Dionysus Nylissa is in her suites with her friend, the Count

• Arsul knocks when he arrives at the door leading to the suites

Dionysus She answers, quietly, "...Father."

Arsul "I'm-- I hope I'm not disturbing. We just got back. Wanted to see how you and the children have been doing."

Dionysus She says, "We're... well. You're not disturbing. Would you like to come in?"

Dionysus Her fiance says, "Sir," and bows.

Arsul "Thank you."

• Arsul shows his teeth in a slight grin. "Good to hear you again."

Dionysus A small chuckle from the count, and an awkward silence, Nylissa then says, "The girls are out with some friends, and Lucilla is probably at the training grounds or something. She comes by most nights to talk, though. Are you going to the Chancellor's dinner tonight?"

• Arsul enters the rooms properly, asking Hunny to wait in the much larger hall

Arsul "I am. You both?"

Dionysus She nods, "It's such an honor. I..." she pauses, you hear the blush in her voice, "I objected to it, but he said that you were Arlie's family, Arlie was his, so by extension, we were his."

• Arsul grins. "I was wondering how I was included, to be honest. Although it wouldn't surprise me if our family was even larger than I thought. Wouldn't be the first time."

Arsul "I'm glad you'll be there."

Dionysus She smiles, "And I am glad you are back. How long will you be staying?"

• Arsul chats a little bit about his grandchildren and their lessons and then excuses himself. "I would like to speak with Lucilla before tonight." he rises.

Arsul "Well we have at least till Aurelia gives birth. But I'm not sure if we'll be called elsewhere with this new war."

Arsul "So, we'll see I guess."

Dionysus She pauses, then says, "We're getting married, father. I would... like it if you gave me away."

• Arsul smiles slightly. "I'd love to. When-- when is it?"

Dionysus "In two weeks. Thank you, father."

Arsul "I'm sure we'll be able to work it out then." he grins more widely now. "I'll see you tonight then."

Dionysus She nods, "Yes, father." And the Count says, "Thank you, sir. It is an honor."

• Arsul nods. "For me as well."

Dionysus He bows slightly.

• Arsul nods and leaves them
• Arsul rejoins Hunny and heads toward the practicegrounds

Dionysus You find Lucilla out there, bantering with some women soldiers.

• Arsul heads toward her voice

Dionysus She greets you as you approach, "Hello, father." She is grinning, you can hear.

Arsul "It's good to hear you again." he says, grinning himself.

Dionysus She says, "I am glad you made it back. How was it?"

Arsul "It was-- interesting. The moons are strange places."

Dionysus Lucilla laughs, and the woman near her stare a bit, then make excuses to leave. She bids them farewell, then says, "What's next for you?"

Arsul "We have joined bands with another band."

Arsul "Well a lot of practice for sure." he grins. "Butwe have some time before our contest. I think we'll be asked to --Idon'tknow- helpwith this war. We'll see. We have a few months."

Dionysus "I'm going to be going with you from now on."

Arsul "And your sister's wedding of course. It's--Really?"

Arsul "You're leaving your work here?"

Dionysus She nods, "I'm one of her maids. It's silly, but she's like that. And yes. I am."

Arsul "Why?"

Arsul he's curious

Dionysus "Because I feel like it is the right path for me."

• Arsul nods "I'll be glad to have you with me. Your ax is most welcome as well." he smiles slightly

Dionysus She grunts, "Our enemies won't think so."

Dionysus Coldness in her voice when she says that

Arsul "Well I don't care what they think." he has some bitterness in his own voice

Dionysus She smiles, "That's the difference between us, father. I want to ensure they don't have the luxury of thinking anymore."

Arsul "That's one less difference between us then."

Dionysus She grunts. "You'll be at the dinner tonight?"

Arsul "Yes. You're coming as well?"

Dionysus She nods, "I wouldn't have, but the Emperess asked as well."

• Arsul nods. "Yes we were invited and ordered in the same breath ourselves."

Dionysus She grunts, "The Chancellor is like that."

Arsul "I've noticed. I mean, it's fine. I've rarely turned down a meal."

Arsul "Your sister says she's been seeing a lot of you. She sounds happy."

Dionysus "She needs a strong presence to keep her balanced. When she gets married, she'll have more support."

Arsul "Support is good."

Arsul "I'll see you at dinner tonight then."

Dionysus She nods.

---

Dionysus The wedding is held in a small courtyard at the palace

Arsul who's there?

Dionysus Lucilla, Nylissa's daughters, the Count's family, and a Staff of Justice (to serve as Justice of the Peace)

Dionysus A few friends they've made

• Arsul is happy to join the party

Dionysus Do you cry?

Dionysus When you hand her off?

• Arsul is choked up

Dionysus Do you dance with her?

Arsul yes. Both his daughters if they're obliging

Arsul and his granddaughters too

Dionysus Even Lucilla gets choked up.

Arsul I have to use the bathroom. I'll be back in a little bit

Dionysus Okay

Arsul back

Dionysus Nylissa and her new husband go off for a brief honeymoon. The kids are left with his sister, but you're allowed to visit.

• Arsul does so as his training will allow. He likes to hear about their drawings

Dionysus One day, the sister in law approaches you as you play with them, "Baron?"

Arsul her name?

Arsul "Yes?" he turns his head up toward her voice

Dionysus Charity is her name

Dionysus "They say you... have visions?"

Arsul "I do." he stands, leaving the girls to their work. "Why do you ask?"

Dionysus "I... can you control them?"

Arsul "Sometimes, yes. I can seek answers. But I am also given visions."

Dionysus "Can you look for something for me?"

Arsul "I can try? What is it?"

Dionysus She pauses, looks embarrassed, "My husband is in the navy. And with the war on, I just want to know... Is he safe?"

• Arsul frowns. "Of course. We're family. If you give me a few moments I can try and find him."
• Arsul moves to a chair and searches for Charity's husband.

Dionysus You see a vision of him killing a slaver raider on the deck of a ship, saving a child's life, and being cut in two by a falling mast.

Arsul has the death happened already?

Dionysus Are you trying for a vision to answer that?

Arsul sure

Dionysus You see a vision of him earlier on his ship doing normal duties

• Arsul comes out of his visions. "Your husband is aboard his ship."

Dionysus She nods, "And he's well?"

Arsul "He is."

Dionysus She sighs with relief, then grabs your face & kisses you on the ugly cheek. "Thank you!"

• Arsul smiles slightly. "It's nothing."

---

Arsul I'd like to see Arlie's path

Dionysus You see the Norns before you.

Dionysus And each of them smiles sweetly at you.

Dionysus "Prophet, the answer cannot come from you. If you were to discover the answer in visions, it would never come to pass. We refuse you this for his own sake."

Dionysus "His response must be genuine, not contrived."

Dionysus "We have already told him how. He simply must do it."

Dionysus And then it ends