Now Stir the Court Counter-Clockwise....

[Darastrix]

Zack entered the great hall somewhat nervously. He was oddly early for court, intentionally so. The courtiers tended to scrutinize anything unusual, and today, he wanted their focus on himself.

The bard's reason for nerves was twofold. One, he had forgone attempting to hide his signs, leaving all three visible. Of course, his palm wasn't on constant display, but that was even better. He just had to allow them a glimpse, and then there should be courtiers whispering and trying to get a closer peek. There had been rumours back when he'd been blessed with the new sign on his forehead, but as his violin playing kept his palm hidden most of the time anyway, rumours were all that it had come to. Those were about to be revived and proven true. Zack dreaded the possibility of getting caged into some position of authority just because of that, but by then both Twilight and Dusk knew that, and he trusted they'd keep his wings out of the net.

The other reason was that this was the second day of Acqua's two-day window. If he didn't propose to Zira today.... Well, he was going to. In full view of the Anarlinan Court. Dream had put at least one worry to rest.

~My dove understands you worry about being put into a position you don't want,~ she'd said. ~He doesn't want to make you feel like you're being forced into something, so he's willing to wait for you to be ready. And I think you are. It's the first step that's your problem. So take it--you're not taking it alone--and stop making the both of you wait.~

So, with the permission of both Dusk and Twilight, he was going to make a spectacle of them both today. He didn't think Zira would mind the attention; his lover had confided that if he could think of something to do to get their attention of off Sunny, he'd do it in a heartbeat. Well, here was his chance.

Zack took a steadying breath as the first group began filing into the hall, already chatting and whispering amongst themselves. He gave the courtiers his usual grin and a wink, raising his left hand to give a little wave.

Let the games begin....

[Kender Bard]

Estella was of course at court. She was always at court. Always trying to keep one step ahead of her other courtiers. She usually didn't give the bard a second glance, though his being early caused her to allow her look to linger on him a fraction more than normal.

That was all it took for her to get a glimpse of the mark on his hand.

Curious, she strolled a bit closer to him, trying to look more closely without staring. When she saw just a flash of it again, she noted the coloration. It didn't look like a wound, heavens, it looked like... a sign?

"Good day to you, bard," she called out and now approached him openly.

[Darastrix]

"Good day, my dear," Zack replied with a florid bow. He usually referred to women of any rank by the pet name "lovely," but he wasn't sure he could manage it with Estella. Far be it for him to encourage that particular style. Forces, it was a wonder she didn't tip over from her hat alone.

"And how are you this fine morning?"

[Kender Bard]

"Ah, well, still a bit off," she said simply. "The shock of the past few days has been very hard for me. A woman's delicate sensibilities should find a safe haven in the court of Anarlina of all places, but no, alas, alas... Yet I find myself drawn again, perhaps to see to my younger, and even more frail, female companions. A sacrifice I am most certainly willing to make."

Content with having spoken of herself, Estella tilted her head slightly and her eyes flicked to his palm again. "I daresay did you injure yourself, good sir? I thought I saw something on your hand."

[Darastrix]

"You're very kind to enquire, dear lady, but no," Zack said, smiling as he reached up to tuck a flyaway bit of hair back behind one ear, offering another glimpse. "I can assure you that I am in perfectly good condition to aid in soothing any damaged sensibilities, as always."

[Kender Bard]

Yes! It IS a sign.

Estella felt her breath quickening a bit but kept it under control. Ooh this would be good news. Certainly what the former King had done was big but by now everyone knew and it therefore becoming stale. Something new would be good. Different. Bold.

"Well Love bless you then," she murmured and hastened off to the first knot of courtiers she could see to crow over her news.

[Darastrix]

Soahc's balls, but they're predictable, Zack thought as he turned toward the dais to roll his eyes in Dusk and Twilight's direction.

Dusk caught the look and smiled slightly, murmuring in an undertone, "Looks like the word's getting out already." The queen was glad Zack had decided to give them something else to talk about, she just hoped he knew what he was doing.

Zack brought his instrument up and began to play, forcing the courtiers to rely on Estella's report alone for a while. The attention should please her, he figured, and once he ended his piece, he'd see how far word had traveled over the course of a few minutes.

[Kender Bard]

Twilight tilts head head slightly in Dusk's direction and replied, "Aye, a relief to us and fun for them. We owe him. I can't wait to see the rest of the 'show' as it were."

Estella managed to bump into Cascata. The Mother was dressed down for her; she seemed very in place amongst the courtiers in her fine, but not too fine, cotton dress.

"Ah I don't recognize you," the woman stated promptly.

Cascata made a small curtsy. "I'm from Ronduin," she admitted, smiling. "Visiting a few friends in the country, though I thought I'd stop in the capitol and see the grand court of Anarlina for myself."

"Oh yes, I hear there's nothing to compare in the Water nation," Estella agreed. "Well aren't you in for a most delightful treat? It would seem our bard, our humble court bard, has been blessed with three signs. Oh there was rumors in the past but I have proof. I've seen it with my own two eyes. He has a third sign on his hand; a wind sign. That makes him a triple wind."

Cascata wondered if she should fan the flames of speculation but decided against it. Instead she put on a suitably surprised look as the courtier went on and on about the implications; the timing with Sunray's leaving - perhaps a sign from the Forces?

Cascata just smiled and nodded and made interesting sounds as she idly remembered those hands from the last time she had been in Anarlina and her smile only grew, which Estella took to mean she was enjoying the conversation.

[Darastrix]

"Zira will be thrilled," Dusk added, before bringing her attention to the next petitioner.

As the hour wore on, Zack spaced out his playing between brief periods of rest, allowing more courtiers to approach and make what passed for polite conversation as they tried to spy his sign for themselves. The bard was careful to not answer any direct questions, begging leave to resume his duties when one was asked, and never just showing his palm plainly. There was some questioning that bothered him slightly, along the lines of how sad it was that the Queen had to hold the throne by herself and did he think that if oh, say, a three-signed elemental showed up, would that be a natural choice for her new husband. But Zack reminded himself firmly that there was no way in hell he could be shoved into that spot by any means, legal or otherwise, and simply replied that it would be a natural choice only if her majesty loved such a person.

Finally, Zira arrived at court himself, his wings twitching faintly with unease. Court was buzzing almost more than it had been the day before. ~Oh, Efil. Zack, what's happened now?~

I've stopped hiding my third sign, Zack thought. They're having a field day and it's taking some of the attention off of the royal family. I'm afraid, though, since we're involved, you may get some attention as well.

~No doubt,~ Zira said. ~But I'm happy for it if they'll stop speaking so badly of him. Sunray doesn't deserve that.~

Just watch out for the vultures. I'll meet you in the middle in a couple of songs.

Zira sent a sense of agreement and lifted his chin slightly as he waded into the thick of the court. He was too recognisable a man with his height and correspondingly large wings to hide, and he'd finally accepted that. Now to see what the recognition would earn him today.

[Kender Bard]

Cascata managed to slip away from some of the courtiers she had been engaged with in order to approach Zira as discreetly as she could. She reached out and let her fingertips brush against the back of his hand lightly and offered him a flash of a smile. "My, you must be the Lord Wintersong I've heard about today," she purred, slipping Zira a sly wink. She wasn't sure if he recognized her from his initiation dinner, but all the same. "Well I really shouldn't tarry and take up the time of a man such as yourself. Just know that it's an honor to meet you and that I hope you fare well the rest of the day."

[Darastrix]

Zira blushed at Cascata's greeting, not recognising the Mother at first. "M'lady, my time is no more valuable than any other man's," he murmured, wondering what in the world he was going to be dealing with that day. "I--"

He blinked then, the woman's features registering. ~Mother Cascata?~

Zack hadn't mentioned her being there, and as the court didn't seem to be paying HER a great deal of mind, he figured quickly that she must not be there officially for whatever reason.

[Kender Bard]

Cascata wished she'd brought an ornamental fan with her. It would have been out of season, but she always wanted to coyly hide behind one. I should establish a court in Ronduin, she thought. It would be fun.

Aye, she thought a bit louder, towards Zira. I'm having fun, so shh. I came here to cheer Dusk up, the poor sweet thing. As it is, Twilight asked me to keep things a bit low-key today and so here I am, doing what I do best - pretending to be a normal person. She giggled quietly. Which is why I shouldn't linger long in your company.

[Darastrix]

Zira nodded slightly. ~It's best you don't. They court's been in rare form lately. I do hope perhaps later we may have a more...open introduction. Zack speaks fondly of you.~

"I beg you excuse me, m'lady" he said aloud, tapping his temple. "I seem to be needed elsewhere."

[Kender Bard]

Cascata bowed her head. I'm sure we'll have an opportunity. With a graceful courtsey, Cascata took a literal breath and plunged back into the sea of rumor-mongers.

[Northen Light36]

From a spot lurking in the back of the room with Robin dozing against her shoulder and Pixie sitting at her feet, Acqua watches the show with growing amusement. "You do know how to get attention, don't you Zack?" she murmurs, chuckling.

~Well do you really think Erebus wouldn't choose a human at least as eager to show off as he is?! Pixie remarks dryly. ~By the Lady, this is like sitting in a gaint bird cage. Huge numbers and no brains.~