THE GATHERING

As the guests arrived, two men of Rom descent stood in brilliant red and inky black, on their breast was a silver fox with a poleaxe. They bowed to each guest gesturing them into the home.

The house was awash with waves of fabrics, primarily black red, but mixed with blue and silver. Paper lanterns, candles and cascades of flowers adorned the room. A pathway of gold coins, scatterings of spice, and flower petals covered the floor forming a path that lead to the outdoors.

Outside there was a tented area, not unlike that used by the Rom people, bright in colour, rich in fabric, roped with gold. More lanterns lit the area, sending a soft glow over the various flowers and water fountains that filled the space. There were several areas bedecked with large reclining cushions and low tables filled with food and drink.

A group of Rom played their native music as a lovely woman danced about the guests.

A man approaches, garishly dressed - even in comparison with his surroundings - red fedora and suit jacket standing in stark contrast with his bright yellow tie. He pauses a moment, looking at the house and tent, then retrieves the invitation from his jacket pocket. Assured that, despite the appearance this is the right place, he finally enters the assembly. He hands his invitation to one of the waiting stewards and gives his name, and his hat. "Trencher," he says, "Max Trencher. They're really holding this shindig in a bordello?"

The steward took his hat and invitation but before he could respond, a laugh flirted down the steps to Max, "A bordello? Considering the ratio of men far outranks that of women, you may find yourself in interesting circumstances." The blonde was dressed like the Rom that entertained them. Her entrari was made of crimson shantung, while the yelek was snug bodice type vest of purple trimmed with gold and gold coins. The waist length jacket was done in a majestic blue silk again trimmed in gold. The bottoms of her sarouelles were the same purple as the yelek. Bracelets adorned her wrist and her blonde hair was pulled back with a hairpiece of gold, with coins framing her face. Her eyes were kohl lined and her lips a full pout of red.

A smirk took her mouth as she walked down the stairs, her feet bare, painted with henna designs, "I'm Bianca. You must be Max...Lance's brother." She held out her hand as she approached, "Thank you for coming. Lovely jacket by the way."

"I've never been to a bar where the patrons didn't outnumber the er...servers." Puts in another male voice as Lance comes up alongside his brother. Dressed in a dark blue jacket with gold and white trim, he looks like he's stepped out of a Napoleonic ballroom, right down to the rather plain face dominated by dark eyebrows and a too-large nose.

He clasps Max's hand and passes a quiet word, then bows (not low enough, Lance clearly has a poor sense of propriety) to Bianca. "What's a girl like you doing in a place like this, anyhow?" He asks, eyes suspiciously bright as his dark brows dance in time to his words.

Bianca's face lit up at the sight of Lance, "Why, waiting for you of course." She flipped back, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. "How have you been? Stirring up some trouble, I hope. You look smashing by-the-by."

A petite woman, donning a chartreuse diaphanous dress timidly hands over her invitation to the steward, smiling brilliantly as the two seem to share a quiet joke. Her long, dark hair loosely piled upon her head, exposing her bare back and shoulders. A fire opal nestled in a silver setting found it's home just above her cleavage. As she stepped past the steward, she appeared to search the few faces present for a familiar one.

After a moment Silene saw Sharlotte walking out from the manor. She was wearing a marvelous, off the shoulder, floor length, velvet, plum gown. It had long sleeves and a modest slit up in the front. On her feet she had open toe, plum high heels

Her blonde hair was gathered and pinned at back of her head. On her neck she had a delicate platinum necklace. Her lips had a nice deep red color.

She smiled warmly seeing Silene and walked up to greet with her.

"You look absolutely wonderful, Silene." she said once she gave her a hug.

She returns the embrace, adding a peck on the cheek. Stepping back, "You've out done yourself, Shar. Absolutely stunning." She glances around, "Where's Bianca?"

Sharlotte blushed softly, hearing Silene's compliment.

"She was going to the garden. So, she should be somewhere nearby..." she replied, looking around. "Oh, there she is!" she called, noticing Bianca. "Let's go to her." she said and the two of them headed towards their friend.

Max addresses Bianca as the new guests arrives. "Actually, we've met before." he begins; voice a touch high and nasal. "Not that I'd expect you to remember me." he says with an uneasy laugh. He smooths the thinning hair on his head as he addresses his brother. "How ya doin', Lance, long time." He passes a knowing nod to him, agreeing to earlier, unvoiced, terms.

Bianca cocked her head to the side and then clamped her hands together. "Oh yes...the bright colours dazzled me for a moment. It was the lovely beach wasn't it?"

Two young women, a blonde and brunette, walked up to the group.

"Bianca, you naughty girl. I've left you only for two minutes and you're already surrounded by men." Sharlotte said with puckish smile. "Care to introduce us to your friends?"

She kissed Silene's cheek, "Lance, Max, are you familiar with Lady Silene? Ambassador to Carezda?"

Max smiles and nods at the two new arrivals. It's forced, and uncomfortable. He looks for the bar.

Silene returned the gesture warmly before turning the gentlemen, "It's a privilege to meet you both." Her tone had a slight lilt to it. "Bianca, this is fabulous. You and Sharlotte certainly should be proud... the atmosphere is absolutely festive."

"Why thank you! Dristan's running a touch late, but he did the hard labour. Shar and I just prettied it up. You look smashing." She said, pressing a kiss.

Bianca waved Sharlotte over, "Lance, have you made the acquaintance of Miss Sharlotte Bayle? She captains her own ship which I have of course forgotten the name of." Bianca said, with a slight flush of cheeks.

"It's a fast barque, called Vixen." Sharlotte explained with a soft smile.

"Since I have a really good memory to faces and I don't remember yours, I guess I haven't had the pleasure to meet you."

"Carezda... Oh yes, there was a ring of Black Marketeers from Carezda down by the docks." Lance seems pleased with having recollected the place. "Enchanted to make your acquaintance, madame." He adds. "Your post must be...interesting."

"Interesting... yes, that would be one way to describe my post," she returned with a smile. "And yes, it was most unfortunate regarding those merchants... it seems that once some leave our borders, they forget all the virtues encouraged in Carezda. Have you traveled to Carezda?"

"Once, on business." Lance allows. "I cannot envision such a hinterland as meriting a full embassy. How came you by the appointment? Purchase or payoff?"

Silene chuckled, "Born to it, of course." She pondered his observation before responding.

Bianca blinked and gave Lance a bit of a look and shook her head in a bit of wonder, "What would you like to drink Lance? Silene?"

Leaving Lance to his "work", Max makes an announcement before departing. "Hey, this is fun, but I think I'm going to go find a bar that needs me to lean against it."

Bianca nodded to Max, "I have those drinks you mentioned before, with the umbrellas..." She winked at him, "Because I know how much you like girlie drinks." Her tone was playful.

Silene directed her attention to Bianca's question, "Wine, please."

Turning back to Lance, "That must have been eons ago... Carezda has blossomed into a capitalistic city-state; brokering trade agreements for the last several years. Carezda offers many resources to the kingdom, and as a young state, is delighted the kingdom is so willing to share its knowledge and expertise in governance. It is a sound partnership." She smiled, "Perhaps your experience was less than perfect because you didn't have an appropriate guide to share all of Carezda's wonders with you?" Her manner, while proper, was relaxed. "What business brought you to my, what did you call it, 'hinterland'?"

Bianca smiled as she watched Silene hold her own, leaving shortly to fetch her a glass of Carezda red and a scotch for Lance. "Lance just how do you get away with calling someone's home a Sudetenland and still end up with a lovely lady both elbows, smiling at you?" She handed him the scotch, "This is one of Bayle's finer malts. I do have a bourbon if you prefer?"

"This will do, thanks." Lance nods. "I suppose they are just victims of my disarming charm and pucklike personality." He shrugs

She noticed the door open and two ladies enter, "Will you excuse?" She said to Lance and Silene and she moved to Rebecca and Kaylana.

A short woman enters and hands over her invitation; even in heels, the top of her blonde head only barely brushes 5'3". Her dress is a classy little black number that she's accented with a choker made of pearls and rubies and a blood-red bolero jacket sparsely patterned with more black and white. She glances back for her companion, the tail of curls that make up her hairdo swinging with the movement.

Her companion stands about a head taller than the petite blonde and hands over her own invitation along with her black Stetson. Having not been seen in a dress since her arrival in Amber, Eric's daughter remains firm to that tradition tonight. Dressed in an open duster of deep red velvet over black leather pants and a black satin bustier style top, her black boots have gold filigree toe and heel covers that flash when she walks. The only jewelry she wears is the ever-present signet ring. As she walks up beside the blonde woman, she tosses her loose brown hair over her shoulder.

"You move awfully fast for a short woman," Rebecca drawls good-naturedly.

"Practice," Kaylana shoots back easily, "and tall boyfriends. Shall we go introduce ourselves?"

The costumed hostess met them half way into the foyer, "Good evening, thank you for joining our festivities." She smiled, pressing a kiss to each of their cheeks without actually touching. "I am Bianca and I would guess," She looked Rebecca up and down, "That you are Rebecca and you are Kaylana. We are very happy you could join us."

"Our host had some last minute details to take care of, but please, come, make yourself at home. Are you familiar with Lance, Max, Sharlotte, and Silene?"

Not the least bit perturbed at the once over, but terribly amused at the air kisses, Rebecca replies with an easy and comfortable smile. "Nope, can't say I am. Little Bit here is the only cousin I've had the pleasure of meeting."

At precisely that moment Dristan finally slid in through the front entrance, he was dressed in black loose fitting pants that nearly billowed, a red undershirt and a black vest with red piping, his head was wrapped in a black scarf that wound about his brow and he smiled as he caught sight of Bianca standing with another pair of women just inside the doorway to his manor. He gave her a slight bow and then slid up and around the small group, standing just over her shoulder as he placed a hand on it. While she spoke he gave a nod to each of the other ladies and then ran his gaze over the rest of the room. When there was a pause he leaned in close to Bianca's ear and whispered. "My apologies darling, things took longer than I expected."

Bianca nodded, tipping her head back to look up at him, "Why don't you go say hello to Max at the bar, he seems lonely. After you have been introduced to Rebecca and Kaylana, of course."

The blonde looked between the women, her smile broadening, "Well I am certain you have met one of the best. Would you mind following me and I shall make the introductions." As Dristan arrived and they exchanged a quick word she spoke again, "And this is Dristan, my co host and cohort." She looked up at the tall blonde and winked.

Bianca gestured for them to go ahead, "Sharlotte, Silene, Lance, this is Rebecca and Kaylana. The gentleman at the bar, you can't miss him, that is Max."

Lance watches from the side, taking advantage of the conversation to quaff most of his drink.

Max waves from his position, way across the room where he's keeping the bar from falling over. His red suit coat is un-missable, even at this distance.

Dristan nodded to each of the women. "A pleasure..." then glanced at Max and nodded. "So where are we m'dear? I have not missed to much have I?"

"Hardly anything," Bianca remarked, "Sharlotte and I just finished with the last touches and our guests have begun to arrive."

"Ah, good... everything is well then." He glanced around the room and then back down at the lady beside him. "I am dying for a kiss..."

The lady blushed, "Really? From anyone I know or someone in particular?" She asked with a coy bat of eyelashes.

"Oh, aye... from a very particular one. Beautiful, kind, caring... oh yes and very, very." Leaning on close to her ear to where no one else could hear him, he whispered. "Married."

She batted his hand and gave him a brief sharp look, "Hush." But then the smile returned, followed by a brief albeit unchaste kiss, "Go and mingle with our guests."

Dristan returned her kiss. "Mingle? Me? I think you might have me confused with someone social..." he grinned at her look and then gave her a bow. "Just for you Bianca. Where should I start...? I suppose I could go a greet those I know."

"Please do, and say "hello" to Max, he seems a bit lonely." She observed, giving her attention back to the ladies.

Silene regarded Lance as she sipped her wine, patiently waiting for her answer. "Shall I ask one of the servers to bring you another refreshment, Lance?" She inquired, directing his attention back to her.

"No.... If they're worth their jobs, they'll note the wounded soldier here…." He gestures with his near-empty glass. "And bring reinforcements."

"Carezda harbors a number of demonic cultists." Lance points out. "Their population is now somewhat...lower than it was ere I visited. You really could do with a good inquisition there, you know." He adds.

Silene raises an eyebrow, "Demonic cultists? How fascinating... I guess the Divine Council doesn't share all its knowledge. Do you fancy yourself an expert?" she inquires, curiosity piqued.

"Say rather that I am a professional." Lance demurs. "Max is the expert in the family...I suppose that Carezda's problem comes from proximity to too many dimensions, so demons are to be expected in numbers... but a little 'pest control' would go a long ways." He advises.

Dristan shook his head and then turned; spotting Max by the bar he closed the distance between them. A he leaned against the bar he looked over at him and nodded. "Welcome to my home. I think..." he looked around at the decorations. "Enjoying yourself?"

"I am." Max says, somewhat surprisingly. "Though I gotta ask ya. How do you decide to live in a brothel?" he asks, casting a glance at the surroundings.

"I let Bianca decorate..." He looked around at the decor. "Does it really look like a brothel? I rather thought she caught the mood of a desert prince's abode."

Max shrugs. "Don't know, I've never been in any desert prince abodes," he says, taking a sip from his drink with a tiny umbrella in it. "But, yeah, looks like a brothel where I come from." He pauses, surveying the room. "Still, living in a brothel might not be such a bad thing, I guess."

"I suppose, but I would rather visit one than live in one I think. Although I think that perhaps I would not mention to Bianca what you think of her choice in decoration."

"So Rebecca, you spend a great deal of time in Arden, do you not?"

"I do," Rebecca replies as she accepts the glass of whiskey she asked the server for earlier. "Lot more trees than I'm used to being in but it's never boring and Julian's a right funny guy. Reminds me a lot of Dad sometimes."

"I am pleased you think so. Some people claim he is cold and distant akin to my own father but I just find that is reiterated by people that are either intimidated or never had tried to form a conversation of merit with them. I think it's delightful that you have such a rapport with him." She watched Dristan with Max, "Hopefully father and son can improve their dynamic as well."

"Come, may I introduce you two to the rest of our guests?" She asked, steering them toward Silene, Sharlotte and Lance. "I take it you like horses." She said, noting her attire.

Rebecca laughs. "I was raised on a ranch. Spent more time with horses than people when I got old enough. Always know where you stand with a horse. They like ya, tolerate ya, or try to kill ya and they're just fine with lettin' ya know how it is. They're pretty secure in the fact that people need them more than they need people."

"They do have the luxury of that don't they." Bianca remarked as she brought them before Lance, Silene and the strangely quiet Sharlotte. "Allow me to introduce you both to Lance, Silene and Sharlotte." Bianca said with a warm tone, "Friends, this is Rebecca and Kaylana."

"Evenin' all," Rebecca drawls pleasantly.

"Nice to meet you." Sharlotte smiled friendly. "I'm Sharlotte Bayle."

"Yes...quite." Lance agrees, carefully. "I've not had the pleasure, but then I seldom have, it seems."

Rebecca grins at him. "Ain't that always the way? But some things are worth makin' time for. Pleasure bein' one of 'em."

"One of the advantages of immortality is that there is always more time, so even pleasure deferred is not necessarily pleasure denied." Lance observes. "And often the taste of deferral makes the pleasure more...piquant." He decides with a faint answering smile of his own.

"Forgive me if I do not cipher your dialect properly...it is quite...itself."

She laughs, delighted. "I know. Julian threatens me with lessons. I figure if I spend enough time here it'll even out but right now, I'm not too fussed 'bout it. 'Sides, it irritates Flora almost as much as the boots."

"Well then you should certainly continue with it." Bianca assured the cowgirl, "I think its a charming accent, certainly adds to your...uniqueness."

"Pleased to meet you all," Kaylana said, with a smile of her own. She has begun tapping one finger against her skirt, perfectly in time with the musicians.

Bianca noticed her tapping, "Do you play? Or sing?"

"Both, although I prefer to play." Kaylana chuckled. "My singing gets worse with alcohol and bad temper."

"Well feel free to join them." Bianca said with a smile, "We're all friends here."

"I might do that later," Kaylana answered.

Silene smiled at Kaylana, "I hope you do, I've always wanted to learn. I'm Silene, it's nice to meet you both."

"You're welcome to stop by any time for a lesson," Kaylana offered.

"Oh, that would be very kind... perhaps I will take you up on your generous offer. I have to warn you, my talents lie in appreciating art, not contributing to it... you may regret taking me on as a student." Silene chuckles.

"You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised, too," Kaylana said cheerfully. "Sometimes it's a matter of finding the instrument that suits you best."

"Wonderful. I look forward to it." Silene agreed.

"What do you play on?" Sharlotte asked, interested.

"Guitar," Kaylana said enthusiastically. "Electric and acoustic, though of course I only have the one here with me."

Sharlotte chuckled hearing Kaylana. "Admiral Cain tried to teach me that so I could play shanties like a true sailor. It didn't work out."

"I sing a bit myself. Though, I mostly do it under a shower." She added with a grin.

"I'd be interested to hear some of those shanties," Kaylana answered. "They're nowhere near as present as they used to be back home, and I know a few people that would love some new songs."

"In that case you should drop by to my flat." Sharlotte replied. "I'm renting an attic at the corner of Marshmallow and Pearl. And I'll be in the city for at least three more weeks."

"I don't promise to sing anything, but for sure I can give you music and lyrics for all the shanties I know." she offered with a smile.

"I'll do that," agreed Kaylana. "I'm not sure how long I'll be in town this time, so I'll likely stop by fairly soon." She smiled. "Maybe you can send me off to someone who would want to sing for me? I'm the last person to ask someone else to make music if they don't want to."

A man strolled in wearing a white shirt with billowy sleeves. His blue vest was covered with intricate patterns and offset his very dark blue slacks nicely. After he showed the doorman his invitation his green eyes scanned the room briefly until he saw the bar.

The hostess raised a thin blonde eyebrow as the Rembian Duke walked past her without a by your leave and bellied up to the bar. She looked at Sharlotte, "Trouble in paradise or should I take the slight personally?" There was no mistaking the tone of Bianca's voice.

Sharlotte looked at Bianca and then glanced at other girls. "No, I'm sure, he didn't want to offend you... Please, forgive him." By the look of her face it was clear that she didn't want to discuss the thing in front of the others.

The miffed look on Bianca's face lessened, "Only because I adore you." And it was clear she meant that.

"Thank you." Sharlotte whispered with gratitude in her hazel eyes.

Silene watched the exchange. "Bianca, you and Sharlotte did such a marvelous job transporting this place to the desert." she wraps her arm around Sharlotte, "Come, show me all the finer details..."

Warren headed straight over without hesitation. He might have grunted a greeting to Dristan but it is uncertain. He flopped a sketchpad onto the counter and ordered a shot of something very potent. He slugged it down and ordered two more. After slamming the second drink he rubbed his hands over his face and through his jet-black hair.

Sipping the third drink he turned to face the room and almost dropped it when he saw the man sitting near him. More specifically... his coat.

"That has got to be the most brilliantly interesting shade of color I have every seen."

Max smiles at the newcomer, interested in the waves of confusion he managed to create in his passing through. He speaks, briefly, before Dristan. "Thanks. People say you can't find nice clothes at flea markets. I say, you're just not looking hard enough." he comments with a broad smile.

Warren laughed. "That is so true! I had no idea that I would discover this shade of... whatever... at a dinner party. I am glad I looked." he grew slightly serious, "You weren't told what color that was were you? Or could you part with a piece of it? I would really like to see if I could recreate it on canvas or paper."

Max shrugs, "Sure it was about 3 sizes too big on me when I bought it. . . " Max leans in with a whisper, "For 5 bucks, whatta steal, right?" then continues, "So I had to have it taken in. I've probably got some of the scraps back home somewhere, I did, after all, have my hat dyed to match." he says proudly.

"Amazing," he gasped as he ordered a Brandy-Sour and cleared his throat, "I'm Warren, by the way."

He offered his hand to the colorful man.

Max accepts Warren's hand. "Trencher. But, you can call me Max." he says, then orders another fruity drink from the bartender. "So, what brings you to Amber, besides the chance to have a party at a barely disguised brothel? Dristan says it isn't, but I don't believe him. I mean, look, there are more women here than men." he says, indicating the group gathered seemingly adoringly around his brother.

Dristan raised an eyebrow at Warren as he entered and flopped his sketchpad down on the bar. He turned his eyes towards the man as he downed the shots quickly and then commented on the bright jacket. When he turned back to Max he replied, "Well, your head is still attached so I suppose she forgave you, or didn't notice. You know everyone here?"

"There were other people!?!" replied Warren with an odd humor, "I just saw this oasis of libation and headed over."

Bianca turned to Lance, "I'd really like to hear your take on demons, Lance. Where you fancy they hail from? Are we talking demons of Thelbane or demons of shadow? Or is there no distinction? I'm not very versed in them."

"At the most basic level, we are all, or can be, demons." Lance replies. "Any who travel dimensions are, in fact the very word 'demon' derives from Dimension."

"So, a tumbledown crossroad dimension like Carezda collects Demons like a Second son collects courtesans." Lance continues. "And wherever there are demons, cultists crop up. Often, they are worse problems than the Demons."

Silene arches a brow, "Such a delicate picture you paint, Lance. Perhaps when the trill of hunting demons no longer exists, you may consider a second career in politics. Your eloquence is ... unmatched." She suggests pleasantly before taking a sip from her glass.

Lance shakes his head. "Too much truth in me." He explains. "I saw a gravestone once, 'Here lies a diplomat and an honest man' it said."

He shrugs "Never could fathom how they got the two of them in the hole together."

Silene chuckles at the comment and raises her glass to Lance. "Indeed..."

Warren shakes Max's hand. "A pleasure. I am in Amber because I was ordered to be here," he leans close and whispers almost conspiratorially, "Don't ever try to talk Queen Moire out of anything... Not worth it."

He leans back and resumes conversationally, "The only reason I am at this party, or brothel, is because my Muse invited me. No offense Dristan, but I am feeling quite antisocial at the moment."

He followed Max's stare. "Say... I know some of those women."

He raises his glass in a greeting/toast to the ladies surrounding Lance.

Max shrugs, "I'm sure I could know them too, if I'd brought my checkbook." he says, taking another sip from his umbrella-shrouded drink. "Hey, look, some of them are even in costume." He says, indicating the cowboy hatted one. "I wonder if there's an Indian here, too."

Warren looks confused for a moment before replying to the cowboy comment. "Ah, you have walked through Shadow," he said in understanding. Sipping his drink, he continued, "Before approaching either with proposals indecent or otherwise, I would recommend caution. Most people here have some clout and tend to take offense easily."

He grinned. "Except for me, of course, but then, I am a Fool."

Dristan stood by and listened to the banter and refrained from commenting on them. "I doubt it would take your checkbook for some Max, maybe a batted eye and a turn about the forest, but then again any fool would know that."

Bianca sighed, "Are you really old enough to be such a cynic? Or is it more the roads traveled?" But she raised her glass in salute all the same.

Hearing the term Brothel again, she give an annoying look Max's way. "Really, cousin, you have four female guests and 3 male guests. Then Dristan and I and the lady dancing is the only other female here, which if you knew anything about the Rom would be...well...as apparent as your jacket. Everyone is male." She clipped off numbers on her fingers, "So that's 17 more men...I think, if I dare mix guests with servants and entertainers, there are more men here then women."

She smiled sweetly, "And if this were a brothel, you don't have the coin or clout to make a purchase, so please, before I really am insulted, drop the rude comparison." The words ended with a stern tone and look before she gave her attention to the chef that has approached her.

She offered out a hand to Dristan to summon him from the bar, "Dinner is served."

Dristan took Bianca's hand and nodded. "If you will follow us please... I do believe this is an meal not to be missed." He then walked with Bianca towards the dining room which he was certain had been as transformed as the remainder of the house.

Bianca shared a brief look of frustration, "Remind me to tell you a story about the Duke of Chantris I heard related to me."

Max turns from the bar where he was ordering another drink. Seeing that Dristan is no longer there, he turns to Warren. "Did I miss something?" he asks. "Where'd everyone go, upstairs?" he asks with a waggling of his eyebrow.

Warren had been staring off into space for a moment and did not seem to be in synch with anyone else. "Food!?! There is food! Thank the Maker! I have not eaten since lunch yesterday."

He grabbed his book and grabbed Max by the elbow. "Come. No matter what you think of the decor, the food is always excellent. Dristan and Bianca are superb hosts."

He stops and looks around for a moment with an obvious look of confusion. "Say... I thought Shar was going to be here."

Max, in the middle of another umbrella-ed fruity drink, doesn't seem fazed by Warren's behaviour and eagerly follows him into the dining room. He takes the seat next to his brother and leans over to him with a whisper.

Indeed the dining room had been transformed with the kind help of Sharlotte. Each chair was covered with a brilliant scarlet, tied with black. Low hanging oil tent lanterns hug from the ceiling, casting a rich glow on each of the table settings that were complete with a small water dish and hand towel. The cuisine matched the desert faire, most eaten by hand in a variety of spiced meats, dried fruits, couscous, flat bread and honey. A sweet red wine was served with the meal.

Rebecca seems a bit put out in a good natured way that Bianca had so neatly put Max in his place before he tried to negotiate an arrangement for services and the scene that was sure to follow. She takes her place at the table beside Kaylana when everyone else sits.

Sharlotte took a seat between Bianca and Silene. She tried not to show her sadness, but it was noticeable for anyone who looked at her.

Lance nods across to Rebecca.

"So you're a cow-girl?" He wonders. "Is this not cannibalism for you to be eating beef, then?"

She gives him a blank look for a moment to wrap her mind around the question. Then she laughs. "Now, you're just havin' me on, aren't ya? You're a funny guy, Lance."

"I think," Kaylana offers, "the kind of cowgirl she is, is the kind that sits on horses all day and makes sure the cows don't wander off or get stolen before they're fat enough to eat."

She grins and winks at Rebecca. "I hope she isn't the kind that sings terribly repetitive songs about how her man's left her - that's the only other kind of cowgirl where I come from."

The cowgirl in question snickers. "Nope. Had Trystan for that. But you make what I was doin' sound simple. It isn't. Not particularly safe either. We herded longhorns, not these docile beasts raised around here. I'll take ya there one day and show ya. Set ya up with a whip an' a gun and you'll be set."

Bianca found her way to Sharlotte's side as they started to take their seats, "I'm sorry, I didn't know things were...strained. We can chat after the party if you like." She smiled them hoping to cheer her, "Or I could call Uncle Caine and see if there is room in the brig for a certain someone." She teased.

Sharlotte smiled weakly. "If only the solution for problems was so simple I would do it myself."

"We will talk later." she agreed.

Silene reached over and simply gave Sharlotte's hand a gentle squeeze. She wore a supportive smile, but made no comment at the table.

Dristan sat himself on the opposite side of Bianca from Sharlotte and tried not to listen in on whatever it was they were discussing. He instead began a study of the others about the table he had not yet met.

Bianca cleared her throat as the second course was served, consisting of Mensaf, rice covered with lamb and cooked with yogurt and pine nuts. She had tried to restore a believable smile to her face with a modicum of success. With a breath and a birth of humour she spoke as she rise, holding her glass, "I…" She looked at Dristan for a moment with a soft look, "We would like to thank you for joining us this evening. We hope you enjoy this sexless bordello." A hint of a smile pulled at the corner of her mouth as she looked at Max, then exchanged it for a brief narrowing of eyes, "My coming to Amber is a new beginning for me and I am fortunate to share it with all of you, some I know well, and others I look forward to meeting."

She raised her glass, "To our new beginnings." Then she nodded to Dristan with that same sappy smile.

Dristan rose with Bianca, standing next to her as she spoke. When she finished he returned her smile. "Welcome to my home, which has been transformed this evening into the finest Thelbane has to offer. From drink, to food, to entertainment, to costume. I hope you will all enjoy yourselves to the fullest extent possible. I would like to thank Sharlotte for the effort she put out to make sure that Bianca's dream came true tonight and I would also like to thank Bianca for assembling all that you see tonight for our pleasure. I would also like to thank all of you for taking time to attend our little get together and for granting me indulgence for being detained." Holding the glass up a bit higher. "To new beginnings!" And then toasted Bianca's glass before sipping from his own. His free hand, being the one closest to her hand sought out and enveloped her hand and his fingers were toying with the ring on one of hers as they completed the toast.

Lance shrugs "An odd toast, but one that lets me quaff." He decides. "To Amber!" He offers and drains his eensy glass

Caught up in the moment, and eyes a touch glazed, Max raises his glass to accept the toast. He then pushes himself to his feet. "Hear, hear." he begins. "And I would like to raise a toast to our good host for putting up with some of my good-natured ribbing about the decorations in his house. And, finally, proving that all Amberites aren't uptight snobs." he adds with a genuine smile and a nod to Dristan. "I mean, hey, he let a guy like me into his house in the first place, right?" he concludes with a laugh.

Silene chuckled at the gesture; glass still raised to the couple addressing the table. Rather than follow the toast, she simply raised her glass higher and bowed her head, a gesture of respect.

Warren laughed oddly at Max's toast as he flopped down next to Sharlotte because that's where his place card was. He took a healthy gulp of wine to Max's toast before looking around. His eyes almost bulged in surprise when he finally saw Sharlotte.

"There you are Beautiful Muse, I thought I had lost you." His voice had a tilted strain to it as if he was saying more than even he realized.

Silene's face tensed as she witnessed Warren's display, brow arched. Taking a sip of wine, she set the glass down, intently watching Sharlotte's reaction.

"I'm surprised you are here, Warren. When I asked if you wanted to come with me to the party, you said that you had to work and didn't have a time." Sharlotte replied with a hurt tone.

"Lord Silvas is an ass," Warren replied with some serious heat in his voice, "When you asked me, what was it, four days ago, Silvas heard. Guess he wasn't invited so he piled the work on me."

He angrily grabbed an appetizer as almost swallowed it whole. "For the next three days I was in the Ambassadors office. Not 3 work days... 72 hours."

He drank some more wine... right out of the bottle. "When he finally released me, I spent all day yesterday and last night and this morning sitting in a darkened room staring at a black canvas."

He drank some more wine. "Say this is good," he mumbled then louder to Sharlotte, "So, how was your week?"

"I spent last four days wondering why my boyfriend prefers working then spending time with me." Sharlotte said.

"Prefers!" Warren hissed, "That has nothing to do with it. Some things must be done. Lord Silv-ass was given authority over me." Warren looks very dark for a moment.

"He gave me assignments that had to be done or treaties would fall through. Not just with Amber but with others as well," he nods in the general direction of Silene before continuing with an almost fevered intensity, "He knew exactly how to nail my feet to the floor. I have no desire to discuss with Llewella or Moire the reason we are nearly at war with someone is because I was neglectful of my duties."

He violently stabs another appetizer off a passing tray before turning to Sharlotte.

"If you were wondering about me," he said quietly, "Why did you not check on me?"

"I thought you didn't want to see me..." Sharlotte admitted. "I should have come to you. I'm sorry." She whispered.

"Hay-Hey!" Max says with an uneasy and forced laugh. "Where did all those dancing girls go?" he finishes, trying desperately to break up the situation. He laughs, again, uneasily. "Come on, Dristan, I know you're hiding them, huh?" he finishes with pleading eyes - or maybe they're just bulging more than usual.

Lance quietly rises, makes small bows to all and sundry, and departs the table without a word.

Max arches an eyebrow at his brother's departure, but is otherwise visibly relieved that the prior situation seems to have been diffused.

Dristan glanced over at Max and nodded to Lance as he rose. He was half listening to Sharlotte and Warren as their tiff continued. "Of course, of course..." He looked at Bianca and then back to Max "I am sure we can manage to bring out the entertainment a little earlier than was originally planned." He motioned to one of the servants, and spoke with them very softly before the servant departed out a door at the end of the dining hall. "It will just be a moment." And not a minute later several musicians, carrying drums and stringed and woodwind instruments settled down in one corner of the room. All during this the next course was laid out for all to enjoy and cups were refilled. And as the last of the servers disappeared back into the kitchens the musicians began to play and the same door opened to the swaying and bouncing forms of the dancers Bianca had arranged for part of the entertainment.

Max sighs, relieved at the dissolution of the growing scene. After a moment, he, too, rises and excuses himself. "Guess I'll go check on Lance. Not like him to pass up a good meal or dancing girls." he says with a smile as he departs.

"Don't," started Warren darkly, "Apologize. Not ever, especially when you have done nothing wrong."

He watched Max head off. "What a colorful individual," he whispered then smiled at Shar, "You know how I feel. That will never change. Now, let's try to have a good time."

Sharlotte nodded and smiled warmly.

"I hope you like the decor of the house." she said after a sip of wine. "It took me and Bianca a couple hours to do it."

"It is definitely better than Dristan's usual decor," laughed Warren as he grabs more food, "So, who have I managed to insult since my arrival?"

"For sure, you owe an apology to our hostess." Sharlotte said seriously.

"I was that crass!?!" Warren asks in disbelief, then sighs, "I suppose, to keep peace and Order, I should."

Warren looks about until he spies Bianca. "Bianca (ahem), wonderful party, thanks for not executing more for any social mishaps I may have made," he states sheepishly, "If I have truly insulted you, I would be more than happy to offer my sincerest apologies."

Bianca wore an expressionless look as one of her guest simply left and a few had lost their skill to speak. With an exhale she looked up at Warren, "Well, in the scheme of this evenings insults, its strangely found its way to the bottom." She waved her ringed hand, "It's all right, though I have to wonder if this is a portent of our marriage is going to be." She remarked, looking at Dristan's back.

"I trust you are well since our last encounter?" She asked politely, accepting some of the dark coffee from one of the servers.

Silene quietly observed the exchange, glancing between the hosting pair and the artist.

Warren looked pole-axed for a moment then grinned mischievously. "I wondered where you two disappeared to. Congratulations or condolences, depending on how you choose to accept it."

Bianca raised an eyebrow, "I shall take the former, though after tonight, may need to reconsider." She said, somewhat dryly.

Warren's mood seems to lift considerably but he still appears a little erratic. "As for myself, I have been, as always, I suppose, well. Although, I am finding less and less time to be me and, to be honest, if my behaviors here is any indication, I am a terrible diplomat."

"Yes, you are." Bianca agreed without hesitation, "But you are a very skilled painter and you make Sharlotte happy. Thus in the scheme of things, you should consider your life a success."

"It doesn't appear you made the decision to be a diplomat, so the burden of disappointment should be shouldered by others, not you. You are simply trying to fulfill a calling that was not yours to start with." In her backhanded fashion, she really was trying to reassure him.

"Perhaps I could approach Lord Silvas on your behalf, Warren, if you are having difficulties..." Silene offered quietly, "... one shouldn't be forced into roles that cause distress." She sipped from her goblet.

Warren snorted in contempt and muttered, "Lord Silvas is an ass," into his wine goblet. "Thanks for your offer Lady Silene but I must decline. My current posting is at the request... command... of Queen Moire and Princess Llewella for 'The Good of All Rebma.' "

He grinned sadly. "I am stuck with the job. I can either deal with it or drink myself into oblivion. I've coped since I got here, maybe I'll try the other..."

He placed his empty wine glass on a passing tray while picking up another. He raised it to Bianca. "To the Hostess for providing an excellent means for us to escape our woes."

He gulped some of it down then looked at Shar. "The music has started... who wants to dance?"

"I do." Sharlotte smiled.

"Well then," he said as he finished his wine, "Lets be off."

He led his fair maiden away.

"Are you having fun?"

"It's too early to answer this question." she smiled, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Ask me again, when the song ends."

Dristan was absorbed watching the pair of brothers leave, and eventually turned to see the end of Bianca and Warren's conversation. He nodded to Silene as the other couple headed for the dance floor. "What was that about?" Eyeing Warren's back as he walked. "He has been acting peculiarly ever since he arrived this evening, even for him." He glanced down at Bianca and narrowed his eyes. "And more importantly is everything all right with you my love?"

Bianca extended a hand to him, pulling him back beside her, "I have a list of people that have disappointed me this evening, you are not one of them." She assured with some mirth.

"Shall we announce our union? I've half mentioned it already and we might as well do it before all our guests leave without so much as a thank you for the terribly dull evening." Dristan took her hand and stepped up beside her, his eyes looking down into hers and studying her. "I am, as always, at your service m'dear." He glanced at the remaining people around the room and then to the man in charge of the musicians, indicating for them to wrap it up quickly.

When the music stopped he glanced at Bianca and then led her up to front of the room, tucking her arm into his. Once he had the attention of the room he cleared his throat and began. "Bianca and I would like to thank you for attending our little get together here tonight, I am sure many of you are wondering the reasons for it..." he paused and glanced back down at the beautiful blonde beside him and smiled.

When the music stopped, Sharlotte turned her attention to their hosts.

Lance has quietly re-entered the room and is quietly listening to what is going on, a curious look on his face.

The tension around her eyes wore away as he spoke, "As you are all our kin and of our generation, we wanted to share dinner and enjoyment to mark this our first gathering in Amber, as husband and wife. Thank you for joining us, I trust that future gatherings will be more...fruitful." She declared, turning to Dristan and awaiting his kiss.

Dristan turned and looked down at Bianca as she finished his little speech. When she finished and faced him he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers gently as his arms wound around her waist and snuggled her to him.

Sharlotte and her beau returned to the table. Once Dristan and Bianca broke off the kiss, Shar rose her glass. "A toast, for Bianca and Dristan. Let their love and happiness last forever." she said with a smile.

Max, who entered alongside his brother, is the first to raise his glass to the toast. Before another one is proffered, he begins a boisterous round of applause. "To the couple!" he calls.

Bianca smiled at both Sharlotte and Max, "Thank you, thank you." And there was some genuine warmth in her face and tone.

From where she leans against one of the decorative pillars near the dance floor, Rebecca raises her glass in a silent salute to the happy couple.

Dristan nodded to acknowledge everyone's toasts, a smile brightening his face.

"Now, please join us in dancing and singing. Though I promise I won't sing." Bianca said with an impish grin, "Kaylana, if you would be so kind as to honour us, we would love to hear you play and sing."

"Of course." Kaylana set aside her glass and engaged herself in a brief dialogue with one of the musicians; in the end, she took possession of a chair and a guitar. As soon as she was seated, she began to play - and sing - a lively romantic ballad that was extremely popular in Amber several months before. Her voice was nothing special, although she clearly knew how to use it; her playing, on the other hand, was sure and precise and unusually skilled.

Lance places his drink back "I think I've had my share tonight." He comments, turning to Max with a half shrug. "You're not going to Polka, are you?"

"I might," Max says, with a shrug. "If you ask me nicely." He looks at his brother, and his glassy eyes focus briefly - becoming serious. "You're not leaving are you? What's wrong?"

"I really should." Lance replies. "I just had some distressing news, though I hate to eat and run, so I shall stay a little while at least. Do not let me deter you, though."

"Good." Max says, clasping him almost too hard on the shoulder. "Do you want to dance, or do you want to hold my drink?" he says, all smiles.

"You are not my type." Lance demurs, accepting the beverage from Max. "Show them what-for."

"Don't fret, remember what I said outside." Max nods, before heading off to dance - alone or with someone, makes no difference.

Kaylana lifted her glass and offered a simple, "Congratulations," to the pair.

Silene watches the couples dance on the floor from the edge of the dance floor, a sad smile finds its home upon her face.

She takes a moment to silently toast Kaylana for her lovely contribution to the evening.

Dristan took a moment to wait on Kaylana to settle in and begin to play before offering Bianca his hand and when she took it leading her out into the space cleared for dancing. As they danced he kept his eyes focused down on her and smiled. "Happy?"

Bianca nodded as she looked up at him, "Yes I am." She assured as the moved about the floor, "You?"

"So how long before Random calls us to account for ourselves? Think it will happen before your father makes an appearance?"

"Very happy.... and I figure we'll see my father before Random just because of his dalliance being present. But I figure we'll see both of them very, very soon." He kept dancing with her, moving her about the room. "Unless Amber is attacked I don't see how they can ignore us, the question is how will they receive us?"

Bianca shrugged, "I am curious as to their response, at least Random's. I don't think there are laws regarding 1st cousins, and my father did give his consent." She remarked. "If there are issues, I do not mind leaving."

"I suppose we shall have to just wait and see. I do not think we have done any wrong and truthfully if we have then being elsewhere sounds preferable."

Bianca paused to applaud Kaylana's first song before answering her husband, "The multiverse is vast." She said, smiling, "And I have people to introduce you to there as well."

"Let me make the rounds and dance with some of our guests." Bianca remarked and after a curtsey to her husband, made her way over to Lance and Max.

"Lance, care for a spin on the floor?" Bianca asked.

Max has taken off dancing, or . . . something that might be reasonably considered dancing, if one squeezes ones eye shut - and ignores the music . . .. Now he's nowhere to be seen as Bianca approaches Lance.

"No." Lance replies with a brief frown that extends past his mouth and eyes.

Bianca raised an eyebrow, "Are you not enjoying yourself?" She asked politely.

"This probably won't be allowed to stand, you know, and our presence here will be seen as an endorsement." He adds, gesturing about.

"Your life, your decision, but many of your kin here are but babes in Amber, and have no idea of what will happen, and how this will be seen."

"You make a number of assumptions, Lance." Bianca said with barely veiled indifference, "But as you are uncomfortable, I urge you to go. It certainly isn't our intention to make You unhappy." She smiled politely, "Would you like me to walk you out or do you know the way?"

"If you still care for my company, I can think of none better myself." Lance replies, offering an arm.

Across the room and well out hearing range of the conversation, Rebecca keeps finding herself distracted from her conversation with one of the Rom. Her eyes keep drifting back to Max's 'dancing' with a mixture of morbid fascination and disbelief. Rather like one watches a 16-car pile up.

Max, almost entirely involved with his dancing, barely notices her entrancement. When he finally does, he stands to attention, bows deeply (even formally!) while doffing his imaginary hat, and invites her to join him with a friendly waggle of his eyebrows.

She snorts in amusement and shares a laugh with the Rom over some remark. But she does amble out onto the dance floor and stops in front of Max and regarded him with an easy smile. "You're a dangerous man. At least on the dance floor."

Warren and Sharlotte weave through the dance floor. Warren appears to be leading her through a combination Tango/Salsa dance that is very sexy. Sharlotte is always elegant and Warren moves with the grace that Rebmans are known for.

As they pass by Warren can be heard saying, seriously, "I wish I could dance like Max."

Then they whisked off across the floor.

"Hey," Max says, pulling her close, "What can I say, I'm a hit." He concludes after hearing Warren's comments.

Then, in a move that causes a wave of jaws to drop across the dance floor, he spins Rebecca out in a perfectly executed dance step - even perfectly timed to the music. He reels her back in, finally answering her comment, "And you don't know the half of it." As the music rises, so, to, does Max to the occasion. He leads Rebecca around the dance floor, far enough away from Warren and Sharlotte so as not to distract from their performance, each move perfectly timed and executed - exquisite in nature and form.

Warren and Sharlotte weave through the dance floor. Warren appears to be leading her through a combination Tango/Salsa dance that is very sexy. Sharlotte is always elegant and Warren moves with the grace that Rebmans are known for.

As they pass by Warren can be heard saying, seriously, "I wish I could dance like Max."Then they whisked off across the floor.

"He may be better technically, but he will never have the grace of your moves, Love." Sharlotte assured him with a smile.

"That is not exactly what I meant," he smiled, "But I'll take the complement even though I pale by your flowing form."

He seemed retrospective for a moment.

"I have been of ill manner... How is my fair Muse this evening?"

"Fabulous." Sharlotte grinned. "It couldn't be better."

"Is that all?" Warren grinned mischievously, "Let us see if we can improve upon that."

He kissed her neck passionately and then spun her about. "More of that later. I find myself thirsty and my fingers itch. My Muse has acted upon me and I feel a need to create something. To the libation area!"

He steered her towards the bar with such a serious manner that it was downright silly.

Silene continued to survey the dance floor, taking in the expansive talent in the room. Handing her glass to a passing Rom with a whisper, she turned her attention to the Duke and his erratic behavior.

With a nod, Bianca took his arm and lead him him out of the garden area. "I did seek my father's approval and clarification on consequence regarding this." She mentioned, not feeling she needed to defend herself, but at least offer him some assurance that it wasn't haphazard.

"Your father is many things, but an authority on what is and is not acceptable social behavior in Amber is not one of them, Bianca." Lance points out.

"Better you had consulted Florimel...or at least me." He added.

"Lance, I have seen you in the hallways. I have no idea what position you hold and you have never seen fit to share it with me." Bianca pointed out, "All I know is that our father's are related and hence why you were invited."

"As for acceptable social behaviour, I think that marriage is a holy sacred institution. Something which we waited to have the sanctity of before our union was consummated." She pointed out candidly, "But I suppose that those that bed whatever available family member they happen upon are excluded, so long as they aren't getting married." There was a hint of frustration in her tone.

"So I guess the real error here is honesty and the want for a marriage. At least I know."

"Incest is...incest, Bianca, I don't care what fine label you care to place on it, and you'll find, I'm afraid, that I won't be the only one who calls a spade a spade."

"I can find my own way from here, I can see that I'm keeping you from where you'd rather be."

"I took the time to walk you out and I am trying to civil and polite. I am sorry that I have failed in both." She inclined her head, "Good night, Lance." She turned, knowing the well of tears was going to ruin her make up, and headed for the stairs leading to the second floor.

"Too late now..." Lance shakes his head. "May the Unicorn guard you from the storm that will blow your way."

Shar took Warren's arm and allowed him to lead her to the bar.

"Silene, we're going for a drink. Care to join us?" she asked when they were passing next to Sharlotte's friend.

She glanced between the pair before offering a slow, "Thank you. That would be nice." She smiled warmly at Sharlotte, but when she turned to smile at Warren, her brow furrowed slightly. "I'd hate to impose on your new-found good-humor, Warren."

Warren chuckled as he offered his other arm to Silene. He seemed more like the man she first met.

"Fear not, my mood is quite trample resistant at the moment. I want to try one of those drinks with the umbrella in it. Maybe it will offer some insight into Max's fashion sense."

"You can put an umbrella in any kind of drink you want, Hon." Shar smiled. "For example, I always have one in my Tequila Sunrise."

"Excellent," responded Warren as he ordered three of what he called Max Drinks and handed them to the ladies.

"So, now that my perspective has normalized," said Warren as he drew out his sketch pad and began drawing what looked like a city skyline with two odd mountains on either side, "What are our feelings on this evening?"

Silene accepted the drink with an arched brow, and set it on the bar. "Our feelings? In regard to what?" She inquired.

"In this one place," Warren began as he started placing details on his sketch, "you have assembled, with the exception of the Princes of Amber and High Lords of Chaos, the most powerful individuals in the universe. Look around... politically, physically, magically, socially, artistically..." he grinned at the obvious self reference "You are looking at people with some serious, serious influence."

He continued to sketch and the two boulders became Silene and Shar looking forward while, what original appeared to be a skyline, was transformed into all the people around the room in the background.

"I just wondered what you two thought of that," he shrugged.

Silene regarded the sketch, smiling at the perspective. "I suppose I hadn't considered the composition of the guest list, nor those in attendance. Friends dear to me asked that I come to their gathering, and I obliged." She took a moment to glance around, "It appears our numbers are becoming more... intimate." Returning her attention to the artist, she smiled, eyes squinting a little, "Does that answer your question?"

Dristan watched the exchange between Bianca and Lance from across the room and when she turned to head upstairs he turned his full attention to her. Quickly catching up to her and putting his hand on her arm as she reached the landing at the top of the stairs. He turned her around to him. He noticed she kept her face down and he put his fingers under it and titled her head up to look at him. "What did he say Bianca? What did he do?" He glanced back down the stairs and then back to her. "What is it my love?"

Bianca took a shaky breath, her face already starting to stain from the eyeliner. "I think my father lied...or didn't know. I find that latter hard to believe." She whispered, "Dristan...I never considered anyone would really care about 1st cousins marrying. No one stops Sharlotte...it's absurd of course." She chewed her lip, "Maybe we should go."

Dristan placed his hands on either side of her face and tilted it up to his. "No, we'll stand and fight first. We'll see what Random has to say... and Julian. I think it may be time to speak to dear old dad..." Dristan sighed at the thought and smiled into her face. "Then we can decide what to do."

She nodded but it was clear that she was uncertain. "Is it worth fighting over? I am not all that attracted to this place." She admitted.

"It's not worth running, because if we run we'll show we think that this is wrong, and neither of us think that." He leaned down to her and pressed his forehead to hers, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears. "Now, I do believe that we have guests m'love..."

Bianca nodded, "Yes, yes we do. Give me a moment to freshen up and I will be right back down." She said, kissing his nose.

And indeed, she returned shortly, face reset, holding out her hand. "Shall we?"

Dristan waited as she freshened up, watching for her till she returned. He nodded his assent to her question and offered her his arm and when she took it he led her down the stairs and back to the gathering. All the while he wondered if the decision he had made would prove to be the wise one, knowing that it would be more than his own downfall if he proved wrong... knowing it would be his beloved's as well.

"Lets see to our guests, my husband." She said, calling him it proudly. "I think Max finally got the ratio he was looking for."

Rebecca's eyes widened marginally at the swift change of pace but it's followed swiftly by a grin. On the outswing her duster sings open further, revealing the gold and ruby hilted dagger strapped to her thigh. "Remind me to never play poker with you," Rebecca laughs without missing a beat. "I'd never know when you were bluffin'."

"That's just one reason." Max says as he continues his amazing dance steps. "The other would be my poor table manners," he laughs. "I've got to admit," he says, "This is much a much better party without the bickering. Something got in Bianca's bonnet, for sure."

"It's why I prefer cook-outs. Not near the stress involved in hostin' and if someone gets offended, there's plenty of run to fight it out without breakin' anything." Rebecca gauged the privacy they would have around them before saying anything more.

"Correct me if I'm outta line, but Dad told me once there was a mighty big rule against marryin' family." She smirks. "...'Course, he did say that after I told him his brothers were damn good lookin'."

"Why do you ask?" Max says. "You're not proposing, are you!?" he finishes, a genuine look of shock on his face. He even manages to miss a step.

Rebecca promptly burst out laughing and it took her awhile to stop. "Oh, hell no!" She snickers after a bit. "No offense."

"It's just, we're all first cousins at the very least, right? Seems to be a lot of romance in the air for a family reunion." She shrugs then. "Of course, I hang out with a bunch of Rangers and a perpetually grumpy uncle, what do I know?"

Max shrugs. "Why, is someone getting married?" he asks. He's managed to maintain the dance moves throughout the remainder of the song. When it ends, he steps the two of them back off the dance floor and towards a waiting servant, where he orders another fruity drink - and whatever Rebecca might have.

"Not me," Rebecca smiles before ordering whiskey on the rocks. "So, what was-what was his name? Lance? He didn't look happy when he left. Did someone offend him that I didn' hear?" She looks back at the very civilized goings on around her. "See? If this was a saloon, everybody would know what was goin' on, there'd be a loud fight and then we'd buy each other drinks and stagger home." She takes a drink and snorts. "Although the whiskey's better here."

Max focuses for a moment. A glimmer of clarity crosses his eyes as he, seemingly, replays scenes in his mind. "Oh." he finally says. "Yeah, that'd do it. Lance is a real stickler for the rules. And incest is strictly against them. Especially when it's "legalized" with wedding vows."

He nods, quaffing most of his drink when it comes. "Yeah. Bianca and Dristan really screwed the pooch tonight - in most people's eyes, anyway."

Rebecca hums thoughtfully. "Still, I haven't read anything in the history books that lead me to believe they'll really do anythin' to 'em. If the old man was still around he'd do something drastic since it was his rule they broke, but it's not like it's treason or stealin' a man's livelihood. I think it's a bit off, but they're old enough to make their own mistakes…"

"There's plenty of "the old man" still left to go around, I figure." Max says, shaking his head. "Benedict. Julian. Flora." he says, ticking off his fingers.

"There'll be ramifications. Fucking's one thing. Hell, there are more than a few of you I'd like to take for a spin - you just do it and don't get caught. It's making it "official" that causes problems." He says, looking back toward Dristan and Bianca.

"People will either learn from their mistakes," he begins, then tosses a long look at Warren and Sharlotte spinning happily across the floor. "Or they'll relive them."

At that, Max quaffs the rest of his drink, and signals for another.

Judging by her expression, Rebecca clearly didn't think the three he named were anywhere near the threat the old man had been. "I guess we'll learn from watching the ruckus this causes then."

She intercepted his drink and grabs his arm, steering him back to the dance floor. "C'mon. You standing still in one spot too long is going to make people think you're ailin' I'll teach ya how to two step."

Max smiles and throws back his newly delivered drink, barely missing putting his eye out with the umbrella.

"Yee haw." he says, as Rebecca leads him to the floor. He falters, at first, making several missteps, but soon is "two-stepping" like a champ as the pair of them swing around the floor.

"Not bad," Rebecca grins after it winds down. "I'll have you in cowboy boots and a proper hat in no time."

She drops her arms and steps away. "I need a drink. I'm sure they've got a pitcher with your name on it too."

Max considers, dabbing a bead of sweat from his brow with a brightly colored kerchief. "Cowboy hat and boots, huh?" he says, leading the now familiar way to the bar, "That would've totally got my ass kicked back in Hoboken."

He greets the trio at the bar with a broad smile. "Barkeep," he says, "Put another round on our host's tab!"

---