• Aurelia is hopeful.
• Aurelia wants Valara to meet Marilyna.
• Aurelia shows Valara her chest on the trip.

Aurelia The one with the cave in it.

Dionysus Valara is amazed by it.

Dionysus She looks through the clothes, impressed.

Aurelia And the picture of her and Kashaji. The necklace and dresses the empire gave her.

Dionysus She is a little overcome with emotion by it all.

• Aurelia tries to avoid overwhelming her when she starts feeling that, but has to fight feeling like a child wanting to show off her toys.

Dionysus You are let into the palace without a word. The emperess is in the war room with Damon when you arrive. Do you ask to be allowed in?

Aurelia Just to see her. I've no preference of whether to go or wait.

Dionysus A servant comes back & says that she'll meet you in the gardens when she is finished. If you go, half an hour later, she arrives, with two women unfamiliar to you. She introduces Duchess Viollca Driver & Grand Duchess Ranna Argent.

Dionysus Viollca has several babies with her, & behind them, two Torches walk respectfully. One of them is a massive slayer troll.

• Aurelia smiles, happy to see Marilyna, and curtsies to each of the three.

Dionysus Valara is over awed by the titles, curtsying clumsily. Marilyna smiles, takes her hand, & says, "And this can only be your mother."

• Aurelia 's smiles brightens. "Yes. Valara Lucent, who gave me life."

Dionysus Viollca sits, cradling one of her babies while the Torches take the other two into charge. Ranna sits & smiles.

Dionysus Marilyna says, "You've raised a wonderful daughter, ma'am."

• Aurelia colours.
• Aurelia is lifted. Marilyna's praise means a lot to her.

Dionysus Valara looks awed, & Viollca eyes you carefully, "How far along are you, dear?"

• Aurelia blinks at Viollca, then glances at the babies and away. "Fourty one days."

Dionysus She smiles, "Have you had the morning sickness yet? Mine was so bad with the twins."

• Aurelia glances again at the babies, reflexively, and nods.

Dionysus "Take care of your back. It won't be very nice in a few months. And..." she blushes. "Make sure to have a... a..." Valara says, "A bathroom?" She nod. "Nearby. A lot."

Dionysus Marilyna is taking keen interest.

• Aurelia colours, and nods again, listening.

Dionysus Viollca says, "And don't name it til it's born. That's very important."

• Aurelia blinks, nods again, and glances at her mother.

Dionysus Valara smiles, shrugging slightly.

• Aurelia looks back at Viollca.

Dionysus Marilyna says, "Mother Viollca & Ranna are Roma. They have firm beliefs on children."

Dionysus Ranna nods, clearly a little embarrassed.

• Aurelia tilts her head, curious, but doesn't question.

Dionysus Viollca says, "It's hard to carry a baby while traveling, but it can be done. It helps to have a comfortable ride."

Dionysus She pauses, considering, "And I can give you a charm that will help."

Aurelia "The Whippoorwill is not ungentle..."

• Aurelia watches her.

Dionysus Viollca whispers, then reaches into her bag, & pulls out a small silver cross pin. She hands it to you, "The Mother of Life will guard your child while you wear this."

• Aurelia widens her eyes a touch. She accepts the gift with reverant gratitude, and pins it on. "Thank you."

Dionysus She smiles, "It is my pleasure."

Dionysus Marilyna looks to Valara, who looks a little awed, & says, "We are starting a women's club, Valara. Women around the world who are trying to change our lot in it."

Dionysus Valara looks curious.

• Aurelia looks at Marilyna.

Dionysus Ranna looks uncertain, & Viollca smiles amusedly. Marilyna ignores them, "We're the Sisters of the World. We're going to make them men know they can't push us around, marginalize us, or treat us as second class citizens."

• Aurelia blinks and tilts her head curiously.

Dionysus "We have many... areas of expertise. If you are even half the woman your daughter is, you would be a welcome member." Viollca sighs, "She takes for granted your daughter already is."

• Aurelia blinks again, looking at Viollca, then Marilnya, wordless.

Dionysus Marilyna smiles at Viollca, who seems a little surprised that she said that. Marilyna says, "I hereby officially invite you to be an Ambassador for Women, Duchess Lucent." Nodding to you, Aurelia.

• Aurelia doesn't entirely follow, or know what to say, so she curtsies acceptance.

Dionysus She smiles, pleased, "And you, Valara? Will you be one of us? Will you fight for the rights of women?"

Dionysus Valara looks to you, confused, uncertain, but delighted.

• Aurelia is delighted herself, and flattered. She smiles at her mother.

Dionysus Valara looks to the Emperess, "Of course, your Majesty."

Dionysus Marilyna smiles, happy, "Then, Dame Lucent, I name you Ambassador of Women & first Akazadian representative of the Sisterhood."

• Aurelia smiles, pleased and proud.

Dionysus The twins start to cry, & Viollca sighs, "Your Majesty, I think it's time we excuse ourselves." There's an unpleasant smell, over the aroma of flowers, & Ranna & Viollca depart with babies in tow.

• Aurelia curtsies goodby to them, and watches the ladies and their children go with wide eyes.

Dionysus Marilyna smiles, "Someday..." She says wistfully.

• Aurelia looks at Marilyna and smiles again.

Dionysus She says to you, "I must attend state matters, I'm afraid. It's been a pleasure, Dame Lucent." Valara feels stunned, embarrassed, happy.

• Aurelia curtsies to the Empress as well.

Dionysus Valara follows suit, & the Emperess returns a proper one, a little lower than it should be, & departs.

• Aurelia smiles, watching her go. She feels something vaguely like hero-worship for Marilyna.

Dionysus Valara is very awed herself, but mostly the normal peasant awe at meeting an Emperess.

Dionysus Where to now?

Aurelia There are still gardens to see, then other parts of the city I've found and loved. The portrait artist for one.

Dionysus She is very much delighted by it all.

Aurelia Excellent.

Aurelia After that I'm kinda out of ideas unless there's anything she wants to do or see in the City.

Dionysus She's happy with everything you show her.

Dionysus You go back to the ship at night?

Aurelia Yup