#anywhere

Ariel squeezes back "Well, you ARE pretty sharp"

"See, you are wrong, I am just a silly burra, that's all." And a grin, as they go to rescue their friend and hopefully, to cake and songs!

"And then you hold that position for a threecount before rising..."

Muffled whispers, fidgets in the doorway. They are not interrupting, nooooo.....

Ellie holds her picture-perfect curtsy for the Dame's inspection.

"Impeccable," Dame Ash says then glances up, "Look, others want to learn how to hold still for long periods of time as well"

She glances up and beams when she spots her friends.

Salma grins, but freezes in place - one ear up, one down - even her tail paused in midair.

A look at Ash, seeking permission.

Ariel waves. A liittle then looks sheepish and says "Please, can she come with us?"

"Well, lessons are about over, though we really need to focus on your reading sometime, Ellie I have some questions... and it's nothing WRONG it's just I want to check..." But before Ash can finish, foot steps

"Thank you, Dame Ash!"

"Pray thee, Dame Ash." Sir Buce says, "Ah, Salma, how fair thee , little equine cousin?" The Warhorse pooka asks

Salma is frozen in place, and says through scarcely moving lips. "This is Etiquette, ala Dama Ash!"

A giggle. "Salma!"

"Salma, you can move" Ash looks at Buce "What is it, Sir Buce?"

She IS good at staying still... "I prefer Ellie-quette though." And drops into a curtsey - showing off to the Dame she DOES know the motion. A giggle is not traditional though.

"Very nice, Salma!"

"Meloth! Our Countess Jessica Westward Nameless Freeflame King, first of her name, hath bade me escort yon Sidhe lass today for purely affectionate reasons. All is well, and there is no reason to be alarmed" He says "But, well, such a fine Beaumayn lass must have a steed, and today it is I."

Blink.

A small pout. "You try to steal my job, Sir Buce." But she looks more interested, the big pooka IS generally fine company.

"I..see" Dame Ash says "Well, let's escort the girls shall we?"

"Princesca, we were going to find the lady with the song I missed. Because of the cake." And glances to Ariel, waiting for translation. "Sir Buce might like a song too?"

"We're goonna go ask Miss Phoebe to sing us the firefly song " Ariel says

"See, that's what I said." A smile.

"Oh.. I like the firefly song."

"And maybe have cake"

"Should we make Phoebe an award, too? I think Piper liked hers..."

Buce says "Cake? Why this is a crusade"

"I worry the girls are having a bit too much sugar but... all right" Ash says "Let's go" She tightens her sword

Another look at the adults.

"It's not for us, it's for our singer. To keep her music sweet this time." Salma says. A Blink! "Tu también? It is not a song, it is a concert?"

"....Should I get Fireheart?"

"Tis no danger, countess with the lower case lettering," Buce says "I am war enough horse for all the world"

"It is no danger, caballo Caballero? So it is some danger?"

Ash looks down "Sir Buce is a very good swordsman. And while he's obviously here to guard you today, I don't think there's DEFINITE Danger. Ellie, would you feel better with Fireheart at your side?"

Ellie... dawdles, trailing slowly and starting to look fretful..

She drops the line of questioning, and straightens up. "Princesca, I will run and get your corazón. And Ariel's arco y flechas. And then we will all have a cake."

Buce bends down "Countess. Fear not. Listen to me, not my words, but listen" A look "You three, Salma, and ARiel. Give me your hands" And he takes one hand from each and puts them against his breast plate "Under this spot.. is a heart. Listen to it.. and you will realize that no dragon, no monster born, will EVER Harm any of you while this heart sings. I am that good and gently Knight"

The pooka's face seems uterly assuring

A furrow between her brows and a lip quiver.

"He means it" Ash translates, "He'd fight to protect you girls and he IS an amazing warrior. " And she says "You and I are both Beaumayn. I had no vision of anyone hurt today. Did you?"

Curiously looking to Ellie!

"I didn't, but... but.."

"I don't want him to die!"

"Ah, Princesca! You worry. That is good. but Remember, the funny ones never die. We always stay by the princess's side to keep them humble. And they NEVER hurt the horse." Oh, she has not yet seen Neverending Story. A nod in sincerity.

"I didn't have a vision of him hurt either" Ash assures

"I would like my sword please. Just in case."

Salma salutes! And trots off to get it. "See, a burra cannot fight, but we can CARRY! I will meet you for the song!"

"We'll all go together" Ash corrects Salma "I know Ellie wants you protected as well" And the group of them head to get it