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Ahto delivers the head of the turtle to Olaf to be mounted and hung at his post. He unloads the meat with the cook staff for the celebration, and then the great shell at Wonky’s workshop to be distributed to armorers and craftsmen as she sees fit. Finally, he seeks out Hexa and presents him with one of the turtle spines.
Once all the work has been completed, he returns to his chambers, removes and cleans his armor and weapons. He then washes and dresses for the Crystalhue celebration, wearing his attire of office as well as his Abadarian regalia and holy symbol.
Ahto heads out to the gathering, stopping to speak with his former compatriots, reformed ex-Indentured, and newly arrived entrepreneurs and dignitaries.
Asham develops an itinerary for the performances. The human entertainers are scheduled first.
"I'm not sure what manner of performance the fey will be putting on, but it didn't seem fair to make Miss Tremaine and her friends have to follow them."
The fey will perform after lunch, and then Sprocket will be the grand finale.
"Once more, it didn't seem fair to make anyone try to follow that act."
She also informs the council that several locals have set up stalls selling their wares, as well as a few who have attempted to set up games and other diversions. It remains to be seen how well those will go over.
"Master Hexa and Vekkel are judging an archery contest. I pity anyone trying to meet their standards. Jocelyn the tanner has teamed up with a couple of our reformed bandits to put together a game they call 'Bandit Toss.' It seems to be a simple bean bag toss, with caricatures of bandits drawn upon the bags, and players trying to toss them through holes in boards painted to look like jail cells or, yikes, shallow graves. I suppose it's nice they can make light of their past," she adds with a plaintive shrug.
"Most interestingly and unexpectedly, a small traveling menagerie has also arrived. The owner introduced the exhibition as Master Mortro's Magnificent Menagerie of Mivon. I told him he would need approval to set up shop, so to speak, in case any of his animals are too dangerous."
Addy takes in how ravishing Ash looks, all dolled up for the big day!
“Oh, you’re so right, Ash! Me li’l friends earned the new spot. I’d say in musical talent, Tremaine’s troop caters to human tastes, but the fey worked out a sound that’s both pleasing to us bigguns and otherworldly.
“Wonky deserves the final spot, so let’s give it to her. I’ll say some words after that. It ain’t scripted, and probably won’t be. If I know the gist o’ what to say, off the cuff’s best for me.”
Considering Ahto’s concern, Addy gives Ash a peck in the cheek. “Looks like Ye’ve work to do. I’ll go to Miss Tremaine, let her know o’ the arrangement.”
Although her outfit is new, an indulgence that she likely only made with encouragement, it is a far cry from being a dress or gown. Asham has put together her best approximation of an officer or seneschal's uniform, although the somewhat cobbled-together pieces are hardly uniform. It certainly provides a bit of contrast to Addison - to say nothing of the night-and-day difference with the outfit which Hibernia Orlovsky has been spotted wearing.
Even rarer, though, is the fact that Ash has clearly allowed (or perhaps entreated) someone to help her with her hair and a spot of cosmetics. Rather than being a show for the festival goers, it is clearly a treat for one person in particular. Proof of the confidence she has gained, Ash does not lose her composure upon receiving the kiss; her cheeks take on their usual blush, though.
...
"Mortro has parked his wagons on the western edge of town, beyond the tannery and smithy. It had the most space available, since much of the festival grounds are on the north side, and I wanted to keep their animals away from the houses on the east side."
Ash leads you past the smithy, where Taured charges a couple coppers for folks to hurl rejected horseshoes towards stakes driven into the frost-flecked ground.
The menagerie's wagons are obscured from view as a number of canvas sheets, suspended between tall poles, have been erected to hide the scene from non-paying eyes. A garishly dressed man in a hat two sizes too big for him stands before the divider, taking payments from adults and children alike to allow them to step beyond the curtain and see the strange beasts kept beyond.
"I did not tell him he could begin admitting customers," Ash growls, her voice containing equal parts anger, frustration, and worry.
Addy makes the arrangement with Miss Tremaine, which doesn’t take long at all. With everything ready to go, and the talent trusted to follow the program, Addy explores the area.
She can be seen practicing an acrobatic stunt—
—testing the feather-fall ring’s effect on her descent.
And does a feather-like fall extend the distance of a jump?
Only one way to find out!
If anyone sees her, Addy doesn’t mind at all. She’ll greet passersby with a “Merry Crystalhue!”—a phrase not uttered from her lips since her late teens, and not this joyously since her childhood!
After jumping around thrice too many times, she blurts, “I’ve rings on me fingers, and welts on me toes!” And she ain’t kidding, so she gives practice jumps a rest.
The words come from Miss Tremaine who walks up to speak with you.
"Abbs and Tomi are very excited about your special evening. They seem more interested now in planning and decorating than practicing for the performance. So I can quiet them down somewhat, did you have any particular ideas in mind? Flower petals? Did you have a favored color?"
"Why, I certainly am indeed," the colorful fellow says with an exaggerated bow, extending one hand out to the side with a flourish while using the other to keep his large hat from toppling from his head.
"My apologies, but I was powerless to stop the adoring public from pushing their way through to see my menagerie. Why, they practically overpowered me, but they were good enough to drop their silvers at my feet. You have raised folk both strong and generous, and you should be proud, m'lord."
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”Yes, why thank you,” Wonky says with a frown as she accepts the letter, rising slowly from the crouched position where she had just been adjusting a strap on Sprocket’s outfit.
The messenger clears out, leaving Wonky frowning at the letter, trying not to be consumed by the possible contents of the message. With a deep sigh, Wonky shoves the unopened scroll into the pocket of her work coat.
”It must wait, for the sake of the joy of the Crystalhue festival,” Wonky replies to Sprocket’s cocked look. ”The show must go on.”
Addy blushes a little, but her expression is no less giddy.
"The preparations may need to wait until after Crystalhue, since I'll be overseeing it personally. I won't be able to leave Abbs or Tomi unsupervised with this. I don't trust them to abstain from leaving any bawdy surprises for the two of you."
As soon as he rolled his wagons into Horace, he intended to milk as much money out of festival goers as quickly as he could in spite of - or perhaps in case of - possibly being run out of town.
"My one-of-a-kind exhibits are my livelihood," Mortro insists plaintively. "I had to put up the curtains right away, lest my livelihood be stolen away. Why, if any old body could walk up and gander at my animals, I'd go broke!"
He holds up his palms and waves away the next gaggle of would-be patrons wandering over.
"We're not open yet! I'm quite sorry. Come back in a bit, once we have your lord's approval. I hope you'll let him know just how eager you are to see our marvelous creatures," he says to the locals with a wink. He then turns back to Ahto, a smarmy grin upon his face.
"So, what will it be? Is there a form I need to fill out? As soon as we can conduct our honest business, I think we'll both be much happier."
Addy thinks it over, and says, “If decisiveness on me part’ll prevent a delay, I’d like the massages at midnight, privacy until dawn, and a couple’s bath the morning after. Keep decor simple. Flower petals—every color available in the spirit o’ Crystalhue. And candles: white.
“As for bawdy surprises, let Tomi and Abbs be the ones to draw the bath and lead Ash and I to it.” She assures Miss Tremaine, “I’m sure they’ll see the face o’ two very satisfied guests, and I’ll give the ladies me compliments.
“I’ve waited too long for this night. The only thing that can possibly ruin it’s the night not happening.”
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”First, Master Mortro, we will be inspecting the facilities for safety.” He turns to Ash and says, ”Could you please fetch Miss Prong and Hexa, as well as any of the Council members you come across while locating those two?” He turns back to Mortro. ”We happen to have experts in engineering and construction as well as those versed in the nature of exotic creatures. Before you are granted any license to operate within our borders, we will determine the safety of your facilities and the authenticity of your exhibits. Certainly, you have no problem with that?”
Eunomia is somewhat overwhelmed by the flurry of preparations for Crystalhue. It wasn't a holiday particularly celebrated in Liberthane. As a matter of fact, very few holidays were really 'celebrated' in Liberthane with anything more than private ceremonies. Not that Achille had anything against celebrations, but it was a military town. Fireworks displays and performances weren't something he would ever think to organize.
She helps out where she can, but clearly has little idea of what to do with herself. Mostly she uses her mending cantrip to help fix any costuming issues, which means she's close at hand if Addy wants to talk.
Seeing a letter arrive from Commander Parsalle raises her spirits considerably, and she's just about to open it when Ash informs her that there's an unexpected menagerie in town. With a slight sigh she saves the letter for later and heads over to investigate. She has as little experience with menageries as she does with Crystalhue celebrations, but if nothing else she can make an attempt to judge this 'Mortro's character and make sure he's not ripping off any of Tamlyn's citzenry.
At some point before Crystalhue, Addy asks Eunomia if she’ll join her at dawn. She then reaches into her purse and pulls out a pair of covenant rings.
“Ye know how me last wedding experience went. And Ash’s heard it all too. Talking through it with you’s what led to me finding the courage to share everything with Ash, including the all the parts o’ me I ain’t proud of.
“Turns out she likes the idea of a secret wedding. Me parents’ll be here in time to attend, so technically, we’ve the witness we need far as legal stuff goes. And with no big ceremony, there’s li’l to do but attend… but I wanted to ask anyway.
“Would ye mind being the Maid of Honor?”
"While none of our kin are at risk of losing their heads, we have had most of our wealth stripped from us, and we have been driven from our home in Brevoy."
Winton sighs, recovering from the mental strain of confessing the family's plight.
"As you may have already guessed, mother and father have moved the family here both to avail ourselves of your better fortunes and for want of having anywhere else to go. I know you and I haven't always gotten along, much less seen eye to eye, but I do respect you. I do. That's why I'm not going to dance around the truth with you."
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Mortro agrees to the inspection, though he fails to disguise his glower.
Ash fetches Wonky and Addy from their performance preparations, as well as the other core councilors. She also returns with Hexa, Paval, and Kavken.
Stepping beyond the canvas curtains, you find that Mortro's menagerie is contained in a combination of wooden cages fitted in the back of wagons for the larger creatures and low wooden boxes for the smaller ones. You set about perusing the animals on display, assessing their danger and containment. Here are some of the items that particularly stand out.
Wonky readily identifies this as a common thylacine. These shy, nocturnal carnivores are actually native to the Stolen Lands. Despite the fearsome reputation that farmers and other common folk give them, they usually avoid human settlements.
Ahto and Eunomia identify that the creature is malnourished and suffers from some manner of untreated mange. Wonky suspects that isolation is also causing mental stress to the thylacine.
It is clearly just a rabbit.
Wonky recognizes that it appears to be the torso and head of a simian creature stitched onto the body of a sturgeon.
Wonky identifies this as a common housecat with hypertrichosis, a condition that causes the growth of excessive hair.
Its fur is matted and unclean, and Ahto recognizes that one of its eyes suffers from a bad infection and will likely need to be removed to save the creature.
Wonky and Harmond are quite confident that this is just a lump of ore. It's not even star metal: it looks more like iron pyrite.
The rest of the animals on display are ordinary barnyard animals, arranged in a sort of petting zoo: sheep, goats, calves, and the like. They are kept in small wooden pens. They appear to be small and undersized. Their health varies, but none are in too terrible of condition.
The last exhibit is kept within a canvas tent, poorly dyed into a mottled orange color.
"That's my prized attraction," Mortro announces proudly. "It is a blood-chilling freak of nature that I encountered whilst venturing through the Mwangi Expanse. It is the uncanny, unparalleled four-foot man-eating chicken!"
Addy turns to Master Mortro…
…after looking in the tent, of course.
“So here’s the deal. I haven’t properly celebrated me goddess’ big day in five years. And it’s a very special day… one o’ peace, love and unity… and joy.
“And what it ain’t’s a day where ye get a bunch o’ suckers to gawk at yer depressing half dead animals. And what’s with the dwarf?! How many f$*~ing chickens does the guy gotta eat?!
“Ye know what? Don’t answer that. Just piss off before I get pissed off! Walk away. Leave the animals.”
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Wonky, bedecked in sparkling festive-wear poorly designed for a sideshow, goes about her business dispassionately and coldly.
"That is a thylacine. That is a mastiff. That is a rabbit, nothing more. That is a simian creature stitched post mortem to the remains of a fish. That is a cat with an affliction. That is a lump of iron ore. That last exhibit was a clever bit of wordplay clearly designed to fleece people of extra coins. Are we finished here, Ahto?"
Wonky seems a bit eager to be away, but sees to the office of her station dutifully.
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”Fraud is taken very seriously within the borders of Tamlyn,” Ahto replies sternly. ”You will hand over the coins you have collected, pack up your displays and make straight for the border. Do not stop; do not tarry; do not set up again. If you are ever seen back in these lands with anything short of an honest business, I will have you placed in the stocks for no less than two fortnights. Am I understood?”
"Now, now, let's be reasonable," Mortro counters. "As a man of Abadar, you should respect the spirit of entrepreneurship. The people pay for the potential, the mystery of what they might see behind the curtain."
Lord Ahto's normal steel edge is blunted somewhat today. Although the "menagerie" keeper is cautious, he is not willing to back down.
"How's about this? What I've collected so far, we'll call it traveling expenses, then I'll let in all future visits free of charge. It'll be a gift to the community," he insists, arms spread wide.
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"Entrepreneurship and fraud are not the same, or even part of the same whole. You show a great deal of nerve drawing the comparison and while invoking Abadar's name. If I were to allow you to operate within these borders, word would spread to others of you ilk, snake-oil salesman and mountebanks of every kind. Today it's fake exotic beasts, the next time it's fake medicines sold to desperates, willing to give their last coin to save their dying children. The only way you will be allowed to stay is if I am overruled by the rest of the Ruling Council. If I have my way, you will be placed in the stocks immediately for refusing to obey a direct command and for blasphemy."
Ahto's voice and expression make it clear that he has no tolerance for the man's oily tongue.
“Sure, I’ll just go out and yell to the kids, Merry Crystalhue! As a gift to the wee lassies and laddies, come enjoy a complimentary visit to the Animal Cruelty pavilion!”
Dropping the sarcasm, Addy goes on, “Ye wanna talk about money, ’cause Ahto’s an Abadarian? I get it. Only, this is Shelyn’s day—She’s my goddess, the goddess of artistry, and con-artistry ain’t an art form.”
Addressing Ahto’s concern of being out-voted, Addy says, “This is a slap in the face to Shelyn. Yeah, blasphemy.
“I ain’t about to overrule Ahto. I think ye best leave on his terms.”
Harmond seems genuinely impressed by the menagerie until the others point out that the exhibits are all fake. When the dwarf reveal happens he actually breaks down into a brief fit of laughter before composing himself. "I don't know. Maybe we are being a bit harsh? That mer-monkey was a bit of genius. Maybe he just needs more honest advertising? Perhaps instead of calling it Morto's Menagerie it could be Morto's Can You Believe It? Lean into the premise of trying to figure out what is fake and what is real?"
A sound halfway between a sigh and a growl rattles in your older brother's throat.
"Father is not blameless, either. He was too eager. You never followed the politics back home, but our relations," he says, referring to the rest of House Orlovsky, "have long acknowledged Noleski Surtova as the reigning Lord Regent, not the true king.
"Even I," he says, leaning in to speak in a whisper, "Have in the past aided the search for a surviving heir from House Rogarvia. Father was tired of waiting, and along with a handful of firebrands from House Medvyed, embarked upon their ill-starred scheme to regain political footholds in the capital."
Mortro takes a stumbling step back. He clearly realizes the folly of crossing verbal swords with Lord Ahto of Tamlyn; the huckster wields a mere foil against the Abadaran's greatsword. Although Harmond's suggestion elicits the ghost of a hopeful grin on Mortro's face, the proprietor slumps his shoulders upon realizing that he will find none of the leniency he may have relied upon in other settlements.
Addy says to Ahto, “Oh, it is Crystalhue. Maybe a li’l leniency can’t hurt. How about, in a true Abadarian spirit, ye let Mortro earn his way out o’ the stocks. Specifically, the deal’s to return the swindled money, pay—out o’ pocket—any o’ the local druids or priests o’ nature deities for the treatment of any infected animals, and aside from that, head to the border without o’ word.”
Addy then turns to Mortro, and adds, “Before ye go and do a silly thing like try changing the deal, let me help ye: this is the only deal I’m pushing for, and I’m only pushing for any mercy at all ’cause this is me goddess’ day—the most fabulous time o’ the year. See how f%~+ing jovial I am? But if ye don’t like me deal as-is, well, that’s gonna suck the eggs out of me egg nog. Ye don’t want that. What ye want is to accept the deal—me Crystalhue gift to ye—and quickly.
“’Cause the alternative’s Ahto’s compelling invitation to the stocks, which ain’t in the spirit o’ the holiday, but is to the letter o’ the law.”
Eunomia's face is stern. "No overruling will happen here. Ahto, is there anything in our laws regarding animal cruelty? If not, we should consider adding it." She breathes in deeply, trying to control her rising temper. "Harmond, your suggestion might cover the issue of fraud, if any of his exhibits were real. Which they are not. Regardless, there is no call to leave animals in such poor condition. The cat will no doubt die unless its eye is removed, given how long that infection has been allowed to grow untreated. The thylacine is malnourished, as are most of the 'normal' animals."
"Mortro, if you wish to make a living out of lying, you will need to do so outside our lands." She looks back towards the tent with a deep frown. "Also, I personally vote against Addy's suggested deal. I do not think it would set a good precendent to allow someone to buy their way out of punishment. Crystalhue or not."
Addy smiles. “As long as the animals get proper care, I’m good.” She says to Mortro, “Ye heard the lady. Deal’s off.”
She then moves to a position that helps her obstruct the exit, should the man try to flee Ahto.
This is proven later on Crystalhue, when Addy takes back her own deal in a heartbeat!
As for the dawn of that very day: Eunomia is introduced to parents Edan and Kelsie Lane. Daddy walks Addy down the aisle—path in the woods, really—and Barris pronounces the couple as wife and wife. Eunomia is invited to bear Addy’s ring, while Mother, as Matron of Honor, does the same for Ash.
After the short-but-sweet ceremony is done, Addy says to Eunomia, “I know it was just a li’l thing, but yer presence meant the world to me. But this is Shelyn’s day, so if ye don’t mind, keep me marriage a secret. I’ll reveal the truth after Wonky’s fireworks’re done.
“Sorry ye’ll be among the least surprised in the crowd.”
When Addy makes her first counteroffer, a glimmer of hope returns to Mortro's features. Has he found a sympathetic ally?
No.
When the fashionista-turned-councilor changes her tone, the fear returns renewed within Mortro's heart. Suddenly he can't even be sure who's more terrifying: Ahto or Addy.
"Take it! Take them all!" he exclaims. Panicked, he rips the coin purse from his hip and hurls it at your feet. "Just let me pack my wagons and go!"
The sly grin returns to Mortro's face.
"Finally, someone willing to make a fair deal," he exclaims, relieved.
"Why, Mighty Stavian here might not be a real lion, but he's got the heart of one," Mortro says, pounding his own chest for emphasis. "I could part with him for fifty crowns. Now that's a bargain, I tell you! He's big and strong enough to carry you aloft like a noble knight, and he's a reliable guard dog to boot!"
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Ahto does not stop Wonky from purchasing the mastiff.
"There," Ahto says to the man. "You have earned honest coin. More than enough to cover your traveling expenses. Pack up and leave. Do cross our border again unless you are conducting honest business. Another warning, I suspect within a fortnight a law will exist pertaining to the cruel treatment of animals. If you return with any animals in your possession, you will be certain that they are healthy and fed. Am I understood?"
Addy is relieved that there won’t be an ugly scene of an arrest, much as she understands Eunomia’s point of view. But with the party divided on the issue, and Addy admittedly being too soft to act on the Vixen’s behalf, she sees the wisdom in Ahto’s compromise.
“Seems things’re settled after all. Merry Crystalhue, then. I expect this menagerie will be gone before the start o’ the show, and not a solitary word o’ this’ll darken our doorstep.”
It isn’t a question. Addy trusts the fear of Ahto’s been significantly struck into the man, even if he did get off easy. And the Vixen’s voice isn’t making a peep, true to the promise made in Addy’s prayer to Shelyn.
She’s about to go see the performers, but seeing how one of them is in this very room, she tells Wonky, “After ye’re all set with yer new purchase, I’d like a word in private. It’s about tonight.
“Ye can find me near the outdoor stage by the library.”
Mortro stomps towards the tent of the four-foot man eating chicken, thrusts his head inside, and shouts, "Robar! Put down the chicken! We're rolling out! Start packing it up!"
.....
Sometime later, once Mortro and his "menagerie" have acquitted themselves of Horace, a small crowd gathers at the stage near the library for the first series of performances, put on by the courtesans.
Miss Tremaine and her pupil, Nore, perform a very energetic dance that plays well to the frontier crowd. The singers also wow the audience, but the strings players make a few notable mistakes - with Tomi even suffering a broken string on her samisen during her performance.
The fey will perform after lunch.
Addy comes out onto the stage, and says, “Let’s give Miss Tremaine and her troupe a hand for that lovely performance!
“Enjoy yer lunch, ladies and gents, and be sure to be back in time for me littlest friends, Tyg, Ainsel, Toughnut and Snickerdoodle!”
Addy then heads backstage…
…but she isn’t back there for more than a minute. Addy rushes toward a red-bearded man who’s just shy of six feet (in height and in girth).
She leaps into the air and into the man’s strong arms.
“Hope ye’re enjoying the show, Daddy!” She then turns to a dark-haired woman clad in fur and bone jewelry, seated next to Asham. “I take it ye’re well acquainted with me date, Mother?
“Let’s get the three o’ ye seated. I best eat light and be quick about it so I can get to the fey before they’re on. Wait’ll ye see ’em! They’re lovely… like the fairies me and Vikki used to dream up!”
She almost stutters speaking the name, but with Ash’s presence and the festivities, she can speak the name. She’s actually glad she did.
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Ahto applauds the performance, and looks around at the faces in the crowd. While certainly he appreciates the joy and enthusiasm of most, it is in his nature to look for outliers, anyone with expressions of anger, agitation, or pent-up frustration. He knew those would be the ones most likely to cause trouble during the festivities.
Addy says of Tomi, “Oh, she’s probably a li’l nervous about…” And maybe Addy’s a bit nervous herself, the way she cut herself off.
But despite being mildly flustered, it does occur to her that Ash is more than capable of seating her parents, she makes a hasty intro: “Mom and Daddy, this is Wonky—she’s in charge o’ the finale! Wonky, this is me Mother, Kelsie, and me Daddy, Edan.
“Let’s chat a bit.”
Once Ash and her parents are out of the way, Addy says, “O’ course yer pyrotechnics’re the final performance. I’m just curious as to where the crowd’s attention’ll be directed at the very last. Would it be the stage or…” She points to the library steeple. “…the sky? Either’ll do, just gotta know which o’ the two—or if it’s that plausible third option I’ve not thought of.”
As the singing and dancing goes on Harmond watches with rapt attention. He doesn't seem to notice or care about the lack of skill on the part of the string players.
Addy says, “Okay, I get it… and actually do NOT want ye to give away a secret. I just hope the audience’s attention’ll either be directed at the steeple or the stage when ye’re done.
“If ye can tell me that’s a likelihood, I can work with that. If not, Ainsel and Toughnut can direct eyes to me after yer big finish.”
She hesitates before adding, “Maybe I best give away one o’ MY secrets so I don’t get killed.”
“I’m no expert on what ye do, but can I trust ye won’t be blowing things up near the wooden structure?
“Oh! And any chance I can drink an invisibility potion so no one sees me climbing up? No biggie if ye can’t spare that… I was just gonna sneak up there. But, I am wearing a lot o’ white.”
Wonky can tell Addy is pretty flexible about this big leap. Not having the potion would really not bother her.
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"Ah!" Wonky's eyes sparkle at the revelation. "Yes, I do believe that the attention of the crowd will be drawn upwards at the end of Sprocket's performance."
"Sure thing! I can spare an extract of invisibility. Give me a few moments," the excited gnome says, producing her ever-present bandolier full of reagents.
Addy is relieved this will work out. She certainly wasn’t going to ask Wonky to alter her plans. She waits patiently for Wonky to mix the concoction, then graciously accepts the Crystahue gift. “Oh, thank you! I believe ye said this’ll last four minutes, right?
“I’d ask for a way o’ knowing when yer show’s over, but I’ve a feeling it’ll be obvious. I can’t wait for the big surprise! Oh, but I best grab a bite with Ash and me parents before I keep blabbing and’ve no surprises left for you!” She’s about to bolt, but says, “Ye’re welcome to join o’ course—with Sprocket—Mother’s an animal lover.”
Eunomia also applauds politely. She's not a musician herself, nor has she heard many performances, so the minor mistakes are lost on her. She does notice the broken string though, and quietly excuses herself to go backstage.
"Tomi, do you need help with that?" She gestures to the broken string. "I can fix it for you if you'd like. It'd only take a minute."
Whether her offer of mending the broken samisen is accepted or not, she heads back into the crowd shortly thereafter. She's a little concerned with what the fey may have come up with for their performance, and intends to make sure she's available at all times in case of trouble. (Not that she thinks the fey would deliberately cause any, but she's well aware that their sense of humor does not always mesh well with the rest of Tamlyn's citizenry.)
Addy eats with Ash and her parents. If anyone else joins, she introduces them—but she’s only at the table for about ten minutes.
She wants to get backstage sooner rather than later, and be in the presence of her fey friends.
She manages to contain her excitement while out in the crowd. And after just the right amount of sustenance, she is able to remain completely calm in the presence of her dainty-but-excitable fey friends.
"Thank you," Tomi sighs when you offer you help. "I don't know anything about fixing this thing. To be honest, it often feels like I don't know much more about playing it."
While you do what you can to repair the samisen, Tomi takes the time to unburden herself.
"It's kind of an act, you know? My real name's Jalene, given by my Taldane father. 'Tomi' is just sort of a stage name, borrowed from my mother, Hitomi. Long before I met Melicent, I took to playing up the Tian part of me so I'd stand out from the other courtesans."
She gestures flippantly to the samisen.
"That isn't even any sort of family heirloom. I bought it from a curio shop as an investment in my 'act.' It took even longer to find someone who could teach me to play, so for the longest time I just carried it like an accessory."
"I hope that no agents of the crown arrive, but should they do, I'd ask you not to turn mother and father over. I understand that may put your lord and his demesne in jeopardy, but that is the most important thing. As for mother and father themselves..."
Winton pauses, measuring his thoughts and words.
"Mother may ask for money. Do not give it to her. Father and I may ask for a business charter, so I hope you would put in good words with your lord. Also, when Sewart inevitably complains about having to 'work like a common merchant,' do not let him get beneath your skin."
A mortal performer would surely be riddled with anxiety as their showtime approaches. The fey, however, practically bounce around backstage with giddy excitement. The courtesans' performance has greatly pleased them, and they chatter about whether they should change their planned performances to match suit with their predecessors. This once again contrasts them with mortal performers, who would think it madness to abruptly discard everything that they have practiced and rehearsed on a whim.