Late the next day, as the last of the prisoners are being rounded up,
Martin and Benedict prepare to return to Amber for the twice-be-damned
Ceremony. On top of which he's spent the entire night and day chasing
Virgans through the woods. He's tired, hungry, and stinking of horse and
sweat and blood. But no, got to go to the stupid Ceremony, or Dad'll
look bad.

"Martin. Are you prepared to depart for the Castle?"

"As prepared as can be," Martin answers with a tired shrug. He glances
round at the holding camp, then returns his attention to Benedict.
"Let's go."

Benedict nods again and nudges his mount forward, taking the lead.

They ride up to the city, and along its streets until they reach the
palace. Niara returned on her own earlier when her work was done.

Martin doesn't bother to change; he's already late for the
scab-ridden Ceremony as it is. He straightens his shirt in the anteroom,
however, as an irate butler does his best to brush some of the dust from
his jacket. Then he and Benedict enter the Great Hall.

Glowing orbs of light have replaced the flickering torches in their
brackets, but the high, arched ceiling is still lost in shadows. From
its immense cross-beams, banners carrying the standards of the Nobles of
Amber hang, and darkened tapestries showing scenes of hunting still
cover the doorways. A massive fire-place stands at either end of the
Great Hall, and dark, sturdy benches and tables line the walls. Opposite
the double doors is a raised and canopied dais where the dark and
ancient throne of Amber stands.

Everybody who can be bothered to show is there.

Martin senses Tessa is standing next to one of the courtiers he assigned
to look after her.

Antonio glances over to Benedict and Martin as they enter.

Martin enters with Benedict, looking very much like he just rode into
the palace after a couple of days spent in the vicintiy of Arden, which
he very probably did.

Benedict waits to be shown in by the door attendants at a suitable time,
taking an appropriate place among the assembled. He too looks like he
just had a recent ride.

Random continues, after a pause, "No less worthy of recognition is Lord
Antonio, who was Lord Marshal of the Amber forces. Lord Antonio, please
step forward."

Antonio moves forward.

A lean young man standing about 6 foot tall with blue-black hair, a
moustache, goatee, tanned skin and dark mocking eyes. He is well muscled
and his hands are covered with callouses of the sort you might expect
from a life aboard ship. He carries himself with an air of confidence
and his voice is deep and commanding with a broad Amber accent. 

He is dressed in an ornate jacket, black with white trim and red
epaulets a white silk shirt with frilled cuffs, and black trousers, that
have been tucked into high, leather boots. A red flowing cloak tumbles
down his back. A silver cutlass hangs from a leather belt on his left
side, its pommel topped by a large ruby. 

Martin's gaze flickers round the room and attendant throng, combing
fingers through his hair, as he watches from near the door.

Once Antonio has moved towards Random, the King continues, "In thanks
for his service to Amber, we have named him as Lord Admiral of the
Southern Amber Navy, and acting Lord Admiral of the Northern Navy until
the return of Prince Caine or Prince Gerard. We also name him Duke of
Claremont."

A polite scattering of applause follows the pronouncement.

Antonio bows his head to Random, flashing him a grin.

Random returns Antonio's grin. "From Amber and ourselves, thank you Duke
Antonio."

Antonio bows his head again and steps back.

Random turns back towards the room at large, continuing in a clear
voice, "Lord of the Household during the Virgan war, Crown Prince Martin
was indespensible to the war effort. In his continued efforts, he and
Prince Benedict have just returned from dealign with the recent incident
with the Virgan prisoners. Prince Mertin, please step forward."

You sense Benedict casts you a brief but approving glance.

In the back, Martin absently does up the buttons of his jacket,
straightens his collar, and otherwise makes himself a tad more
presentable before stepping out from the people assembled there, and
crossing to where the King is.

Benedict senses Martin swallows hard before stepping out.

Benedict glances at Martin, watching him approach the King.

Standing before the King, Martin bows his head to him.

Random says, somberly, "In thanks for his service to Amber, we hereby
name Prince Martin as Duke of Guyon."

Random is not a tall man, nor, a first glance, a terribly impressive
one. Sandy blond hair falls randomly over his forehead and down his
collar, shifting restlessly with him, and bright hazel eyes watch the
world with mingled suspicion and humor. His face is angular, thin and
vuline, a few lines gathered around the corners of his eyes and across
his brows, hinting at the burdens he now carries. Across his brow is a
crown, one of the less showy varieties with only a few precious jewels.
Lean and agile are the proper words for his form, even down to his
narrow fingers which dance restlessly about him, a slim ring of titanium
set with a gleaming white opal on his left ring finger. Never does he
seem to still, though sometimes he can almost achieve that fragile state
through a dint of will, a finger or toe will inevitably betray him.

He is dressed in clothes of red and orange silk, dulled to sobriety by
tasteful swatches of brown. The heavy overcoat is brown, shot with gold,
and set with jewels and embroidery in such a way that it is just the
calm side of overwhelming. All in all, he is properly royal and
impressive yet somehow, oddly, almost casual.

Random continues, after the applause dies down, "Thank you, Prince
Martin, for your service to Amber."

Martin nods, replying "I thank my King."

Martin steps back, bows, and crosses to where Tessa stands.

Honey colored hair falls about her shoulders in waves, curling
perniciously at the ends. Her features while unextraordinary are pretty
enough, aqua hued eyes being the only feature that draws attention at
first glance. She is however gifted with exquisite grace and balance,
her movements fluid. She stands with the trained poise of a professional
dancer, easily balanced and ready to move given any lead to do so. 
 Her dress is an elegant creation of black silk with draping fabric and
shimmers in the cloth. Gently shaped it floats about her, sometimes
free, sometimes clinging.

Tessa awaits his approach, her eyes leaving Random momentarily for
Martin's. She senses he nods as he nears to the courtier at her side,
who takes a barely noticeable half-step away to chat amiably with
someone on his other side.

Martin senses Tessa's brow raises slightly but she covers it with a
smile.

Martin bows to Tessa as he reaches her, and takes his place beside her
there as the ceremony continues on.

Tessa curtsies in return to Martin's bow.

Random turns back to the main part of the room again, his voice carrying
clearly. "Lieutenant of the Palace Guard, Lord Gavin showed himself to
be an intelligent and resorceful commander. In recognition of his
bravery and wisdom, we hereby name him Lord of the Household and Duke of
Amergin." He adds, in a slightly lower tone, "Unfortunately, Duke Gavin
was too busy with his new honors to be here tonight."

There is a scattering of laughter in with the applause in response to
King Random's words.

"Sister," Martin greets her quietly.

Tessa returns the greeting in a voice as soft. "Brother." she says,
inclining her head slightly.

The glow from the phosperescent orbs flicker momentarily, like
candle-flames in a breeze.

Martin continues to watch the ceremony as he speaks quietly with her.
"You look... very nice. How are you?"

Random continues, after a brief pause, "Named a Field Lieutenant during
the War with Virga, Daneel was also a Ranger of Arden. In recognition of
his valour and proved leadership, we recognize him as the Temparary Lord
Protector of Arden until the return of Prince Julian." He continues,
with barely a pause, "Lord Daneel, regretfully, was required to be in
Arden supervising events there. Nonetheless, we thank him for his
service to Amber."

Tessa offers Martin a smile, her eyes flitting to you briefly before the
return to the ceremony. "Thank you. Your leg has healed well it seems. I
am glad."

Martin shrugs a shoulder, as a brief smile flickers into being. "It's
well enough. Perhaps later there'll be time for a dance.""

Antonio frowns.

Llewella smiles, openly.

"Prince Benedict, would you please step forward." Random's voice crosses
the Great Hall easily.

Benedict steps forward, purposeful but not hurried strides bearing him
to the King.

Random says clearly, once Benedict is by him, "We also recognize Prince
Benedict, who aided us so well in Chaos, as Lord Marshal of the Amber
forces and thank him for the role he took in the difinitive battle of
the Virgan war."

Martin heartily joins in the chorus of approval and applause that
follows the King's words.

Benedict inclines his head slightly towards Random.

Once the applause dies down, Random says, "We thank you, Prince
Benedict."

Tessa's smile flits briefly. "Perhaps. If you feel up to it I would be
honored."

All formality of action, Benedict takes several steps back without
turning from Random before returning to his previous position among the
assembled.

Martin glances aside to her as he applauds Benedict. "It would be my
pleasure," he says with a faint, friendly smile.

Random says, into the stillness after Benedict moves away, "We would
also like to recognize the contributions of Prince Bleys and Princess
Llewella in the last battle with Virga. Princess Llewella, would you
please step forward." He adds, "Prince Bleys is currently away from
Amber on business for the Crown."

Llewella breaks away from the courtiers that surround her and with long,
almost floating steps she goes to Random, smile present and bright.

Large, feline eyes of jade reside in her olive complexioned face at a
slight slant. Curling tresses of a hue matching her eyes fall to the
middle of her back, a few tendrils straying and sweeping over one
shoulder. Her smile is slight and holds traces of vague amusement, an
emotion that plays liberally within her eyes as well. Her movements
contain a fluidity and grace within them, nearly as smooth as the waters
she resides in. 
 
She is clad in a flattering creation of silver and violet. Low belted
and off the shoulders, it molds to her then forms a full skirt at the
waist; sweeping elegantly in her wake.

Tessa's gaze turns to Martin a moment, she nods. Her eyes leave quickly
though as she watches Llewella's path.

Benedict watches Llewella for a moment before returning his gaze to
Random.

Antonio eyes Llewella carefully.

Martin's gaze narrows as he regards Llewella, frowning vaguely.

Antonio glances to Martin.

Martin returns Antonio's gaze, and shrugs a shoulder.

"Prince Bleys and Princess Llewella will be jointly heads of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs." He nods to Llewella, "Thank you for your
aid, and we give thanks to the absent Prince Bleys for his leadership in
the last Battle with Virga."

Llewella inclines her head, curtsying, and smile still visible and she
returns to where she stood before amid the throng of nobles.

Random turns back to the main room again, voice as clear and strong as
it was when he began. "We would also like to recognise the informational
contributions of Lady Niara, who, due to sustained injuries, was unable
to make it here tonight."

Martin quirks a brow, and manages to stifle a grin at that.

Antonio coughs into his fist, covering a smirk.

Tessa seems vaguely upset a moment and then it passes.

Martin turns towards Niara, "Something..?"

Tessa gives a brief shake of her head. "Later."

Benedict shifts from where he stands, making his way around the
gathering to place himself beside Llewella quietly.

Random continues, acting as though the slight disturbances nearby
weren't occuring, "Lastly, but by no means least, we would like to
recognize the brave Lords, such as Lord Hal, who brought their men to
serve in defense of Amber and made this celebration possible." He says,
seriously, "In her time of need, all of these people acted with honor
and valour, and we thank all of them."

Llewella offers a smile to Benedict as he sidles up to her but her
attention seems rather fixed on Random.

Martin nods, after a moment, and returns his attention to the ceremony."

A faint draught stirs the hangings, musty and ancient.

Random looks about to all of the Court. "In addition, I would like to
announce a week of festivities that will take place in the Noble City of
Amber that we fought so hard to defend." He says, more gently, though
his voice carries as far as it ever did, "With all of the efforts
recognized here, and we are sure more impressive accomplishments int he
future, Amber cannot help but remain the Jewel in the Universe she has
always been."

Antonio begins applauding.

"Hear, hear!" Martin calls out, joined in by a group of younger
courtiers.

The asembly breaks into resounding applause.

Llewella adds in to the applause, smile evident.

Once the applause has died down again, Random says, with a smile,
"Please enjoy the music, mingle, dance if you wish."

Tessa senses Martin lean down to whisper, "I have to speak with
the King. I'll look for you when I'm done."

Antonio is one of the first to break ranks as he makes his way towards
the door.

Martin steps away from Tessa, bowing a farewell to her, and leaving her
to her companion again.

Random steps down from the dias as people begin to wander off and
musicians in the corner pick up a rousing dance song.

Antonio goes out into the main hall.

Benedict nods faintly to nobles assembled who greet him or pass by as
the group breaks up.

Martin turns and makes his way through the mingling and well-wishing
nobles, courtiers and whatnots towards the King.

Tessa's companion returns to her side as Martin departs and he chats at
her. She responds but it is noticeable that her attention is elsewhere.

Random seems content to remain by the Throne, nodding to several
courtiers as they pass and murmur polite nothings.

As Martin reaches the King, he nods politely at the courtiers around
him, waiting til he's caught Random's attention.

Random turns towards Martin after finishing a brief conversation with a
more elderly man commenting on what such things were like in /his/ day.
The courtier drifts off when it's apparent the King's attention has
turned to his son.

Martin flashes a bright, pointed smile at the old man until he, and some
of the others courtiers, have taken the hint, then turns to speak
quietly with the King.

Martin asks, without preamble, "Where's Bleys?"

Random repeats his previous words, "He is off on Crown business."

"Is he in Virga?"

Random shakes his head, slightly, "It's business, Martin. He's handling
it."

Martin arches a brow, and restates himself, slower. "I'm headed to Virga
tomorrow, so if Bleys is there, I need to know about it."

Random smiles, slight. "Don't worry about where he is. It shouldn't
affect anything with Virga."

Martin regards Random dubiously a moment. "As you will," he answers.
"Anything you'd like me to convey to his Imperial Highness while I'm
there?"

A wind rises up, moaning through the gaps between the walls.

Random considers that for a moment, then says, "Tell him that any
further actions of this sort will not be tolerated by Amber. We are
willing to have a peaceful, working relationship with him, but further
aggressive actions will be retaliated in kind and this time the battle
ground will not be Amber." He adds, smirking a bit, "And try to set
things up so they won't resent us too much at the same time. Resentment
leads to fanaticism."

Martin's reply is a wry grin. "I'll try. "Then, "I'll be making the
rounds of the Golden Circle assuming I get out of Virga in one piece.
I'll probably be gone a while. Will there be anything else?""

Random says, seriously, "Take care. I /want/ you out in one piece." He
grins. "Nothing more than what we've already talked about, I don't
think. That and keep in touch. Vialle worries, and so do I. You have a
trump of me, right?"

Martin lets out a long breath. "I'll keep you posted, yes." Via
Benedict, he thinks to himself.

Random nods, "Good. Now, I should probably mingle." His eyes look
seriously into Martin's for a moment. "If I don't see you before you
leave, take care."

Tessa bids those about her adieu, then she inclines her head to Random
and the crown prince before making her exit.

Martin doesn't answer immediately, his gaze meeting his father's, but
without expression. "I always do," he says, inclines his head in a bow,
and steps away.

Llewella goes out into the main hall, after making her farewells to
Benedict.

Random moves away from Martin, or perhaps the Crown Prince moves first,
it's a close call. Casually, Random begins making his way towards Tessa.

Benedict nods curtly to a few others, a small frown knitting his brow.
He too makes his way out of the assembly.

Martin hesitates for a second when it looks like the King and himself
are headed in the same direction, then he smiles to a lady-in-waiting,
and steers himself smoothly elsewhere.

Benedict leaves, as Gavin enters.

  He stands an easy six and a half feet, broad shouldered and well
  muscled. His hair is so dark as to have a faint bluish cast. Cold,
  steel blue eyes, strong features, and a short black beard make him a
  rather handsome fellow. A black doublet adorns his torso, laced over
  a golden trimmed shirt of crimson which is gathered at his elbows.
  Black pants match the doublet, and descend into knee-length cuffed
  boots. A wide swordbelt is cinched about his waist, and supports a
  basket hilted sabre.

Tessa is standing amid a group of young men, all dressed to the height
of fashion and each of them passes out a tidbit of conversation which
she in turn smiles at, laughs politely for or gives a short response.
From a distance, it is reminiscent of a silent movie.

Martin chats amiably with a pretty lady of the court, and her friend,
not far from the throne, keeping an eye out for an opening.

Random moves towards Tessa, smoothly interposing himself between the
nearer young man and her, possibly aided by the young men moving back a
little as the King joins them.

Tessa executes a curtsy. "Your Majesty." she says politely.

Gavin appears from an exit to the Main Hall. A restrained smile forms on
his lips, and he starts towards Random. He dispenses nods to a number of
those in along his path.

Random replies, smiling, "Lady Tessa," he greets, politely. His voice
lowers a bit as his words to her continue.

Random mutters to Tessa, "... you enjoyed... ceremony,..."

Martin spies Gavin across the room headed towards the King, and
extricates himself politely but firmly, from the ladies, and makes his
way over.

Tessa inclines her head. She mutters to Random. 

Random grins a bit, He mutters to Tessa, "... I... crown... am..."  His
tone is gently teasing.

Tessa seems troubled momentarily but she smiles prettily for the benefit
of all those around. She mutters to Random, "... Thank you."

Random offers his arm to Tessa. He mutters to Tessa, "... dance,..." 

Gavin pauses in his approach, and nods toward Martin, "Good evening,
your highness."

Tessa inclines her head again. "Of course." she extends her hand to
Random, smile fixed upon her lips. "I would be honored."

Martin returns Gavin's nod, "And yourself," he says pleasantly, eyeing
the King and Tessa. "Oh, and congratulations."

Random draws Tessa away from her admierers and onto the dance floor,
smoothly stepping into a foxtrot to the upbeat music.

Gavin's smile broadens only a touch, "Thank you," he returns, before
turning to watch Random and Tessa.

Martin turns and says somethig quietly to Gavin, as they watch the
dancing from the sidelines.

"What've you been up to?" he whispers to Gavin.

Tessa swings easily into the dance, her frame extended, the line her
body makes eloongated and curved. She manages to follow every lead and
still talk softly without drawing her head from the line of frame.
Truly, a practiced art.

Gavin gives a brief, hushed chuckle, and nods at Martin. "Oh, just
dealing with the joys of holding many titles."

Martin grins at Gavin, and chuckles softly.

Random leads Tessa smoothly around the dance floor, his own lips moving
occassionally, though the words are never discernable.

Martin holds the smile a second longer than the humor in it. "Look after
my boys, eh?" he says pleasantly.

Gavin nods at Martin. "That I will."

"Good."

Tessa's head leaves the line of frame long enough to watch Random's face
a moment and reply, and then it returns. It even keeps that tilted line
as she is taken into an inside spin that sets her skirts floating about
her.

Random's lips turn downward slightly, at something Tessa says perhaps.
He leads her through a few impresive manouvers, slowing as the song
comes to an end.

Tessa leaves her hand in Random's even after the song ends, her gaze
still locked upon his. Her opposite arm is still extended, as a dancer's
elbow slightly bent, once again providing that line of her body. She
smiles to him, speaking softly.

The musicians pause only a moment before picking up another song, this
one more suited for walzing than anything else.

Martin turns and nods politely to Gavin, taking his leave.

Antonio enters the Great Hall with Niara on his arm.

Take the Mona Lisa. Make her darker and elfin boned, and substitute her
straight brown-black hair with ebony. Widen her almondine eyes. Color
them bronze, like those of some leopards. Occasionally, fleetingly,
re-draw that famous smile onto a Dionysian mouth. Give her slender,
fragile hands, impossibly tiny feet, and indolent grace that is the
stuff of scientific treatise. Shear her lustrous hair until the back is
just at ear level, and beginning to curl. Snip her bangs into a coronet
of short ringlets. Let her bloom within a silk tiger lily; plain peau de
soie, all simple lines and regal cut. Cinch her waist with purple satin
falls. Caress her nape and bared shoulders with fringes of gold wire
lace. Float a lotus-riddled round of lapis against her collarbone from a
delicate silver chain. Make her smell like lilacs and warm musk.

Random and Tessa linger on the side of the dance floor, conversing
quietly.

Gavin returns Martin's nod. He turns a glance toward Antonio and Niara,
inclines his head, and turns again to those about him, as a quiet
conversation is struck up.

Martin moves away from where he'd been speaking with Gavin, and finds
his way over to where the drinks are being served.

Antonio mutters to Niara. He nods to Gavin.

Niara's brows lift as she tips her chin up toward Antonio.

Random swings Tessa out on the floor again, into a smooth, effortless
waltz.

Random spins Tessa, catching her agian and leading her in the other
direction. Every movement is deliberate and smooth.

A faint draught stirs the hangings, musty and ancient.

Antonio watches the couple dance as he mutters quietly to Niara.

Martin helps himself to a goblet of wine, and is soon joined by a group
of young courtiers, much like the ones seen close by Tessa before. Now
and again, laughter erupts from their closed group.

Tessa plays idly with a break, letting her back arc and her arms extend
like the wings of a swan, doll-like in Random's arms. As she is led into
spirals, her dress swirls, cut so well for smooth dances, to float
effortlessly on the quick turns.

Antonio and Niara talk together, sometimes animated, sometimes sombre,
but they're too far away for Martin to overhear. Besides, his attention
is on his sister and their father, as he waits impatiently for their
stupid dance to be done with. What he'd give for a hot bath and bed
right now...

Random laughs, managing to not miss a step despite that.

Tessa is taken into an inside turn as the song comes to a close, and
Random stretches it from dual turns into a set of four. Then catching
her lightly about the waist, his leg extends in balance and she is
dipped, gently. Once again she loosens completely, her body becoming
malleable in the frame, her arms extending for artistic nature and her
head tilting back sending the nape of her neck in a line with her body.
She is lowered until the golden curls of her hair nearly brush the dance
floor, and then, after the music stops Random straightens his form and
lifts her easily back to her feet.

Random brings Tessa's hand to his lips for a kiss, bowing slightly.

Onlookers politely applaud the display as the piece comes to an end.

Random is chuckling as he leads Tessa from the dance floor.

The King escourts Tessa towards a group of courtiers, graciously making
small talk and ensuring she's included. Oddly, the group he choses is
very different from the one earlier hanging about her.

She is smiling, laughter falling easily.

Martin and his group continue to talk amongst themselves. As the King
leads Tessa from the dancefloor, Martin nods his farewells to the
courtiers, watching Random and Tessa.

Random mutters to Tessa, "... you... me, Lady Tessa? I should..."

Tessa nods. She mutters to Random, "... Thank you... dance... for not...
me." 

Random murmurs a few more things to the small gorup of courtiers, then
moves away from them, and, coincidentally, Tessa.

Martin excuses himself as the group breaks up, wandering off in seperate
directions in twos and threes. Martin himself heads towards Tessa.

Tessa watches after Random a moment, before a comment at her side draws
her attention.

Random mingles his way towards Gavin without quite looking as if he is.
Niara smiles, slowly, all the way to a dimple in her right cheek.

Martin, somewhere along the way, picks up another goblet of wine, as he
smiles and nods his way into Tessa's little knot of admiring hangers-on.

Gavin chats quietly with those around him, and does a fair job of
appearing as though he's enjoying himself.

Tessa shifts her smile from those about her to her brother, with a
slightly inquisitive look.

Random approaches Gavin, smiling. He mutters to Gavin, "Congradulations,
Duke..." 

Antonio leads Niara over towards the drinks and nibblies.

Martin smiles brightly at the courtier closest to Tessa until he decides
to find somebody else to talk to, and offers a goblet of wine to his
sister.

Gavin allows a brief grin to surface, and nods at Random. He murmurs
something lowly in return.

Tessa accepts the goblet into her right hand and lifts it into a faint
salute to Martin, before sipping from it.

Martin returns Tessa's toast, and draws her away from the crowd towards
a quiet corner.

Elsewhere, the King, and then Gavin, and then Antonio and Niara talk
among themselves.

Tessa allows herself to be drawn away still favoring Martin with her
smile.

When they've left the courtiers behind, and have found a pool of
relative stillness, he turns to speak with her, his manner, from all
appearances, quite quite polite.

"Enjoy your dance?"

Tessa's eyes show some amount of discomfiture. "Yes." she says softly.
"I did."

Martin considers you with a brief flicker of puzzlement, or concern.
"Would you like to get some air?""

Tessa frowns a moment. "Would it not look odd were we to leave?"

"Would it?" he asks. "No one raised an eyelid when Benedict and Llewella
left, and Antonio came back even." Then, a shrug,"I just asked because
you looked like you might have appreciated some fresh air."

Martin shrugs, and sips his wine. "We can stay if you'd prefer."

Tessa shakes her head. "No, no air would be fine. This crowd is wearing
on me."

Martin nods to Tessa, and extends his arm to her.

Tessa accepts Martin's arm.

Martin leads his sister towards the north end of the great hall, towards
the doors, with the occasional polite nod to those they pass. They head
out into the gardens, where they talk.