The Sydney Games 2066 Session 3

Princess Guard - The New Era 2015/02/12 	 Lorelei Meleryniel Lord Elrohir 3

The Games Start
The opening ceremony of the 2066 games is truly spectacular. Everything is practised and smooth until it's the French athletes turn to emerge for their lap of the stadium. There's audible gasps from the huge crowd as the distinctive figure of a Fae is spotted among the French team.

Lorelei muses that Undermoon entering its own team would be amusing. In some ways.

Lorelei has her eye on several things: the princess, the fae athlete, and of course the ceremonies as a whole.

The entire stadium seems to be buzzing with chatter about the presence of a Fae on the field, a noise that only gradually quietens after Lord Elrohir has left the public view.

Meleryniel is staggered by the sheer number of humans here. The crowds amaze her more than the show.

The finale of the ceremony is a performance by someone you've met, your dopple Chrome Angel, followed by a fireworks display that Undermoon mages would be hard put to match.

Meleryniel is delighted by the fireworks. THe humans might not be able to *control* fireworks so well but the sheer mass of bright lights - *real*, glamour-less bright lights at that - is amazing.

As the last firworks illuminate the late evening sky and the fade there's a brief priod of silence. Then the crowd are on their feet and clapping as one.

Meleryniel leaps up and applauds with them, and Lorelei joins in, if not with quite the youthful enthusiasm.

And then it's over. Well, until the events start the next morning. Being who you are naturally you have an invitation to the post-ceremony party.

To which Lorelei really should go: she's probably getting too far out of touch with people on Earth. But that's not so good for Meleryniel's plans - someone should keep an eye on her. Darn, and I never did get around to doing an Internet check on who the grown-up with her new friends is....

Lorelei pulls out her PDA and does a quick check now - and emails Ghost to ask if she can do a more thorough one.

The quick check on Mr Rojas brings the disturbing news that he is suspected of being one of the largest drug barons in Columbia.

Lorelei frowns. That's not good. Lorelei tries to explain to her daughter that she's found out that Mr Rojas might be a dangerous man as they travel back to the hotel.

Meleryniel is not much impressed. The same could be said of just about everyone at the courts she grew up in. Though most of them might be more honourable.

Lorelei says, "Seriously. I don't think you should spend any more time with his son. He may be ok but anyone associating with anyone close to Mr Rojas might be dangerous...."

Lorelei assigns Lady Nienna - and indeed both ladies in waiting too - to mind the princess and be sure she doesn't get into trouble. To be honest, she's sooner not have them around at the party anyway - it might give her a chance to act a bit more human and less fae than she has done recently. Within reason, of course.

The party is a chance to catch up with many acquaintances. Royalty of many countries, politicians, billionaires and multi-millionaires. More than a few of which were attendees at your wedding as Earth representatives. Chrome Angel and Black Dragon are there too.

Lorelei welcomes the chance to catch up with old friends, from various circles of the well-to-do. She's not planning on any sleep tonight - another advantage of being half fae.

Chrome Angel and Black Dragon are delighted to see you. They officially live at the Embassy but Chrome Angel has been touring constantly. She confides that the crowds she is getting at her performances are large enough that she could return the two of them home... but she's enjoying the stardom too much to do so yet.

Several hours into the party you get an email reply from Ghost.

Lorelei smiles. "I remember that feeling. Enjoy it while you're still enjoying it, if you see what I mean. Huh, I just remembered that another doppel of mine gave me similar advice..."

Lorelei checks the email.

The email is short and simply says 'Highness, I have information that is extremely confidential. I don't want to send it by any means that can be intercepted. If you can find a place with privacy and call my name the messenger assigned to you can relay my words.'

Lorelei is worried now. She excuses herself and slips away, ostensibly to the powder room - but, lest that not be isolated enough she shrinks to fairy form and flies up to the roof before summoning the messenger.

The familiar form of one of Ghost's messengers appears beside you, a two foot high white bipedal rabbit wearing a tux, top hat, and monocle. "Highness, your Mr Rojas is a deep cover DEA agent." the messenger tells you.

Lorelei is relieved. Association could still be dangerous, but it's not like him actually being a drug baron - well, assuming he's true to the DEA. On the other hand, with associates like he likely has, it's probably still a good idea to steer clear of him - and certainly not let on that suddenly she thinks he's less dangerous. She thanks the messenger, and slips back to the party, at least partly reassured. She still hopes Nienna is keeping Meleryniel away.

The party goes on... and on... As the hours pass some guests take their departure but the hard core is still there as the sky starts to lighten the following morning. It's time for breakfast back at the hotel although the party is likely to continue for hours yet.

Lorelei heads back for breakfast - that's time to spend with Meleryniel.

Back at the hotel all is well. The guardianship of your staff overnight was flawless. Entering the private elevator that services the three luxury suites you descends one floor. Then the elevator stops and Lord Elrohir is waiting. He bows formally and greets you neutrally, "Good morning, Highness. And with due protocol waits for permission before he will enter the elevator.

Lorelei says, "Good morning, my lord."

Lorelei gives the customary slight wave of the hand to indicate permission.

Lord Erlohir bows again, "Thank you, Highness." he says as he enters. The elevator resumes its descent, the next floor it can stop at being the lobby. As the floor indicator is showing '2' and the elevator is starting to slow you can hear the sound of multiple gunshots coming from beneath. The others in the elevator are clearly puzzled by the sounds, and indeed Lord Erlohir asks aloud, "What is that noise?"

Lorelei says, "Gunshots. Human ranged weapons. Be on your guard! Present a small target - missiles guns fire are too fast to dodge *after* the gun has been fired. Mel, behind us!"