Armonn was happy to see me and even happier to accept the immense amount of currency I was willing to pay for his services. Jessica bathed and had her hair done while Connie and I were fitted. They whipped up a suitable pants and coats outfit for each of us. Mine fit like a glove. It was handsome, flamboyant, and so light and comforable that I could have had sex without even fully removing it. (I assure you I was not planning such a thing, however!) They began working on Jessica's dress. Armonn had never seen a woman her height. I had to laugh. Armonn had always enjoyed designing clothes for tall women, just not this tall. Connie was called back to Amber by urgent news about his father, so I went out for a stroll.

When I returned Connie and Locke were back, and Jessica's dress was finished. Locke gave me back my Trump of Castle Amber and informed me that it was nearing the time of the ball in Amber. What?!? How could that be? Last time I checked well over a week passed here in Essex for every day that passed in Amber. How had we lost so much time? I should have had days before the party!

garden I had to act quickly. I needed information lest I make a fool of myself. I tried to contact Bleys via Trump. Wouldn't you know it? I couldn't reach him. I tried Merlin. It was no use. This was very alarming. I should have taken steps right then to find out what had happened to Bleys and Merlin, but I was too flustered and did not have enough experience with Trump to know whether not being able to reach someone was normal. Finally I contacted Llewella. She did not come in real clearly. Was there some interference nearby? I asked her if Flora was married, which must have seemed like an odd question. She said that Flora was single. I thanked her and Trumped Flora. My contact to her was much clearer. I relaxed, and asked if she had a date for the ball yet. I was surprised that she did not. However, she misunderstood my interest. For some reason she thought I was asking on behalf of Bleys. I clarified my request. Flora smiled once she understood and said she'd be delighted to accompany me to the ball, but that I'd better hurry up and get to Amber. I assured her I would.

First I had to get flowers. Essex had a beautiful royal botantical garden, and the Lords of Essex owed me a lot of favors. Locke and I, picked out flowers for our dates. I found a pair of amazing orchids one of which matched Flora's dress, and the other matching her hair.

Then we trumped back to Castle Amber.