Happy Birthday (Triton and Alexander)

Triton can't help but smile at his mother.

"Now giving tours of Rebma, that is more my speed. Especially when there is a lady involved," he smiles, giving a slight bow, "I would be happy to attend to that mother. Unless of course, there was something even more fun on your errands list? Don't hold out on us, were you saving the best for last?"

Triton then leans a little towards Alexander, a small smirk on his face, speaking softly.

"An easy tour verses a long trek to Umbra. You were too quick to offer assistance cousin, it's always best to wait and see if there is anything less taxing to attend too," Triton smiles.

Alexander stands a little straighter in response to Triton's teasing. "Unlike some," he says, "I follow the path of duty. And giving offense is the last thing on my mind." His eyes almost wander a little at this last. "I am at Her Majesty's service. Should she wish me to travel to Uberwald, so be it. But if she desires some other task, then I shall undertake that."

Moire nods and says "I don't need an answer this moment. The fact is, knowing how Llyr dislikes being the center of all attention, I was thinking a reception for the new Amber Royals might coincide with his birthday ball. How does that strike you, my son?"

Llyr looks up. He has been examining the dagger given by his cousin. "Very thoughtful," he says. "Thank you."

Sister Mircalla gazes at him with sad eyes, looking a little guilty.

"Nevertheless," continues Queen Moire, looking at Sister Mircalla suddenly, "you will be leaving for home quite soon, yes."

"Withing a few days, Your Majesty," the girl replies.

Out of the window, Triton spots movement in the waters around the castle. Strict rules apply to the waters immediately surrounding Castle Rebma. He soon recognizes a pair of dolphins. They are not alone. Holding on to the dorsal fins of each is a slender woman with a large mane of dark hair. The three seem headed for the balcony of Llyr's apartments. That, plus the unchallenged nature of the act as well as it style allows Triton to identify the newcommer long before she gets close enough to see her face.

Nimue.

"You always were such a good boy Alexander," Triton laughs.

Triton allows his mother to finish before interjecting. He just can't miss an opportunity to mess with his brother.

"You hear that Llyr, your girlfriend is leaving in a couple of days. Do you want us to leave so that you have more alone time with her?" Triton smiles.

Before his brother has a chance to answer or his mother has a chance to scold him, Triton notices Nimue approaching.

"Ah, I see Nimue is arriving. I guess it's time to get this parted started."

For a split second, Llyr holds the handle of the dagger more tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Sister Mircalla barely glances at Triton, but looks quietly on with sadness at the Crown Prince.

Alexander and Moire look to where Triton indicated, and see the dolphins swim by--or over--the balcony. Nimue releases her hold and floats onto the stonework floor. She enters the chamber, taking in the contents and inhabitants at a glance. Weirdly, she seems for a moment to look at the people exactly as she does the furniture. But just for a moment.

Nimue moves as she ever does, with a weird combination of childlike innocence and ancient, weary purpose. She looks at Sister Mircalla as she might an unusual kitten. "Don't know you." Then turns to Alexander. "Met you." Then to Llyr. "Happy Birthday." Next is Triton. "Hello Triton. Still pretty, I see." Finally, she looks directly at Queen Moire, pauses, and speaks in a deadpan voice.

"The merewives have changed their dance."

All adult Rebmans know about the merewives. None alive know what they look like. Legend says they are the daughters of a mortal woman and LEVIATHAN, the fabled avatar of the ocean's depths (and focus of a local but widespread cult). They swim in a circular formation, traversing the seas in a dance whose pattern has never varied for all the known history of the world--a migration that wanders into nearby Shadow. Everyone fears to hear their song, so no Rebman approaches. Most of course will hear nothing but an odd music from the water. Virile males, however, hear more. Or seem to. Such males become obsessed with a desire to join the merewives--who somehow know when someone seeks to rob them of their prey. Storms obey the will of these creatures, and even below the waves new currents and eddies of vast power respond when any seek to get too close save the males who answer their clarion call. None who go to them have ever been heard from again.

But they never, ever change their dance. Until now.

Sister Mircalla looks at the faces of those around her. "I don't understand. Please explain?"

Triton can't help but let his smile turn up more at the corner of his mouth as he sees his brother's anger. Deep down he hopes that he never has to grow up and stop pestering his brother.

When Nimue arrives and offers her compliment, Triton gives a bow of respect and will happily take her hand in his and kiss the back of it if she allows.

Once the mention of the merewives happens however, he starts paying attention, although it's clear he doesn't completely believe all the hype.

"The merewives never change. Are you sure?" Triton asks.

Then, looking over at Sister Mircalla Triton says, "The merewives are a famous legend. Powerful creatures who lure men into their unsuspecting trap," Triton smiles, "But as far as I know no one has ever seen them. Perhaps now is the time."

Turning towards his mother, "Surely this should be investigated mother. You know how I enjoy a good adventure. With Alexander taking care of Umbra and Llyr taking care of the sister, perhaps I should investigate the merewives. What do you think Nimue, wanna go find a legend?" he asks with a devious smile.

Nimue remains still.

Moire makes an impatient gesture. "I'm not allowing my son anywhere near merewives." She turns to Sister Mircalla. "In all likelihood, some have seen the creatures. But no one who does ever returns. I would as soon allow Triton or Llyr fight an adult kraken armed with nothing but a sponge." She is clearly upset enough to let real emotions show through--including fear. Triton rarely sees his mother show fear. Never before in front of a stranger. True, she isn't showing much, but still...

"I listen to their song from afar," says Nimue, "and for the first time they shift direction as they approach the Isle of Gont. Something has altered the seas themselves. Like ripples from a stone tossed into a lake." She always talks like this. Half the time she's giving hints, urging others around her to reach the correct conclusions by themselves. Wary of cheaply-won knowledge is Nimue.

"Gont is why my ship will reach en route home," says Sister Mircalla. "A ship from my father is supposed to meet me there. Is there any danger to the island?"

Moire stares at Nimue who shrugs. "Never before. But now...?"

Alexander pipes up. "Surely one doesn't need to actually approach the merewives themselves in order to investigate."

Triton is unable to hide the surprise on his face. He can't believe that his mother is so upset, in front of strangers no less. He walks over and places a hand on his mothers shoulder, a comforting look upon his face. In front of the Sister and Alexander he keeps the affection to a minimum. He will let his mother initiate a hug if she feels comfortable doing that in front of others. Then, he lowers his voice to a soothing level as his talks to his mother.

"Alexander is right mother, I am sure that there are ways to investigate this phenomenon without putting ones self in danger. Besides Nimue will be along to guide and protect me, right Nimue?" Triton asks.

Then, looking over at Nimue, "Do you have any idea what might have caused these ripples? One would think that anything powerful enough to change the very seas around us would have to be connected to the Pattern. And if that is the case," Triton says turning back towards his mother, "Then we all know I would be the best suited for this investigation. But never fear, I have not failed to return from adventure before and I have no plans to start now," Triton smiles.

Queen Moire spares a glance at Triton, then at Alexander and at Llyr. She focuses on Nimue, who looks back coolly. The two women spend an uncomfortably long, intense time staring at one another. As close as he is, Triton can note when the slightest possible change comes into his mother's stance. Subtle, but there.

She breaks the silence. "Triton, you will accompany Sister Mircalla at least as far as the Isle of Gont. More than anyone you're qualified to learn what you can from visitors there, what strange things might have happened recently at sea or in the surrounding lands. You are very clever, but for the sake of everyone not merely yourself you also need to be not foolish."

Next she looks at Llyr. "You have several formal duties to attend to. When they are done, you must be the one to head a diplomat mission to Uberwald." Both Llyr and Mircalla do takes at this, the latter much more obviously. "It may be your brother will rendez-vous with you there, depending upon what he learns at Gont."

Moire looks at Sister Mircalla. "You were telling me travel has been increasing into your land from Shadow, is that right?"

Sister Mircalla nods. "For years now. And from strange places, via ways no one had ever heard of before. Some of refugees from the Patternfall War, portions of their worlds having suffered catastrophe. My father and the Order persuaded one of our neighbors to allow many to settle a nearby valley."

"I don't believe that a coincidence," says Moire, and throws a sharp glance at Nimue. "Do you?" The sorceress shrugs.

Triton listens to his mother, but he can't help but smile as she says not to be foolish.

"Mother, am I ever foolish?" he says with a mock straight face, "I will be fine. And I promise to keep Llyr's girlfriend safe. You have nothing to worry about Sister," He says with a bow, "Adventures in the high seas are my specialty."

Triton then sits back and listens as his mother speaks to Mircalla. He finds the stories of strangers from shadow very interesting. He watches as Nimue is cryptic as always.

"Well it sounds like we have learned all that we can, when do I leave," Triton says with a smile.

He holds his smile even during the look he knows his mother will give him for being so impatient.

"Enjoy your journey," says Nimue and heads out the door, without looking back.

"So you're not coming with me then," Triton calls after her.

He then turns back to the room, "Wow, really? Is that all we know. I was just being you know...me. It didn't occur to me that you would all listen and actually stop with the info," he smiles.

Looking over at his mother, "So, when do I leave?"

Queen Moire looks at Sister Mircalla. "When do you leave? Having Triton escort you home should provide a working distraction, as opposed to allowing general panic take hold at hints something about reality itself seems to have shifted."

Sister Mircalla doesn't quite gulp, but does hesitate. Her eyes almost seek out Llyr. "I was going to leave in nine days, but my entourage wants me to go earlier. We can leave in five." Now she looks at Llyr. "This means I'll miss your birthday ball."

"They're dreary affairs," Llyr says, quietly. "Actually, bringing in some distractions makes for a very thoughtful kindness. Thank you Mother."

"I'm happy to do what I can for you," says the Queen, with just a little intensity. She's not a woman to demonstrate emotion often--and her demands on the Heir have ever been firm. Yet not as firm as they could have been. Some of the more strictly-minded noble families whisper as much, usually pointing to Triton as an example of what such 'lax standards' ends up creating.

"Five days then," the Queen looks at Triton. "Another small point, Triton--if it comes up, Rebma may be creating a more formal trade relationship with various realms in the near future, something akin to the Golden Circle. Should anyone doubt a prince of the realm would escort the King of Uberwald's daughter. Llyr's diplomatic mission will include investigating interest in such a thing." A ghost of smile crosses her face. "His idea actually. And a good one."

Triton can't help but sigh, "Five days? Let's hope that reality hasn't shifted back to normal by then," he laughs, "And I must say, great idea Llyr with our own Golden Circle. I am sure that your only motives for such an idea are the good of Rebma. Not in any way an excuse to maintain stronger relations with Sister Mircala's homeland," he winks at his brother.

Moire shoots Triton a look and says "Hush."

Llyr's eyes flash just a split second of rage, then he turns away. Not at all like him. In general he handles stress well. Something must disturb him very much, far more than usual.

As for Sister Mircalla, she comes across as sad, and a little guilty. Not the kind of guilt Triton associates with broken vows or innocence lost. Not sexual innocence anyway. More like--guilt at having caused pain.

But Alexander smiles and says "Very good idea, Llyr. Any idea on what to call it? The Silver Circle? No, that wouldn't be right. Too much like a copy of Amber." He ponders the idea while helping himself to a globe of wine.

Triton snickers to himself, but otherwise listens to his mother and keeps quiet.

He is intrigued by his brothers anger. Normally these little quips wouldn't phase his brother in the slightest. Perhaps there is much more going on here than he realizes. Once they two of them are alone he decides that he will have to ask about it.

Then, listening to Alexander he can't help but respond, "The Silver Circle? No, no, no. It should be something more suited to our undersea life."

Triton looks down at Nema on his wrist. He lays a hand gently on her and smiles. Then looking back up at the room he offers, "How about the Ring of Pearls? Seems more fitting."

Llyr and Moire both look at Triton, their faces appalled. "Not...appropriate," says Llyr at last.

"Agreed," says the Queen.

Llyr's mind visibly races to keep Triton from making any more suggestions. "I would tentatively suggest the Order of the Merhorse." In Rebman heraldry the merhorse usually suggests some kind of relationship with the surface world.

"Oh, that's good," Alexander says.

(OOC - Really? In an undersea world, ring of pearls is something dirty? I am very disappointed in the maturity level of Rebma. )

Triton rolls his eyes at his brother and mother, "Fine, let's use Llyr's predictably boring name. Whatever makes you two happy. But I would have gone with something more like Ring of Fire. You know, the active volcanic activity under the sea. Sort of like our active trading partners. Then again, maybe my mind goes there because I am so hot," Triton finishes with a wink towards Mircalla.

"I'm sure you'll make a magnificent wrong impression," says Llyr. "Most will assume the Court wants you out of their collective nets for a time and never realize you're doing anything important. Just remember--you are doing something important. Extremely so. Several things in fact."

"Yes, yes. It's up to me to save the day. I get it brother," Triton finishes with a roll of his eyes, "If it will make you feel better, I would be happy to meet with you, alone, before I leave, so that you can explain just how important this is," Triton finishes with a smile.

Moire takes Triton by the arm. "I think your brother would like some time alone right now," she says, steering him towards the exit. Leaving him little choice, she pulls him out of the apartments. "Hopefully, Llyr will find an excuse to get rid of Alexander on his own." The Queen sighs. "I fear you don't understand the situation, my son."

Triton happily takes his mother's arm and allows her to escort him out of Llyr's chambers. He lets his mother finish before he speaks.

"Mother, you worry too much. Would it make you feel any better if I was serious like Llyr and refrained from joking? No matter my attitude, the situation is still what it is. Joking keeps the mood light and helps people focus in a time of stress. At least it helps me. I understand that this maybe something serious. And I promise to be as careful as I can. I would never want to deprive you of your favorite son," Triton finishes with a smile, kissing his mother's hand.

"Now, where shall I escort the beautiful Queen as I lend my ear and give her my full attention?"

Moire looks at him with suddenly sad eyes. "I've no doubt as to your abilities, Triton. But right now I'm a little worried about your heart--especially as it pertains to your brother's."

Triton sighs, "I know mother. That was an odd experience. He is normally much more playful when we banter. Is there something going on there that I should be aware of? I was planning to talk to him later and apologize. I enjoy giving him a hard time, but I never mean to bring him true pain."

Triton hugs his mother tightly, a great deal of affection in his touch. Then, holding her shoulders as he speaks low and seriously.

"I know that I can be a pain and a little aloof sometimes. But understand that my family means the world to me. I would never wish to cause any of you actual harm, emotional or otherwise," Triton finishes with a kiss upon his mother's forehead.

"Now, shouldn't we be worried about the fate of the world? Or do you already have confidence that my overpowering charms will win the day," he smiles.

Moire shakes her head. "Triton--your brother is in love. And I fear you genuinely don't understand that." She turns and heads down the hallway of the castle.

"Of course I understand that. I fall in love all the time. Heck, just last night I fell in love. What was her name again...," Triton replies, his mind racing as he tries to remember the names of any of the women he was with last night.

Triton continues to walk with his mother unless it's clear that she is done with him and he should be on his way.