Legends at the Library

[rassafraggin]

--[ Library ]---------------------------------------------[ Royal Palace ]----

Taleyn is at a table in the library surrounded by books open to magical-looking diagrams. Maggie is at the table with her and Talia has just entered.

Maggie nods slowly, though a frown has settled between her brows, "Ah. I see." And while the concepts provided do make sence, the possibilities for interpretation are pretty extraordinary. She lifts a hand to decline the tea, the gesture gentle, "No... thank you." Glancing over her shoulder, she smiles at Tallia, rising to greet the Duchess politely, "Good day to you. You didn't hear us, did you? Taleyn just said that she wanted to talk to you about something." Stepping to one side, she offers Talia her chair, "Please sit?"

"Lady Feldane," Talia greets Taleyn with and a nod of her head. "Congratulations on the new arrival in your family." She gives a short shake of her head. "I didn't hear anything no, was I supposed to?" Wry amusement plays across her features. She nods to the invite of the chair and then carefully arranges her folds of skirt just so as she sits.

Taleyn smiles and indicates the copious reference books. "We found something odd-- or, more to the point, Quinlan did, in a boarded-up basement of Cymnea's Watch. I can find bits and pieces of it, but not the whole thing. We were musing whether you'd have a look at it for us?"

Raphaela arrives to library, with a gloom cloud circling around her head, eyes reflecting the grey of it. Outfit oddly matches her mood, if not court.

Talia settles into her seat and leans forward to sneak a peek at the books on the table. !"Quinlan? This must have been since I last saw him as he has mentioned nothing of it to me. I must warn you I adore puzzle and problems, so you'll have to forgive me if I am inclined to stick my nose in. What do you have?"

Taleyn laughs at Talia's comment. "You remind me of my dear friend Beatrice. She bends to show Talia a page of drawing, then, rising, sees Raphaela. "Oh, Raph! Come and take a look at this! This is that glyph Quinlan's magic revealed, sort of underlying the basement of Cymnea's Watch. Or, as much of it as we could draw, at any rate."

Liam drifts back into the Library holding the book he earlier pulled off the shelf. Just as a few hours before, his hair is still attempting to blow around in a non-existent breeze in a myriad of different directions. And he seems a little taller and a little thinner. He slides the book back away, but not in the Begma section. This may be Liam's normal non-shelving shelving behavior.

Talia is seated at a table with Taleyn, loooking as if she's just arrived. She's in the process of stealing the other woman's research as well from the looks of things, fingers gently tugging it over towards her so it's in better range. "Hmm. Cymnea's Watch? Never been there, sounds fun though. Especially if there are hidden things."

Raphaela blinks at people she knows, as she just enters "Uh, hello everyone." she says with library voice. She looks at Liam before going to the ladies.

The doors no sooner slip closed after Liam when footsteps in the hallway herald the approach of another. Merrisol is shown in by a palace guard rather than let alone to find his own way. He pauses briefly as the uniform withdraws, acquainting himself with the scope and general layout, before returning his attention to the small gathering of noble ladies. When he makes his approach, it's in a direct fashion, giving those in attendance by the table a chance to mark his presence.. y'know, as opposed to leaping into their midst like a cat amongst pigeons? That could have been an option.

Raphaela walks to Liam and stares. The gloom might want a transfer? Eyes lock on him and she entirely ignores the rest, distracted.

Liam looks down at Raphaela with eyes that are too blue for normal Liam eyes -- or anyone eyes for that matter. Then after a pause he says: "Hi."

"Busy in here today," Talia notes without looking up.

Myrddyn emerges from deeper recess of chamber, just how long he's been within is uncertain.

Raphaela says "Hi." she looks around at crowd gathering around table, nods to all and finds a seat not far from Taleyn.

Taleyn beams at the assembled company. "Well, hello there," she greets Merrisol. "...NICE waistcoat!" She looks determined not to ask Liam why his hair is moving of its own accord, but instead asks, "Liam dear-- are you quite all right?" She watches as Raphaela moves toward him... she will take care of him, surely?... Then she shows the paper to Talia. "Yes, here it is. Can you have a look at this? I can pick out individual symbols here and there, but this arrangement is just baffling." She gives a start as Myrddyn appears, but then laughs. "And here is another co-conspirator. Myrddyn, Duchess Chantris is going to help us with Quinlan's glyph."

Liam goes back to pulling books off the shelf, scanning them, and putting them back.

Talia glances up at the mention of Liam. "Cousin," is greeted with a smile before she draws a pencil and a book from the folds of her skirts. They're laid out on the table as she looks down to study the glyph again, her hand working to copy out different aspects. "I shall certainly have a look and see what I can make of it. Do you have any idea to what it's referencing?"

Myrddyn gives nods of acknowledgement to those assembled, his eyes lingering on Liam for a moment before speaking, "Good afternoon, your grace, lords, ladies."

Taleyn looks worriedly at Liam, and a bit more worriedly at Merrisol. Catlike personality-- bookshelves-- the math is scary. Another, worried? Yes! look at Raphaela, and then she motions over Myrddyn to come watch Talia work.
If Raph is curious she hides it well, sitting back and pondering the minibar. Just letting Talia do her thing without obstructing her.

Liam drifts over to where there is deciphering going on and watches over Taleyn's shoulder. He has a book in his hands. Something on the history of Begma. He peers at the glyph but just shakes his head. He has no talent for languages.

Merrisol lofts a smile over to the knight at her greeting. "Good day, Dame Taleyn," he returns with a courteous nod, having met the young woman previously, but having since learned more about her can use the proper appellation. No more 'Miss' for you, lady! He gives Raphaela and Maggie a more familiar but no less polite greeting, and assuming Maggie introduces him to Talia, Captain Merrisol greets the Duchess as well. Then he stands off to the side, explaining, "I'm afraid I'm playing catch up here.. it's best I merely observe for now." As Myrrdyn and Liam come by, he goes through the introductions again. Maggie would see to it, certainly.

Privately, to Merrisol, Taleyn beams at Merrisol and mouths the word, "Kerfuffle?"

Figures and drawings dance on the paper as Talia studies the glyph, without even looking at what she's writing and drawing. A page turns as she continues, the computations of her thoughts staying hidden, but with an intense look on her face. There's a sudden pause and a blink and then a slow smile. "I have you now, Moriarty." And with that she's writing.

Raphaela blinks up at Moriarty. someone is reading same literature she is! She also pats a chair next to her to Liam.

Myrddyn pauses to allow Merrisol's introduction, then moves to the indicated spot. However, he's still as much interested in Liam as the glyph.

Taleyn looks excited that Talia has something, and watches raptly as the Duchess's hand flies over the page.
"It is superbly elegant." Talia comments, eyes still on the glyph as her hand writes out what she's seeing in neat, swirly copperplate writing. "Would you mind if I had a copy of this for the library?"

Privately, to Taleyn, Merrisol looks a little startled by the silent appearance of his old place-holder name... assuming that's the word he read from Taleyn's lips. The miscommunication possibilities are many.. however in any case, he nods affirmatively.

Raphaela is really patient, waiting for explanation. Her fingers are not. Tararaping on a book.

Liam also pauses to allow Merrisol proper introductions and he takes the seat next to Raphaela. His hair all, for a moment, points right at Raphaela and then it goes back to being just weird.

Raphaela doesn't find that odd at all. Right? Tararap go the nails on the book.

Talia is not greeting anyone right now, she frowns, surveys what she has written and then slides it over to Taleyn to read first. To the victor go the spoils. "It is a lot more wordy than that, as I've said. But that is the gist of the tale. Have you got any more of these? I'd love to see them."

Myrddyn turns to pay more attention to the papers, as well as listening.

Taleyn beams at Talia. "Certainly you may have a copy, if you like!" she answers Talia. "My own husband crafted that representation, and Maggie has done one equally fine," she says, nodding to the redheaded woman with a smile. She grins up at Merrisol, an exchange passing between them. She is concentrating on Not Being Weirded Out by Liam and Raphaela for now, and just reads what Talia has written. Then she shows it to Myrddyn. "Oh my," she says. "It's a *story.*"

Taleyn reads aloud, "Cymnea raised a towering column of whirlwind, at the top to watch for the approach of her Doom. But her Doom stepped into the whirlwind and was drawn up behind her, and she saw it not."

Talia chuckles. "Of course it's a story. What did you think it was?" Easy enough for her to say. She makes a copy of the glyph, drawing it in fine detail as she watches the others. There's a nod to those she hadn't greeted before her work.

Raphaela says "Doom was a good tactician." she decides.

Taleyn blinks, torn between disappointment and wonder. What did they THINK it was? MAGIC! The ANSWER! A CLUE!!! But it's... "A story?" She ponders the implications of that. Silent for a few moments, she breaks it by echoing Raphaela, "Doom *was* a good tactician." Then she ponders the implications of *that.*

Raphaela adds "It seems almost like an epitaph. Is that all of it?"

Everyone in the room is clustered near a table with books on it. They are easy to spot because of Merrisol's waistcoat and Liam's weirdly dancing hair.

Talia adds, "I suspect that Doom is a synonym, given the context of how it was put together. And yes, a story. I could write it out in full for you, given time."

Merrisol is with the cluster of noble ladies and gents around a table heaped with open books of arcane significance, but he's standing rather off to one side with Maggie... observing the discussion rather than participating.

Myrddyn strokes his beaded beard, without comment.

Raphaela asks "Synonim?"

Taleyn is clearly weirded out by the glyph having been a story, and moreover, a story that Quinlan's magic picked up as underlying Cymnea's Watch, the physical building. She is quiet while others talk, for a change.

Talia says, "Another name for. Something or someone."

A Jadean man shows up in the library's entrance, coat in hands and with two toed socks for only shoes. Shao bows in the formal Penglai style for the room before stepping in. Under arched brows his eyes scan the faces of the gathering, waiting patiently.

"I dunno," Liam leans back in the chair and it squeaks underneath him. "The Doom in these Ancient Stories tends to be Oberon. Especially with Cymnea -- he had to be dealt with so he could marry my Grandmother."

Talia nods to Liam. "That would have been my guess, but I'm unwilling to read too much into it. What I have given you, Taleyn, is the pure facts. Anything else is purely conjecture on my part."

Raphaela probably was aware of definition. "How poetic...Is Whirlwind a metaphore too, for guards or barrier?"

"It's all metaphor," Liam says. "For some reason, these damn ancient stories, they're all allegory and simile. Not, 'And Oberon clocked her on the back of the head with a fry pan.' I want to go back in time and tell people to just write things down." He pauses. "But then it would end up in the Chantris Library and we're back with literary hoodoo."

Taleyn tilts her head. "Indeed... thank you, Duchess, this has been truly educational." She looks up at Liam. "I wish we could, sometimes!" She says, "What does a whirlwind look like, anyway?"

Talia chuckles at Liam. "Because it is in human nature to be artistic about things, even the fall of a Queen. Especially the fall of a queen." She nods to Taleyn. "My pleasure. I hope I've helped."

Raphaela sighs and rises, finding bottle of drink and some glasses and bringing them over to pour to whomever wishes some. Offering to Talia mistress deciphrere...rere.r. first.

Shao decides to cross the room on his own volution and side by Merrisol. He gives those who cross gaze with him a polite headbow and a warm smile. He chooses to remain standing for now.

Raphaela says "Or perhaps she couldn't say Oberon killed me via traitor in my personal guard without being censored."
Raphaela also, lifts glass to Shao.

Shao smiles to Raphaela.

Taleyn sips her tea, then beams at Talia. "You've helped more than you know. I hope I may return the favour one day!"
"It could have been one of her sons," Liam points out. "They were still around at the time and there were three of them."

Talia smiles. "I'm sure that's not necessary. So what are your next moves?"

Taleyn looks into her tea, very much *not* wanting to entertain the possibility that one of Cymnea's sons was the Doom in the story.

Merrisol notes Shao's arrival with a brief nod, not exactly moving to making space for him in the openness of the tabled area, but the impression is there nonetheless; Shao has a reserved spot by his and Maggie's side.

"The wind that whirls," Shao says softly for Merrisol and Maggie, "strikes in all directions at once and never stops."

"At the time the story was written," Liam says in his more Chantris professory voice, "there's either no Faiella yet or Faiella has just come down from Tir and there is only Eric. That leaves either the Old Gods, Oberon, Dworkin, or Oberon's three eldest sons. And the Old Gods had been beaten into submission." He pauses. "Maybe Scions of the Great Houses, too. Alright, I concede, lots of possibilities for a Doom. But we're talking Cymnea here, so it's likely Royal Family."

Taleyn gives her tea a pained look.

Talia prompts gently. "Lady Feldane? Is something wrong?" She cedes the point to Liam with a brief nod of her head, her attention never straying too far from Taleyn

"How much do we know about Osric and Finndo?" Liam asks. "Not that much except Osric, I guess, died in Cibola. And that they helped build Amber. And that Oberon had to get rid of them because of Faiella and Eric."

Raphaela nods "Perfect defense. Danger stems from arogance." she hehs at the irony. "Taleyn, you think that parchment could have survived all this time? The fact that my ancestor is rotting away thousands of years is causing me headache."
Raphaela makes a correction "Could be rotting." she refuses to trust something so freaky like Tir without reservations.

Taleyn looks up and smiles at Talia. "No, nothing-- thank you. As to our next move, I was *thinking* of going back to the basement to see if we could find any signs of what we saw in our Tir vision-- human remains." She looks to Liam. "We don't know very much about them at all, alas. But I think Osric died in what is now called Ghenesh, and it was Finndo entombed in Cibola." Then she looks at Raphaela. "YOUR ancestor? What do you mean, dear?"

Talia nods. "If it is possible I should very much like to see this glyph in actuality. There may be nuances that I'm missing in a copy." And of course creeping around in abandoned towers might have a certain appeal.

"Okay, well, someone is dead in Cibola," Liam says.

Shao's cheeks redden whe he realizes his voice was too loud. He averts his gaze.

Raphaela blinks "Well, ah right...it was a chaotic retreat." she pulls out a notebook from her pocket and flicks. Sketches have been drawn fast, focusinf on impressions and details. As she flips pages she asks "That tomb that tried to eat us, Taleyn?" she finds whatas looking for and turns notebook for all to see. One of the ghost knights met is drawn almost to a portrait, with a Sorgo sigil on his uniform. She taps it.

Merrisol is looking into the empty space above the table, perhaps looking for a wind metaphor of his own to counter-quip Shao.. but then his attention diverts towards Raphaela's talk of her rotten ancestors.

Taleyn smiles at Talia's research-related spunk. "I'd be delighted for you to come along." Then, "Liam, you bring up an excellent point. What we *do* know of Cymnea's three children is that they were all formidable warriors-- are, in the case of Prince Benedict-- and, well, one of my relatives suggests the Queen favored Osric while the King seemed to favor Finndo and Prince Benedict." She smiles at Shao. "Hello, Shao-- welcome." She adds, "Yes, the Tomb of Finndo is the one in Cibola made of living stone, and as Raphaela so colorfully put it, it tried to eat us." She looks at Raphaela's drawing. "By the Horn! That is one of the men in the Tir vision-- I didn't even SEE his Sorgo badge under the livery of Prince Benedict! Raph, do you suppose... I mean, if he's still down there..."

Talia is making notes again, but this time of what people are saying. There might well be a research session in the Chantris library later.

Raphaela makes a frown "Well. If they did die there. And we DO find the place...if ANYONE has a chance of preserving over millenia..." she gives a meh!est face ever. "It would be a Sorgo."

"Hello," Shao answers quietly, including everyone. He bows, also including everyone. He returns to his silent and stoic stance.

Talia interjects. "What is this about a Tir vision?"

Taleyn says, "Oh-- Liam took us up last night. It was terrible-- everything is jumbled around up there. If we hadn't had him to guide us, we'd have been up there blundering around until the storm rolled in."

Raphaela ahs at Taleyn "Those are..." she reaches for Taleyn's glyph plans "You drew the plans too, with the glyphstory, right?" pronounced as history "Something was off in Tir that still bugs me...can I see the plan of Watch?" she flips a few pages of notebook with sketched plan.

Liam gets up from his chair. "Yeah. Viva la Tir. I need to go. If you ladies need me, call me by trump. If you don't have my trump, ask me later and I'll give you one."

Taleyn glances at Raph as she flips through her sketchbook, while she tells about their vision. "We had a couple, really. One was a nightmarish scene of the Palace being overrun by horrible bugs, and a Chaos Knight who wanted us to bow down before the Sign of Chaos! Then the other was when we found Cymnea's Watch. It was of five men consulting a piece of paper, going into the basement of Cymnea's Watch, then getting brutally slaughtered by black-robed figures."

Talia mms, "Not the sort of visions you want after a heavy meal then. Is that what led you to this poem?"

Privately, to Merrisol, Shao says, "Five wise men assassinated for their knowledge..."

Taleyn explains, "Actually, we went up there *because* of the poem. Quinlan was doing a magic-thing whereby he was... analyzing the structure of the building. And underneath, that symbol sort of... *grew.* But only after great effort on his part.

Merrisol bows his head low, in murmured conference with Shao.

Talia frowns. "It grew? I should have liked to have seen that. Did it stay in it's original form or did it grow more complex?"

Taleyn clicks her tongue in mild frustration. "I wish Quinlan were here now. I'd love to go down there and just have him show you. It... no, I think this was the final complexity it achieved."

Privately, to Shao, Merrisol says, "Seems to me they weren't wise enough."

Everyone is around a table, sort of clustered around Talia, Taleyn and Raphaela. Maggie, Shao and Merrisol perch off to the side, watching, while Myrddyn watches from behind Taleyn.

Raphaela looks at Talia "You think it...told itself out?"

Talia sighs. "And I should love to have seen it. Perhaps some other time, hmm?"

Privately, to Merrisol, Shao says, "Yes, you are right, the wise men were betrayed. Someone else was looking for knowledge, for selfish plans...this is not King Oberon's doings."

Shao agrees to Merrisol and adds whispers of his own.

Raphaela says "It would explain how it is/isn't there in reality." she ah HAs! "Look Tally...This is completely off!" she shows the locations of stairs they descended by in Tir, complete with estimated angle and number of steps and some later on added calculation. She puts it by the other plan to ease the crossreferencing it.

Taleyn nods firmly to Talia. "You will surely get the chance. I have no intention of letting this line of inquiry go until we're *sure* we've chased it into a corner." She looks at Raphaela's drawings as the latter points to them. "Wait, what?..." Her eyes widen as she looks at Raphaela's finding. "The stairs in the Tir vision... go down *further* than the basement we found!"

Raphaela says "Anything shows in magic foundations?"

Talia arches an eyebrow at this news. "So you will be going to look again? Please let me know when, I will escape the confines of the library to come and see for myself."

Taleyn muses, "I wonder if it got... filled in? Maybe Quinlan didn't find where the men are because we weren't close enough-- maybe we need to excavate!" She looks excited and beams at Talia. "Absolutely! Absolutely, you're ALL welcome to come. Duchess, I will notify you forthwith!"

Shao blinks his eyes furiously and grows grim, stopping his silent conference with Merrisol.

Talia ponders. "I wonder if I can persuade Gerard for it as our next adventure. I have a feeling he might come in handy."

Taleyn's eyes widen. "I *hope* he wouldn't come in handy! This is supposed to be a boring archaeological dig." She chuckles.

Talia laughs, "You don't think those muscles would come in handy for digging?"

"Lady Raphaela? A word with you, please?" Shao asks softly, deathly pale.

Raphaela adds "Also, this is quite a delicate investigation for royal family members." she looks at Shao and nods, approaching them, fingers clutching her glass.

Taleyn laughs. "Oh, I see! Point well taken." She eyes Shao curiously, but doesn't draw attention.

Talia frowns and asks Raphaela, "But surely Quinlan is royal blooded? As is Liam."

Raphaela smiles "I meant the first generation."

Shao gives the gathering a wary glance before he shares his thoughts with Raphaela.

Talia ahhs and lets the matter drop with a smile.

Taleyn smiles. "We need to make certain the people involved are eminently trustworthy. *I* happen to trust Prince Gerard."

Talia says, "I certainly have reason to place my faith in him."

Nearby, Raphaela's eyes are cloudy grey today as she watches them "What is it."

Nearby, Shao mutters, "All of this, it reads into a prophecy:After the hordes of Chaos crawl through the castle, the five wise houses will uncover the knowledge hidden down the stairs and be slained for it."

Shao mutters to those near him, "... this,... through... five... will... knowledge hidden down..."

Taleyn smiles. "I have known him for a long time, and I believe his heart is true." But as if to be certain, she pulls out a deck of Trumps.

Merrisol has been attentive enough, but doesn't look particularly closer to being 'caught up'. Upon being roundly invited by Taleyn to the momentous excavation project, he only looks to Maggie to accept, then with a shift of his stance falls in with Raphaela and Shao.

Raphaela's eyes narrow in on Shao. People, in general, do not like being stared at like that by Baroness. It's chilly, and she really, really doesn't blink a lot. "What, bedamned, prophecy?".

Raphaela might growl that too loud.

Heralding an arrival, the fireplace happens to sparkle and crackle with motes of wisp-like quality, the color changing through a couple hues of the rainbow, and generally looking mysterious and magical!

Taleyn says, "is in the Palace Library, surrounded by books and papers and tea and people, none of whom are sharing her contact but she is standing so that they can all be viewed by the Trump-ee. She says to the lot, "Wont you excuse me a moment," then moves off a ways so she can murmur into the card."

Talia is seated at a table with Taleyn and others around, with one group off to the side. Books are scattered around her and she has a pencil and book open though it's neglected. Taleyn is staring at a trump too.

Raphaela is growling at Shao, standing near him and Merry a bit off.

A humanoid form takes shape within the flames, and shortly thereafter, Cyndre steps out of it. She blinks rapidly, trying to adjust to the light in the room, and rubs at her eyes. "Yeesh."

Shao averts his eyes, stared down by Raphaela. "Sorry Lady Raphaela but all this, it calls for my artistic education. All pieces, they form a story that is not happened yet. I apologise for my poor control, this is not my place to speak... I have no proof." The Jadean bows, deep.

Merrisol shakes his head to Shao, but says nothing since Raphaela has as much asked for verification, though perhaps he would have worded it differently. The fireplace going bananas draws his attention, hopefully not with such tragic timing that he misses Shao's explanation.

Raphaela leans in closer to Shao, which would be cute if it weren't for that gloomed face killing all the romance, and possibly adding drama.

Nearby, Raphaela cerainly behaves as if she's much taller and larger than she actually is. Surely she seems to take up less space when she's asleep or unconciouss. She says "I don't care about proof. Do you have experience with this?"

Talia stares at the fire as Cyndre steps out of it, arches an eyebrow and makes a note. More things to look up.

Taleyn laughs into the card, and blushes. "Ugh, I cannot believe I just did that, and *Cyndre!* You startled the life out of me! How *are* you, my Sister?" She goes to offer an embrace, since she's already standing.

Cyndre has just stepped forth in a burst of crackling flame from the fireplace! Taleyn is chiding her for scaring her half to death but going to hug her anyway! Raphaela is looking dangerous and growling at Shao. Talia sits nonchalantly at the table, and others are standing around watching this and that.

Nearby, Shao shakes his head, no. "All I have is this intuition someone is waiting to betray those who uncover the secret down the stairs. Like the black men who killed the five men."
Muttering to those near him, Shao shakes his head, no. "All... is this... is... to... the... killed..."

Nearby, Raphaela says "That's not intution or prophecy. THat's sanity. History always repeats itself." she peels away, looking tired. She looks around. Is it even POSSIBLE that more people fit in this room.

Raphaela peels away from Shao, looks at MORE people and quite visibly, ponders running away. She downs her drinks instead and goes to refill.

Nearby, Merrisol sighs resignedly, "As much as I would want to avoid a repeat of history, that's the only possibility about this venture so far that I actually fully understand, Shao, and have some hope in preparing for." He looks around at the general hubbub created by Cyndre's appearance, and also breaks from the small hushed group.
Muttering to those near him, Merrisol sighs resignedly, "As... history, that's... actually fully... have some..." He looks around at the general hubbub created by Cyndre's appearance, and also breaks from the small hushed group.

"Oh, well I guess it's a good thing you have that urn all picked out." Cyndre replies to Taleyn with a bit of humor in her voice. She looks the woman over, saying, "Mm. Though you are rather animate for being lifeless. Delving into darker arts, dear?" she teases. "And I'll be by, soon, so your babe can see its Aunty." She looks around, and spies all those present. "Oh, I suppose I've arrived with an audience, haven't I?" She does wrap Taleyn into an embrace, hugging tightly.

Taleyn laughs at Cyndre's teasing and hugs her warmly, which is a good thing, because Cyndre is quite warm indeed! "Good! I'm anxious little Ash grow up knowing he has a Fire Giantess to protect him. Come have something to drink?"

"Drink?" A voice booms in question, just as Gerard strides in, a book actually held under one arm. A tome might be a better description, though, bound up in lacquered leather of shades blue and grey. "Find your generosity and share drink with thirsty prince?" Whoever tends the library should probably start SHUSHING immediately.

Talia rises from her seat at a table, unsurprisingly surrounded by books to dip briefly to Cyndre. "Seneschal, it's been a while. And quite an interesting form of conveyance too. I hope the day finds you well?" She's in full Chantris gold and green and from the looks of things has been to the palace on business. She starts at the advent of the booming voice, stares as she spots Gerard carrying a book. "Unicorn be praised? You can read?" There's a wink at the end of her words before she dips again. "Admiral."

Raphaela dips in curtsey, having a bottle in hand to refill herself, she finds herself trapped in drink-distributing role.
Privately, to Merrisol, Shao, and Taleyn, Raphaela might have rolled eyes before the dip. Honestly. So crowded.

Shao seems devastated by Raphaela's binge and he looks at the room once more, to find new arrivals. He gives Merrisol a stressed glance. In doubt, bow deep. That's what he does, he bows deep.

Liya doesn't often have to go chasing Mayhem these days, the kitten being more often than not well behaved. But every so often the rapscallion kitten does decide to take off on a tear, and this is one of those times. Liya chases after him, as he races through the library, on the trail of .. well, she doesn't know what, but he's excited about it. So, there's a fifty pound cat barrelling through the palace, chased by a small Sukhoti woman, and well, there's a mumble of sound around as she dodges, ducks, and otherwise avoids smashing into anyone. Or anything. In theory. Crash. "Ooops, sorry!" Liya calls, and then Mayhem takes a sharp curve, darting into the library and offering a roar in greeting. Liya has to catch the door frame to not go skidding by, but she does manage to pull herself into the library, almost smashing into Gerard in the process.

Cyndre squeals, "Gerry!" all girly like and bounces across the room to grace the man with a leaping sort of hug.

Taleyn beams and bows deeply. "Speak of the Great Kraken of Dornos, and it shall appear! We were just speaking of you, Admiral!" And then the kitten arrives. The Giant Kitten of DOOM. "Mayhem," she squeaks, and tries to collar the beast for Liya.

Talia eyes Gerard, then the cat. She bites her lip and then before she can quell it words pop out. "Why, and pussy following you wherever you go."

Raphaela gives a glass of scotch to GERRY! and Cyndre each, refills to others if they shout out, bottle slipping from her hands at Talia's exclamation, that she barely manages to catch somewhere around her knees.

"Oof," Gerard says, and even he is forced back a step by Cyndre's momentum, which is probably a story all it's own about the Seneschal's strength. He returns the hug, seperating after a second, and pats the smith upon her arm in greeting. "It is filled with pictures, which provide context for words that stretch on too long. Greetings, Duchess, lad, everyone else." He pauses at the roaring at his flank, looking back to the very much grown up Mayhem. "He's grown." Talia's comment goes unchallenged, other then the tiniest of smirks as he takes his glass of scotch. "Easy Baroness."

Taleyn is trying to collar the cat? A NEW GAME! Mayhem doesn't jump at Taleyn, nope, but he goes anywhere else he can, the cat mrowling gleefully, as he tries to keep away from Taleyn, with every bit of wiley cat sneakiness and the ability to climb that actually is surprisingly good.

Merrisol remains off on the fringes, physically and figuratively, as the room continues to resound with happy hails and heat. He takes note of the booming new entrant as well, then smiles faintly to Shao and Maggie, who really is here really. "Is it still too late to fill the hold and ship out tonight?"

Raphaela does manage not to die giggling. by the time she rises from Scotch saving, there are only vague traces of tearing up in her eyes "Prince..." she turns around and bites her lip. GIGGLES! DIEEEE!

Shao sidesteps to Raphaela's help. "Baroness, allow me," he offers, adding his hands to hers around the scotch vessel. "This task is not fit for your noble hands." He gives Merrisol an amused glance and life sprouts back to his cheeks; he has to bite his lower lip not to chuckle.

Myrddyn seems have dozed off while sitting at a table with some sheets of paper in front of him. At the commotion an eye squints open and takes in the newcomers.

Talia dips again as she's greeted by the Prince, looking around with mirth at the effect her words had upon people. "Did I say something funny?" Butter would not melt in her mouth right now, if the expression is to be believed.

Liya stops short, and then backpedals furiously as Gerard steps back. She manages a smile for Gerard, and a bow of her head. "Your Highness," she says and then she squeaks, "Mayhem!" Her blue eyes go owlish at Talia, and then she just stands there, laughing.

Raphaela takes her seat again, looking over some papers and flipping the notebook closed with a sigh, and a look to her pocketwatch.

"Good to see you again, as always." Cyndre says to Gerard, and steps back once the hugging is over. She also bites her lip, but isn't able to supress a snicker over Talia's remark. "I'll get the drinks." she says, shoulders quivering as she makes her way toward alcohol.

Myrddyn notes the presance of local royalty and wrestles himself standing so that he can give a bow, "Good afternoon your royal highness."

Shao is already filling a generous glass of drink for Cyndre. "Cyndre-sama, always honored to see you," he greets, offering her the glass.

Not to mention those that Raph already distributed. But, you can never have enough scotch.

Taleyn has done the Bad Thing-- accidentally PLAYED with the kitten IN THE LIBRARY! Visions of capsized bookshelves, angry Hounds, and ultimately dungeon cells flash before her eyes! "Ohhhhh no. Cooome 'ere keety. Niiiiice kitty, be good!" She kneels on the floor to try to lure the kitten to her without arousing it's PLAY NOW urge further... She's sacrificing herself, so that others may drink!!!

Gerard's attention is on the cat as he bounces about, and climbs shelves thoughtfully. He returns Myrddyn's and Liyandra's greeting with a nod. "I admit, I came simply to return a book and find myself pleasantly surprised by lively company." He takes a sip from his scotch.

Somehow in all of this Talia has not managed to get a drink. She looks around at the others with their glasses and then moves to claim one herself. "Thank you," is offered to Shao before she returns and at least tries to look respectable. A thing not helped as she has to neatly dodge out of the way of a chasing kitty. "Are we lively? I'll have you know I'm a Chantris, we are boring and sedate!"

Mayhem crouches as Taleyn does, his butt wiggling in happy kitten pouncing mode. He chirrups briefly, and then pauses, his head coming up. He yowls and charges right for Kerfuffle, a paw reaching to pat at Merri's leg, demandingly. Where's his ribbon, dang it?

"Thanks, Shao!" Cyndre says brightly to him. "So we have a library full of people, and a Taleyn - ever involved with kittens in some way it seems - is it a story time again, Tally?" she wonders toward the Feldane. She sips her drink.

Raphaela changes her mind about sitting and is about to say something to Taleyn when...woman falls down, lost to a cat...play. Raph uhms, and when in doubt, sips. She then chuckles as it aims Fuffy.

"Oh, lava rocks," Liya says, as she sidesteps the Prince, and gives Taleyn an apologetic look. "I think - maybe he remembered why he was here," she says, surprise and amusement suddenly on her face. "Mr. Merrisol, Maggie! Shao-san. I think Mayhem missed you all."

The Mayhem situation distracts Shao heavily and he searches for Liyandra with his gaze. "You are welcome," he answers automatically to his patrons. There she is, Liyandra. The Jadean secures the precious bottle at its proper place before going for his coat. He is searching for...

...which Shao hands to Liyandra. "Hello, Lady Liyandra. This is to help Mayhem... focus."

"Sedate, maybe, but rarely boring." Gerard says, toasting Talia as Cyndre invokes Taleyn's legendary skald skills.

Myrddyn his vestige of courtly obligations satisfied, sits back down and returns to musing over the translation notes.
Talia arches an eyebrow at Gerard and chuckles. "I spend all my time with books with no pictures. Though speaking of which I believe I owe you an adventure." She finds somewhere against the table to try and dodge pouncing kitty.

Taleyn is willing that Mayhem should bowl her over if the result be a stable playing toy that is NOT a three-story antique shelfload of priceless tomes. "Oh thank the Unicorn," she says, giving Merrisol a grin and a thumbs-up. She rejoins the company and remarks cheerfully, "He's probably a Cibolan Jaguar God offshoot, you know!" She looks at what Myrddyn is doing. "Yes, speaking of adventure..."

Raphaela slowly, discreetly, elegantly listens to people converse, finding herself closer and closer to the door, surely by accident.

Merrisol looks down discretely to see who is feeling up his leg whilst he's so distracted, but it's only Mayhem. Well, not that Mayhem is ever Only. "What. Already?" he mutters. Thankfully, Shao to the rescue with riceballs of the sticky, page-staining sort, and upon noticing Merri stoops to direct Mayhem's head with a caress followed by waggled finger, in the direction of treats. "Liyandra.. you're mobile," he then straightens to greet the cat's mistress.

"Adventure?" Cyndre inquires, perking.

Once close to the door and facing all the group, Raphaela dips into a curtsey with a smile and says "It was lovely to see you all, highness. I'm afraid far more boring things await me. Have a lovely day."

Liya grins at Taleyn, offering a hand up, if needed. And then she says, "Oh, bite your tongue. His Highness Prince Benedict will have my hide if that turns out to be the case, Taleyn!" She then heads over to Merrisol and Shao. And Maggie. "It's good to see you all, and yes, I'm mobile. Not limping any more either. Shouldn't I be?" She tilts her head a bit, and signals the happy kitten, who is by now purring. He moves to nudge at Shao, perfectly willing to digress for rice balls. With FISH!

Gerard finally spots Shao, eyeing the man. "Ah, wait. You are the man from Jade that was looking for an audience? Care to follow me just outside so we can share a few quick words?"

"Adventure," Talia repeats to Cyndre. "The Admiral and I seem to have entered into a sort of adventure exchange program. Though he did almost get me killed last time." The last is spoken teasingly at the prince.

"Ah, King Mayhem," Shao says to the big big kitten. Shao bows, leaving the rice ball on the floor, the wrapping paper serving as a coaster. "Sorry for my bad manners, Your Highness," he apologise to the jaguar, deadpan. He recovers from his bow to be the victim of a real Prince's attention. He bows for Gerard. "Yes, Your Highness, right away, Sir," he manages, straining his wits for finding the words so fast.

Taleyn beams. "Yes. We are going to excavate under Cymnea's Watch, in the Lower City." She pauses, looking around. "All right, it doesn't *sound* like much, granted, but we have been investigating there for clues about the old Queen. And-- when Quinlan investigated, he discovered this glyph, as if his earth magics had detected something mystically *underlying* the old digs. And now Talia just translated the glyph-- it's a story about Cymnea! "Cymnea raised a towering whirlwind, at the top of which to watch for the approach of her Doom. But her Doom stepped into the whirlwind and was drawn up behind her, and she saw it not." And we went to Cymnea's Watch in Tir and got a vision of five men in Prince Benedict's ancient livery, one with a scrap of paper, being *murdered* in a basement there-- only Raph found that the basement we saw in Tir was WAY farther down than the one we discovered! So we're going to excavate to try to find the remains of those murdered men."

"And basically I thought it might be a good idea to bring you." Talia mentions to Gerard. "Lady Feldane willing, of course."

Gerard listens to Taleyn quietly, thoughtful at the mention about Cymnea. Though he would be! "I would like to see the results of your research, mayhaps I can even be of actual use and not simply good looking wallart... but excuse me for a moment, I did need to converse with the good man. I will return shortly." He claps Shao on the shoulder, "Come lad, give words to attentive ear."

Cyndre hnhs. "Interesting. I can see about providing some engineers and excavation specialists for the task." she says, right before downing the rest of her scotch.

Taleyn smiles and nods. "Absolutely! Thank you, Highness. Thank you, Shao." Then she beams at Cyndre. "That would be marvelous! We don't want to dig right through anything useful, after all. Raph recognzed that one of the men was a Sorgo-- so maybe she will be able to, I don't know, sense something Sorgo-ey."

Talia pauses at something and tilts her head as if listening. "Ahh, I'm afraid I'm needed back at the House. If you will all excuse me. Lady Feldane, Seneschal. Please let me know when the adventure shall be, I shall slip my bonds of ducal responsibility to come and help." And have fun.

Shao manages not to be crushed, by sheer will and a sense of proper-ness. "Yes, Admiral Sir," he agrees. He does give a glance to Cyndre, of braveness under duress. "Thank you, everyone, for having me with you," he excuses himself. He grabs his coat and nods to Gerard.

Taleyn stands and offers Talia a cheek-kiss between ladies. "Thank you again, Duchess."

Myrddyn stands up as well, "I think I'll take this moment to escape. You have my thanks for letting me assist. Please do call for me if their are futher developments."

Talia exchanges kisses and makes her goodbyes before slipping out.

Taleyn beams and says, "Thank you, Myrddyn. Until we meet again."

Merrisol offers Liyandra a solemn nod, watching her rather carefully as he replies, "Yes, I shouldn't have been surprised at all. I dreamt you were back home with Mayhem, and although I am not prophetic that I know of, I think the chorus line of giant grasshoppers was meant to symbolize your limb restored to its springingest step." He glances a bit wistfully at the library doors that others have been using to depart, but won't make his own escape just yet. At least the present company is good.

Taleyn laughs softly. "That's the kind of dream I like," she says to Merrisol. "You miss being at sea?" She sneaks a hand down to attempt to pet the kitten.

Liya chuckles softly, her blue eyes dancing. "Did you indeed? I am glad you got the message," she says, with a bright smile. Taleyn gets a grin, the impishness showing for a moment on Liya's face. Mayhem finishes the fishy rice, and then is finally willing to allow Taleyn to pet him, since he's been giving his just tithings.

Taleyn skritches the giant kitten happily. "I hope he never gets tired of people petting him!" She is silent for a moment, then says, "All this business we've been into-- delving for clues into ancient history-- I'm not sure where it will lead. I hope it will reveal ways to help... to help us in the present day, to face the challenges we've been dealt. But you're, none of you, obligated to come along. I-- just wanted you to know that, in case things get squiffy."

"Message.." repeats Merrisol, "Yes, it was a message." Of course it was a message from outside.. that explains why Liya was the one sitting behind a desk, and the grasshoppers were the ones dancing like chorus girls. He turns to Taleyn, watching her play with Mayhem with a somewhat mystified observation. "I believe I would return to the open sea and the loneliness of command, if I but had my ship, Dame Taleyn. In its absence, however, I am content to be in dock for the nonce on the Wave Dancer, with the not-so-lonely duties of First Mate." He glances around for Maggie, but the Captain is hiding somewhere, perhaps toasting her command behind one of the stacks.

"I can't guarantee I'll be able to join you; I've a few things that are demanding my time right now that can't be ignored. One of them being the possibility that the Hunter is about to come free again." Cyndre reveals to Taleyn.

Liya grins at Merrisol, as he takes that in. Mayhem chirrups at Taleyn, and then he moves to sit by Liya's side, having perhaps had enough skritches for the moment. Liya's hand finds his head, trouble maker that he is, and he rumblepurrs briefly. "If I'm available, I'll certainly help, Taleyn, but I'm not sure how much use I will be in escavating anything," she says, easily enough. Merri gets another glance, and then Liya's blue eyes widen as she looks over at Cyndre. "That nasty golden hunter thing-person-god-whatever that was walking on the bottom of the ocean? That hunter? Oh, lava rocks, it was awfully powerful."

Taleyn looks intrigued by Merrisol's talk of having once had a ship. "I see-- well, I am very glad you've Maggie's company, *and* the Wave Dancer to sail upon." She, too, looks for Maggie, but not finding her, she addresses Merrisol once more, "I am to visit the Dancer, soon, myself. About her, er, *condition,*" she comments, as if not knowing whether she may talk about it. To Cyndre and Liya, she says, "Golden Hunter?" She pauses, "Now, we were talking of Prince Finndo earlier, and he himself was quite the hunter. And golden! They called him the Sunkiller." She shakes her head. "But I have Princes on the brain. What's this Golden Hunter you encountered?"

Cyndre grins, "I rattled his teeth a bit, so he should be good and riled at me when he finally escapes." To Taleyn, she explains, "He's the golden thing that appeared in court some years ago, and recently was trying to hunt down and kill Celeste d'Mandrake."
Cyndre adds, "Some god long ago locked away and recently stretching his legs."

Taleyn gasps. "Bugger," she opines. "Well. If someone wanted a challenge, Celeste would be it, wouldn't she. Do you suppose he's a Dragonslayer?"

Liya nods to Cyndre, and then looks over at Taleyn. That does make sense to her, all things considered. "HOpe he doesn't succeed. I like Celeste." There's a brooding look on her face, though she certainly isn't the type to be able to face down a god. Well, not and survive it. Heck, she can't even face down a prince.

Merrisol makes an involuntary noise from his throat when Taleyn perhaps naturally assumes he was referring to a companionship with his Captain and not, say, with the crew with whom he interacts on her behalf, then shakes it off with an agreeable nod, as focus goes to the talk of this hunter god. Though interested, he remains silent on the matter, not having been formally introduced to the Seneschal.

Taleyn says, "I more than like her-- she's my Sister. Childe though she be. Also, it is in the extreme best interests of Amber that Mandrake remain stable-- such stability as Celeste has provided has eluded their family for over three hundred years previously."

"No idea. He was a 'guest' of Karm's, it would seem. When I named myself as one of the House, he seemed rather irate with me. I smacked him with my wrecker too. Then collapsed a cliff on top of him, and taunted him while some others sealed him into the rubble with a Karm Lock. You know, gave him my name, questioned his power as a god, that sort of thing." Cyndre replies cheekily.

Liya stays quiet at this point too, letting Taleyn and Cyndre speak. She does pause to give Merri a look. "Hey, Kerfuffle, d'you know both these wonderful Ladies?" she asks. Just in case. Mayhem mrowls, and moves back to Merri, headbutting the fellow's leg.

Taleyn grins at Cyndre's cheekiness and laughs softly. "I can just picture it now!" Then at Liya's words, she pauses.

Merrisol glances at Liya again. "Dame Taleyn, I know. Dame Cyndre, I know /of/," he specifies with a quick grin, and one for his feline friend. "There are better ways to knock a fella down to your level.. at least until you double your weight," he notes, taking to one knee to play a short game of Where Did My Hand Go, Oh Ouch You Found It You Little Bugger.

Cyndre looks over at Liyandra, and follows her gaze to Merrisol. "I didn't think I'd had the pleasure of meeting him..." and she looks between Taleyn and Liya, briefly, before striding right on over toward him to introduce herself. "Pleasure to meet you... Kerfuffle, was it?" she wonders, hoping she said it right. "Dame Cyndre, Knight-Major, Seneschal of Karm, Marquessa of Dragonspire Pass... and for goodness sake if you can remember them all you're one up on me. Cyndre's fine for most occasions." She grins, winking, and offers her hand in greeting.

A bird flies into the library, its plumage green and grey. It lands on Taleyn's shoulder. She stands to untie the note, to keep her bird from Mayhem. Smiling at Merrisol, she says, "Yes, we met at the coffeeshop. Lovely to see you again." The bird takes off as soon as she gets the note off its leg, obviously not keen to hang around in libraries with giant cats. Then Taleyn unrolls and reads the note, and laughs, blushing.

Liya doesn't even have the grace to look abashed at spreading that silly nickname. Though she does chuckle lightly, as she says, "I think he will, Kerf, so be careful what you wish for." Not that she'd say as much to Benedict. She does listen to Cyndre's words, blinking a bit. "That's a nice list of titles," she says with some amazement. "Very nice indeed." Mayhem does in fact watch that bird with interest, his blue eyes relocating off of Merrisol as flying toy food catches his attention.

Merrisol cuts the quickest glance of 'gratitude' to Liyandra for offering his 'pet name', for she did say at one point it would go to her next kitten.. something like that. Kerfluffy. He rises to take the offered hand in his for a courteous bow over it. "It is as honour, Dame Cyndre. Professor Kerfuffle Von Chaos, at your service." He releases it to withdraw to a distance where he can view the woman without undue neckstrain. "It was more of a placeholder name from a time when my identity remained in question. I think you might find Captain Merrisol more recognizable, as Lady Margaret.. Maggie.. has seen fit to recommend me when requesting your weapon-crafting skills. I hope you received word of my particular request for a sword, my Lady?"

Taleyn looks delightedly between Cyndre and Merrisol. "Oooooh, a sword!!! Tell us about it!" She looks at Liyandra and beams!

Raphaela runs in with a boom and then bends over, breathing heavily.
Raphaela is seriously. Out. Of shape.

"Ahh, indeed. She had mentioned you and your need for a weapon, aye." Cyndre replies with a smile. "Captain Merrisol... Captain Flame. Do you share responsibilities, or is your captaincy on another ship, or of a different branch of service?" she wonders curiously.

Cyndre then looks over at Raphaela. Arcs a brow.

Taleyn blinks. Blink. Blink. "Hullo, Raph! What's, er, are you all right?"

Tessa follows Raphaela in with more of a whisper, seeming amused at the bent over Raphaela.

Taleyn waves to Tessa with a grin.

Liya gives Merri a very cheeky grin. And it was Raphaela who was stealing Kerf's name for her next cat, not Liya. She looks over at Taleyn, and shrugs, not knowing anything about any swords. "I would love to hear about it," she says, and then falls silent, as Mayhem mrowls, and the pair look over at Raphaela and the incoming Tessa.

Raphaela points a finger in 'I have a point, however, I can not breathe at the moment, hold on'. She stands straight. "Ah crap how many stairs does this palace have."

Taleyn's nose wrinkles in sympathy for her panting friend. "Lots," she admits.

Tessa nods in response to the wave, craning her head back to examine the towering shelves.

Raphaela pads to the table and says to Taleyn "I have a working theory about cellar." that's why she ran out on crowd. She had to process it all.

"That... is part of a strange and twisted tale, Lady Cyndre.. I currently serve as Captain Flame's second, due to.. terms of surrender.." Merrisol starts to explain reluctantly, when Raphaela busts in, saving him some further discomfort. He stops in surprise to observe.

OOC Taleyn says, "Good thing, too, saving himself jokes about how he is Maggie's pirate booty!!! :D :D :D"

Liya blinks at Merri, and then over at Raphaela, curious about both. She listens quietly.

Taleyn looks alert. "Do tell, Raph! What's your thought?" She waves Tessa over, grabbing a couple of papers off the table to show to her Sister.

Tessa strides forward silently, taking the papers from the Feldane heir with an arched brow. She'll even examine them, though only absently. "You wish to excavate Cymnea's manor? On whose authority?"

Raphaela looks up and smiles sheepishly "Hello...again...everybody. Sorry for interrupting." she looks at Taleyn and breathes in. Something will burst out....annnd "Assasins could be a part of foolproof magical defense system put in place by Cymnea - system that we saw triggered to action when knights entered. If that premise is correct, They were /bypassed/ by Doom not deactivated. Cellar might have been buried to prevent casualties. And we might activate them again, since place itself could be used as portal." all in one breath. She gasps for breath.
Raphaela adds a somber "If we presume all data we deduce from is valid."

Taleyn starts to reply to Tessa, then turns to look at Raphaela, mouth still slightly open. "...Ah." She pauses. "If that is the case, we shall have to go at this carefully. Probably with a Karm in tow."
Taleyn says to Tessa, "As to the authority, it's private property. The manor isn't even linkable to Cymnea, at the moment, and even the lowest bits of the foundation only have it as built during Eric's lifetime. Do you really think we'll need permission?"

Liya listens to the information provided by Raphaela. "Huh," she says, eloquently. And then she looks over at Taleyn as she adds more. She looks over at Tessa, and then back at Merri, giving him a wink. She'd never get him on trouble, on purpose.

"It belongs to someone," Tessa responds, "So, yes, I do think you will need permission or some manner of clearing with the bureaucracy." She offers the papers back, "If you like, I can procure you this though and spare you the headache. With it so befouled by ancient magic, and undead, I am fair sure that I can in time even see deed put into Feldane's hands."
Tessa says, "For public safety reasons."

Raphaela takes a seat to catch her breath after all the running and a one breath elaboration "It might have been sealed already, not just buried, if this is all..." she looks between them "It makes sense, right?" RIIIGHT? she looks at Taleyn. Please Tally. Tell me I'm not mad.
Yet.
Raphaela also looks at Tessa "Sorgo can take care of it."

Taleyn beams at Tessa. "Well, that's just jolly brilliant!" She cannot suppress her grin. "Actually, that'd be lovely, and after the excavation, we could do something public-spirited with it!" She nods at Raphaela. "Well, *yes,* I mean it *completely* makes sense! I really, truly hope it's not the case, but with what we're doing-- we've got to expect to encounter some push-back somewhere along the line."

Merrisol points out to Raphaela, either as an aside while the debate heats, or during an available pause if there is one to be had, "It could equally be a 'test' as much as a 'defense'.. only those proven worthy in battle may pass. It's a difference in permissions."

"Ugh. This is all getting very complicated." Cyndre says with a bit of annoyance. "Seals and permits and deeds. I'm beginning to see the lure of anarchy." she mutters.

"As your ladyship commands," Tessa says, bowing briefly to Raphela.

Liya sort of blinks and then she says, "I think I agree with Cyndre." She looks around, but lets all the important folks deal with it as she just listens and comes to her own conclusions.

Taleyn looks interested. Merri is more than what he seems! Then at Cyndre she chuckles. "Spoken like a true Seneschal." Then to Raphaela and Tessa, she says, "Hang on a moment, I understand the Sorgo need for discretion, but I am also... look, may I confide in you?"

Raphaela nods to Fuffy "Good point Merrisol. And Tally, in either case we must prepare. What is the trigger, and how do we beat them." she smiles at Cyndre "Anarchy, I can totally see you doing it." and to Tessa "We've been stewards for a long time. I can say we didn't...finish off all the pests as contract stated."

Raphaela for some reason then looks at Merry mouthing an 'oh' and blanks out to internal clockworks. Really. You can all nearly hear clockwork ticking as she thinks.

Mmm, Tessa notes, the sound coming from the back of her throat.

Taleyn muses, "Actually, Raph-- maybe we *should* let Tessa track down the deed. I mean... I know my cousin Yami claims it as a Feldane property, but... I would *really* like to make sure she is not-- exaggerating her claims." She smiles at Tessa.

"But I was one who sold it..." Tock. Whirrr. Click click. SPROIIIING. Sproing? Raph rises "Oh this thing is going to drive me NUTS." honestly, you can all enjoy a non typical raphaela. Lucky YOU!

Taleyn begins to chuckle softly. "Ummm, are you all right, dear?"

Tessa tilts her head in Taleyn's directions, though Raphaela's complaints do draw the smallest of smirks from her.

If Merrisol thought Raphaela was equipped with clockwork, he would stay away from her as well as her nutty house. He watches her now, warily, looking a bit poised on his feet. To spring to her aid, though, or leap to safety when the floor opens up under him?

Raphaela looks at Taleyn "Not really. Can you walk with me down the hall a bit?"

"Am I researching the matter or not?" Tessa inquires, just for clarity's sake.

Taleyn beams at Liya and Merri and Mayhem, offers Cyndre a parting embrace, and says, "Thank you all so much for your delightful company!" Then she follows Raphaela out, saying to Tessa, "Certainly-- but not if it puts you out. I'd love to know where the deed ended up, personally!"

Raphaela nods to everybody and offers a sincere "Sorry to...err..." for manifestation of my madness in public "Come to Sorgo for tea, everybody, yes?" You may never come out! Jut ask MERRY!

Raphaela is leaving, waiting for Tally to...share SIKRITS! or...do a pillow fight?

Tessa bows to the departing nobility.

Shao reappears, coat in hand, happy to see his boots have not walked away on their own from near the Library's entrance. He scoots away from Raphaela, to give her a goodbye bow.

Cyndre asides to Merrisol. "Are the people you surround yourself with as barmy as the ones I do?"

Taleyn looks vaguely uncomfortable as Tessa bows to her, even though she really oughtn't, and follows Raph out.

Merrisol, who is apparently quiet most of the time while people bounce off the walls, looo-oooks over at Cyndre. "We share some of those ones in common, it turns out."

Myrddyn has been following Raph around, stays back to allow her to chat with Taly

Shao walks across the library, distributing apologetic looks and headbows along the way, for two fingers of scotch he pours himself. He changes his mind and goes for four fingers... Cyndre or Gerard kind of fingers. Down the hatch, brrr.

Cyndre mms, nodding slowly, pursing lips. "Aye. That we do. As for your sword, I need a bit of research. There's the flaming weapons that have been out for a while, but I've been doing more... experimenting with fire lately, and what you're looking for is a thing I've been pondering for a while. So, I'll need to come about with something new, I think."

Tessa takes a seat at a table, as Cyndre and Merrisol discuss.

Myrddyn finds a comfy chair and appears to nod off.

Shao licks his lips and agrees with himself, nod. He looks over his shoulder and decides to bring the whole bottle and glass with him, plus coaster, at this chair in front of Tessa. He sits down in the manner of a spent man, flop. He sighs.

"Something the matter?" Tessa asks as Shao joins her at the table.

"Have you met Prince Gerard?" Shao counter-asks, smiling warmly. He pours himself another near full glass of pricey liquor. "I am very honored and happy for a quiet chat with him. He is as nice as he is big." And scary.

"We talked once, briefly." Tessa says, almost wary suddenly. "You drink and sigh when happy. Confusing."

"I am sorry, Lady Tessa?" Shao apologises. "I am celebrating life and all the good things. Would you like a glass?"

Now that Liya has corralled her cat, she offers a smile to Merrisol, and then to the others. "Right, time to get back to what I was doing before Mayhem decided to bring me in here to visit with you all. Good evening to you all." And with that, she takes her leave.

"I'm not a lady, and I am on duty... or soon will be, and judging from the smell, I suspect that is a very potent drink. Later, perhaps?" Tessa offers in return.

Merrisol appears pleased that Cyndre would readdress the weapon idea, and gives it some thought as well. He waves in passing to the departing Liya, and nods to Shao.. oh, and Tessa too? He has been distracted. "If I may aid you in your research somehow, you need only ask, Lady Cyndre. I'm not certain whether Captain Flame has requested a flaming blade to match her name.. if he has, I wouldn't want to steal her fire in battle, as it were. I would be more happy with some flash and dazzle rather than actual fire."

Shao nods. "Sorry, Tessa-san. I will keep that in mind," he says. To Liyandra, he waves and he bows his head. Maybe the wave was for Mayhem? He swallows a generous amount of a drink worth more than his income for the next century.

"Easy," Tessa says, mildly amused. "That will put you on your back if you are not careful, and Hounds do not make for very comfortable rides out of the palace."

"Aye, I'd thought as much. I'll let you know what I turn up." Cyndre says to him with a mysterious grin.
Cyndre downs another scotch. "Well, Captain, I'll look ye up when I've something more to tell you on that count." she says, and then to Tessa, "You and I. Didn't we have something private to discuss?"

Tessa looks up at the question, furrowing her brow. "Ah, yes."

Shao toasts for Cyndre. He sips with moderation.

Cyndre twitches her head to the door. "Gentlemen. If you'll pardon us ladies. Good eve, and I hope to see you both again soon." she says, flashing a merry smile to the two of them. Again to Tessa, "Shall we?"

Having thanked and took his leave of the giantess, Merri mops his brow a little at the drinks trolley, and joins Shao at the table. It's partner-change time at the library square dance! "All business settled up here, Shao-san? We should locate the Captain." Merrisol nods from beside the table. "Good eve, my Lady.. Officer."

Tessa nods to the seated men, rising to her feet to follow Cyndre.

"Hai, Kerf," Shao agrees. He drains his glass, with a look at the mysterious Myrddyn. He rises to his feet, still solid enough, thank you sealegs.

Myrddyn manages to nod, despite appearing to have been asleep.

Merrisol looks more amused than concerned. "Test of fortitude?" He looks to Myrddyn thoughtfully a moment, then offers a parting nod just in case. He checks behind him once to see that Shao hasn't fallen over, then goes off to the doors.

Shao follows Merrisol obediently, with a hint of ragdoll softness in his gait. "Cyndre-sama teached me how," he lies, granting the giantess a cheeky grin.