and other, native elven flora and fauna. You know, landscaped waterfalls and natural ponds, a large fountain made of fine Brandenberg marble with a sculpture of Her Majesty executed by elven craftsmen." Breyd's hands are describing a masterpiece in the air. "We thought it might please Her Majesty to receive a gift well-conceived instead of simply gaudy and shiny...Of course, she probably won't mind whatever sort of park you'll make her. Especially if it's surrounded by Council houses that will hold people on the dole," Breyd says agreeably.

"Speaking of gifts," Zariya continues, "I have one for Your Majesty." She turns and motions to one of her staff near the back of the Court. At the motion, three men come forward: one is bearing a scabbarded sword and a small jewelry box, and two are bearing a suit of plate mail.

The armor is tailored to Oberon, decorative in nature but functional. It is a set of full plate mail, enameled in dark green, with a decorous inlay of gold, picking out a pattern of leaves and vines. In the center of the breastplate, Amber's standard--the unicorn rampart--is outlined in the gold inlay and the outline is filled with smallish diamonds, all uniform square cut (except for those around the edges of the inlay--those have been cut to fit the outline. They'd look rather odd pried apart from the armor, square on one side and round on the other, but they were cut especially for this piece of armor in mind).

The sword is a finely crafted hand and a half sword, and is very well balanced. The hilt of the sword is golden, set with emeralds. The emeralds are square- cut, varying in size with the biggest in the center of the hilt, and the smaller ones in even increments out to the edges of the hilt. _Inside_ the emeralds are etchings, the biggest one in the center showing Amber's standard again, but the other showing miniature scenes of some of Oberon's greatest achievements. The hilt is wrapped in soft dark green leather, and the pommel is an emerald of some size, held in place by golden tines. The scabbard itself is tooled leather, dark green in color to match the emeralds. The crest of Amber is present, picked out in gold along the scabbard's length.

"These are compliments of my Master Armorsmith and Weaponsmith in the County of Viallevale, Shahinshah," Zariya explains as the men display both weapon and armor for the King. "I commissioned them a year ago and they were finally ready to present to you. They are ready to be enchanted at your leisure, my Lord."

Zariya takes the jewelry box from the weaponsmith, and opens it to Mirienna, allowing the Queen to inspect the contents at her leisure. "These are a gift to you, my Lady. They are from my shadow, Mahja, and with them are the blessings of my people there."

Inside the box is a set of twenty matching white opals that glimmer in varying shades of red and orange when the light hits them, the biggest two being around ten karats, four about five karats, four about three, and the remaining ten about two karats in size. They are obviously meant for setting into jewelry or somesuch, and pains have been taken to make sure they are uniform in their round shape.

Oberon takes them all with great greed in his eyes and will have Gram record the gifts and have guards haul them off for safekeeping.

Xanthus looks like he should have been given a gift too

Zariya notes this, curtseying to Xanthus, "Had I been able to find a gift that would have been assured to please you, I would have brought one. Next Court, I shall not be remiss in honoring you as well."

Breyd claps slowly and distinctly for each rather over the top, golden shiny present that appears. She's still smirking.

Oberon smiles,"To quote one obnoxious Mecklenberg grandson who shares with me a mutual detestation,"GIMME"

While Mirienna with her presents coming, gets up and walks over to Zariya and then Breyd and gives each girls a big warm hug and whispers in a soft Noldorin accent,"One thanks you, One is very grateful."

Zariya gives the Queen a return hug, saying softly, "You are most welcome, Your Majesty."

Breyd looks non-plussed for a moment. Then she sort of gingerly hugs the Queen back, awkward through unfamiliarity with these sorts of gestures. Mirienna couldn't have shocked her more if she had goosed her. Breyd smiles shyly, deep in uncharted territory. "No problem," she says dismissively. "It'd have meant more if I could have actually done it for you." The words are a candid admission.

She favours Breyd with an unspoken thank you again but her smiles speaks warmth and kindness.

Balaam then reads off Laszlo's name.

Laszlo strides confidently toward the throne and bows deeply to his liege lord.

Oberon whispers loudly at Xanthus,"At least that blond one can bow right."

Xanthus shrugs and says,"The Menelreas were always better courtiers than magicians. Chrys fought with swords all the time. Stupid fool skipping magic classes in school."

"We wish to know of highwaymen and brigandage on the King's Highways. We wish to know of the improvements to the turnpikes and the freeways. We wish to know about the collection of the tolls and their remuneration to the Crown."

"Your Majesty," the blond prince replies, "I can report brigandage is in terminal decline, thanks in part to the noble efforts made in Amber City to find training and gainful employment for the underclasses of His Majesty's lands. The Postmaster's Office continues to make improvements to the infrastructure of his kingdom, funded up to this point entirely by the contributions of his subjects in the form of tolls. If His Majesty wishes to suspend this program of improvement and divert resources to his treasury, I only await his orders."

"I thought you run the brigands?" asks Balaam,"and they enforce your will."

Laszlo ignores that comment.

"Why did you open my private mail to my relatives in Kolvirlands?" asks Balaam as he continues,"You realize that you have opened mail to and from every Prince and Princess in Court. Shame on you."

"The mail is only scrutinised in the interests of His Majesty and the realm," Laszlo clarifies. "The Postal Service has a duty to inform its sovereign should it become aware of any potentially traitorous activities. Even the most innocuous note may be a coded message from a spy. With His Majesty's permission, we will remain vigillant."

Balaam sneers,"We have yet to see your spies arrested or even condemned for hanging night. Where are they? I guess Amber's enemies do not read and write or use the postal system."

"I leave the actual arresting to Her Highness the Lord Mayor," Laszlo replies evenly. "I share any relevant intelligence with the appropriate authority. Not you."

"Then tell us a recent success?" Balaam says,"I note that people who say national security or official secrets are usually hiding their own lack of ability."

Oberon chuckles at Balaam behind his back and whispers to Xanthus,"This is good. Pot. Kettle. Black."

"I want to turn him into a toad." Xanthus says back,"You keep saying 'not today'".

"Not today." Oberon repeats to his brother in law.

"Tell us of your successes in your County."

"The Shire of Wettin has become a hub of metalwork and craftsmanship, assisting in the building of the Central Sorting Office, a fine building to celebrate His Majesty's restoration. I have also begun a replantation scheme so that the Shire can contribute output of wood and paper products, as well as providing a place to hunt and relax. Fast-growing varieties and magical assistance will provide his Majesty with a mature forest within the year." Laszlo responds.

"How come you did not contribute as much money as hapless incompetents such as Alexis, Scherazade and Zariya. Even that tart Breyd and Sabine give more to the Royal Treasury." Balaam says sourly,"And you are certainly not in Rory's league, disgusting redhead that he is."

"I do not have the ruler of Roritania's flair for commerce or exploitation," Laszlo admits, "but as I outlined previously at court, I have planted the seeds of worthwhile enterprise which will improve His Majesty's finances considerably in the months ahead."

"Outline us again,"Laszlo is told by Balaam."We are interested in the changes and misplaced detials." He pulls out a copy of the last report to review.

"Very well," Laszlo replies, snapping his fingers behind his back. The dark-haired fellow who accompanied him earlier produces a scrip of paper from his ledger and presses it into Laszlo's hand. The blond haired prince never takes his eyes from the throne. He glances over the paper before addressing the king. "Our expansion plans are currently ahead of forecast, revised projections predict a turnover of 120 000 gold crowns, with 25% payable to the crown. This will rise steadily to 250 000 gold crowns by year three, depending on the prevailing tax regime and other circumstance." Laszlo relates. "War, piracy and the such." He adds as explanation. "Forecasts will be rendered to the crown every six months, to show performance versus projections. It is anticipated that by year three 50% of turnover will be payable to the crown, since the venture capital will have been repaid. Thereafter it will be run as a non-profit making exercise, any funds exceeding costs will be payable to His Majesty. First payment to the crown of of 100,000 gold crowns will be complete in ten months."

Oberon nods at this.

"Then again that redhead lacks your flair for self aggrandisement in elections and for sleeping with strange women that Rory has accused to be an enemy of Amber. What do you say?"

Laszlo does not bother to hide his contemptuous expression this time when he addresses Balaam. "Like my cousin, I serve His Majesty to the best of my ability. I will do what is necessary to bring low the enemies of Amber and secure the realm." He replies.

"Good." Oberon grunts.

Tell us about your liaisons and foreign relations in Koronande and their benefit to Amber."

"As His Majesty is aware, I was instrumental in the bringing of the rogue demon Leth-Y to account, which fortuitously resulted in my acquisition of a seat in the Koronande Senate. I intend to work closely with the Senators to further Your Majesty's goals in the region. I will also be conducting a campaign to retrieve what rightfully belongs to the Crown from the Court of Ardor stronghold of Ithlkir, according to His Majesty's instructions." Laszlo replies.

"Well done,"Oberon calls out over the thin hunched Balaam's balding head "Leth-Y was key to their advanced magics program in Ardor. He made them a lot of nice items that I had to have stolen."

"Noldor technology used by an upstart demon," Xanthus snorts.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Laszlo replies to his king, bowing again and awaiting dismissal.

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Laszlo, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

Laszlo waits expectantly to see what questions might come from the floor, but continues to face his king.

"How of the fish Jada? Are they edible?" asks Balaam when it is Jada's turn to go to Oberon and report. "We have your friends and your new friends already listed in case you choose to be rude to the King."

"Did you catch that cat who stole your fish. We are glad you are not Master of the Mint nor Keeper of the Crown Jewels." quips Balaam sarcastically.

"What of the Harbour? Has it improved since Jasra left? Is it still a ruin fit for the bottom of a fish tank? What have you done?"

"What of your Duchy? Have you even visited it?" Balaam says snidely.

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Jada, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

Jada who is dressed in a simple black dress with her black leather jacket over it looks around. "Are you finished being annoying Balaam? Be careful, I might set a cat on you."

"And what of your report?" Balaam asks, "The king wants to know it." he says though he looks around his shoulder just in case.

Jada shrugs. "Aside from Alexis concerns which I will look into. Everything is the same as it always is."

"Please answer his questions, Princess," says Paolo, leaning forward on his throne to Oberon's left. "And do not forget to show rispetto for those who speak at the behest of His Majesty. And so. . .what of the harbour? This is most important, si?"

Jada glares at Paolo. "Oh yes, the guy who shows no respect to women." She shrugs. "Very well...." She curties. "The harbour is fine. I am handling everything excellently as usual. As long as old men who do not interfere."

Paolo raises an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting, princess, that I do not respect women such as yourself? And are you suggesting that you cannot benefit from the intervention of your elders? Please, do explain."

Jada shakes her head. "I am not suggesting anything. I do seem to recall an incident with Aurora though. Where I believe that you were less than respectful. Of course, I can benefit from my elders when it makes sense to do so."

Oberon looks annoyed with this conversation, avoiding his issues.

"So you form conclusive opinions based on supposition, heresay, second- and third-hand reports, and you deign to dictate to Kings and Elders, as if perhaps you were one yourself?"

He sits back and crosses his legs.

Oberon favours Paolo with a smile. Balaam is ecstatic.

"You are a princess, one of many of the blood, scattered over creation to surface occasionally as a mayfly to a flame, soaring briefly, persisting in folly to the moment of perdition. If you wish to thrive, you will adopt a more circumspect view toward your elders and your liege lords. Of course, you may return to shadow. Perhaps for you this would be the wisest, safest choice, si?"

Jada smiles. "You are not going to rid of me that easily. Don Paolo. If my grandfather decides that I should go fine. But, I will only leave at his command. I never chose the easy route. Why should I now?"

Paolo smiles, and opens his hands, palms up.

"We shall see, then."

Paolo then inclines his head to Oberon. "I will look to Dame Margot's protocols for instructing the newly found, for it seems already that they have not fully served your scions as well as they might have, if this one," then he gestures to George, "and that one are any indication."

"What do you recommend for both of these two?" Oberon asks Paolo pleased with his line of thought.

Paolo considers the question for a moment.

"The measure of the man of quality is his abilility and willingness to learn, to improve. Neither of the two have been offered the advantages of your court, Majesty, and so I would humbly suggest you permit them to demonstrate the full measure of their quality by observing what they learn from this experience, and what they do with it. After that, you may seek to pursue. . .an alternative course of action, si? One must fire the pot in the kiln before one tests its strength. You have extended me this courtesy, therefore I cannot refuse them the same."

Oberon listens,"They can start by taking a refresher course with Dame Margot on the Crown and its prerogatives. I suspect Whitley and a few other of the newer young ones may benefit from another session."

"Oh no, you don't. No one else had to go there. Why should I? I think, Grandfather appreciates my...my...independance. Excuse me Don Paolo. But I think, that you confuse the terms submissive and respect. I respect and follow an elder without becoming scyophant and lose my own self respect."

The old prince is unimpressed,

"Ahh. . .so none of your peers have been obliged to attend Dame Margot's classes on etiquette and courtly behaviour? That explains much. I will see that she instructs you all on the proper tone to take as a supplicant in the presence of His Majesty the King of Amber. It will also serve you well in the company of other Kings, who may prove to be less patient than he has been with the young and the uncouth. One must only learn from the example of Sand's scion who travelled to a foreign court and acted in a manner most unseemly, si?"

Jada flushed. "I would never disgrace Grandfather." She says hotly.

"You have already done so through your impertinence," Paolo replies cooly. "Your elders have, by virtue of bitter experience, a broader perspective on affairs than you do. Be careful not to antagonize them by your arrogance, lest they decide to make an example of you."

Oberon flashes Paolo a smile of approval.

Jada's eyes flash. She purses her lips. "Yes Don Paolo." She says quietly.

"You are a bright girl, with a bright future," replies Paolo in a more soothing tone. "I would not invest such attention in you if you did not have a bright future, si? This is my intent."

"Thank you."

He then inclined his head to Oberon once again.

"I will not trouble His Majesty by continuing this discussion. The princess has claimed that she has completed her task. I will take her at her word, for now."

"Does that mean that I am dismissed?" Jada asks

Paolo extends his hand toward Oberon, but says nothing.

Jada looks at her Grandfather. "Can I go now?"

"Are there any other questions for Jada?" asks Oberon waiting to see if anyone else wishes to speak.

Alexis stands, steps out to the carpet, and curtseys properly to the King. She then stands up to address Jada. "I have a few, as the Office of City Planning has several concerns that the Docks and Harbor conditions and operations directly impact."

"You may ask Jada about that now." Oberon says to Alexis

Alexis nods respectfully to the king and turns to Jada. "Many of the merchantmen have been complaining about the channels being full of debris, and not being able to come up to most of the dockage as they draft too deeply. Only four are able to take a midsized freighter, and only one of those can take a full sized ManOWar type frigate. Otherwise they are anchoring in deeper water and hiring at great expense flat barges to freight in and out. Which is greatly slowing down importing necessary food stores and raw materials for supporting the city and rebuilding. Is there any truth to this, or is it yet another tactic to slow the flow of imports from other parts of the kingdom and artificially raise the prices? I cannot get a straight answer otherwise." Alexis recites in polite enough terms.

Jada looks at Alexis. "Thank you for bringing this too my attention. I was not aware of this. I will look in it as soon as I leave here."

"The usurper Jasra and my renegade son, Finndo scuttled most of the fleet in the harbour waters in front of the whole population. While the ships are useless they are hulking blocks in our port and its harbour. A project you two must work on is to clear the harbour. While we had few ships we sailed round them. Now we must increase our trade and our merchantmen fleets as well as our navy. We need the main great harbour dredged. Maybe the remains can be salvaged for parts or other useful scrap."

"Or dried an burned for fuel."

Alexis kept her silence while Oberon speaks. She then curtseys to Oberon, nods to Jada, and returns to her seat.

Oberon calls out,"Would Prince Rory, Princess Alexis, and Princess Zariya care to inspect and bring me back a report after Court?"

Alexis bows from her seat, indicating that she has heard the order from the King.

Zariya nods her head, "As you will it, Shahinshah."

"Is Prince Bishop at Court? His Majesty is anxious to hear his report?"

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Bishop, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

"Is Princess Jessa at Court? His Majesty is anxious to hear his report?"

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Jessa, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

"Is Prince Jake at Court? His Majesty is anxious to hear his report?"

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Jake, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

"Is Prince Nathan at Court? His Majesty is anxious to hear his report?"

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Nathan, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

"Ahh the Dog and Pony Show. Will Princess Alexis tell us how she is wasting the Royal Money on junk bonds and petting zoos" Balaam says viciously.

Alexis steps up, and bows to Oberon, totally and smoothly avoiding looking at Balaam.

"If I may reiterate once again for all assembled..." Alexis begins, "...to have funds to finance the rebuilding of the city infrastructure I privately issued municipal bonds that are underwritten by me, and being paid off ahead of schedule. Not one copper groat of Crown money was spent and there is not one farthing of expense against Crown monies for the current state of affairs for the city that I manage."

Balaam sneers,"We want income not just balanced budgets. Or perhaps you can bring us more Gotham City farthings."

"Until things are put in place and running they will not generate income." Alexis replies smoothly. "Things were so non-existant that there was no hope of getting anything unless the whole mess was taken out of the loop and rebuilt. As it is we are only seventeen payments now, from having a self supporting and income returning, revenue making system. Or years and years ahead of schedule. There may not be instantaneous buckets of gold, but it also didn't draw the royal treasury while it was restructured and nurtured back to a positive cash flow."

"Tell us of your County and your attempts to Modernize against Royal Will, skirting the borders to Havenize Amber once again."

"In what way?" Alexis pauses. "Properly appropriate solutions to such things as guaranteeing to the population that is within the city walls that plague or cholera or totally miserable living conditions won't take eight of their children before the age of five, and themselves by the age of twenty two? That is hardly modernization, merely wishing a clean and healthy environment, with enough food to eat and clean safe water to drink. If you notice, No red wolves, No slurpees, No electricty and No internal combustion engines. Even Rome had sewers, running water, and bathing."

Oberon nods approvingly here then adds,"How are we making money today? This is good for tomorrow."

"Systems are beginning to pay for themselves, and are close to passing into extra revenue over and above expenses, maintenance, and scheduled replacements and expansions." Alexis replies. "Sometimes right now it's labor barter instead of coin; but the checks and balances; supply and demand; is coming back into balance. The citizen will pay for services, but can afford to because they are working once again. And some of that is pooled for those that can't pay even with the sweat of their brow. It hasn't been a free ride. It's expected that revenues from the various programs.." Alexis gestures to the books she gave to Gram, "..will indeed be well worth their wait. As long as nobody incites a massive loot and riot...or causes the place to be shelled again...or encourages their shire to pack up en-masse and move to the city once again with no skills and little else to offer other than being a warm body that needs food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare." she pauses to glance at Rory with that, then turn back to Oberon.

"Tell us of how you are trying to, through different names, restore the outlawed University with a trade school cover, when the only trade is sedition and lust for Haven luxuries."

"The cirriculum is trade school, where people go to spend six months to four or five years to learn a profession. In cooperation with the guilds, with the appropriate membership when they graduate. You cannot collect a batchelorate of arts at the King Oberon School of Trade and Industry. The only thing you can collect, is training in a trade, and a certificate of completion if you do indeed learn what you need to." Alexis replies.

"Which trades?" Oberon says asking for a calendar of the courses to peruse.

"Most are either guild controlled, or cottage or support." Alexis replies. "I will have a full course catalog sent up after court."

"Tell us of how the public works only works in certain duchies and the city and not in other areas."

"The bond financing covers the city only. Assistance has been offered to any of the other duchies or counties, and only a few have taken advantage of that...to accept the advice on how to, and put their own resources of manpower, materials, and finances to make it a reality."

"What is the interest rate?" Oberon asks. "How much does Rory own of the debt? You know what a scamp he can be."

Alexis replies, "Since it was meant as a monthly payoff over years, and it has progressed rapidly ahead of that guaranteed payoff, I do not have the net percentage gain yet. It was meant as 360 payments, or a 30 year payoff. To return two and a half times original investment. It has been approximately eight months and we are seventeen payments from full payoff. So I am guessing a 2.5:1 return on one year. I'll let the accountant types figure that one." and looks at Gram, then back to Oberon.

"Tell us of your own trips to Haven for unneeded luxuries and how you and Breyd consort with agents of Trinity and Mecklenberg swine including an evil murderous black wolf."

"I have made exactly one trip to Haven for any purpose other than political." Alexis replies. "During which a great number of various art objects and volumes for Amber Castle were acquired or contracted, and yes...I did bring back a hundred pounds of coffee." she adds. "Then there was a gala hosted by the Monarch of Haven, which a great deal of the family attended and was encouraged to attend. The last bit about the wolf, I hardly call that consorting. Prince George Stoby Von Mecklenburg has a most effective chaperone on four paws. I would NOT consider that consorting."

Oberon says,"What did you bring me? I could have given you a shopping list. There are some shops I liked on Gulf Street whenever I was there in town."

Alexis gestures to Gram. "He has the full accounting and everything that was purchased and brought back. I was not aware Your Majesty was in need of anything personally... else I would have obliged. My mistake..." Alexis curtseys to Oberon, "..for not asking before I departed." She pauses. "At the time I made that trip I had very little personal finances so I am afraid that I did not bring back anything other than the coffee which has been shared through the Castle kitchen."

Oberon sighs disappointed,"Next time you little girls get a diplomatic assignment to Haven or Thelbane, come see me for a shopping list. I used to send one to Laszlo but there's not much left in Yggport except ruins."

"Your Majesty DID get the case of double distilled Bayles dark brandy...." Alexis lets it trail off...then adds, "..one of the antiques merchants we dealt with did part with it, for a pittance, indeed. Twelve bottles twenty five years old..." and looks from Oberon to Gram...then settles her gaze on Balaam and back to Oberon.

Oberon looks at Balaam who slinks backward.

"Please resend me another one and send it through Gram." Oberon says glaring at Balaam harshly. "I think I Balaam may be keeping Scherazade company soon." he warns menacingly.

Alexis curtseys low to The King. "In the course of business I do need to make another visit to Haven. If I may obtain the correct papers, and Your Majesty forwards a list, I shall do my best to both fill the list and locate another case of that brandy."

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Alexis, would they please speak up and ask her to her through His Majesty the King."

Alexis brings forth a bound ledger book and offers it to GRAM, "The current accurate copy of the books for the bond projects, the humane society, the hospital and emergency response, public transportation and roads, the water and sanitation projects. As well as the employment office and the dole."

Gram takes it and offers it to Oberon who is not interested in it right now.

Oberon says,"Balaam and Gram you may review that later and summarize it to me."

Alexis brings forth her needlework tote, it seems heavy on the bottom, bulging, and removes her needlework project and has a page bring it to Oberon. "Taxes from Caister, along with the production to date." Inside are a few handfuls of gold coins, and a vial two fingers wide and two palms long, half full and cork stoppered with the dark blue stones. She gestures to the ledger book. "Last pages, accounting of revenue from Caister, and please, may I have a receipt?" Alexis then bows to Oberon as the page arrives at his lap with the forty odd gold crowns and the vial.

Alexis then turns to face questions.

"Good." Oberon grunts,"As long as I get my cash."

"Any questions from the Court?"

Oberon nods and indicates Gram and then motions for her to be seated.

Alexis curtseys, departs the royal presence, and returns to her seat.

"Princess Aura, here is a chance to stand before the king and wiggle your tail to the Court," Balaam says crudely to her.

"What have you done with your position since you arrived? Which position did you prefer?"

Aura flutters her eyelashes at him as she approaches. "A girl has to have some mystery."

"What of your county?"

"How many new relations have you cultivated?"

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Princess Aura, would they please speak up and ask her to her through His Majesty the King."

Aura approaches the Throne and drops a deep curtsey to the Crown.

"Your Majesties," she smiles. "I believe things in Nuevo Sangre are proceeding nicely. His Majesty Jason and I are on good terms. Tribute was collected and delivered to Gram and he assured me all was in good order. In an effort to have the Embassy more reflective of Amber, I have gutted the place of Jasra's touch and comissioned a major auction house to rid us of all that ..." She wrinkles her nose in distate. "Dreck. Proceeds will be used to pay for the renovation so there will be no cost to Amber. I assume the preliminary design sketches were forwarded to you?"

Oberon will give her a smile when she speaks ill of the Usurper Queen Jasra.

Flora smiles approvingly at her daughter as Jasra is her arch enemy.

"As for my County, renovations were began almost immediately on the manor house and lands, I have people working to restore the vineyards and crops, the citizens were understandably nervous at first but are now happily working alongside the agricultural experts and stone masons I brought in from Atlantis to restore the farmlands and orchards and to get the quarries back in working order. The remains of the railroad are being recycled into building materials to restore the town. Several greenhouses have been erected to force grow many of the necessary plants to get a head start on things and construction is well under way on a new timbermill. What materials can be bought from the County for the renovations on the Embassy are in order to get monies flowing into the economy."

"Well done." Oberon says,"Continue to work hard in the home counties."

"Personally, I have purchased two of the old boutiques in Amber city and they are being readied for business. One to sell the wines which you were gracious enough to give me the right to import to Amber and shipping has already been arranged and the other for a business to be named later that I hope will help in the restoration of the City. And, of course, all my necessary paperwork has been submitted and fees and taxes paid.."

"Excellent. We need money both today and tomorrow." Oberon says,"Does anyone have any questions for Aura?"

"While we are waiting..." Aura turns and signals to four men dressed in her livery of purple and silver. "I have something for Your Majesties."

Three chests of silvery white wood bound with silverworked straps, one larger than the others, are brought forward and set down in front of the Thrones and opened by the bowing men who brought them before they return to their places. One is mounded with pearls of various sizes and colors: White, Rose, Yellow, Silver, Gold, Clear, and Moon, all perfect and shimmering with a magic that seems to be inherent in them. The other is filled with Atlantean Fire Opals, their colors vivid in the various sized stones. The third and larger chest is opened to reveal gold, newly mined still in it's raw form

"I am certain Your Majesty is familiar with the unique properties of the pearls and the Fire Opals," Aura smiles. "Beyond their great monetary value." She reaches down and plucks a large glowing white Moon pearl from the top and holds it up. "Especially these. The gold is from a small holding of mine outside of Atlantis's mainland."

Oberon purrs openly at this. "You have the special 'note' from Gram."

He shows these off proudly,"How lovely these are. A few months from now, every petty kinglet in the Golden Circle will sell his liver to get one for his crown and then his wife will sell his kidneys for some for herself."

Oberon chuckles proudly to Aura,"Well done, girl. You are worthy of favour."

"Your Majesty honors me," Aura replies while executing a deep and graceful curtsey "Thank you."

"You may be seated. No further Questions for Aura."

She flashes Grandfather a bright smile, another for Her Majesty and then backs out of the Royal Presence before returning to her seat .

Vladimir gives Aura a pleasant smile and murmurs softy to her, "Most impressive gems, I would know of your Fire Opals. Maybe we can speak more of them at another time?"

"Of course," Aura replies pleasantly.

"Prince Dunstree, come up and tell us of your County and your abandoned people." Balaam mocks in his role as ad hoc inquisitor.

"Tell us of your life in the luxuries of the cesspools of Ygg and how it benefits the Crown that you deal with Mecklenberg stacked councils and the wanton Queen Tabitha."

"Tell us why you have not been liaising with Princess Aura."

Aura looks up from her sketching with surprise at the emtnion of her name in this and arches an eyebrow in Balaam's direction

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Dunstree, would they please speak up and ask him to himhrough His Majesty the King."

"If good Balaam would let them get a word in edgewise," says Dunstree.

He pauses and waits for Balaam. Dun doesn't seem particularly in a hurry.

"Since the rest of my remarks will trigger arguments, let me say first that I did not mean to slight Aura. I wasn't aware she required my advice on any projects. If she asks, I will give her as honest an opinion as I will give any of you.

"My previous stay in Amber was enough to convince me that my staying in Amber would not benefit the Shire of Wot, the Crown, or myself. I came because I was reminded I could still do my sister and her projects some good. Otherwise, Balaam has been kind enough to reassure me on all other points. I leave the Shire of Wot to the absentee management appointed by the Crown, since where two opinions can not be reconciled, the Crown's must hold sway."

Dun pauses at this point to look at Balaam. "Were you going to add something? No? You had that expression...ah, but you always do."

Back to the crowd. "For those of you who are curious, I traveled to Ygg's cesspools because I was asked, and because cleaning a cesspool is far more satisfying work than signing off on decisions that would have been made the same way had I never been born."

Oberon just simply grunts, and waves him off , when Dunstree is seated, he calls to Balaam,"Next."

Then he mutters, "As long as the cat catches mice, I don't care if he does it because he believes in catching mice, is hungry to eat mice, or because mice catching gives him a feeling of zen."

"Prince Exthian," Balaam says meanly,"Come up and tell us what you have done and what you have not done. We all want to know."

"What have you done to help starve the pitiful villagers you made into emaciated troglodites after you burned their homes down and herded them into conditions that would make Pol Pot generous."

"How has the social experiment worked out in your County?"

"It is with relief that as Lord Privy Seal you have done nothing and want to do nothing like some lazy Haven brat. One notes that you still have not even found out where the Royal Seal is, let alone your offices."

"Quite well, thank you," Exthian offers in a very proper voice. "The people are beginning to gain some pride in themselves and gain valuable skills and experience. Several of my cousins have been so kind as to offer what assistance they can, thus far. I believe that by spring we will be ready to plant and in fall will reap a large harvest. A new city is being raised in Brandenberty with the help of people with hope now." Exthian nods at Balaam a sly smile on his face.

"I guess a few strong ones can eke out a miserable existance and cheat death." Balaam says sarcastically,"What a nice way to get free presents from the stupider of the Royal House."

"Truth be told, my dear Voice of the King," Exthian continues, "What little was destroyed under my leadership was just the ruins of Julian's rampage across the country side," he says Julian's name with a slight curse. Not angry, just disgusted.

Julian stands up, his face red with anger,"Why you reactionary Havenborn pawpet! How dare you insult the great work that me -"

"SILENCE" Oberon says to Julian in a strong voice that reverberates the castle stones themselves, then he returns to a normal voice,"Julian, Rory has that noxious sock of his handy." he threatens sternly.

Then he continues to Exthian,"Pray continue after Balaam has spoken to you."

Balaam bows quickly to the King,"May your great all mighty puissant Majesty live forever -"

"I certainly hope to." Oberon says cutting off the obsequious lackey.

"It is with relief that as Lord Privy Seal you have done nothing and want to do nothing like some lazy Haven brat. One notes that you still have not even found out where the Royal Seal is, let alone your offices."

"I do not deny not knowing the location of my offices or of the seal. The Seal is under guard which has held before I arrived, and will probably hold after I leave. As far as the rest of it goes, I was told that the role of the Lord Privy Seal was simply to look after the well-being of the King and assure that his orders have been carried out. I do that every day with every waking breath. My life is not my own anymore, it is His," Exthian doesn't need to nod for everyone to know he means Oberon. He is not exactly angry about the situation, but he's not entirely happy either.

"which one thanks you for retrieving the old seal," Oberon notes smugly,"I understand little Breyd stole it out of Jasra's bourdois while she was berating some poor wretch for having a cigarette five years ago."

Little Breyd's examining the rafters at this point, trying like hell to look innocent.

"Being in a office, or carrying out my other duties I see little difference. In my belief, I have fulfilled my responsibilities as Lord Privy Seal. Not to mention the returning of the actual seal." Exthian bows to Oberon in conclusion. He proceeds with ignoring Balaam after that.

"If any member of the Court has any questions of Prince Exthian, would they please speak up and ask him to him through His Majesty the King."

Julian stands up.

Oberon shakes his head,"I don't want you talking. You are just going to stir up trouble."

Then Oberon says,"Anyone else?"

"Your Majesties," Exthian nods, if that is all. He bows deeply to the King and the Queen, with slight bows to Paolo and Xanthas and the other members of Oberon's inner circle. He rolls his eyes at Balaam before returning to his seat.

There is a trumpet blaring when Oberon gives a sudden nod.

Somehow there is a late comer in attendance.

The Herald scrambles up from his position and calls out,"His Royal Highness, the Prince Herne of Amber."

The Prince called Herne, enters the room slowly, walking stiffly, as if not entirely comfortable, but not without pride, as he surveys the crowded Court. He stands tall and lithe, with a slim yet muscular build. His movements recall the grace of wilderness life, and his piercing amber gaze is clearly that of an Alpha Wolf in his prime. His hair is long and loose, of a rich chestnut hue, and his freshly washed face, though handsome, is impassive and stern. His courtly attire is simple, and perhaps, understated; black and leather, the pants, into soft boots of dark green. A black silk poet's style shirt, over which he wears a green tabard, edged in gold...clearly, it is the clothes that make him appear uncomfortable. A quiver of arrows, cloth-yard shafts, as they were once known, rests on his back, with distinctive stark white fletchings. In his hand is unstrung longbow, the length of it nearly a foot longer than he is tall.

He turns in a circle, not in awe, but seemingly to learn all the exits or to gauge all the possible threats.

Oberon then has the pages haul him down to the throne and instruct that he kneels at a cushion in front of the King and his throne to pay homage and swear fealty.

Aura pauses in her sketching to look up and watch, but Elendil and Vladimir on either side of her are aware that she stiffens when he is announced

Tara also notices Herne's arrival and a slight look of pleasure crosse her face.

Herne drops to a single knee, bowing low once, and then looks up into the face of the King, his amber eyes seeking his Elder's and recognizing the strength in them. He carries that dread gaze a moment, before shifting his own eyes just slightly to the right and breaking the stare.

Seated on his throne to Oberon's left, Paolo smiles slightly, then leans back, crossing his legs languidly, the fingers of his left hand drumming a slow beat on his knee.

"Ahh. . .how delightful to finally have one who deigns to dare," he says, absently.

The trumpets blare and the drums beat out a rapid beat and then the Heralds will call out:

Will His Highness, The Prince Herne, Earl of Meriovis, do come forth and pledge to be the loyal vassal and subject of His Most Excellent, Royal and Imperial Majesty, King Oberon of Amber?"

There is a dark green velvet covered kneeling bench now in front of the throne with Oberon rising.

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Herne?"

"I am." Intones Herne, in a voice almost to soft to hear.

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

Herne seems to consdier this for a moment, not simply answering by rote. His expression thoughtful for a moment, before retruning to inscrutability. "I do."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Meriovis?"

Herne's brow furrows, despite early warnings, a bit surprised at being given 'lands' to caer for. "I do."

Aura looks up from her drawings and coughs discreetly yet pointedly in Gram's direction

There is coughing from another section, but this time it is accompanied by words.

"Begging His Majesty's pardon," Laszlo interjects, rising to his feet. "The Shire of Meriovis was granted to Princess Aura. I suspect there has been a clerical error."

Oberon growls and looks at Balaam "Were you drunk again when you were composing the lists last night?"

Balaam shrinks into a corner making excuses in a very soft almost whispering voice.

Oberon glares at him further as Balaam shrinks back into his desk.

Oberon takes the paper from Gram and fills in a word.

"Be it the Shire and County of North Meriovis." Oberon says without further adieu.

Laszlo returns to his seat smiling slightly, perhaps content at having exacted some petty revenge on the oily bureaucrat.

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"By Blood and Bow, Tooth and Nail, I give my oath on this to thee." Herne's face rises to meet Oberon's at this.

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel Herne."

(Assuming that they do)

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Herne on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir Herne of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

At a suitable pause in Court, Zariya will stand and address the King, "Your Majesty, I have a petition to make." She waits to be acknowledged calmly, hands folded before her and a small smile gracing her features.

Gram comes and stands to her side facing her.

With Gram there to escort her, Zariya approaches the throne, curtseys, and then kneels in supplication.

Oberon favours her with a nod,"You are to remain as Lord Mayor. Give us a good hanging night. I want lots of Mecklenberg minions to swing."

"As you command, my King," Zariya replies, without hesistation--even though that's getting off-topic at the moment.

Oberon puts down a glass of Dijon Burgundy that Flora procured for him, corks the bottle and looks at her.

"Yes, Girl?"

"Shahinshah," Zariya begins, "when I first arrived in Amber, I found a shadow of my own, both to use as a stepping stone and a respite from the rigors of politics. Through time, the people there grew curious of the tales I brought back of Amber of this wondrous land. Many of Mahja's people are your people now, brought here to serve you through me, and to help repopulate Amber. The rest of Mahja is most eager to join with Amber, to join the Golden Circle, so that it may serve you always. I humbly request to allow Mahja to join the Golden Circle, and to have you recognize me formally as the Sultana there."

"Do you know what is required and that Amber laws take precedence and that we can move troops and assume control of all troops and vital government services. Preferential trade policies?"

Zariya nods, "I do, Your Majesty. What is mine is yours already--this is just a formality that should be clarified." She pauses for a moment, "The people of Mahja do humbly request that their culture be untouched, however, and the laws pertaining to it. Otherwise, Amber's laws will supercede theirs, of course."

"Good,"Oberon says shortly and nods. "We will hire lawyers to read them when needed."

"Eventually there will be a Council for the Golden Circle with a Secretariat. Not today though." Oberon says,"Gram will look after Golden Circle Affairs."

Zariya glances behind her, waiting on something. After a few moments--and Zariya growing impatient--finally, her personal assistant Ramirez appears, leading men carrying three heavy chests. The men carrying the chests are all foreign with dusky skin and black hair. All of them are dressed in uniform, Zariya's crest of the Wyvern over their hearts. Ramirez bows to the throne, handing Zariya a document, which she then hands to Gram--the formal written application. "A gift and tribute from Mahja," Zariya explains as the men set down the chests and open them, revealing the contents--golden bars, and lots of them. "and to cover any application fees."

Oberon smiles,"I love tribute. That word implies obediance and gold."

He pauses for a moment,"Petition Granted. This is the annual minimum rate of tribute." Oberon says regarding the large amount of cash. He savours that word like a kid with a tootsy pop.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zariya replies with a smile, and another deep curtsey. "This amount--or more if it was a particularly good year--will be given by Mahja every winter Solstice." Ramirez bows to the throne again, and directs the men to close the chests. They exit, presumably to deposit the tribute in the Treasury.

Zariya returns to her seat.

"excellent." Oberon agrees with her as the gold is hauled off....

"How goes Kolvirii, Count Throndo."

Throndo Carolingius of the Royal Kolvirii Courts stands up and floridly bows. He is a dark haired man with a coiffured pompadour style with a wide ornately designed and gold embroidered dark purple cape and a full sword at his side.

"Your Majesty of Amber," Throndo says,"The Court and the Mayor of the Palace and the Kings are most honoured to greet their Cousin of the Blood Royal. They bring a gift."

He snaps his fingers and a couple attendants give Oberon a new mural of Kolvir Mountain done in the style of Poussin with golden bees flying around. There is Dworkin and Maud and her father, the last King of Kolvir who ruled over all the Amber planet before Oberon.

Oberon nods,"My grandfather was a great man."

"My King, Sire, was most great and we are all saddened by his loss so many millenia ago," Throndo says.

"What of the trade pact?"

"Sire,"Throndo says,"The Mayor of the Palace, your cousin, does not see what he cannot gain if he trades with Neuvo Sangre or Garnath or Cymnealand. They have safe roads and raillines, which are faster, no?"

Oberon grunts and waves him off.

Oberon then receives Ambassador Mandor Sawall representing Thelbane.

Mandor is an emmaculate white haired man with strong blue eyes and his hair is tied back in a pony tail with a black silk ribbon. He has on a surcoat over his white shirt with elegant puffed sleeves and fronting. His hose is black along with his surcoat and jacket with gold buttons and embroidery.

He kneels politely on one knee and then rises.

"What say the Master of Sawallways and the representative of King Kenneth of the Dragon Throne of Thelbane?" Oberon asks Mandor.

"That one is most delighted to congratulate your Highness on surviving the first year of his new reign. This is a most excellent feat." Mandor says politely,"An effort not surprising for a Lord of your skills and experience, oh Lord of Amber."

Oberon ignores that,"What is going on with Linchester. I want that daughter of Bances to release my lands and funds that that shithead Blake confiscated."

"While we strive to have the best relations possible with the Linchester Regency," Mandor says,"It is regretable to not be able to do everything. They are an independent state and the Channicuts and their reactionary allies cling to the Finndo Doctrine and do not recognize you are Lord of Amber."

"then to the Void with them as Blake has gone to again," Oberon snorts," Do not be surprised if Amber deals directly with the Linchester rump state."

"As your Majesty states," Mandor says,"But if Linchester loses sovereignty, the treaty of Brandenberg allows us to regain sovereignty."

"How convenient. Brand is still keeping it in his family. Too bad Fiona." Oberon grins at Fiona recalling her numerous coups with sons of hers to seize Thelbane from Brand's sons.

"That Colmar is as bad as the Mecklenbergs. He raped the Western Marches in pay of Jasra and now he persecutes Amber interests in the Dark Zone." Oberon complains.

"Minister-Viceroy Colmar is answerable to His Majesty and I will be sure to forward your concerns to His Majesty, King Kenneth."

"Kick him awake if needed,."Oberon snorts.

"I see that Dara, Suhuy and my useless father are training a new generation in Chaos." Oberon observes,"What a waste. They will kill each other in the next Chaos Civil War."

Oberon adds cattily,"AS you are a year overdue for the annual civil war."

"I am sure Your Majesty that King Kenneth will be successful in establishing peace order and good government while King Oberon will ensure his new reign will last longer than his predescessors." Mandor says smugly.

There is a small Mumakan Elephant with excessive fur and long mastadon style tusks entering the court. It is a midget compared to the massive animals used in war by the Mumakan.

Several dozen priests and warriors of the dark skinned straight haired humans come in with their shields decorated with wild patterns of colour and blood. There is a standard of their God, Holy Armaru.

They make full obesience to King Oberon though they are not allowed past the bar of the Court so they come no where near the Throne Room.

"what do you wish from the August Emperor Oberon of the Golden Circle?" asks Master Gram at the bar of Court.

"We seek Justice."

"And so?" he says

"Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Master of the Eye of the Universe, we the chieftains and tribesmen of Holy Armaru's flock seek to have justice. Our people groan under the slavery of the notorious pirate and renegade Brandite, Rory the Terrible. He has half our population in bondage. Our men work and slave in his terrible dungeons, foundries and mines hidden in the land of the filthy blond Hathoreans where they make weapons off war and rape the holy land of Ardor. He has occupied our coastal regions, moved in foreigners and settlers to steal out land. Takes our babies into far away places and in weeks they return as warriors who worship him and the blastphemous Brand."

"We want our land back."

"Holy Armaru's Oracles say to go to Great White King across the sea and seek justice of the Unicorn Son."

"Punish Rory. Let our people go. Give us back our land he stole. Punish Hathor, Oh reat sire."

Gram turns to Rory,"What say you to these charges Prince Rory?"

Then to the Court. Does anyone have anything to share or add?

Maxmillion looks at the elephant things and is quite taken aback. He looks at the people to either side of him for their reactions.

"Shahinshah," Zariya says in a loud, clear voice. "I can assure you that the charges brought against Rory are all that the Mumakan claim and more. I can have written accounts of the abuses suffered by these people in your hands within the hour. If it pleases you, I can bring first-hand witnesses, the victims of Rory's terrible crimes, to testify within a week. Thousands suffer grieviously and needlessly as he strips their land of resources, building Roritania on the sweat and blood of others. It is a great crime against _all_ of Ardor and Amber; he is committing genocide, wiping these people off the face of the continent by working them to death."

She pauses, her gaze steady on the King, but awaiting any rebuttals from Rory. Zariya also seems quite willing to go on in this vein.

Oberon listens,"Bring your information to the Next Court."

"As you say, Your Majesty," Zariya replies, bowing her head.

"Rory what say you? This makes Amber look nefarious. Our image may be compromised."

"Disciples of Amaru," Rory spits the name. "If you call him, call his true name: Gorthaur. Gorthaur, who has raised his standard of unlawful rebellion in the lands of Ardor." He stands, and there is nothing of the rogue or trickster in his bearing or stature. "Crawl back to your master, sons of dogs, and tell him that I reign in Oberon's name and by Oberon's will. I will contest him in Ardor and across the seas, and I will send him screaming and cursing into blackness. I have forged the blade that will eat his life; it awaits his heart as my cup awaits his blood."

He looks to Oberon. "Dread Majesty, It would only take one or two to return my words to their master. I ask a boon of you...give the others to me." He turns a calculating look to them. "I have...uses for them. They will die...badly."

"hullo Sister," Oberon says to his half sister, the large and rather over made up Pearl. She is wearing a green jacket too tightly, her face in a frown and she has on black leather gloves and a matching hand bag. Her dyed blond hair is in a large upward coiffe and her eyeshadow is thick and blue.

"Oberon, Rory and his pirates levelled my fleet and my warehouses and my factories in Koronandae. The Senate is divided and wants to act on the violation of their sovereignty but I imagine they are next."

"What are you doing about this" Pearl stands with her arms at her side.

Oberon shrugs,"Let's hear Rory's side of the story."

"As you command, your majesty," Rory answers. He turns and looks at Pearl. "You made the mistake of sinking two of my convoys. I extracted payback...with interest. I'll add service charges next time."

"In the meantime I rule that Koronande has been sloppy with its defences and is fined ten thousand gold ducats to the Amber Treasury. I rule that Koronande must at no cost to Pearl rebuild all her facilities and replace according to her accountants all that she has lost. Plus ten percent interest."

"Did insurance cover it to?" Oberon asks her slyly.

Pearl nods.

"Double dipping helps." Oberon chuckles.

"What of Rory?" she says furiously.

"Well he runs the Fleet in the area. I suspect you may need to work with him in the future." Oberon tells her bluntly. "AS for this issue. I think it is closed."

There is a quiet distinguished group of Senators and their party from Koronande.

Si Maelstrom bows and brings several chests of gold and silver to Oberon.

"Thank you August Majesty for you protecting our freedom and independence from those who hate us."

Oberon nods, and Gram has the gold whisked away.

"Great Sire," Si says silkily,"Congratulations on bringing peace and prosperity to Golden Amber."

Oberon nods.

"We come because we are worried about unfair treatment by Rory as Admiral of the Ardor Amber fleet. We feel he may persecute us."

Oberon cuts him off,"Rory, state your policies."

"Unless you rescind your orders, Majesty, all ships save Royal Navy are to pay duties to pass through Hathor. All convoys are required to register and be escortd by my ships in Ardor waters - or be assumed hostile combatant shipping, and may be seized, sunk, or impounded," Rory says. He looks at Si through narrowed eyes. "And if any state thinks it would be fun and games to harbor terrorists as defined by me, I'll issue one warning. Then I'll to stomp all over their sovereignty with hobnailed boots. Clear?"

Si sighs slightly, "So Your Majesty determines," he returns to his seat.

Rory does get a dirty look.

And Oberon also says,"You have Ambassador, the Prince Victor to speak to about issues. And you also have ties to my grandson your fellow Senator, Prince Laszlo. Also Zariya is a friend to Koronande."

"I think you have many friends. Thank you for your nice gift. Looking forward to seeing you again with increased signs of prosperity next year, Senator."

A new group of people, clearly local Amber citizens from their dress and their accents, gets nervously ushered in to Court.

A pot-bellied, red-faced man bows deeply to the throne and holds it as he begins his request. "August and dread Majesty," he stammers, "We have come to beg your indulgence and hear our plea. We would like to protest against the current Lord Mayor that you have appointed to watch over us. Since you have granted her request to allow Mahaja to enter the Golden Circle and become a tribute state to Your Most Terrible Majesty, she has begun to flood Amber City with her people, placing them in positions of authority and power over us...and trying to foist her exports upon us."

Oberon scowls and looks ominously at the spokesman and makes him quake a bit. "Speak Goodman." he says after a heavy pause of silence.

"Most of the local tradesmen and workforce have started to fear that this might have been her goal all along and that this is but the spearhead of an insidious invasion against Your Majesties power and might."

"An Invasion?" Oberon asks,"With swords and spears?"

"One of her earlier moves when Her Royal Highness, Princess Zariya, took office managed to land a crippling blow against our local economy. Indeed, even now, exportation to foreign Powers is only slowly and timidly recovering. We now feel that perhaps this...could have been done to allow her a monopoly on trade within Amber. Certainly the amount of shops she has granted permits for and the people she is giving trade to would suggest this." The balding man remains bowed before King Oberon, practically trembling with the daring of his suggestion.

Oberon dances a small dagger on his finger while listening, half bored. He then turns and flips it in the air and it lands in the middle of Balaam's desk in the middle of his minutes.

"Dread Majesty, please, before you decide rashly hear me out! We only suggest because of what we have read by actions taken! We are afraid of being starved out! We are you most loyal subjects and only wish to make you aware of what could possibly be a threat to your power within your city!"

He remains as he is, waiting to hear word.

"I disbelieve that it is an invasion."

"Phillip. You are the chairman of a Royal Commission. Your fellow commissioners are Vladimir and Isaac. They will hear the complaints of the Townspeople, the Amber City merchants, the newcomers, the Sheriff's Guard. You are to interview the Sheriff Caprice and the Lord Mayor Zairya. They are also to inteview Laszlo, Dunstree, Breyd, Rory, Sabine and anyone else they think may have information. They have judicial authority to compel testimony and summon witnesses."

Philip rises and responds "Your will in all things, my liege," and wondered to himself what he was supposed to actually do.

"You are to investigate the citizen's complaints and find out how valid they are and how acute the problem is. Then you are to make recommendations on action."

Vladimir stands and bows to Oberon and responds, "As you wish, Your Majesty." As he settles back down in his seat, he smiled mentally now this could be entertaining.

Issac, Not sure just what is called for here, rises slightly and nods to the King, Philip, and Vladimir. ""We are at you service."

The Announcer gets nudged awake by a guard who hands him a note from Master Gram.

The Herald lifts up his emaciated body and with his big burley voice bawls out,"His Royal Highness, Prince Humphrey of Amber."

Oberon looks up,"About time. Took you long enough."

He motions to a couple pages who will escort Humphrey past the nobles and ambassadors, the elders and younger princes at the front of the Court.

He is led to a cushion to kneel at in front of the Throne.

Oberon says,"Kneel."

"I will administer to you your Oath of Fealty to me as King and to receive your County."

Humphry walks boldly to the pillow and kneels before Oberon. With his head bowed Humphry greets his grandfather. "Great and mighty King of Amber, I am your servant. As is your will, I will obey."

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Humphrey?"

"I am"

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

"I do"

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Elderberri for which you are Earl?"

"I do"

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"I greatfully do Great King"

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps Humphrey on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are also named as the Ambassador to Inverness. Make sure you do not harrass Carlton as Breyd did."

"You are Sir Humprhrey of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

"I am greatful your Majesty."

Oberon looks to Aura, "Aura will you meet with Humphrey and speak to him about what you have seen about Carlton and Inverness. You may bring Breyd along to brief him."

Aura rises and nods. "Of course, Your Gloriousness," she smiles brightly. "Immedietly after we are dismissed from your Stellar Presence."

William clears his throat. "If this is all, perhaps you'd care to dismiss the rest of us?"

"No." Oberon says to William with pique in his voice, "Sit down Kelric." there is a flicker of annoyance across his face.

"You may go and mingle when WE have dismissed the Court." Oberon says using the Royal Pronoun.

After Oberon is finished speaking Humphry will drop to one knee and bow. "Thank you your majesty. Though I feel underqualified for the task you have blessed me with, your decision to place me in it gives me confidence." Humphry then rises to his feet.

Gram tells him as Humphey sits down. "You may want to be prepared in the next couple days to meet with His Majesty."

The trumpets blare shortly after the arrival of Humphrey once more. :"His Royal Highness Prince William of Amber" calls out the announcement in a loud brawny voice from the old emaciated herald

The pages quickly lead the late coming prince

a man of slightly above average height with angular features and a lean build. He carries a Shilealiegh in his hand and is dressed in a dark blue suit of rather Edwardian styling. In his left hand, he carries a bowler hat, which would normally cover short dark-blonde hair.

He walks slowly, relying on the cane, though seemingly unaware of the eyes of court upon him.

to the throne past the bar of the Court and where he is in front of the King of Amber, dread Oberon.

Oberon looks at him and then looks at the kneeling pillow in front of the throne and nods expecting him to figure it out.

William looks at the pillow, then his cane, and then back to Oberon, with an 'are you serious' look. The pause is timed just long enough to make people wonder if he will refuse respect, then lowers himself slowly, uncomfortably, onto the pillow.

Oberon taps his fingers on the arm of his throne. Gram looks at him sternly.

Balaam grins viciously and sits up.

"We spent a year looking for you, William son of Finndo. I was afraid your relatives slew you rather than let me have you." Oberon says,"My former son Finndo is very intolerant of me gaining influence with his children. Then again he is obstinate imperious and dreams of royal rule in Amber and blundered by going to war with the Women of the Abyss instead of looking to other solutions."

"Hail thrice-renowned lord of Amber!" William replies. "One has only to look upon Amber now to see who was the rightful monarch for the realm."

"Well let's get the show on the road," Oberon says,"I want to wrap up Court."

The Steward of Amber, Lord Chantris, helps him to his knees like kneeling at prayer and his hands are placed in front of himself in supplication as Oberon then places his hands outside his.

There is a great shining silver two handed sword dragging on The King's hip in a loose scabbard as he comes to you.

He asks,"Are you the Prince Isaac?"

Oberon glares at Balaam who did not change the script.

"Are you Prince William?"

"Of Course."

Do you pledge Allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber and his lawful heirs as such a time as he chooses to select one?"

"I pledge allegience to the King."

"Do you swear fealty for your lands of the Shire of Fin- Shyte, Cainetown ? You are the Earl of Cainetown formerly Finnchester."

"I do"

"Do you pledge personal loyalty and vassalship to me, Oberon of Amber?"

"Yes"

Oberon lifts his hand to stand then touches the shoulder,"Old Finndo that snot nosed punk will be pissed."

Oberon says in a stern and definately authoritarian tone of voice. "Now Kneel boy."

Oberon then will draw his sword then formally raises it in the air.

"You are also named to the new order that I have Created."

He taps William on both shoulders with that big pattern sword. "May the Unicorn bless and protect you in your fight for Amber."

"Arise, Knight." he says as a couple pages scramble and place golden spurs on his shoes,

"You are Sir William of the Order of Ganelon. Know that you earned my favour and are so named."

"I read your credentials and your upbringing. You are to be to use that for Amber. I want you to be Ambassador to the enemy. You are to go to Thelbane and be its Ambassador in your spare time. You will have access to the Don Paolo line. Be careful of Kenneth of Thelbane. He is very much a fox in a sleepy lion's body."

"I will be the voice of Amber in that wilderness." William declares.

Oberon grunts approval. "Be careful of the Churchillianisms, boy." he says,"I have to get them all the time everytime Kelric starts talking on HBC."

"Winston was but a shadow of me, Dread Lord." William says with a smile.

"You DON'T have the red hair," comments Oberon,"I knew Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill was a friend of Brand Bleys Finndo and Corwin. You, boy are no Winston Churchill."

Philip suddenly has a bit of a coughing fit.

So does Victor.

Breyd glances over her shoulder at Sabine. "I just thought the tights just made his arse look big..."

Darn that cold she was out in all day. Really, there must be something going around. Aura smothers a short coughing fit of her own behind her hand.

Sabine leans forward and spends several seconds contemplating the view, sitting back she asides, "Well, he should have a good seat on his horse..."

Herne's brow furrows, and finally he asks of Breyd or whomever is close enough to answer, "What is a Churchill?"

Elendil responds in a whisper. "I believe he was a famous human leader, from Earth Prime, during their Second World War."

Herne nods, and then shrugs mildly.

"With a fat arse..." Breyd adds. She squints at William. "Come to think of it, he does look a bit like a bulldog licking piss off a nettle."

Herne gags, coughs, and does not bother to politely hide his laughter.

Breyd grins wickedly, glancing over her shoulder at the hunter. She winks merrily.

Herne catches the glance, his own eyes merry, but Breyd's wink gives him pause, forcing him to wonder what she'll say next.

Aura manages to keep her laugh silent, but her shoulders are shaking as she turns to smile over at Bryed. "You are so bad," she whispers.

King Oberon says,"Pray, good sirs and ladies," as he stands up and as custom demands,everyone must be seated in Court when the King stands from the throne.

"This Court for January is dissolved," he tells the assembled guests,"There will be some food and a reception afterwards where you can enjoy yourselves."

"All Princes will have a private meeting with me in the next few days to review their jobs and discuss their goals and plans on how to serve ME and Amber."

"For our newcomers, this is a rare opportunity to meet your parents in court or your uncles. I suggest you do so." Oberon says as he starts walking.

The Heralds blow the trumpet for everyone to stand to show respect and Oberon then leaves the room taking Queen Mirienna by the hand, followed by Masters Gram and Balaam and some guards .

This text is copyright © all the players and GM of Equinox; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.

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