Flora has arrived.
The orchestra sheds none of its exuberance, favoring a melange of heady candor and swift pace that now and again drifts into a sultry twang of strings most admirable.
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The music continues, slashed with brief intervals of Celtic dancers, tribal drums and flare and fire of acrobats. There is plenty of drink for all, and plenty of food for those seeking it. Also, plenty of lone spots to induce juicy gossips next day.
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[ Rooftop Gardens - Royal Palace ]
You stand upon a broad expanse of the palace roof set aside for a quiet garden. With the spectacular view of the city, the countryside and the surrounding battlements, one can meander amongst the potted plants and trees without worry of interruption or interference from the common populace. Fragrant bushes ( Read more... )

I met another of Gino's children the other day while Astrid and I were having breakfast. Gaermac and Oriana are twins, born to him in a Shadow called Armina. Due to some internal political issues, both are now relocated to Amber and living in the Palace ( Read more... )

Of all the inconveniences! Apparently one of my Ladies in Waiting has been promised to my brother Julian as a virgin bride, in exchange for some service he performed for Tanus. So instead of insulting Yami by sending her away, he chooses instead to insult her by passing her off to his intended bride as a handmaiden ( Read more... )

I had tea with Astrid in my Solar the other day. We were joined by Dirk, Baldric and Kincaid. Everything was going just wonderfully, until I was called away by the servants ( Read more... )

I finally caught up with Astrid in Kitezh. She was drunk and had to be bodily removed from the tavern. I was prepared with a large escort, however ( Read more... )

I visited Paris yesterday. Yes, the Shadow Paris that was recently destroyed. At least I think so. Tristan was troubled and trumped me to talk. After coming through, we went from having drinks in my suite overlooking Amber to having drinks in a suite overlooking Paris. It was even Spring, and raining ( Read more... )

I'm worried about Ronni. After waiting for so long, she finally met her grandfather. Unfortunately, she bears such a strong resemblance to her grandmother that he became... confused. She insists that she's alright, and that it was only a table that was broken. I've promised to allow her to handle this, but I'm no less concerned.

I was exchanging poetry tonight with Jack via that lovely book he gave me. He is such a hopeless romantic! Someday I must ask him about the lost love who is the object of so much of his writing ( Read more... )