Deliver us from evil (Jaela)

[Anastasia]

Mirima sits up, blankets held to her, "These djinn are thoughtless men," she growls low, "The timing and the nerve!" She nonetheless gets up and cleanses herself with magic, following you.

By the time you reach the gates, it's a parade. A parade of djinns walk in groups of three, waving to the assembled onlookers. Several hundred onlookers, no less. Marching music plays from all around, no sign of people playing so likely the works of magic. With them march animals - tigers, elephants, dire bears and so forth. There dozens and dozens of djinn and many animals, and in the back a curtained palanquin is carried by many djinn servants. Beautiful dancing female djinn surround it, clad in gauzy silks and with long hair tied back into ponytails. All of the djinn wear flashy jewelry and the palanquin is sparkling with gold and gems.

Elena pops in next to you, "They're making a heck of a show, but I confirmed Prince Westwind's in the palanquin."

[Corwin]

Not just thoughtless men, then! "Thanks," Jaela tells Elena, heading out to meet the procession.

[Anastasia]

As they come in, the djinn and animals - who obey a mere glance from a djinn - take formation. As you approach the palanquin, the curtain is thrown open. Prince Westwind sits on a throne within, smiling widely.

"Jaela!" he calls, "You magnificent woman, I am in your debt! So I invited some friends who dislike devils to come along with me."

[Corwin]

"The best guests one can have!" Jaela calls back, grinning back at him. "Would you like to come in and take a proper look at the Aurora?"

[Anastasia]

"Yes!" He stands up and hops off his palanquin, "First escort me in, because there's something I must do."

[Corwin]

"That's easy enough," she says, gesturing towards the gates. "Our friends are welcome." Spotting their adorable blue ghost from where she's keeping by the gates, Jaela says, "And here is our very own spirit of Aurora, Elena! Elena, Prince Westwind."

[Anastasia]

"Hi!" Elena appears and smiles, waving. She's dressed up like Hanna today, minus the axe.

"Friends and allies," Prince Westwind calls, his voice projecting across the courtyard, "Let me show Aurora my gratitude!" He takes off a small pouch and tosses it ahead. It splits open and before you are over a dozen treasure chests, each one overflowing with gold and gems.

[Corwin]

"You don't do things by halves, do you?" Jaela asks in amusement. "Prince Westwind, on behalf of Aurora and the Crusade, let me express my gratitude."

[Anastasia]

"Accepted," he says, "I trust you have room for all of us here?"

[Corwin]

"Oh yes! Aurora doesn't lack in space. Elena! Let the Prince's entourage and friends in, will you?" After the instructions, Jaela gestures at Mirima, saying, "And now, Prince Westwind, I'd like to introduce my partner and an officer of Aurora in her own right, Mirima."

[Anastasia]

Mirima comes forth and bows elaborately to him.

"Ah, Lady Mirima! A celadrin if I don't miss my mark." He leans in and grabs her hand, leaning it up to brush his lips against the top of her hand. "Your beautiful hair and perfect grace are dead giveaways, I'm afraid."

Mirima doesn't smile, but a slight frown smooths out. "Prince," she says, "Welcome to Aurora."

[Corwin]

"Grace is even in the name of the school she practices," Jaela can't resist the chance to boast, "and seeing her dismantle a Nessian pit fiend was a truly remarkable experience!"

[Anastasia]

"Fantastic," Prince Westwind says, "Now, my friends, let us celebrate!"

[Corwin]

He can get a more conventional tour later, and meeting Baleruk should shake even a djinni prince. But for now, Jaela is more than happy to be drawn into celebration!

[Anastasia]

Want to skip along a bit or do you want to get into the celebration in further depth?