Dionysus Lucilla is standing guard, "Father."

• Arsul breaks into a relieved smile. "I'm glad your here. Is Nylissa all right?"

Dionysus "She's in love," she spits, disgusted, "But otherwise, she's fine."

Arsul "In love? The bachelor?" he smiles

Dionysus She snorts, "The Chancellor visited me."

Arsul "Damon?"

Dionysus She grunts, "He said he wanted me in the special forces, or the imperial guard."

Arsul "Will you accept?"

Dionysus "He said," humor touches her voice, "It was join or be locked up at night."

• Arsul laughs

Dionysus She sighs, "So I will join, but only if I can guard the Emperess, I said. She will let me out at night, & those who prey on women will not be safe."

• Arsul nods. "You will do well. I have a song I'd like you to hear at some point when you're not training or -hunting?"

Dionysus She laughs, "Then play it now."

• Arsul nods. "I will speak with Nylissa briefly and then come play for you."

Dionysus She nods, lets you through.

Arsul "Nylissa?"

Arsul he says as he steps through the doorway

Dionysus "Oh, father, he was wonderful!"

• Arsul grins. "I'm glad to hear you so happy. Who is he, this dancer?"

Dionysus "Count Natwell, a cavalry officer. He's a hero of the war."

Arsul "He sounds like a good man. I'm glad you're safe. Your daughters, are they all right? Not too frightened?"

Dionysus She says, "They are in bed. They were worried, but... They are fine."

• Arsul nods. "Good." he reaches for her hand if she allows it. "I'm glad you all are safe." he smiles

Dionysus She does, hesitantly.

Dionysus "What--what was that?"

• Arsul frowns. "I don't know. I hear he looks just like my bandmate. He tried to control him." he shakes his head. "But I don't know yet."

Dionysus She sounds confused as she said, "He looked terrifying."

• Arsul frowns "I'm sorry you were caught up in that."

Dionysus "He was worse than the ones with the knives."

Dionysus "The ones who came before, when we were coming here."

Dionysus "Lucilla stopped them, though."

• Arsul frowns. "Someone attacked you on the way to Maraddon?"

Dionysus "Curved knives. Wanting the 'Children of the Prophet.' But Lucilla... was incredible. I... the children were asleep. I didn't want to say, but..."

• Arsul frowns but nods. "She is powerful. It was good you were together."

Dionysus "You should know. I... do not love this Count. But I will marry him for my daughters.:"

• Arsul pauses. "Don't rush into anything. You all are safe here. You should /all/ be happy."

Dionysus She sighs, "We don't have Gifts to bring us fairytale happiness."

• Arsul smiles sadly. "Even Gifts don't make perfect endings. This robe brought my father to the worst end. It doesn't mean you have no hope of finding your own happiness. Please, just think before you leap. Even if it's only a two second pause."

Dionysus You hear her adjust her wings, then says, "I have thought. I need someone who is not afraid of what I bring with me, & this man faced Atanaxans in battle. He will not shirk from madmen with knives."

• Arsul nods, letting it drop and also releasing her hand. "It's good that he can give you security. Your sister will be gaurding the empress soon."

Dionysus She sounds surprised, "She is?"

Arsul "Damon asked her to join the special forces or the imperial guard. She requested that duty. She just told me."

Dionysus "Damon? You're on a first name basis with the Chancellor?"

• Arsul laughs. "I've gotten so used to Arlie calling him that I don't even think anymore."

Dionysus She laughs, wearily, "That man is... strange."

• Arsul nods, near grinning. "He's-- Arlie. I suggest you take no notice."

Arsul "I shall let you get some rest. If I play in the hall will it disturb you?"

Dionysus She shakes her head. "You were..." She stops, then sighs, "The best player I've ever heard."

• Arsul pauses, not sure what to say. "It's even better when you're playing it." he says after taking a moment.

Dionysus Roll in festin

Arsul "The Tunic does make that better." he says

Arsul roll what?

Dionysus Music

Dionysus Playing

Arsul got you

Dionysus Lucilla is breathing heavily when you're done, & you hear Nylissa weeping.

• Arsul doesn't notice their reactions for a moment. He turns his head toward Lucilla. "Are you all right?"

Dionysus She's silent a moment, then says, "You played my soul."

Arsul "I'm glad I'm getting to know you. I'm-- proud of you. I want you to know that." he says after a moment

Dionysus She says, "Thank you."

Arsul "Thank you."

• Arsul listens for Nylissa, is she calming down or does she sound still very upset?

Dionysus She's calming down.

Arsul then he doesn't disturb her again. "I should check on my bandmates." he stands. "I'll talk to you soon."