#earthrunes

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Siv steps into the gardens, coming from the trods there. She looks at her companion "Really, the garden here is lovely"

Unbeknownst to Siv, Coradel has had runners posted to come and alert her of the Captain's return....

"Aye... the gardener is most shy though."

Zara smiles as she looks around. "Tis good to return."

And from this distance, only Zara will hear the music playing within. It seems to be quite...triumphant?

"This place has really fit you better than I thought itwould" NOt hearing the music like her keen eared friend yet.

"Oh... I do like this hold, aye. My library...."

"Come, I think you are expected. The heroine, nu?"

"what? " confused, she follows until she starts to hear the music as well "Wonder what the holiday is?"

"I have a notion." She walks with Siv, but fades behind the troll when they draw near to not distract from the heroine's return.

"you know if Symon slide behind me like that I'd be nervous" she mutters

The great doors are opened, and within the hallways are alive with red and gold! (The blue and silver are, of course, always present, but today there seems to be a Fiona ascendancy? What ever could be the reason for this?) The troubadors play energetically, and the first sight of Siv brings a CHEER from those gathered!

"Oh, fuss. Let them... ack..." A little flinch at the cheer.

Bachdion applauds! Temerity, no Fiona, roars! Scaring Shalimar... Leo woots! And Magnus grins and claps too

Siv looks around as if wondering what celebrity she's missing?

Zara smiles from her hidey-space in the hallway, and offers up a very soft round of applause - then makes a 'go on' gesture at the troll.

Coradel approaches her, reaching to take the Captain's hands in hers. "Welcome back! You have had an adventure, I hear!"

August is there, a bit formal in his dress, and also applauding.

Siv goes forward, and then bows low to both Baroness and Baron, "Tis true..is this a celebration to the victory of the raids and rescues then?" She smiles at August "For our successes?"

"Among other things...." Coradel murmurs, but lets August respond to Siv.

Zara emerges in Siv's wake, scanning to see who is present. She might not realize how her grey lips are quirked into a little smile, or how her dark eyes shine with contentment.

August nods. "Ah, something like that. Yes. I am glad to see you are well, Captain." Something behind her catches his eye and he smiles.

Earl moves to Zara's side, with a set of purple ear muffs if she'd like to dampen the sounds

Coradel spots the sluagh as well. "Ah, Miss Zara, you're back! Your library has missed you, but it has also been well cared for."

"Aye, Squire Velvet did admirably, and Seer Almandine took good care of Bronte..."

Siv grins "Well, then, if we're toasting the success of the rescues, I'll drink to that and then some"

A smile to Zara. "I am glad their work has met with your approval."
"Now, Captain, no time to dally here...attend me, please." With that, she turns to move to the Audience Chamber. "All of you, come along," she calls out with a wave of her hand, and she reaches out to take August's arm.

August is there, and escorts her.

A tiny wave to August, though she reaches for Earl's arm.

The music is playing still, so the resulting procession is almost more of a parade.

And suddenly, a bit confused, but she says "Yes, Baroness." She follows and can't help but talk a bit "I hope you don't mind me visiting my folks? I didn't know I was holding anything up"

"Well, of course, visiting with family is completely understandable, given the story I heard. I hardly begrudge you that."

And indeed, the Troubadours are playing an upbeat version of music that sounds a bit lieke sunrise, sunset...

A little rush-rattle of Zara's not-laugh.

Siv says "Well, they send their regards..." Looking about

Coradel and August move to their places on the dais, and Coradel has Siv stand by her side. A graceful gesture to silence the music for the moment.

Earl alone hears a soft, satisfied pronouncement. "Good."

Siv stands there and the music grows silent

"I think you all know," Coradel's voice rings out clear and bright over the crowd, "Captain Siv Waveborn King, who comes to us from Rivervale in Apples. If you don't know her, you're missing out and I advise you to remedy that situation with all due haste," she adds with a smile.

Servers are moving about the hall, quietly providing all with wine.

"That's what SHE said!" Emma helps.

Siv blushes lightly

others laugh

Jonas watches from a corner, visage a warm mask

August takes two glasses, holding one for Coradel.

Others nod and mutter about Siv. They've definitely gotten to know her. Some not as WELL as they'd like

"What you may not know, despite the best efforts among the tale-tellers here, is of her current journeys. I have heard the tale, and it is a tale well-worth hearing. I will not attempt to do it justice, for I have not the skill, but I will tell you this: the Captain undertook a quest of great import, and she put herself in imminent danger to uncover a mystery and rescue others, many of them mortal, some of them kith or kin, and some Dreamers. She hid herself, she sacrificed her well-being, she faced grave decisions, and she came perilously close to being undone -- or worse, corrupted. She had a chance to escape, to leave, to save herself...but she chose instead to stay and see it through, for the benefit of others. And now, she returns to us at EarthRunes, victorious. So...quite an adventure, indeed!" she adds as understatement.

Impressed sounds. Yes, Caspian has told tales