tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21842421432266360172024-02-08T02:05:58.936-08:00Juliet's Adventuresfishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-33349258993168809992007-09-11T07:29:00.000-07:002007-09-11T07:41:19.776-07:00The MeetingAndrevo and I arrived in Amber for the meeting together. He had secured an horse-drawn carriage for our ride...a nice touch. As we rode, we chatted, nothing...important, but we were growing still closer. He had chosen to wear some white, as well, and I complimented him on his appearance. The meeting took place in the Large dining hall. Andrevo had wished to arrive on time, and we did, as well as several others...Siobhan, Fionn, Paki, the rest of the Sprottles, and the Satos. As we entered the hall, our names were announced, and we went to mingle as we gave those missing a few more minutes to arrive. Shortly after we arrived, I received a trump contact from Masamba. He was standing in the main hall, not too far from where we were. <br /> "I didn't get a chance to tell you, my mother will be making an appearance, and probably my surviving 11 brothers and sisters. I have no idea what this means, neither does Paki. That is all, we can talk more at the uh... gotta go." Abruptly, the contact was cut off. Soon afterwards, I heard Samba's name announced, and he walked, wearing his formal garb in purple and gold. I turned to Andrevo.<br /> "Be on your guard. Amina Igare will be here..."<br /> "Could you of warned me of this before I dressed?"<br /> "Samba just told me. She is his mother...and he does not speak her name. She has killed others of her children. I don't know if you can tell your family discretely." I looked across the room. "Let's go say hello to your family."<br /> "First, let's go say hello to Vin."<br /> "As you wish."<br /><br /> Samba approached us, smiling. I turned to him, smiling as well. "Good Evening."<br /> Andrevo bowed lightly to him. "Stormy evening, friend Masamba."<br /> "Indeed. Good evening both of you. And I...uh...Apologize, I just remembered something." He scooted back out as Rose and Eathon were announce, and the same back in, accompanying Amina...with about a dozen other Igare I had no knowledge of. Why was he accompanying his mother? I would have to find out. We began to walk over to Vin when I heard the last announcement...Fiona. I stopped for a moment..could it be? Andrevo, however, did not even seem surprised, so I continued on, whispering to him.<br /> "You knew she would be here?"<br /> He grinned. "All in the art." Andrevo said good evening to Vin as we walked up, and Sato began to arrange for seating. "So where do we sit?"<br /> "A warning would have been nice. And we look a lot alike, don't we? If you would be so kind, I should sit with my family for now."<br /> The families seemed to be congregating in clumps, and Andrevo escorted me over to Siobhan and Fionn. Standing up to reach him, I kissed him on the cheek before taking my seat between them, and Andrevo returned to his family. Otanashi began to speak. "I've brought the royal family together to settle the matter of the rightful heir. The idea is this, those that believe they are best to rule, will leave, allowing the rest of you to decide how to measure what the queen meant by 'The best among you.' I hope to keep things on track and short, each family should have had some time to decide who will stay here." Samba frowned at that statement. "Most of you have met with me and asked many questions, and seem to understand what is expected. Are there any other questions now?" I waited, looking to see if any others would raise the question. "Then I ask now that those who wish to rule,leave the room with me."<br /> It seemed no others would, so I spoke up. "Will this discussion be limited to Princes and Princesses of Amber?"<br /> "Yes, and the validity of all here except the servants has been checked."<br /> I nodded, and Sato Vin spoke up. "Everyone who is appropriate has been invited."<br /> Andrevo spoke from across the room. "Who hasn't been invited?"<br /> Sato Vinn shrugged, and Otanashi answered, "Everyone I was able to contact is here, save Dworkin, who showed no interest in coming."<br /> Samba leaned over to speak to Amina as I s asked another question. "And who was not able to be contacted?"<br /> "No one that has not been presumed dead for some time." Otanashi then left, along with Ambrose, Paki, Siobhan, Fionn and Rose. Interesting. Andrevo smiled at the list, and now being alone, I walked back over and sat with Andrevo. I looked over at Amina and company. "Perhaps introductions would be in order..." Samba, who had not stopped talking with Amina, snorted, and stared at the place where Otanashi had been standing.<br /> Eathon spoke up. "why don't we take another minute or two to talk to each other and get our thoughts together, then begin a discussion."<br /> I whispered with Andrevo. "Does your family know anything of these others of Amina's?"<br /> "No. This seems to be a waste of time."<br /> "Because..." I let the thought sit.<br /> "No one wishes to contribute."<br /> Sato Vin spoke up in response to Eathon's statement. "You mean that you haven't already decided what to say?" He snorted.<br /> I turned to say to Eathon that I didn't need any more time, although several others conversed among themselves. Eathon approached me. "Amina arrived last night with 4 dozen of her children. These are the survivors of the Pattern."<br /> "The survivors? So they walked it last night?" I shook my head in disgust. And yet Samba was sitting with her, talking. As I looked over to him, I saw him furrow his brow, looking between Amina and the rest of the Igare. As I looked around the room further to see if anyone was still talking, Sato Vin sighed and sat back in his chair, seemingly exasperated.<br /> After several minutes, Eathon spoke up. "I suppose I will try and keep things moving in here, unless someone objects."<br /> Good, it wasn't going to have to be me. My tempers were already on edge. Eathon would probably keep things...civilized. "Please, cousin."<br /> "Well then, I guess let's start with, how do we think the best among us should be determined."<br /> Vin spoke up. "Competition." I snorted. How...glaringly obvious.<br /> Amina then voiced her opinion. "How about we vote after giving them sufficient time to shower us all with bribes?" I shouldn't have been surprised. Several of the Igare agreed with her.<br /> Andrevo added his voice. "Majority or consensus agreement."<br /> Vin then decided he would add something slightly more specific. "There are many enemies of Amber. For far to long our rulers have sat here in away from it all. It is time we have someone who is more then a pretty face or wealthy enough to bribe us." Several of the nameless Igare agreed with him. Samba blinked and shook his head, taking notice of the empty seats.<br /> I thought I should put my opinion in. "A consensus among families." I spoke to Vin. "If you wish competition so much, perhaps something a little more specific?"<br /> Andrevo joined in. "It does not matter if one can balance sticks upon their hand or run the fastest; for such has little to do with governing."<br /> One of the still unamed Igare joined his voice to the fray. "A battle of arms, the greatest general should rule." Several of his brethren agreed. Samba rested his head in his hands.<br /> I snorted in disgust. "There is more to governing than war."<br /> Amina repeated her earlier sentiments, "I still think soliciting more bribes is in order."<br /> Vin offered up something slightly more specific. "A fixed time, say 30 days. At the end of which they are to return with proof of defeating an enemy of Amber."<br /> To which Amina added, "...and that it should be something entertaining."<br /> He continued. "They are able to use what methods and resources they can gather, as a true ruler should."<br /> Andrevo objected. "That is insufficient basis."<br /> As did Amina. "I don't want to stay around here that long."<br /> I looked to her. "A pity, cousin."<br /> Eathon decided to try a voice of reason. "I'm not sure if we should wage war in order to determine who should be king."<br /> It was then that Samba spoke up. "Hell, I'm no warlock, and I can kill a dude and make him look like an enemy of Amber. But yeah, dispensing death: not necessarily something exclusive to royalty."<br /> I leaned over to speak with Andrevo. "Your family is...quiet."<br /> "I'm speaking for them."<br /> "I see. A wiser course than the Greek chorus."<br /> Turning my attention back to the others, Vin was speaking. "Amina, would not the spoils of war be sufficient for you?"<br /> Fiona then added something. "Perhaps we should discuss the qualities of each person, then test them, then hold a vote as to the winner, giving one vote to each of the 5 families."<br /> I voiced my agreement. "An excellent idea, Aunt Fiona."<br /> Amina replied to Vin then. "I do enjoy spoils."<br /> Samba raised his hand. "Question:" He looked at Fiona. "Who the- Who are you?" Andrevo chuckled lightly, and I smiled.<br /> She smiled and answered him. "I'm Fiona, I guess for the purposes of this meeting I'm a Sprottle. I come from the second generation of Dworkin's children."<br /> Vin nodded to Fiona. "Several new faces are seen here, which is why us determining this ourselves is.... complicated."<br /> Amina replied. "We all wanted to be here for the show." Samba counted on his fingers. "It is a pity we missed seeing the rest of your children, Amina."<br /> It was at this point that Joan, who until now had been silent, chose to speak up. "This isnt a show, this is serious. You're here to cause trouble." She stood up. "...and I've figured out how. These aren't your children." Samba started to speak, and smiled when Joan interrupted him, waving her hand at the crowd of nameless Igare. "They're you! If you want to play with sorcery, let me show you how!" She began to roll up her sleeves, and Samba got up and walked away from Amina. I began to tap my fingers lightly across the blade at my waist. Things looked like they might get...ugly. <br /> Amina stood. "Don't you threaten me, we all know you're a madwoman."<br /> Andrevo defended his mother. "At least she's honest."<br /> I added my own thoughts as well. "A quality that seems to be lacking in some."<br /> Vin spoke up, attempting to diffuse things. "I don't think this is a place for confrontation"<br /> Samba spoke as well, although it was hard to tell whether it was in answer to me, or Vin. "Wouldn't be the first time, cuz."<br /> Joan pointed at Amina. "Enough of this, disperse these unreal constructs so we can continue."<br /> Vin again interjected. "If they are her or her children is irrelevant. We must decide how to select a new ruler."<br /> How could he not think so? "It is relevant, Sato Vin."<br /> Amina twirled her finger next to her head. While Joan looked around the room, wildly.<br /> Vin spoke to me this time. "How? Do you honestly believe it will change the outcome?"<br /> I leaned over to whisper to Andrevo. "I never thought I would be agreeing with your mother on anything." I stood, my hand at my waist, watching Joan and Amina. If Amina continued to provoke her...<br /> Andrevo spoke up. "If some are here that do not wish to solve this; then they should be ejected."<br /> Samba edged closer to me. "I just want to let you know, if what happens last time happens again, I'll try to help you." I winked at him.<br /> I looked to Vin. "They cause distraction and confusion if they are not who they claim to be."<br /> Vin spoke up again. "My cousin speaks correctly, if you are not hear to help come to a resolution then you should leave. If not I will have you ejected." While I would be more than happy assisting to eject Amina, he might find himself having a difficult time if he chose to eject Joan. Amina looked over everyone in the room as Vin sat back, waiting. I watched Joan and Amina as Joan started staring at Vin. As we waited, I called the Pattern to mind, attempting to use its sight to confirm Joan's words. Vin stared back at Joan defiantly. "Are you and Anima finished?"<br /> "I'll figure out what you did." With that, Joan sat. I followed shortly, still looking over Amina. Samba scooted his chair away from me slightly, possibly sensing the Pattern emanating from me. Vin spoke. "Anima, If Joan is correct and you are attempting to deceive us then please stop."<br /> Suddenly, Eathon shouted a power word. All of the Igare began to ripple, Masamba began to bleed, and Andrevo shivered, as if chilled. Amina seemed unaffected. My attention still on Amina, I handed Masamba a handkerchief as he stopped bleeding. Finally, Amina spoke. "Fine." The rippling Igare began walking, and were absorbed into Amina. <br /> Vin continued. "Thank you, now let us continue. In a more civilized fashion."<br /> I put in the first word. "Aunt Fiona brought up an excellent idea."<br /> Samba spoke, to no one in particular. "Well, there goes the Family reunion."<br /> After my words, Andrevo expressed his. "The best ruler is one that exemplifies the best sum of all traits required to govern. Is my opinion on the matter."<br /> "True. Unfortunately. We are still at war."<br /> Fiona added. "How do we determine that?"<br /> Andrevo answered. "We list traits required to govern; and examine them upon each of those proposed."<br /> I leaned over to whisper to him while we were talking. "I would not deem that to be the last trouble we see from Amina."<br /> As if prophetically, Amina spoke up. "Should we get there resumes and start some interviews?"<br /> Samba coughed and rubbed his mouth as Andrevo answered her. "Effectively, yes. Except we need not actually talk to them." Recognizing his attempts to hide his laughter, I looked harshly at him. We didn't need that now. He smiled and nodded.<br /> I turned to Amina. "Ability to lead in war is important and topical, but never the only factor."<br /> Vin continued his...tirade. "I do nor believe it is wise of us to simply decide who will rule. Such leans towards politics and bribery. Amber deserves more then that, it deserves a destiny."<br /> Samba, ever the joker, inserted his own opinion. "Wow. I thought I didn't pay attention. That is why we were summoned here."<br /> "I am willing to debate what is a good test, yet I do believe a test is in order. One which show which is destined to rule. If the other families really believe it is best to hold a simple vote then so be it, yet it is not the destiny I would seek."<br /> Andreo answered. "Sure. Examination, test, competition. "<br /> Vin addressed the rest of the group. "Ethan, Agnes, Joan, do you have any suggestions or ideas?"<br /> Samba spoke up. "I have a question. Anyone have an idea what the hell they're doing in there?" He pointed towards the door where the "candidates" had left.<br /> Andrevo answered. "I would presume they are either politely pondering what we are discussing, or listening in, or both." My thoughts as well.<br /> Joan answered Vin,"Andrevo is speaking for the Sprottle family."<br /> Eathon did as well. "I'm thinking."<br /> Samba continued. "See, my understanding is they were doing the contest, while we were figuring out what the contest was. Which, really, think about it."<br /> Vin answered. "They are playing poker. Perhaps a bit unfair of a game"<br /> Samba laughed while Eathon answered as well. "They're waiting to see what the contest is."<br /> SAmba added his own thoughts as well. "Maybe it's a test of endurance. Shall we keep talking about it? I got time. I have less birthdays to plan allovasudden."<br /> Amina piped up. "Let us know who wins, so we can know who to solicit the most bribes from." That woman! <br /> Joan was kind enough to answer. "I'd bribe you just to leave." I laughed. My thoughts exactly. Samba coughed and snapped his fingers. Obviously he agreed.<br /> Vin continued his debate. "Andrevo, my earlier suggestion was not meant to be one of simple warfare."<br /> "And mine was not simply a vote. Let's meet in the middle."<br /> "There are enemies that are not simple individuals or antagonistic forces. I believe a key factor of such a competition would be them deciding what is truly the greatest threat to Amber."<br /> "I would think that Brand wishing to destroy this pattern would trump that consideration or question; but perhaps I'm a bit biased."<br /> Samba laughed at Andrevo's words...the question that keeps getting forgotten. We needed to resolve this King issue. The others didn't seem to think the threat greater than that. "The sooner this question is resolved, the better. 30 days is too long."<br /> Vin addressed me now. "If one could defeat Brand would not that make them make them worthy to rule?" As if it were simply that easy. "What time frame would you suggest?"<br /> "A week, perhaps two... at the most. Amber's enemies do not grow weaker through our inaction."<br /> Amina decided now was a good time to interject. "And if they fail, maybe Brand would make a better King." I did not know how much longer my temper would hold. <br /> Joan, however, seemed to have reached the end of hers. "One Trump gate."<br /> "Three."<br /> "Two."<br /> "Good night everyone." Amina began to walk to the door.<br /> Samba seemed surprised. "what?"<br /> It was all I could do to keep from spitting on her as she walked out. "Good riddance." I leaned over to whisper to Andrevo. "I am beginning to like your mother more and more. He chuckled. <br /> Samba continued. "Okay, I'll be the dumbass, I didn't get the last few minutes of interaction."<br /> Joan answered him. "I bribed her to leave."<br /> Vin turned to Samba. "Massamba, I guess you now represent your family." Samba furrowed his brow, and Eathon shook his head.<br /> Samba answered him. "Well, the real faction"<br /> I looked to Joan, "Thank you, my method would have been considerably...messier."<br /> Fiona looked surprised. "How can anyone not care about Amber?"<br /> I replied. "I don't think that...woman...cares for anything but herself."<br /> Samba coughed. "Birthday presents! But...I think Vin has a point"<br /> Eathon said, "Yes the matter at hand is more important than her, so we're trying to find the middle ground between a competition and a vote."<br /> Vin joined in, "Fiona, I do not have a good answer for you. Yet it is why I wish our next ruler to chosen wisely. Someone who cares more about Amber then personal power."<br /> Fiona added. "There's always the Unicorn."<br /> Samba spoke up again, "I'm thinking, and I may just be voicing words already said or thought, whoever defeats the invasion, by actions or agents employ, would be next ruler."<br /> I looked back to Fiona. "Indeed. I had considered going to her."<br /> Samba continued his thought, "Granted, that leaves us all open to the idea 'What If Whoever Wanted To Be Ruler Killed Gramma And Created This Demon Invasion.'"<br /> Vin nodded to Samba as Eathon spoke. "The invasion could be years. And we'd probably stand a better chance united as opposed to competing to stop him."<br /> I added my opinion of Brand. "I don't think we could stop him if we were not united."<br /> Andrevo decided to put in his opinion, "I believe the point is to find a sovereign so that we may address these issues in a unified Amber."<br /> I and Samba both agreed, and he added, "And what the hell do Unicorns have to do with anything?" I guess that was something he had missed in his short time in Amber.<br /> Vin added in, "Is that in its self a test? If those who wish to rule can not find unity among themselves then can they be worthy?<br /> Fiona added another point. "There's also the matter of the jewel, how many of them could understand it?"<br /> Siobhan...I decided it was worth mentioning. "One already does."<br /> And Samba felt it necessary to add in his opinions of Siobhan. "Well, those who understand the Jewel might not be the most fit of rulers."<br /> Fiona answered, "Yes, but to be a fit ruler one must understand it." <br /> I agreed with Fiona, and Samba continued his statement. "It goes back to the warrior thing. Just because someone is great at one particular skill, be it jewel usage or kickin' ass, does that make them the best to rule?"<br /> "Not the only factor, but it must be a quality."<br /> "Well, yeah, but there are many things that must be a quality."<br /> Eathon joined in again at that point. "So for qualities we seek, we want someone who can be a general and understand the jewel. As well as someone who will unite us."<br /> I decided to speak up then. "Ideally, the test would be tailored to test those qualities we find important."<br /> Vin started to list off what we had talked about so far, "So for qualities we have - leadership, unity, warfare, and intellect. What others?"<br /> Fiona added, "I was thinking that if we cannot decide a competition it might help to eliminate those who do not have those qualities."<br /> Andrevo added a quality, "Sacrifice."<br /> Fiona added one as well, "Faith?"<br /> Andrevo had several others to add, "Loyalty, and mastery of arcane art." Obviously an addition from some of his family.<br /> Vin nodded to both in agreement, and asked, "Which arcane arts?"<br /> I put in my opinion then. Pattern Mastery would need to be included. "I would say...any."<br /> "Or all?"<br /> Andrevo then clarified his statement, "Sufficient understanding and power in it to our satisfaction, whatever that may be."<br /> Fiona summarized what we had decided. "So we decide a list of qualities and test each of them for these qualities?"<br /> "Yes."<br /> We had already put together a list, and I stated as much. "We have a list."<br /> Eathon added a question, "Then score them on each and decide the winner?"<br /> "I have heard no objection to those mentioned...unless there are additions?"<br /> Fiona asked at that point, "Do we test them by word or action?"<br /> Vin asked, "All categories equally?"<br /> Fiona added, "We should probably try and group them and keep the list short."<br /> I didn't want to see a score sheet. A little too...objective. "I don't think we need a score so much...a consensus among the families should suffice."<br /> Eathon agreed, and Andrevo spoke up, "First we filter people out who lack too much in any category; then test the remaining to compare the aggregate value of each. Through competition."<br /> Eathon spoke up again, "Alright then, let's finalize a list of qualities."<br /> I listed those that had been mentioned so far, "Leadership, Loyalty, Arcane Mastery, and Faith."<br /> Vin agreed, "That is a list I can accept."<br /> Fiona and Andrevo agreed as well. Eathon then spoke up, "I don't know that I agree on arcane arts, if skill at arms is not one as well."<br /> It had not been my purpose to disclude it, by any means. "In my opinion, skill at arms would be included in leadership...but that's just me. I did not mean for it to be simply disregarded."<br /> Vin then added his thoughts, "Eathon does have a point. There are some who are personally skill but can not lead others."<br /> Samba decided to speak up as well, "I also think the test should be to see if the candidate can find some way to employ these characteristics. Granted, we might be choosing a 'Ruler And Allies' more so than a ruler, but would that really be that bad?"<br /> If they really wanted to, "If it would be more...accurate, include the martial arts seperately, that still leaves us with five."<br /> Andrevo agreed, "Let us include it then."<br /> Eathon added, "I'll agree to those 5 qualities."<br /> Samba spoke up with a question, "I'm sorry, I was momentarily distracted, what were the five qualities?"<br /> Vin clarified, "I agree to Leadership, Loyalty, Arcane Mastery, Arms mastery, and Faith"<br /> Andrevo agreed, "I agree to those as well."<br /> I nodded as Samba spoke up. "Loyalty to what, Faith to what? Inspiring loyalty? I understand, but doesn't that lump it into leadership?<br /> Several of us voiced the same thoughts as Fiona spoke, "I think loyalty to amber and faith in the unicorn."<br /> Andrevo had a slightly different view. "Loyalty to Amber, your family, and to the persistence of the Pattern."<br /> Samba wasn't satisfied with the answer. "Alright, Loyalty to Amber, family, and pattern is important. What the fuck does a mythological beast have to do with anything?"<br /> Fiona sighed as I said, "I'll explain it later, Masamba."<br /> Eathon spoke up then, "Essentially, Masamba, THE Unicorn is the Mother of the Pattern."<br /> Well, so much for waiting. "That works too."<br /> Samba had another question. "Is this a fact?"<br /> I merely answered in the affirmative as Eathon was more...correct. "For expediency's sake."<br /> "Then wouldn't it be covered under Loyalty to the pattern?" I rolled my eyes at him, and he started to suppress a smile. "I mean..."<br /> I replied. "Faith...is different." Siobhan would have been proud of me.<br /> "If we're talking about devotion to the pattern, does it matter that it's the alleged creator or it's honest substance."<br /> Vin added then, "Perhaps we should discuss how to test it then?"<br /> "Good point!"<br /> I thought it best to start with the simple subjects. "Skill at arms and the arcane arts should be fairly simple."<br /> Eathon added, "I can see where faith and loyalty would be the same."<br /> Samba raised his hand then, "I am completely and totally devoted to the horny horse that made everything" does that mean I passed our last requirement?" I frowned at him. His humor was not appreciated at this moment, and on those subjects. "See, the Pattern and Amber are what matters. Are we a... say," He looked to me, "cyber-papacy that requires faith in all our subjects?" I stared at him for a moment. I was *not* amused. He tried not to smile and turn red at the same time, but it was a hard struggle.<br /> Eathon answered, "To be loyal is to be faithful, and to be faithful is to be loyal. Perhaps four then: Dedication, Skill at arms, Skill to lead, skill at magic."<br /> "Less government, Juli-ette. Yes! Hear the man." Vin nodded, and I said I would agreed. "I am loyal to rock-a-billy, but I am not faithful that Elvis still lives. That might not have made sense to some of us."<br /> Vin spoke up then, "Unless you can explain how to separate a test of loyal from that of faith Juliette?" I shook my head. While I knew Siobhan would see them differently, for now I could not speak to the separation.<br /> Eathon spoke again. "Eaton's would agree with those 4. Donaghues have, what of Sprottle, Sato and Igare?"<br /> Samba spoke for his family, "The Igare agree to those four. And, shit, Joan, do I owe you something now?"<br /> Andrevo for his, "Sprottles agree to that list."<br /> Vin for his, "I agree."<br /> Eathon concluded, "Then we have the criteria. Now we need the test."<br /> "samba looked at me. "Shit, I didn't think that far ahead."<br /> "I am inclined to simply name the criteria, and leave them to their own devices."<br /> Fiona had a slightly different proposal. "I propose an arms contest, to knock out two qualities at once. Any that would let it get out of hand, would lack the dedication needed to rule."<br /> Samba nodded. "Ah, okay."<br /> "Same for the sorcery contest. Does that make sense to everyone?"<br /> "It makes sense, but I have to ask something...Are we going by one's individual skill or the skills they can employ?"<br /> "I dont think the best should matter, but how they handle themselves."<br /> I put in my thoughts, "If we let them use the skills of anyone they can employ...it would show their leadership capabilities as well."<br /> Samba clarified, "As in, I might not be the best of warriors, but if I were to be able to employ the services of Brand to help me out."<br /> Vin spoke up, "I agree, it is a test not just of who wins, but how they win."<br /> Eathon answered Samba, "But it would escalate things and bring in innocent bystanders."<br /> Samba looked to me, "Yeah, exactly."<br /> "I think it best if we kept a limit on things"<br /> Andrevo proposed a slightly different idea, "Let each choose three to help them."<br /> Samba answered, "Well, then we need to do what we can to eliminate the threat of hurting innocent bystanders. Good idea!"<br /> Eathon spoke to Samba, "Some maybe chosen by more than one individual."<br /> Andrevo clarified further, "No judges, no other contesters. If there is overlap, then let both have them."<br /> Samba began to speak, "Well, then it would be up to the individ-Oh. Well."<br /> Eathon answered Andrevo, "...and three still seems large to me if we speak of royalty."<br /> "That would be the leadership aspect."<br /> Andrevo changes his proposal slightly, "Yes, three is too many now that I consider. Two."<br /> Samba agreed, "Good idea."<br /> The only family that had much numbers outside of the contestants and the judges were the Sprottles. "If neither contestants nor judges are allowed to join with others, then it should be individual."<br /> "Well, perhaps we device a criteria to keep the judges completely impartial."<br /> Andrevo suggested a compromise, "Or perhaps one judge, and one not?"<br /> Vin put in his thoughts, "I think we should all act as judges."<br /> Samba put in his thoughts, "And I only say this as a judge who knows no one will be asking him for help." He smiled.<br /> Vin reiterated, "That the five who represent the families are excluded from providing help, serving only as Judges."<br /> Eathon put in his thoughts, "Each of those who would compete to be ruler, already has people at their disposal. Perhaps half of dozen of their own men only."<br /> Fiona added, "That would give benefit to those of larger families."<br /> My thoughts exactly, "It would indeed."<br /> Vin replied, "Or those who can gain the assistance of other families. It is a test of those that would be king." <br /> I repeated, "Either the judges are allowed, and we rely on the other judges to keep things impartial, or individuals only."<br /> Andrevo spoke on the benefits of large families, "Which is a benefit to those worthy to rule."<br /> Samba added in his thoughts again, "Perhaps we let intrigues decide. If the would-be contender is capable of gaining the favor, then perhaps they are more able at leadership, loyalty (or perhaps Arcane Mastery)." Vin nodded. "I say we let whomever choose whoever... Yet if contender number one and contender number two chose, Bill Amberite, than Bill Amberiate needs to choose which he backs." I agreed with him, and Andrevo just shrugged. <br /> Eathon asked, "What of judges contending?"<br /> "As the latter would show the contenders' ability to lead. It will happen."<br /> Andrevo added his thoughts, "Let us exclude five that are judges entirely. Period. And otherwise give free reign upon all others."<br /> Fiona spoke up, "Who are those five?"<br /> Samba had to add his two cents, "And the original contenders need to chose and/or bribe the judges accordingly." Starting to sound slightly like his mother on that one. <br /> Fiona answered herself, "I suppose i know that actually."<br /> Vin spoke up, "I stand for house Sato."<br /> Then Andrevo, "I stand for House Sprottle."<br /> Then Masamba, "I'm, well, unless I get absorbed into mamma's blood, Igare."<br /> Fiona reiterated before I or Eathon had a chance to speak. "Sato Vin, Andrevo Sprottle, Juliette Donaghue, Masamba Igare, and Eathon Eaton will judge a contest of dedication, skill at arms, arcane mastery and leadership. The contest will be some form of combat, with rules to protect innocent bystanders. Am I correct?"<br /> Samba said yes, and Vin added, "I believe so, save that it might in fact be more then one competition."<br /> I spoke up at that point. "Are we excluding the judges from competing or not..." If we did, then the Sprottles would have an advantage, or so I saw it. <br /> Samba agreed. "I say no exclusion. After all, a good leader will be able to garner the best supporters."<br /> I agreed with Masamba, while Vin spoke on the earlier subject, "For example Juliette might setup a test of arms while I might do the one of arcana skill."<br /> "All or nothing."<br /> Eathon added a voice of reason, "So we are not limiting the number of allies or who they are? That could extend the time frame a great deal. And we should set a goal."<br /> Samba answered Eathon, "True. Though King Arthur had his Lancelot and Merlin (no pun intended), if he was able to choose each and any of his followers, it would have taken forever."<br /> I added, "I say two allies, but they can be anyone."<br /> "I believe Andrevo suggested two..." Indeed he had.<br /> Vin frowned, "I believe two is an acceptable number, I am however concerned about the Judges taking part."<br /> "And yes, they can be of anyone. And the assistant can choose who they assist."<br /> "I had hoped that we would perhaps be the ones to be tested against."<br /> "Well, then, wouldn't that be a test of the ruler's ability in politics and leadership?"<br /> I jumped into Vin and Samba's discourse, "We have five judges...no more than two will be competing for any one competitor."<br /> "And, really, when you meant tested against..."<br /> Eathon jumped in as well, "Then lets vote by family where there is disagreement."<br /> "That would lead more questions, who would be what tested for who?"<br /> "How many votes for a limit of 2 allies?"<br /> I replied to Samba's comment about the testing, "I am afraid we would not see the true extent of skills if we were to be tested against."<br /> Samba replied, "I agree, Eathon"<br /> "We shold consider the two issues together."<br /> "And I agree with Juliette. I am also known, by some, as Mister Agreement." Samba snorted at the joke.<br /> "Or, at least settle the question of whether judges will participate first." If judges couldn't participate, then the advantage fell to the Sprottles by far. If they could...<br /> Eathon replied then, "Alright then, can judges participate, yay or nay?"<br /> Samba felt it necessary to add more, "Well, I hate to nay-say, but are we now a five-family democracy?"<br /> I turned to him, "Yes."<br /> He smiled as Vin spoke, "We are until a new ruler is selected."<br /> "What of our... uh... great aunt?" Samba looked at Fiona. <br /> Andrevo thought for a moment, until Fiona answered, "If I'm a Sprottle, then Andrevo represents me."<br /> "After all-Ah, good." He bowed to Fiona, "So, judges participating, as the man," he nodded to Eathon, "suggested. I say Yay."<br /> Vin, "I say Nay."<br /> Andrevo, "Nay."<br /> I looked to Eathon, waiting for his vote. It was only the two of us left. Samba looked to me as we waited longer, until I finally capitulated, "I say Yay." Samba nodded.<br /> Eathon then cast his vote, "I say nay."<br /> "So decided. Question the second."<br /> Samba spoke up, "Alright. Yes."<br /> Eathon continued with the second question, "Then of the number of allies to be two. Yay or nay?"<br /> Samba, "Yay"<br /> Myself, "Nay." Masamba looked at me confused, and I put my fingers in a circle. I wanted none.<br /> Vin interrupted the voting, "So should we now discuss the specifics of competition?"<br /> Andrevo, "Yay."<br /> Eathon spoke up before Vin voted, "Yay." With that, there was no need for Vin's vote.<br /> I sighed and leaned over to my fiance. "Well played, dear." He smiled.<br /> Samba spoke up the, "I, I hate to interrupt-er...So yeah, what was the specifics?"<br /> Fiona had a suggestion, "I have an idea for the competition, let us make them claim the jewel."<br /> That idea was...not well received. Vin frowned, as I coughed in surprise. Samba looked at Fiona before Vin finally spoke. "That is perhaps a test of arms." Indeed it would be. And exactly what Grandmother probably wanted avoided.<br /> Samba addressed Fiona, "Go on, Ms. Fiona."<br /> I decided to at least let her elaborate, "Perhaps you could be more...specific?"<br /> Fiona continued, "Perhaps, if the judges hide it, it could be a test of all. Give them all lands with borders, hide the jewel, and see who can use their resources to claim it without over doing it."<br /> "I will not let the jewel out of my sight."<br /> "Then create a reasonable facsimile or let them fight over you." Fighting over me? An...amusing idea.<br /> Samba added then, "And what were to happen if one of our many invaders or possible betrayers were to take it."<br /> Vin had a suggestion, "Might I suggest my shadow realm them. It is setup to allow such a competition and would protect bystanders."<br /> I answered Samba, "That is why I will not leave it."<br /> He continued, "And, since we agreed us Judges will not be a part of the competition, how can we allow a copy of one of us to be the ultimate test?"<br /> Eathon added, "Doing it within one shadow realm could help lower the chance of innocent bystanders."<br /> Vin had another suggestion, "Perhaps the five of us should work together to protect the jewel."<br /> Samba agreed on the general idea, "But I do agree with this contest taking place in a shadow realm." I agreed with him, "But, we just agreed we wouldn't be part of the competition!"<br /> I elaborated, "We agreed we wouldn't compete for the competitors."<br /> Fiona fleshed out her idea more, "I don't mean for her to protect the jewel, I mean to test what they will do to get it. Nothing we do will be as great a threat to them as what they do to each other to reach it."<br /> I agreed with Fiona, and Samba spoke more, "I agree with the latter. And didn't we agree that we'd need something, well, tougher than us to be the competitors?"<br /> "We're not competing with them, they're competing with each other."<br /> I answered Samba, "Than each of us...the five of us..."<br /> He replied, "Unless they decide, using leadership, to combine their forces to defeat us all."<br /> "If they do...then they must have also decided who will win..."<br /> Fiona added, "The judges shouldn't be trying to look for something stronger than them for them to defeat, we should look to see how they act amongst each other. I do not mean to include me as a judge, forgive me for misspeaking."<br /> Samba interjected, "Who says we shouldn't be looking for something stronger?"<br /> Andrevo added, "These are all semantics that will be clearer once an actual general contest is chosen."<br /> "After all, we're looking at someone to defeat some mythological uncle of ours, shouldn't they be able to defeat us?"<br /> I added my thoughts, "They are competing against each other, not us."<br /> Vin spoke, "That is a good point and I have a suggestion."<br /> "Okay, we need to list what we've all officially agreed upon and what were suggestions."<br /> Eathon added, "I do not like the idea of competing with them personally."<br /> I added thoughts about Fiona's idea, "I thinks Fiona's idea...that they simply have to get it from me, is an excellent one."<br /> Vin changed the idea somewhat. "We make duplicate jewels and give them to each of the constants. The first to collect them all wins."<br /> Fiona continued, "Or you could use a fake one. and there should be time, so once someone takes it from you, they can fight amongst each other for it."<br /> Eathon agreed with Vin. "I could agree with Sato. Is time fast in your shadow?"<br /> "So wait are you saying..." Samba paused.<br /> Vin answered Eathon, "Time is as I wish it in my shadow."<br /> There needed to be some kind of time limit, and I said as much, "There should be a time limit."<br /> Samba continued, "So there would only be five."<br /> Eathon spoke to Vin, "I also agree we should do it in your shadow then."<br /> Fiona pointed out Samba's miscount. "There are six competitors."<br /> Samba agreed with Eathon. "Yes, shortest-time shadow."<br /> As did Andrevo, "The location is acceptable."<br /> And myself, "The location is acceptable to me as well."<br /> Samba continued, "Okay, six Jewels, six Judges"<br /> I corrected him, "Six jewels, six contestants."<br /> Samba agreed. "Yes. Shit. I'm liking this."<br /> Fiona corrected Samba's count. "There are only 5 judges now, because there are only 5 families."<br /> "Well...one jewel fer family...er...contestant. Therefore, even if they each have one tie..."<br /> Fiona opined, "Unless we limited the contenders as we do the judges to one per family."<br /> "I disagree with that."<br /> As did I, "No."<br /> "Simply because, well..."<br /> Andrevo added his disagreement, "No."<br /> "12/14ths of my family just now appeared. Like, yesterday."<br /> I spoke up, "There are three nos." That ended that ill-thought idea.<br /> "Agreed."<br /> "If we give them each one, then we may have a tie."<br /> "And, some families, particularly..." he looked to Eathon, "have only have one anyway."<br /> "I say we make it only one."<br /> Eathon spoke up then, "So, the 5 judges will divide the area in Vin's shadow into 5 ambers, place a jewel in each, and set each person to rule with the goal of collecting all of the jewels. I mean 6 ambers."<br /> Andrevo spoke up, "Then we do a tie breaker."<br /> Samba had a question, "I'm sorry, which family had two contestants?"<br /> I and Andrevo answered at the same time, "The Donaghues...Fionn and Siobhan."<br /> "I think it should just be five, one per family. Simply to denote impartiality." So now he changed his mind? I thought the subject had been dealt with. <br /> Andrevo spoke up, "How is that impartial?"<br /> Eathon meant to end it. "Then another vote. Only one contestant per family. yay or nay."<br /> Samba continued, "After all, we have six contestants and five families."<br /> Vin proposed a compromise. "Perhaps we offer them a chance to compete together, to decide among themselves who will take the crown if they win?"<br /> I shook my head at Vin's proposal as Andrevo added his vote. "Nay."<br /> Samba continued again, "At some point, that would mean some family has two contestants."<br /> I added my vote, "Nay to Eathon."<br /> "I think...As many contestants as available, but only five faux jewels."<br /> Vin frowned as Eathon spoke up, "Then nays have it. Perhaps 7 jewels."<br /> I proposed, "One jewel."<br /> Samba responded to Eathon, "Now we're getting silly."<br /> I kept going, "Then there can be no ties, no favoritism."<br /> Fiona spoke up, "The goal isn't the jewels, but how they act, the person who gets all the jewels might lose."<br /> Vin responded, "One jewel creates a race for time and not strategy."<br /> Andrevo added, "One per contender is fine."<br /> Fiona continued, "If Unicorn forbid someone just slaughtered all their siblings and picked up the jewel, we don't wan them to rule."<br /> Samba agreed, "Yes, whoever has the most jewels goes to the judgest and declares why they feel they won."<br /> Eathon decided to put the matter to rest, "One per contender. yay or nay? Yay."<br /> Andrevo, "Yay."<br /> Samba asked a question, "We have six contenders, correct?"<br /> I answered yes to him as Vin put in his vote, "Yay."<br /> "Before we decide, does one need to get all or majority? Well, never mind."<br /> I continued, "Tell them they need them all. It's not the point."<br /> "Well, wait, we've been tossing so many ideas around, what is the point? and don't say 'to be the best.'"<br /> "To see how they win."<br /> "Well, how does one win?"<br /> Andrevo nodded to him, "Having the most at the end."<br /> "After all, if one doesn't collect any jewels and says they won..."<br /> Fiona added, "The point is to observe how they act in the competition, then the judges will reach a consensus on who should rule."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> Andrevo spoke up then, "It ends when we call for it; ideally a set time."<br /> "The most wins, then yes, one per contender (even though that vote is over). So..."<br /> I added then, "It can't simply be who gets the most."<br /> "Do we have a specific time limit?"<br /> Andrevo groaned as Fiona answered, "Having the most jewels does not show the qualities we seek." Samba was definitely being...dense this evening.<br /> "I understand that."<br /> Andrevo spoke again, "The contest is to see who has the most; we don't judge by that."<br /> "I'm just saying, what are we to tell them?"<br /> Fiona answered, "I understand Andrevo now."<br /> Andrevo repeated himself again, then Samba seemed to understand, "Get the most or maybe not, just have a good bullshit story."<br /> Eathon continued, "OK, then when does it start and when does it end??<br /> Vin interjected a comment about the previous discussion, "The one with the most jewel is likely greatest in either arms or magic, yet that is only two of the qualities we seek. Those other two are base on how they act."<br /> I answered Eathon, "I say give them a month in the shadow...but we shouldn't take more than a week or so here." We needed to end this, to get it over with.<br /> Andrevo had a slightly different proposal, but the same time line, "Let us start it two days from now; and ends 5 more past that for an even week to conclude."<br /> Eathon addressed Vin, "How short can you make a week, Vin?"<br /> He answered, "Make the 5 days here be 30 days in shadow, is the acceptable?"<br /> Andrevo answered Vin, "And scale that time appropriate in the Shadow, yes."<br /> Samba had a change to the proposal, "I say we start immediately and give them a week. After all, if they aren't able to deal with non-preparedness, how would they be the best?"<br /> I answered Samba, "If we are doing it in shadow, a month is better." Give us some time to observe them.<br /> Eathon disagreed, "I dislike allowing a week to pass in Amber."<br /> Samba conceded to me, "Alright, but I say we start now."<br /> I answered Eathon, "What about 2 or 3 days?"<br /> He replied, "If we can control time, we should work it to our advantage."<br /> Vin spoke up, "I can control it so that 30 days in shadow is but one day here."<br /> Samba spoke up, "And Eathon has a point, we are losing six of our strongest in this, w hat if our enemies choose to attack now?"<br /> He did have a point, "Then one day."<br /> Eathon agreed, "I can agree with a day."<br /> Samba tried to summarize, "So our two decisions."<br /> I thought I should add something about our protections, "I have forces sufficient to protect Amber for a day...as do others."<br /> "When should it start...."<br /> Eathon answered, "Now."<br /> "...and how long (their time) should it be, I agree with now."<br /> I answered him then, "Now, and 30 days."<br /> Eathon corrected me, "Well, when we prepare the shadow."<br /> I chuckled as Vin proposed a change, "I propose that they have one day here to prepare and politic for who will accompany them. Then we travel to the shadow and start the competition."<br /> Samba spoke up, "We can delay this conversation while we prepare this."<br /> I smiled, "They are already preparing, Vin." They were probably listening to every word we said.<br /> "Are we denying them whatever powers they have to communicate with us once they're in the shadow?"<br /> Eathon had a proposal, "How about we announce to them the contest, and it starts when we are finished preparing the shadow, giving them a few hours to politic and prepare."<br /> Unfortunately, Samba's proposal was just not advisable. "We have to keep some lines of communication open. Just in case."<br /> "I think they'll have plenty of time to politic once there."<br /> "The few hours while we prepare shouldn't be too much. And we do have to do so. As well, I seriously doubt that any of them don't already know what the contest is." They would be foolish not to.<br /> Vin answered our changes, "I an agree to that."<br /> "And are we all agreed on 30 days?"<br /> Eathon, as seemed usual this evening, attempted to end this question as well, "Then lets vote on my idea, if it fails we'll vote on the next. yay or nay."<br /> Samba raised his hand, "In case I didn't make that clear."<br /> Eathon, "Yay."<br /> Vin had another proposal, "As for communication I propose that all communication to any of us from those competing is sent to all. Yay."<br /> I voted Yay. Samba interrupted, "Wait, what was your idea?"<br /> Vin clarified his vote, "Sorry, Yay to Eathon."<br /> I answered Samba, "30 days in shadow, to start once we're finished preparing."<br /> Samba continued, "I think...well wait. When do we tell them...is my question."<br /> Eathon answered, "We announce to them the contest, and it starts when we are finished preparing the shadow, giving them a few hours to politic and prepare." In answer to Samba, he said, "Now."<br /> "I would like to tell them of the competition as soon as it starts...so Nay."<br /> "But we have four yays."<br /> "Although I think I'm already out-voted. Yeah. Fuck y'all." He smiled.<br /> I leaned over to whisper to Andrevo, "Tell your Uncle I wish him the best of luck...well played. Oh, and before we leave, I need to talk to Agnes or Joan. I need a trump gate." <br /> Eathon clarified his statement, "I'm sorry it was 3 yays."<br /> "Still. Majority. And what was the other thing we were gonna vote on?"<br /> "Alright lets announce the contest and find the fastest way to vin's realm. I believe we are all in agreement." Vin nodded to Eathon. <br /> "I thought someone had something else to vote on. Well. Okay."<br /> Vin spoke, "We do have the issue of communication still."<br /> "so we're all agreed. Ah. There we go. I wasn't hallucinating."<br /> I spoke up, "Any communications should be sent to all, I can agree to that."<br /> Eathon asked, "What's the issue with communication?"<br /> Masamba looked to Andrevo, "And I thought I was the apathetic one."<br /> Vin answered Eathon, "The issue is what communication we allow between the judges and the contestants."<br /> Samba put in his opinion, "I think they should have whatever options they were allowed."<br /> Andrevo finally spoke up, "I agree; no secrets to any of the judges."<br /> "After all, cunning, et cetera...oh...well..."<br /> "Ultimately I don't think it matters."<br /> Eathon brought the matter to a vote, "No secrets among judges, yay or nay. Yay."<br /> Samba continued speaking, "Isn't bribery a skill in Leadership and slash or Arcance Masters. Nay." He smiled, "And tie goes to the one with the most family members."<br /> Vin answered, "Yay to the question."<br /> "Aw man."<br /> I had changed my mind, it could prove useful to us, "Nay."<br /> "C'mon...no whammy! wait...yes!" He offered me a high-five, but I shook my head. That could be...painful. He beckoned me over, and I leaned to listen to him. "we totally gotta talk later, don't we?"<br /> "Sure, but please don't touch me, it will hurt."<br /> "Like, who the fuck is this Fionna?"<br /> "My Great-Aunt."<br /> "Ain't the first time i've heard that before. While we're at it, don't drink the potion if I hurt."<br /> "I figured. Honestly, this is the first time I've been able to do this."<br /> "I don't know what we're talking about. But, that's for later, huh?"<br /> "Yes."<br /> I turned back to Eathon speaking, "An official yay would be nice Andrevo, unless you changed your mind."<br /> Samba spoke, "I say absences tends toward nay, what with wife-to-be and all."<br /> Andrevo spoke up, "I have changed my mind; nay."<br /> Samba jumped, "Wait, which side was I on?"<br /> I needed to address Samba's other statement, "I would not presume to speak for him, anyway."<br /> Eathon clarified, "Then their may be secrets among the judges. Shall we leave now?"<br /> Samba spoke, yet again. He *was* feeling talkative today, "Shit. Actually, I think we should all just remind everyone. What we've agreed on. A test to get each jewel, one for each family." Andrevo managed to insert a No. "The contender is not allowed to ask the judges for assistance. I'm sorry, one for each contender."<br /> I added, "And can only have the assistance of 2 others."<br /> "Yes. And we tell them it's a test of getting each jewel. But truthfully, their actions are what's judged, not the amount if false trinkets. Started...Starting..I forgot the response...tomorrow? Ending 30 plus one days from now?"<br /> "When we have prepared the shadow, in perhaps a couple of hours after it is announced."<br /> "All right."<br /> "Ending 30 days in shadow...one day in Amber."<br /> "Perhaps...I am filibustering." I shoot him a look. We had been at this long enough. "So anyway..." He smiled, "One jewel per contender, and there's six of such. They can speak with any judge they wish in secret, But asking a judge for assistance is taboo."<br /> Eathon spoke then, "Then everyone who is not a judge, leave here, I'll announce to them the contest, then come here and we will prepare."<br /> "Aren't you a judge?" Vin nodded in agreement with Eathon.<br /> I stood, as we seemed to be done, and walked over to Joan and Agnes. I told them I had a favor to ask of one of them, and would be stopping by after we finished to speak with them. <br /> Eathon answered Samba, "Yes, but someone has to tell them what it is. Is everyone agreed?"<br /> Andrevo nodded while Samba continued. "Then it should be the one of us who doesn't have direct links." He looked to Fiona.<br /> Vin stood up and walked over to Joan as well, "Before we continue I wish to apologize for earlier, but I did not wish for this to be a place of conflict."<br /> Eathon answered Samba, "The judges can't compete, so its probably us who should tell them what it is."<br /> Joan was polite to Vin, "Yes, well, I suppose it was for the best."<br /> Samba pointed out to Eathon, "...Us" as Joan, Agnes, and Fiona left.<br /> Vin spoke up, "I don't see a reason Eathon can't explain the competition. It isn't like he is going to change it or anything."<br /> I looked to Samba, "I could announce it, if you wish. I don't really care, personally, who does it."<br /> Samba started to answer, "Well..."<br /> Eathon, however, did not seem to want to waver on the point, "I will."<br /> "We just said we...oh...could have secrets. Alright. He can announce it."<br /> <br /><br /> Eathon left, and returned a few minutes later. "What is the fastest way to the shadow and what do we need to do to prepare?"<br /> I spoke up, "I have something I need to arrange for before we leave."<br /> Andrevo added something as well, "I have a disposable army ready to be placed there to fight with, over, and in." Interesting...<br /> "To prepare, I don't think we need much. Vin, you said your shadow as built for competition? Is there somewhere we can observe? I can create just about anything we would need."<br /> Samba felt he had to add his own observations, "I uh... could..."<br /> Vin answered me, "Yes, an observation location exists."<br /> "Turn into a frog." Samba cursed to himself. "We have to observe this, don't we?"<br /> He continued, "Travel could be done quickly with sorcery or trump. Trump being the least difficult."<br /> <br /><br /> I walked back to my seat, brushing up against Samba and poking him as I did. He smiled, briefly "melting" away from my touch, only to stop and snicker. "You okay?"<br /> "I'm fine."<br /> "Thirsty?"<br /> "A little bit, why?"<br /> "Can ya subtly bring yer hand to yer mouth?" ok...<br /> "Um..why?"<br /> "Can give ya more medicine right now."<br /> A kind thought. "I'm not that tired. But thank you."<br /><br /><br /> Vin kept speaking, "Once there we can craft the shadow to match what we desire"<br /> "Then do we really need to bring anything?"<br /> Eathon spoke up, "Then why don't you travel to your home with sorcery and we'll trump to you." An excellent idea.<br /> Vin answered my question, "Everything can be provided there. Though it would be wise the defenses of Amber be put in place before we leave."<br /> I spoke up, "I don't have a trump of Vin. I will take care of that. The defenses, that is."<br /> Samba spoke up then, an intelligent comment even, "Hey, um, aren't our defenders either contenders or Judges?"<br /> Vin answered me, "I do not believe a trump of me exists"<br /> Samba added, "It ain't in the royal deck"<br /> Eathon spoke up, "we have lots of good trump artists in this family. We can ask Agnes."<br /> I answered Samba as well, "I will move some of my troops here...they can notify me, and I others, of an attack. As well, Paki's troops are already in place."<br /> Vin sighed, "That is perhaps best. My family has seen the need to reclaim me."<br /> Andrevo spoke up then. "Things that need be done but cannot be done now."<br /> Eathon asked "so shall we go?"<br /> I needed to get these troop movements taken care of. "I will join you shortly, once I see to the defenses."<br /> Vin replied to Eathon, "We can go."<br /> Samba replied, "There are some defenses we might not think about. A certain, uh, nearby person told me about those nearby forces."<br /> Andrevo left the room without further comment. I replied to Samba, "Then come with me, Samba.<br /> He nodded, "Certainly, I was about to ask you the same." With that taken care of, I left as well. I decided to talk with Andrevo. His mood had seemed...foul when he left. I tried to trump him, but he did not accept, even after several attempts. A few moments later, I felt a contact in return. If he was going to be that way...I didn't accept. Soon, a servant stopped me and told me that Andrevo wished to speak with me in person, and was still about. I went to meet him. On my way, I ran into Eathon, who handed me the sketch of Vin, so that we could use it, and told me he and Vin were leaving together.<br /> I found Andrevo in the dining hall, "You wished to see me, dear?"<br /> "You wished to talk with me, I heard."<br /> "I wanted to know if there was a problem, or if you were simply tired."<br /> "No, I had left to get the sketch that wasn't ready."<br /> I walked over to him, laying my hand on his. "This one? Eathon gave it to me. He's leaving now. I need to talk to Masamba, then move the troops, and I'll be ready to leave." I smiled slightly, "I guess we're stuck together for the next month, now."<br /> "I will meet you there; I also have some things to set in order. It shall be a busy one."<br /> "Still, I am sure we can sneak a moment or two. Um...I guess you will make your own arrangements?"<br /> "I will, to be most proper."<br /> "Then I will take the sketch with me, for Masamba and I." He nodded, "There is a small box in my room, full of spice. Will you grab it?"<br /> "Of course."<br /> "Thank you. I will see you soon." We shared a romantic moment together, before Paki came in. He asked us if the plans were to have everyone leave Amber, and I told him it was, but that I would be moving troops here to bolster the defenses. Paki seemed satisfied with this answer, and left us. We, too, parted ways, and I went to find Masamba.<br /> I happened upon Masamba in the halls before beginning my search in earnest. <br /> "So, Juliette."<br /> "Yes?"<br /> "I heard the mountains of Dreverwhatever were cold again."<br /> I laughed, "What makes you say that?"<br /> "There was quite a quiet storm just recently at the end of things. Please tell me I'm wrong." His concern was sweet.<br /> "He didn't seem upset with me...quiet the opposite in fact." I could feel my face warming as I remembered. <br /> Samba thought for a moment, "Should I start packing snow-shoes?"<br /> "You have totally and completely lost me."<br /> "As in..."<br /> "Just be blunt with me...really."<br /> "The chill air was aimed toward me. No. I get metaphors, I can do this. Shapeshifter and all."<br /> "I think he was just...frustrated." Towards the end, Samba wasn't high on my list either.<br /> "Ah. Should I ask about what?"<br /> "I also suspect he may not be too happy with you right now, for other reasons."<br /> Samba seemed taken aback. "Really?"<br /> "Just the repetition."<br /> "Ah."<br /> "Not horribly so, but he was none to pleased with my little...adventures."<br /> "Oh. Oh! Speaking of which."<br /> "And he probably wishes you wouldn't take his wife-to-be to her deathbed again."<br /> He laughed, stopping for a moment, then laughed again. "I also wish she wouldn't take me to my deathbed, too."<br /> "I might have let it slip I wasn't alone in that little adventure."<br /> "enh."<br /> I smiled. "Like I said, nothing too serious."<br /> "He woulda found out. He's a smart dude. By the way..."<br /> "Did you enjoy your wine?"<br /> "There was a concoction left for you. And yes, I did."<br /> Ah, yes. That. "With your letter...yes, I got it."<br /> "He is a most gracious host."<br /> "He is indeed. And a gentleman."<br /> "And I hate to keep bringing up the subject. But said medicine," he wiggled his fingers, "I should have given it an expiration date."<br /> I'll have to keep that in mind. "Oh, ok."<br /> "It's a cheap substitute for...Um...Solutions I have given you before."<br /> "I see." He cracked his knuckles, as if exercising them almost. I almost forgot to tell him. "Oh! The whole don't touch me thing."<br /> "Yeah. I actually forgot about it. But yeah."<br /> "I was able to call the pattern to mind, finally. Pattern + Chaos = ouch."<br /> "Ah, okay. Oh, trust me. I know."<br /> "As do I. That was not a pleasant walk, by any stretch."<br /> Samba looked pained. "I am very truly sorry, Julie."<br /> "It is not your fault."<br /> "And having elements of chaos doesn't not deny one the pattern. But anyway..."<br /> "I think it was...the active element, if that makes sense."<br /> "Actually. It does. Shit. I was a fool to think I made a complete, safe change. Oh, speaking of pleasant thoughts, You saw Mother in a most agreeable mood. That was," he looked around us, "That was after about a good 30some of my siblings died walking the pattern. On the plus side..."<br /> It was almost enough to make my blood boil again, "I heard."<br /> "I could easily make duplicates of myself."<br /> "I am truly sorry, and if I never see that woman again, it would be too soon."<br /> "Well, I do suspect my sense of humor is not entirely un-inherited. The conversations I had with her were...eerie."<br /> I interrupted him. "Masamba, forgive my bluntness, but I have a question."<br /> "As in, a darker version of myself might have been saying them. Go ahead."<br /> "If I were to meet her again, alone perhaps, my temper might not be so easily appeased."<br /> "Don't. You will most likely destroy aspects of her, be they limbs or new brothers or sisters. But she doesn't fear The Blade as I do."<br /> "For good reason?"<br /> "She doesn't have my father's blood mixed with hers."<br /> "My own weapons are still formidable."<br /> "That's what that..." he wagged his fingers at the Pattern Blade, "...thing does. Well. See, You saw all those multiples of her will, correct?"<br /> "Yes."<br /> "And you know the amounts of personal limbs I have sacrificed. I can only imagine."<br /> "All the more to kill again later."<br /> "Well," he furrowed his brow, "I don't know what to say about her. She's done magic that's much like my own, only better."<br /> " Unless you wish me to stay my hand, Samba." I would do it for him, if he wished.<br /> "Hell, shit I've never even thought up. Oh, no, I don't. Go ahead. It's just I believe she has enough safeguards set in place to be unkillable. After all..."<br /> "That may well be the case, but I would not wish to cause you sorrow."<br /> "Oh. No. Go ahead. The only sorrow that would be felt is if any harm came to you." I nodded, "Unless...Remember when we first fled, what was the name of the place we went to?"<br /> "My home?" I suppose you could call it that. It was as much that as any other place I had lived. "Arrakis."<br /> "Okay. Sorry. She is a shape-shifter after all. Hell, I'm still not sure you're just not a creation she has made to test my own devotions."<br /> "I assure you, Samba, I am quite real."<br /> "Oh, I believe you and all. Sometimes, I wish I never knew what it was like to be a shape-shifter. Once, I thought about erasing a painful memory. I never did, cuz that opened floodgates, which has left me second-guessing myself forever since, after all..."<br /> "And I could imagine that the manipulation of ones body chemistry could become...quite addicting." I know it would...and could be if I wasn't careful...for me.<br /> "Who knows what i may have done and eliminated from my memory. Oh, it is."<br /> "There is no point in worry about that which you can not change."<br /> He looked at me, "Do you want me to destroy the grape juice?"<br /> I smiled, "No." I would allow myself that luxury.<br /> He smiled, as well, then frowned. "I will not give it to you again." Then he snorted, "Cherry, on the other hand..."<br /> I laughed, "I think it would be acceptable...as long as it were not too often."<br /> "Oh, it won't." He laughed as well, "In fact, it is very easy to become...um...part of it. Do you remember the last time you saw me honestly, legitimately sad?"<br /> "Not really."<br /> "Neither do I. Not that that's a bad thing. But shit. It's okay to be addicted to something you control the flow over. But...anyway..."<br /> I should talk to Agnes before too soon. "I need to take care of something real quick, if you would excuse me?"<br /> "Sure."<br /><br /> I went to find Agnes, to ask about the trump gate. She explained to me that moving the troops here, and holding open the gate, was something I could do myself with the gate of Amber. It would, however, be very taxing. Armed with that information, I went back to find Masamba.<br /> "You alright?"<br /> "Yeah, but I'm gonna need your help. In order to get the troops here." He could either assist himself, or at least keep me up until we were done."<br /> "Um. Three Questions: Troops? Here? And me, how?"<br /> "I am bringing some of my troops from Arrakis to here to help defend while we are gone. I can use my trump of Amber to send them through, but I may not have enough...stamina."<br /> "Ah."<br /> "So, I need your help, either with the sending...or the stamina. If you don't have anything else to do here, let's go."<br /> "Sure."<br /><br /> I took him to the airfield, where I borrowed one of Paki's jets. It would be the fastest way to get there. Once in Arrakis, we took turns transferring as many of my troops as I though I could get away with to Amber. I set them in Forest Arden, and around the Castle. I also made sure to position some guarding the Pattern room. Once everything was in place, and I had coordinated with Paki, we set off for Vin's shadow.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-11070126393365409132007-09-01T21:22:00.000-07:002007-09-01T21:23:27.326-07:00InterludeAfter my meeting with Paki, a messenger found me, delivering a missive.<br /><br />"Dearest Juliette,<br /> <br /> I thank you for your hospitality and hope the day greets you with pleasure. Unfortunately business takes me elsewhere. The business is something we both will be facing soon, and I am attending to bases either not yet covered, or one I must cross in the near future. I am not good at metaphors. I have left you a medicine as a parting gift. Be careful with it, a small dose should be more than enough to fix whatever ails you. Or, barring that, enough that you won’t care anymore. I hope you like grape. I will see you before events unfold. Hopefully.<br /> <br /> Yours,<br /> <br /> Masamba"<br /> <br /> Attached was a vial of clear liquid, smelling faintly of grape. Not able to contact my cohort directly, I pulled out my card for Naxx. I had a simple message for him. "If you see your brother, please tell him I said to be careful, and I expect to see him in one piece."<br /><br /><br /> When I returned to Dubrovnik, Andrevo sought me out as well. "What is your familiarity with the Courts of Chaos?"<br /> "Why do you ask?" Did he know of my visits there?<br /> "I may need to visit there and wish to know of it."<br /> "I can take you there is you need to go. I have been there before, and have allies there. It is, if you'll pardon me, chaotic. And, at the moment, dangerous. Is there anything in particular you wish to know? I could probably find out if I didn't already know." I didn't want him going there along. It had been all I had, and luck too, which survived my encounter with Dierdre there. I did not wish to see it again.<br /> "Why so dangerous more so now? I have just never conceived that I'd have to travel there; so am almost wholly ignorant on it."<br /> "They are under attack by the creatures from the Abyss. I have been attacked myself while traveling there. Honestly, I would prefer you not travel there alone. At least, if you insist on going alone, let me offer you a shortcut."<br /> "I have no plan to go there at all; but things may change and it won't be some rogues solo expedition."<br /> "Thank you. I first met Diedre on a trip there..."<br /> "With our vehemence against the agents of chaos in Amber; how do they treat known Amberites?"<br /> I smiled. Now there was a question with an unexpected answer. "I was wary my first visit there, but it seems they have somewhat of a...hero worship, I suppose, among many of the Houses. I have not been accosted by a member of the Courts during my visits there, just agents of Brand." I thought for a moment. Maybe I could give him Naxx's...card. "Can you copy a trump?"<br /> "Yes."<br /> "That may be useful if we need to go there." While we were talking, I might as well bring up the thing that had been on my mind. "I had a question for you as well, dear. Would you accompany me to Amber for the meeting?"<br /> "Yes. I'd be upset if I couldn't."<br /> I smiled. "I wasn't sure if you had other plans."<br /> "Nothin as pressing."<br /> "I don't suppose you would be willing to tell me who will be judging for your family?"<br /> "I will be."<br /> Why not Agnes, or Joan? Still... "Good to hear."<br /><br /> After we finished our talk, I trumped Naxx again. He must be getting tired of me. As I asked, he told me of the house who held Andrevo in their high esteem, and the relationship of their house to his.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-75191519774302761612007-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:002007-09-01T21:22:38.251-07:00More KingsI went again to speak with Siobhan. I waited for her as she prayed, and greeted her as she stood. "Good morning. Would you join me for breakfast?"<br /> She smiled. Not the reaction I expected after our last...encounter. "I'd gladly join you for company, Juliette, but I do not choose to currently break this fast."<br /> "It was your company I wished anyway, so I will eat at another time. When we spoke earlier, you mentioned something I would like to explore in more...detail. If you were to become Queen, what *would* your plans be?"<br /> "Can you be more specific?"<br /> "I had expressed my concern over the rampant religious fantacism of worlds you have ruled...how would Amber be different?"<br /> "That's a tough question, Juliette. For one we differ on opinion between the line between fanatacism and faith. Also, I have learned much from those experiences and think that the people would be better of under my rule. Without faith Amber has become chaotic and splintered. Even the Courts of Chaos mock us for such. I hope to unite us again under that which makes us who we are. The Pattern. The basis for entire existence, without it, there is no amber, and no royalty of Amber. It was Dworkin and the Unicorn's greatest gift to us, even greater than the lives they gave us. If it were not for the Pattern, nothing would exist as we know it, and yet, it is barely guarded and treated more like a rite of passage than the power that it truly is. Some of our family even bring those who would destroy it into the very walls of Castle Amber. I envision a peaceful world. A theocracy based upon the Pattern where all can be content and happy. I would hope to mold this from what we have and extend it so future generations would not know the chaos that we see daily now."<br /> "And what of those whose heritage is of both Amber and Chaos?"<br /> "What of us Juliette?"<br /> She recognizes our common heritage. "I see." I had to think on that answer...and how best to phrase the question. "Would you war against the Courts?"<br /> "I cannot foresee that future. We've warred in the past, but I do not seek war, I seek enlightenment."<br /> "And if others choose not to receive that enlightenment? To remain in the dark?"<br /> "All kingdoms have laws. I would not persecute the individuals, but must stop those groups who would choose for others. Education would be a must, so people would understand why we want them to change." Those groups...would presenting another option be choosing for others?<br /> I nodded at her words. Another matter to be attended too... "On a different subject, if you will allow...I wish to thank you for your lesson the other evening. I learned much from it." So much.<br /> "The Pattern has many secrets."<br /> "If you would be so generous, I would like to study with you in the future."<br /> "Always."<br /> "I will make arrangements with you sometime in the next couple of days." I had other business to attend to before knowledge...at least of this.<br /> "Alright."<br /> "I will see you at Otanashi's meeting, then." She nodded at my words, and we parted ways.<br /><br /> I sought out Fionn next, and went to his office. I knocked before entering, but did not grace him with waiting for a reply. He looked up from some paperwork. "Good morning Juliette. Something you need?"<br /> I sat across from him, leaning back in the chair and putting my boots on the desk. "Your time." <br /> "You have it. For now."<br /> I chuckled. "For now?"<br /> "Unlike half our family, I'm not a freeloader. I do have duties to attend to."<br /> I smiled at his words. So true. "So, tell me what it is you plan to do with this sword if you get it?"<br /> "Immediate? Long term? The sword specifically, or the title?"<br /> He knew what I meant, but he was going to make me spell it out. "The title, in the long term. I assume you don't wish to just lounge around, drinking and carousing."<br /> "I will place Siobhan as cyber-pope, Paki as Lord Protector. Ambrose will retain commission as Admiral, the only one. You will take my place as Captain of the guard. I'll then solidify Amber's defenses. Build an army reinforce the treaties that have gone lax with time. Spread outposts throughout Shadow, set up diplomatic ties with the Courts of Chaos, and rule over Amber till passes to my heir."<br /> "Even if you win the competition, you will still need support. Do you have it this time?<br /> "I'm certain I have it this time. Who would assist the Sprottles after their last display?"<br /> "The Sprottles are not the ones *I* would be worried about." There were others as well who would be displeased. <br /> "No one else would start a war to stand against a decision."<br /> "And what if you were not chosen...would you abide by the decision?"<br /> "Of course."<br /> "I also had a question...unrelated to that matter. A favor. I wish to learn from you."<br /> "what is it you wish to learn?"<br /> "You have obviously found a way to...integrate other items into yourself."<br /> "Oh, you do not know how? I assumed." Why would he?<br /> "Not to such an extent that they are not rejected by the Pattern."<br /> "It was your brother who did this, not I."<br /> Connor...the brother I never saw become a man. "My brother?"<br /> "Your brother was very adept at conjuring pattern creations."<br /> "I see." I sighed. A dead end...literally. "Thank you for the information."<br /> "It seems doable, but I haven't looked much into most forms of sorcery. All I can suggest is to master more of the idea of Pattern." I suppose my lessons with Siobhan would be helpful. <br /> "Were the two of you close?" Perhaps he could tell me something of the man Connor had become.<br /> "Closer than some of our family, he fit in well as a Donaghue."<br /> I half-smiled, putting voice to the thoughts we both must have had. "More so that his sister, I suspect." In these months, almost a year perhaps, since I had returned...like family we were not. I got no reply from Fionn, confirming my suspicions. This was enough, then. I stood. "I will see you at Otanashi's meeting then."<br /> As I walked out the door, I heard Fionn's voice behind me. "Good day."<br /><br /> For now, I would put the one I least wished to speak with. Getting a basket of food and water from the kitchen, I made my way to Rose's room. Hopefully she would be awake. I knocked, and she opened the door, dressed as if to go out. "I was about to have a snack, and thought I'd see if you wanted to join me."<br /> "Certainly, I'll dress for such and join you where ever you wish." I guess her current clothing was not...appropriate?<br /> "In the gardens, then." I made my way there, and waited, meditating.<br /> About half an hour later, Rose arrived with several servants in tow, laying out blankets and pillows, and setting out a small bar. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, and I wouldn't be surprised if the arrangements had been made simply for their ability to aggravate me. I thanked her for joining me, and started off with small talk. After a while, I started in on my purpose." You'll have to forgive me for prying, but I admit a certain curiosity. What is your opinion of Otanashi's...meeting?"<br /> "It's so early to discuss politics. Otanashi is honorable enough i'm sure his intentions are good."<br /> "Ah, but if we dispose of politics early, then we need not bother with them later in the evening. Have you and your brother decided who will judge for your family?" Already the woman was starting to irritate me, and we had not exchanged but a couple minutes of conversation.<br /> "Not yet."<br /> "I see. Why not?"<br /> "We've both been very busy, we'll have it sorted out in time."<br /> "I suppose, then, it doesn't hold much interest for you then?<br /> "Oh, I'm quite interested."<br /> I smiled. "Do you have certain ambitions, then?"<br /> "All of our family gathering turn in to something spectacular."<br /> "They do indeed. Any plans for this one?"<br /> "Not as of yet." Growing weary of my time with her, I quickly made my excuses, and left her.<br /><br /> Last on my list was Paki. I went first to Forest Arden, but not finding him there, I traveled back to his rooms in Castle Amber.<br /> "Thank you for your time. I had a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind?"<br /> "Not at all."<br /> "If you were to become King, what are your plans? Your overall...strategy, as it were."<br /> "Well." He thought before answering me. "My plan is to choose the correct people for each of the roles that have been associated with the royal family of amber. I hope to instill some manner of faith to the people here and about, but not force it on them. I plan to institute a more strict legal system. Raise taxes but raise a higher standard of living for the people of amber and the golden circle. Build a standing army that fights for Amber and not bitter siblings. Institute new positions that need to be created to keep up with changing times."<br /> All excellent ideas, it seemed. Paki was interesting me more and more. "Perhaps you could elaborate on your plans for a more strict legal system?"<br /> "We need to enforce a law more equivalent to what we need as opposed to something from tradition. Things need to be addressed that are glossed over and left to interpretation. I want the King's law not to be the King's word."<br /> "And these positions...what would they be?"<br /> "I'm thinking Holy Patron and Surgeon General." There was not much more of substance I wished to gain from the conversation, but we conversed on shared interests for a while longer before parting ways.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-4348116987914385432007-09-01T21:16:00.000-07:002007-09-01T21:20:33.571-07:00Gifts and ApologiesThe second time I awoke, it was to the sound of someone entering the room. I could hear the slight clink of mail under the visitors clothes, but was too tired to see who it was. If they attacked me, then I would deal with it. I rolled over, trying to go back to sleep. <br /> Andrevo's voice broke the silence. "Good evening, dear. I got you something."<br /> I opened my eyes, and sat up in the bed, smiling wanly as I watched him walk over to the mantle and put a stone icon upon it. It looked to be of great age, and but part of a larger piece. "Ah, you're here. Thank you for the gift."<br /> "I heard you are not well so I thought an icon of a war might raise your spirits." He had tried to find something to my likes... "Did you try and wear the Jewel?"<br /> Straight to the point, interesting for him. "Yes, and no. I did, but that was not what did this to me."<br /> "Seems we've both been up to trouble." He winked. "But you first."<br /> I motioned to the chair Samba had left next to the bed. "Please sit. The short story is, I walked the Pattern while under the influence of Chaos." He sat, sighing in response to my words. "Things didn't turn out quite the way we--I expected." Oops. I hope he doesn't give Samba too much trouble.<br /> "Well all that is important that you are safe here now."<br /> "I must remember to thank Agnes for that."<br /> "She cares for us all deeply; even ones who do foolish things." What was he trying to say?<br /> "Even the foolish ones? A personal experience?"<br /> "I was more making a jab at the thought of you wearing the Jewel again."<br /> "As I said, the jewel wasn't the problem. The Pattern was. I wasn't wearing the jewel when I walked it. Siobhan would have none of that. It's a long story, with the end result being that I let my hubris get the best of me." Indeed I did...<br /> "Do I have to chain you to your bed to keep you out of trouble?"<br /> An amusing thought. "You could try. I doubt you would get very far."<br /> "They'd go with the piece I just brought you but otherwise clash with the decour; so I'll leave the chains in the dungeon." I don't want to think about what it was he got.<br /> "That reminds me, I have something for you, as well." I had finished the pins.<br /> "Fabulous; I have more gifts, hopefully we can keep alternating."<br /> "Surely, it's not necessary." It wasn't. Although not unwelcome.<br /> "Well I lavish over opportunities to shower you with gifts; but ladies first."<br /> Unfortunately, they were across the room. I suppose if anyone, I should be able to show my weakness to my husband to be. "Could I impose upon you to fetch it here? It's in the pocket of my pants over there."<br /> "Of course."<br /> He headed over to the corner, and pointed to the pockets, as if to ask which one. I nodded when he pointed to the right one. "There is a small jewelry box in it." He pulled it out, and headed back to the chair. "I'm sorry to impose on you so." His warm smile at my words warmed me slightly. It seemed he would not have issue with having to deal with my occasional...infirmities. I had been worried about it. "Open the box."<br /> He opened the box, holding it up so we both could see inside. Two stick pins lay within, their heads showing my symbol, the green tree upon the black background, picked out in jewels on the gold. "They are the pieces I was talking about. The wearers can communicate with each other across shadow, using their thoughts. They *should* be safe from spying, but of this I am not certain."<br /> "But more importantly, I think they'll go very well with my winter suite." Why was I surprised at that answer?<br /> I smiled. "Well, one of them is mine. Unless you really want to talk to someone else instead."<br /> "I'd rather talk in person, but a backup is wonderful."<br /> "Sometimes the situation can make it...difficult. Oh, and don't walk the Pattern with it on. It will break." As I had learned. <br /> "Walk as in the formal way; or any travel?"<br /> "Walk as in the formal way. It removes all enchantments, I have discovered."<br /> "But again, your next gift. I have found a way for you to make amends with mother. And I have it on good authority she wishes to apologize."<br /> That was...unexpected. Although not exactly a gift one would think of as particularly...romantic. "We might need to work on your sense of appropriate gifts. Apologize? That is...unexpected. Perhaps I misspoke." He grinned. "I can't even imagine what brought that about, but thank you."<br /> "Your side of the bargain is that she'd like you to be a judge for your family. Since you were seeking a way to make this happen; I didn't want to leave you without some part to play in making it happen."<br /> I chuckled. "That should not be difficult to accomplish, considering it already has been. Although she would be unwise to think she would be able to control my decisions."<br /> He chuckled as well. "You see too much into it, perhaps. Joan isn't trying to rig the gathering."<br /> "A bad habit, I suppose."<br /> "But I do have a third gift to catch me up to your offerings."<br /> "Forgive me if I hope that it is slightly more traditional that your other two."<br /> "I had considered bringing flowers from where I was; but they were a bit gloomy and not great for inspiring wellness. Instead I have arrangements for your wedding dress." I raised an eyebrow at that one. The finest artisan of such in Amber has politely insisted she be able to make it for you."<br /> I smiled. "I'm afraid I hadn't put much thought into it yet, so I suppose I will need to get started soon."<br /> "But the details of such can wait until more appropriate a time. Well perhaps by the time you meet with Joan you will have had time to give it due thought; but I cannot fathom the frivolity and intricacies of women's wedding attire in any era.<br /> Joan? Interesting. Why the sudden..interest? "Then I shall have to ensure there is extra frivolity and intricacy, just for you"<br /> He smiled, picking up my hand. "Forgive me dear, but I must retire as exhaustion is near."<br /> "One last question, if I might. Why are you dressed for war?"<br /> He continued to hold it as he answered. "You have been learning of mine; and myself of yours." He kissed my hand. <br /> I smiled. "Don't hurt yourself, and sleep well."<br /> He nodded. "Of course." With that, he departed with a slight skip in his step. I had to laugh at that. I faded off to sleep as well. Tomorrow, I needed to fix this mess I was, and start finding out who was going to become King.<br /><br /> Before I left Dubrovnik, however, I had another visitor. Joan arrived in a whirlwind of servants and fabric, and started talking about my wedding dress. She seemed to completely ignore anything that had happened before. I talked with her for a while, but eventually I asked her for a moment alone. She looked around in confusion saying that we were alone. I indicated the retainers.<br /> "Oh honey none of them are real."<br /> "Even if they are only shadows, I still don't feel comfortable with them."<br /> She motioned them out into the hall. "I'm not sure how you wish to be addressed..."<br /> "Joan."<br /> "Joan, things have...happened between us that we both hopefully regret. Even if that is not so, I do not wish to enter into my union with your son enemies with my mother-in-law. Your son had said you wished to apologize. If you truly wish to do so, please feel free. Otherwise, I am willing to let the past be past, if you are." <br /> "We're not enemies dear, but I'm glad we could clear that up." With that, she sighed, and opened the door, letting the servants back in. So much for that. I suppose it was simply best to let things go. After an hour or so, she and her whirlwind left me to myself, going to start work on the dress.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-11659811220535332007-09-01T20:49:00.000-07:002007-09-01T21:16:23.557-07:00Hubris and AftermathWhen I awoke, I saw Samba standing in the room, wielding my old leg like a rapier. I watched him through half-opened eyes as tried to balance it on his head, failing and catching it on its way down. I looked own at my body. I seemed to be whole, with no scars. I saw the jewel sitting under the cloth where I had left it. Finally, I smiled and opened my eyes. "You know, some dignity would be appreciated."<br /> Samba snorted in surprise, and dropped the leg on the floor. "Sorry." He stretched an arm out to drag a chair near the bed, and sat, placing the leg upright and folding his arms on it. I reached out and grabbed the jewel, placing on the bed next to me. Samba spoke up as I moved. "You didn't tell me how easy it would be. Hey, I put it back, don't worry."<br /> Easy? "How easy? I suppose I'm glad it was."<br /> "I didn't fix your body. I removed your...um...off switch?"<br /> "Off switch?"<br /> "I still can't figure it out. But I've been thinking. Have you ever been to a place called 'Earth'?"<br /> "Maybe, or someplace similar. I've heard about it before. But it's hard to ask people what shadow you're in, you know?"<br /> "Yeah, I hear you. Have you ever heard of some sickly person losing a limb and being fine?"<br /> I sat up in the bed. "Not that I know of."<br /> "Have you ever heard of some sickly person walking the Pattern and surviving?"<br /> "Well, no."<br /> "Don't feel bad, it didn't occur to me until I actually tried changing you."<br /> I smiled. "Well, except one."<br /> "We still have, like, days until the, uh confrontation."<br /> "Say your body was a car..."<br /> I interrupted him. "I want to get the other part of this plan done, and then lay low. I don't want anyone to know just yet."<br /> "I want to explain."<br /> If he insisted. "Ok."<br /> "You'll feel better. Say your leg was the keys. During the...mishap, you lost them. But they were still there. I found them and returned them to you, instead of remaking your car, which is what I planned. That's it, really. I just wanted to be smug."<br /> I still had no idea, except that there was some kind of 'switch' that had been turned off in me. I would need to look into that. "Except, I never had the key to begin with." I smiled. "Feel free to be as smug as you want."<br /> "Oh yeah. Only cuz. This wasn't a me thing. I brought the paint, you were the nicely gessoed canvas. And you're right, this is less climactic than I imagined. However, you said we should get the second part done, correct?"<br /> "I think we should, before someone tries to stop us." And if they found out, they would.<br /> "Good idea." I stepped out of the bed, and walked over to get dressed. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see that Samba had turned his head. One wouldn't think he was so modest if they didn't know him.<br /> "I didn't toy with this as much as I pretended," Samba waved the leg, "so I didn't check to see if there was anything hidden in there. Like, gunwise."<br /> "There isn't, unless it was there to start with."<br /> "Did you want my full medical report while you're changing?"<br /> "That would be good. And, while I'll almost afraid to ask, do you think it's permanent?" I hoped it was.<br /> "Well. I'm pretty sure it is. My only test would have involved, well, really, really old, dead Fremen."<br /> "I suppose I can only enjoy it while I have it, right?"<br /> "My hope is no. But, it was much easier than I expected." I dressed in long pants, and a long-sleeved tunic, and put the jewel on under the tunic. It was still draining, but not nearly as much at it had been before. "Drain on the body, in Doctor Igari's opinion, is regards to resistance to damage and personal healing, you had the former, not the latter. By the way...I couldn't help but give your wedding present early."<br /> I smiled. "I couldn't ask for anything else from you."<br /> "Hey, if you happen to hit a fly run while playing a kick-ass game of base-ya know what, that's a shitty analogy. But yeah, it happened." I smiled, blushing. "Can I turn around now?"<br /> "I know what you mean. And yes." I finished getting ready, strapping on my pair of lasguns, my sword, and grabbed my trump deck, and the key to the pattern room. I also grabbed the pin box, for later.<br /> Samba spoke up. "You should try walking with the jewel."<br /> "It's fine."<br /> "Oh...shit...uh..." He handed me my Amber trump. <br /> Why had he used it? "Thanks."<br /> "You sleep like a baby." Perhaps with a little help?<br /> "We're going to need it. Well, now I can afford not to."<br /> He smiled. "I really hope this works, Julie."<br /> "So do I, but even if it doesn't..." I walked over and gave him a huge hug. It was like a dream.. "Thank you."<br /> He smiled. "Hey, if it doesn't, there's always round two. Pattern willing. And Siobhan willing, too."<br /> He had to bring her up. I snorted. "Let's go."<br /> "Ya think she'd let you walk the pattern with that?"<br /> I'm sure she wants to maintain her jewel monopoly. "I don't think I'm going to ask."<br /> "Perhaps we should prepare for a 'no.'" He tried to crack his neck, but didn't. "Well, hrm, okay, ready."<br /> "What, do you think I need *more* guns?"<br /> "Would that be possible?"<br /> "Although, let's at least try to act normal." I smiled. "Yes."<br /> "Oh, I should probably not bring this in, huh?" He waved the leg. <br /> "Leave it here, you can get it later if you want." He could have it if I didn't need it anymore.<br /> He set it down gently on the bed. "Enh, I've dealt with your limbs enough." He smiled.<br /> I winked at him. "Ready?"<br /> He gave me a thumbs up. "Ready!" I pulled out the card for Amber, and we went through. Once there, we head towards the pattern room. Where we were met by Fionn and Siobhan. Oh shit.<br /> Siobhan spoke as soon as she saw us. "Masamba Igare, did we not just explain this to you?" What?<br /> He snorted. "To me, yeah."<br /> I stood there, watching them, until Siobhan turned to me. "Then for your sake Juliette, no one goes to the pattern with the jewel before the coronation."<br /> I studied them, sizing them up. Samba muttered to me. "Your call, Juliette."<br /> I could take them in a duel, but the hallways were narrow, and Fionn would probably get his hands on me. It wasn't going to work if it was just him, much less whatever Siobhan could do. "You will try to stop me if I try?"<br /> She answered. "I will do more than try."<br /> For now, I was finished. "I suppose, for now then, I am checked." Samba nodded to me. I suspected Siobhan and Fionn wanted to talk to me, and I could at least shield Samba from part of it. "Masamba, I think we need to have a small...discussion."<br /> "Yes."<br /> "Perhaps you can give us some time?"<br /> "Like...me? or Siobhan?" I nodded to Fionn and Siobhan. "Alright." Samba bowed, and began to walk away.<br /> I turned to Fionn and Siobhan. "Should we retire somewhere more...comfortable?"<br /> Siobhan spoke for both of them. "If you wish."<br /> "I will be more than happy to discuss family business with you here, if that's what you want." I wanted to find out about this "off switch." And I might still decide I wanted to try and be Queen. Now, I had the possibility.<br /> "I am merely here to keep you from walking to the pattern, if you wish to retire to somewhere to discuss family business than lead the way."<br /> I led them to my sitting room, and indicated chairs they could use, although I couldn't sit right now. Neither chose to sit. "I do not know of any others of our family living? Are there?"<br /> "Not that I'm aware."<br /> "Fionn?"<br /> He answered as well. "I don't think so."<br /> I snorted. "I am considering whether or not to throw my hat in the ring."<br /> Fionn snorted, "I was the one not waiting for suppo--" <br /> Siobhan waves her hand at him. "That is neither here nor there for why I stopped you. The jewel is not a bauble to be passed around the royal family, its secrets are for the ruler and those they choose." Perhaps she forgot how I got it to begin with.<br /> "I didn't think it was, the two are only peripherally related. But it affects our participation in the competition, and I thought I would give you time to think."<br /> "If you wish to prove yourself best to rule..." Fionn snorted. "...then make your path as you choose, but I think you're getting ahead of yourself."<br /> "Getting ahead of myself?"<br /> "What are you going to do if you become queen? Will yo do as Callyn and lead us through war after war as she tries to establish herself? What will you do when one of your cousins stands against you? Do you expect the likes of Rose or Joan to stand with you if they disagree with you?" I thought as she spoke. "When I spoke of your ability, I said you would have done better if you started the training long ago, instead of arms, not that you were ready now. What do you know in life beside harshness and battle? Are those the qualities you want in a leader?"<br /> As if she didn't, in some way, bear responsibility for that. No one came after me when I left. "I think you would be surprised at what I have learned since I returned. But I have not made my decision yet, as it is. I will think on your words, as they are" I sighed in frustration. "Good. But I wasn't going to debate that now, I merely wished to inform you. I did have some questions, though, which I think only one of you can answer. Most likely you, Aunt Siobhan."<br /> "I understand you must make the choice that follows your path, much as Fionn, must make his own way. I've always tried to be open for your questions."<br /> Fionn spoke up, "I guess you mean for me to leave."<br /> "Did anything unusual happen when I was born, or while my mother was pregnant?" I turned to Fionn. "You don't need to, I just don't think you would know the answers I seek."<br /> "Not that I'm aware."<br /> "Was I always...sick? Even from birth?"<br /> "To call you sick is to be mean. You had more than your share of ailments, but you're not the only one in our family to be sick while young. Each of our Families is different."<br /> "So I'm not...unique, I'm just the only one who did something in spite of it? And, please, do not soften your answers in order to shield me in some way."<br /> "When you were a child, you would shy away from the fire because it would burn you, and you would be scarred. I do not know what happened when you left, but when you returned you would thrust your hand into the fire daring it to scar you so you could prove you could fix it. Most with a weak constitution would have turned to magic or sorcery, you turned to the sword. I would say that makes you unique."<br /> "I wanted what was mine. Do you know of anyone who would have known my parents better?"<br /> "I'm afraid not, only my mother."<br /> Another dead end. "Unfortunately, I think if she had known the answers I seek, she would have told me."<br /> "I don't think there are answers for what you seek. Why aren't you taller, or blonde? You are what you are."<br /> "You are what you are, short, stubborn and redheaded. Another damn Donaghue. I"m going to get something to eat." After his outburst, Fionn walked out of the room.<br /> "Good Evening, Fionn." <br /> He snorted, "Good Evening," back at me as he left. <br /> I turned back to Siobhan. "Thank you for your time, Siobhan. I do have one last...request. You know more of the jewel than anyone else I know of. If I merely hold it, instead of wearing it, while walking the pattern, will it be sufficient to prevent...attunement? I still have a need to do so."<br /> "You can walk with it, without attuning it, but only under my watchful eye, I'll not have trickery under my watch."<br /> "I am more than happy to do so. If I really meant to trick you, would I have asked?" I smiled.<br /> "Possibly. May I ask where you wish to go?"<br /> "I'm not sure yet. It is the act I wish to undergo."<br /> "Then allow me to help, sit with me, and let me show you the guidance of the pattern."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> "Remove the jewel and place it somewhere not easily accessible like a pocket or under some clothing." She sat cross-legged and held out her hands. I removed the jewel as she instructed, and sat across from her, placing my hands in hers. "Picture the pattern in your mind as clearly as you can." I began to picture it as she instructed, seeing the blue glow of it's lines in my mind. "Now do not move, but walk that pattern, retrace your steps from your previous trips, remember each step and how each one feels." I followed her instructions, although I wasn't sure how exactly this would be the same...as I was different now. So far, it seemed to be the same, and then I started to sweat. Something was wrong. I began to feel hotter and hotter, like I was on fire. I stopped. As if she were standing next to me, Siobhan pushed me forward. "Stop and you'll never start again. You have the influence of chaos about you. This is going to hurt. I'll not let you falter, walk." I tried to scream out that I didn't want to, I didn't want this *taint* removed from me. Damn it, I wanted to keep it! "You cant stop moving once its begun, or you'll die. Move." She kept pushing me forward. I said something I would probably later come to regret, but moved forward, slowly, taking each agonizing step as the fire burned through me. "The pattern is in your mind and your soul, as much as in that dungeon, here or there this would have happened. This is not my doing." Slowly but surely I made my way to the center, my anger and my tears mixing inside me. I wanted to blame her...to rail at her for causing this, for taking it away. "You've done it, with help you'll learn to do it on your own. You've walked the pattern in your own mind. You've been restored to your form. Go now somewhere safe and rest. I'll be here if you need me."<br />But it wasn't her fault. It was mine. Foolishness. Hubris to think that I would be something I wasn't. To become more than what I was. A pipe dream...one best forgotten. "Then you would never have been able to walk the pattern again. You need rest, you don't look well. At least come somewhere safe with me, if not on your own."<br /> I followed her, numbly, too tired to care, not just in body but in soul as well. There was a moment of disorientation and then we were in the amber kitchen. Fionn seemed ready and quickly scooped me up. "Take her to an alter room and post a guard so she can sleep peacefully." He nodded, and took me to a cot next to a pattern alter, then left to let me sleep. As I lay there, motionless on the cot, I could hear the posting of the guards, and the scratch of claws as several cats snuck into the room. I smiled half-heartedly at them. Agnes. I felt a trump contact, once, twice, then three times. Andrevo? on the third, I accepted.<br /> It was Agnes instead. Apparently she had found our code...not that it was particularly hard. "What's wrong dear?"<br /> "Tell him to come take me away. I don't want to be here right now." I couldn't face them right now, not after what I had done.<br /> "who?"<br /> "Andrevo."<br /> "I can try and contact him, but is there anything I can do?"<br /> As she said that, Fionn opened the door. "My mother may be forgetful, but I am not. Some of your Stuff," he sprinkled spice over me, "And I want to put you on an IV, cause your body wont recover well on its own." <br /> Agnes sounded in my head as the cats hissed and sprayed at him. "Is he hurting you?"<br /> I shook my head no, so that hopefully Agnes would see, as Fionn growled back at the cats. "Why do you keep going when it wrecks you each time?"<br /> "What else is there to do?"<br /> "I was going to tell you later, but now is as good as ever."<br /> Again, Agnes spoke to me. "If you're in danger child, I can pull you away." I shook my head.<br /> Fionn continued speaking, "I've had more than one threat to take the sword from me. I know I'm the strongest, but I'm not the best swordsman. I'm leaving it with you, because I think they'll have to kill you to pry it out of your hands, and thats no easy task." He stood up, put the sword down and walked to the door. "I expect you to return it when I'm king." I didn't expect that from him, and part of me wished I could tell him what it meant. <br /> I spoke with Agnes again once I thought he had gotten out of earshot. "I had a visitor, but he has left."<br /> "Do you still need to leave? I saw"<br /> "I want to leave Amber right now."<br /> "Where do you want to go?"<br /> "To Andrevo."<br /> "I can send you to Dubrovnik."<br /> "That will do. Thank you." She seemed to open a trump gate behind her, and ushered me through to her. I reached out to get the sword, and carefully stood up, carrying the IV with me as I hobbled towards her. <br /> "You should not be sad that your magic is shattered by pattern, it is quite powerful. I'm sure you'll learn to combine your magics, like the rest of your family."<br /> "I let my hubris get the best of me. That is all it was."<br /> She smiled. "Well I'm always here for the Sprottles."<br /> How sweet. I chuckled weakly. "Not yet."<br /> "You should fix your weapons, lest someone think you've gotten soft," she smiled, "not that that would be bad. You could always try a paintbrush." Well, I had asked, but that was a matter for another day. <br /> I turned back to her before I walked through the gate. "I know you don't like to leave...maybe one of you," I motioned to all the cats, "would sleep with me...at least until he gets here?" I really didn't feel like being alone.<br /> She laughed. "Dear, they are no more me than your birds are you. How many would you like? A dozen perhaps?" The cats began to pour through the gate. <br /> "One or two would be fine." I smiled as I saw many more than that go through. Some jumped onto the bed, others the tables and shelves, where they became cats, or mugs, or books.<br /> "When you combine the magics dear, they'll stay when you walk the pattern. After all the pattern accepts itself, but I know less of that than some of your family." I nodded as she dropped the contact. Making my way towards the bed, I took enough inventory of myself to determine I wasn't going to die while I slept, then wrapped the jewel in place, placed the sword in the bed next to me, and fell to sleep, clothes and all. <br /><br /> After I don't know how long, I was awakened by a trump contact. I ignored it the first time, hoping they would leave me alone, but a second contact came, so I opened my mind. It was Samba, standing in my room in Castle Amber. "You okay?"<br /> I...I didn't know what to say. "Oh...Samba. No..."<br /> "Julie! Can you pull me through?"<br /> "Yes...give me a second." I sat up, shooing away the cat in bed with me, and reached out my hand to Samba. <br /> He took it. "What... what happened?"<br /> "The Pattern happened."<br /> He extended his hand. "I-.. Is it okay if I try to help? I understand if you think my help will be inadequate."<br /> I took it. It would be welcome, although I didn't really deserve it. "Part of me says no, that I deserve this punishment. But I am tired. Will you help me with these clothes at least? Fionn has dirtied them all up in his attempt to help." I have no idea what he was thinking.<br /> "Uh. Alright. You mean...Um...removing and stuff?" I relaxed as Samba's help kicked in.<br /> "Yes, please. It's hard with this," I gestured to the IV, "I should have done it when I first got here, but I was too tired."<br /> "Alright. I normally, ya know, Don't, unless ya buy me dinner, but..." I pushed the blankets aside and smiled wanly. Samba procured a few more limbs, and helped me strip off my dirty, dusty clothes. "Do you have some PJs near, or are you good commando?"<br /> I pointed him to some dressing gowns among the clothes Andrevo had given me. "Andrevo has some dressing gowns over there."<br /> We spoke while he helped me dress. "I take it our project wasn't successful."<br /> "Hopefully he will be here soon. It didn't survive the pattern. It burned off the taint of chaos. I think, in some way, my aunt did it on purpose...but it would have happened anyway." Maybe to help remove the taint quickly.<br /> "Shit. I should have known. I'm sorry Julie."<br /> "It was hubris to think it would have worked. Not now."<br /> "I did almost accidentally shift on the pattern. And it nearly killed me. And here I am trying to do the same. And yet, my idea for a plan is still sound. I think."<br /> "There is a way to do it...look at Fionn. I just need to study more."<br /> "I just should have realized it would have taken a lot longer than a few days before I up and decided it was permanent."<br /> "And I should not have let it go to my head. But I will survive...and continue on, learning as always."<br /> "Yeah. Shit."<br /> "It is just so...tiring." I sat back down on the bed, covering up, and motioned Samba to pull over a chair. I hadn't felt this bad in a long, long time. <br /> "I never got this whole fascination you had with scars, so I hope don't offend you when I ask..." He pulled the chair over. "Do you want The Leg back?"<br /> "If you wish to keep it, you may. Otherwise it will serve as a good reminder."<br /> "I don't want it."<br /> I leaned over and rested my head on his shoulder, for once just letting it all out. I sobbed quietly. "Oh Samba."<br /> "Shshshhh, Julie."<br /> I felt myself feeling better as I sat, collecting myself again. Good Samba. I chuckled. "Promise me we'll always be friends...it is so hard to keep going sometimes...I need someone I can be myself with."<br /> He smiled. "Why would I want to lose our friendship. Not to sound deep, but it's my only real one. Well, outside of Naxx, but I rarely see him." Mine too.<br /> "I don't know...but our family history doesn't exactly overflow with real friendships."<br /> "You might be surprised. But then, I dunno. I take it you got the chance to walk it. Do you think Siobhan did something to you beforehand?"<br /> "She helped me...I walked the pattern...we walked the pattern...in my mind." It was hard to explain. <br /> "...Interesting...Do you think she might have tried to kill you?<br /> "I was going to do it anyway. Walk the real one...No...if she meant to kill me, she could have easily left me to die when we were done. It would have been a tragic accident."<br /> "Wait, all this..."<br /> "I think she was trying to help me, maybe trying to remove what she saw as taint...but trying to help me."<br /> "And it wasn't the true pattern?"<br /> "It was, and it wasn't. It was in my mind, but each step, each twist, each turn...it was the pattern."<br /> "I... I think I get it."<br /> "I don't know that I fully 'get it.'"<br /> "Maybe I'm biased against Siobhan, but someone 'tainted' with chaos can walk the Pattern. Hell, I walked the Pattern less than a week after I entered the Logrus. But then...Anyway...I don't mean to talk of conspiracies."<br /> "I don't know. I wanted to stop, the pain...it was almost unbearable. But she pushed me on. And just as in the true pattern, once my foot was on the path..."<br /> "Yeah. It's over now. Mistakes were learned from."<br /> "And insight provided."<br /> "I guess," He smiled. "Did she tell you I briefly stole the Jewel from you?"<br /> "No, she didn't. What did you do with it? And why am I not surprised."<br /> "I do have to admit. I am sorry, Julie. Think of it this way. I'm not great at math, but this is my best explanation. Your body is x, and i wanted to turn it into a body type that could handle the jewel on the pattern, body type y, but i have no idea what y truly is" Was he saying what I thought he was saying? Surely, after all we had talked about, he hadn't tried to walk the Pattern with the Jewel... "Is it just physical? Is it bone structure? Is it how well the flesh knits itself together? I have no intention for the throne, Julie. And we both know I wouldn't be the only non-ruler to have walked the pattern with the jewel."<br /> He was! "No wonder she knew we would be there! You..." Some of the cats started hissing behind me.<br /> He steeled himself for a fight. "I am sorry, Julie"<br /> I pulled myself away from him. "You betrayed me." And here I thought he was the one person I *could* trust.<br /> "Only to keep you from..well. From this," he pointed to the IV, "Or worse. I understand if you want me to leave."<br /> I saw anger flash in his eyes for a moment as he spoke. "Oh no. You will stay. And what right have you to be angry with me?"<br /> "I am not angry now. And I only did what I could to try and protect you. I admit it was a rash and foolish thing to do. And I understand if you never trust me again."<br /> "I don't need your 'protection.' I have had enough pity from the rest of my family."<br /> "But do know, I did it to keep you from dying. This is not a pity thing, Julie. What we were doing was unique to me. Would you want your doctor to have had some experience?" I tapped my fingers on the hilt of the blade next to me, pondering. Samba was still. "Strike me down if you want to. I understand your anger. But, I tell you this with all honesty in my heart. I would have rather died a traitor to you than lived knowing I my incompetence had killed you."<br /> He sat there, slowly blinking. I picked up the sword. After all we had done together...Argh! I was tired of all of this. It was driving a wedge between us. I threw the sword across the room. It crashed into one of the tables, and the tinkle of broken crockery was music to my ears. I ripped the jewel off my arm, and it followed the sword. I heard a sigh of relief from Samba. "These baubles...why do they come between us? I do not want this burden anymore."<br /> He smiled. "I am sorry, Julie. But the only other option is putting them in someone else's hands. And I know you wouldn't be happy with that."<br /> "Sometimes I wish I were more like my cousins, and in more ways that just one. If so, they would safely rest in the hands of whoever offered me the most, and I would be done with them." But, that was why she had given them to me.<br /> A confused look crossed his face. "I have thought of another idea. Only slightly less foolish than any of my others."<br /> "I don't know if I can handle another one of your ideas...not right now."<br /> "Pitch them into the abyss. The Best will get them while the others will die trying." He smiled. "I am sorry."<br /> "Please. I did not refuse you, did I? The fault is as much my own, as any others'. For a moment, I think I had it in my mind I would be Queen."<br /> "Fault is a harsh thing to inflict on someone, even yourself."<br /> "My life has been a harsh one."<br /> "I will not deny that. But that does lump you in there with the rest of us. As in, there are few, even among us, who thing they have had privileged lives."<br /> "There are some. I think, as he learns more about me, my fiance almost feels guilty for his life."<br /> He laughed. "I really hope the expression 'Opposites Attract' comes into play."<br /> "It...it seems to be. Although I suppose this will test that. I wonder where he is. Agnes sai--He should be here soon."<br /> He looked over the cats. "I'm not completely oblivious, dear Julie."<br /> I chuckled. "It seems I'm a Sprottle now. And she is rather protective of them."<br /> "I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds in saying shes the only good one of us all."<br /> "I would agree. She is the one who brought me here."<br /> "How have things been between you and Andrevo? I know you previously said they were improving."<br /> I smiled. "Curiosity, or is there some other reason you ask?"<br /> "Just curiosity. Actually. There is another reason.<br /> "Ah ha!"<br /> "You did almost kill me and I am trying to change the subject."<br /> "You survive almost dead an awful lot."<br /> "It's my 'thing.'"<br /> "But as for me, and Andrevo, we are getting...closer. I think this may work, although I want to see how he reacts to...this." I motioned to the bed, and the IV.<br /> "You vivisect people, I get vivisected. Well, If we want to test things, I could lie in bed next to you." I chuckled, and Samba snorted. "Although, keep me informed of his reaction. I am curious myself."<br /> "I...It is good, I suppose, to see how he will react to the this reminder of who I am before we get married."<br /> "I did have one question to ask. Though, I understand if you are against it."<br /> "You may ask."<br /> "Would you want me to help you with regards to your health? Nothing crazy like last time. Just, well, a little speed boost."<br /> "I...Last time would have worked if I hadn't walked the pattern."<br /> "Or, well, I was going to say a pain-killer that won't drive you crazy. But then again, I do sometimes have that affect on people."<br /> I smiled. "Well, you are quite the charmer, with your eight limbs and all."<br /> He laughed. "13, but who's counting." He briefly grew some tendrils out of his back. "Granted, if I were to do it now, well..."<br /> "I would have said no," I laughed at his display, "but I think, for the present time, it can not hurt. If you were available."<br /> "By the time the Missus-to-be showed up, you might be better."<br /> "For now, I wish to wait." I nodded. "I can take care of things myself to be well enough for the meeting, assuming he arrives in a timely fashion."<br /> "The problem is...I don't like leaving when I know you are in pain. And. Well. I have no where else to go. At least, none that I can recall."<br /> "You are always welcome in my homes, wherever they may be."<br /> "Oh, and I did embarrass myself horribly in Amber. Ah, I apologize for entering your room in the Castle, but I just was curious where you were. I had met with Fionn who said you were 'done.'"<br /> I raised an eyebrow. "What did you do this time, Eufrextias Masamba Igare?"<br /> "Well. See." He cringed jokingly as I said his full name. "No one died."<br /> "See. I. Aheh. Up for a massage?"<br /> I smiled. "Was it that bad?"<br /> "Well..."<br /> "If you insist."<br /> "Oh." He smiled. "Well, I did get to talk with Paki briefly. And Fionn. Who is quite a good police officer." He scooted next to the bed, growing a tendril to tap onto my shoulder. "See. I did have my trump deck stolen. And I went to regulate the law in the place it was stolen from. I did, however, learn two things. 1 - There is a very good, efficient police force within Amber city limits, run by your cousin. 2 - Apparently non-royal members having trump cards is treason. Well. I did the whole 'I'm a badass and I'll kill you' routine to these poor tavern patrons...er...bar patrons. Only two were pretend-killed. I put them under and filled em full of pleasure. My only fear is they'll reject carnal desires now that they've felt...uh...me. Wait. Scratch that. Anyway...word got out, Paki showed up, rightfully pissed." I chuckled. "Though I think I...well...I didn't talk him out of anything. I just showed him the tissue I wished to use to cover my ass. Then Fionn radios in saying he found my lost trump deck a day ago. I didn't even know a day went by since I lost the damn thing."<br /> I chuckled again. "Forgive me for laughing."<br /> "But now, my conscious demands I riddle my 'victims' with moneys to compensate." He smiled. "Oh, go ahead. I had to suppress my laughter when Paki showed up. Only cuz I had this fear he'd believe me psychotic for doing so." I laughed again, stopping as my ribs protested with pain. Needless to say, I don't think I want to be seen by the regular folk of Amber too much now."<br /> "Did Paki have anything else to say to you?"<br /> "No. I think he saw how red I was turning."<br /> "Well, he didn't try and kill you or anything."<br /> "No. Granted. He wanted to. His first words to me, which were quite good, 'Masamba or Peter, please say Peter.'"<br /> I tried to stop myself, but burst out laughing again. "This is how you're going to be the death of me, Samba."<br /> He smiled again. "Oh. There is also another part about Fionn, despite being pissed at me, sort of offering me a job on the police force."<br /> "Interesting." Indeed.<br /> "Granted. I had this feeling he was looking for small talk...and an ally."<br /> "What did he have to say about me...how did you find out what happened? He needs allies, and he knows it."<br /> "I asked if he was done speaking with you, and he said he was. I had this feeling that he would be done 'speaking' with you before Siobhan was anyway. I didn't want to press it for fear he might do some passive aggressive 'don't ignore me, I mean something' thing. After I got my deck back, I tried contacting you, then I went to the pattern room, saw you weren't there, then peeked in your room. I figured something was up if you didn't try to contact me back. I do admit, if this last contact didn't work, I would have attempted pattern walk #4."<br /> "How sweet." I smiled.<br /> "Well...Doctor Frankenstein was worried about his Adam." He smiled.<br /> "After we walked the pattern, I was...in no condition to do anything, body or mind. Siobhan took us to Fionn, who carried me to a bed. That's when Agnes contacted me. She wanted to see if I was alright." I smiled. "Even threatened Fionn at one point."<br /> "Should I ask how she kn-Oh. Go Agnes!"<br /> "I don't know how she knew. I mean, the cats had some, but how she knew to send them..."<br /> "Well. Do they..."<br /> "Yeah, Fionn came in to give me the IV, and said some pointed things...although he also gave me the sword."<br /> Samba looked to one of the cats. "Do they report to her?"<br /> "I'm sure they do."<br /> "I was meaning to ask about that."<br /> "Just like my falcons do to me."<br /> "I might have an idea. Felix used to be like that. But, why did Fionn give you Kin-slaye-Er...The sword?"<br /> "Kin-slayer?"<br /> "Chaos name, to some. Frankly..."<br /> "Ah. I suppose I could see that."<br /> "This is a test of wills that I'm not running screaming from this room at the sight of the damn thing."<br /> "He gave it to me because he said that he was not very good with it, and he knew someone would only be able to get it from me 'if they pried it from my cold, dead fingers' and I seemed to be really good at not dieing. I can have someone come and put it away, at least."<br /> "Well. Little secret, Julie. Fear comes and goes for shape-shifters. Good ones, that is."<br /> "Like everything else, it seems?"<br /> He smiled. "Oh...was that a clue I'm not massaging well enough? And I never knew Fionn to be so poetic."<br /> I laughed. "Very, wouldn't you say? Mind you, at the time he says this, I am lying on a cot, not able to move, on an IV drip."<br /> "I have decided/ i'm king of this place/ now i throw a chair / at your fucking face." He laughed. "Wow." I laughed, wincing. "And I thought I was a bad swordsman." I felt a new wave of painkillers wash over me from Samba's touch. "So, not to talk 'business' but my feeling is that in many ways Ambrose and Fionn are similar. I mean. With level-headed-ness. I wouldn't know, and I could be totally wrong." He smiled at the nearby cats. <br /> "I think you might be right, although don't tell either of them that."<br /> "God no. I think that's where they'd actually agree, to disagree even though...they wouldn't. Whoa. I just confused myself."<br /> "I'm glad I'm not the only one." He smiled, and I felt a brief boost of pleasure. "Hey! I could get used to that."<br /> He laughed. "Sorry."<br /> I smiled. "Why don't we get a bed set up in here for you?"<br /> "I hope I'm not ruining you for And-" He laughed. "Chair's fine. And hey, Julie. Do you forgive me about the jewel thing? I hate to harp." I felt anger well up in me again. He muttered. "Shit!"<br /> "Just give me a little time, ok?"<br /> "All right. Just remember why I did it, and how you learned about it. I won't bring it up again. And I'm not even flooding you with pleasure to calm things." He smiled weakly.<br /> I nodded. "On to happier things, though."<br /> "Yes?"<br /> "Did you want me to have them prepare a room for you?"<br /> "Would that be weird for the Missus? er..." He pointed up, and off into the air. "You know."<br /> I shrugged. "Do you think I care?"<br /> He laughed. "Well. It's one thing if you do it. It's another if I do it, ya know? Don't get me wrong, I'll accept. I kind of like the fashion of this place."<br /> "I have been told to treat this place as my home. I'm sure it will be fine, although you'll have to go get a servant for me. I'm not sure if they know I'm here, although that probably alerted someone." I pointed to the mess in the corner.<br /> He smiled. "Enh, you know these Victorians. I...Was going to say something funny in response. Well, there are...uh...christ I'm lazy. Others who might be concerned about taking care of you."<br /> I laughed. "What?"<br /> He looked at the cats. "...and would go fetch the servants. So I wouldn't have to." He smiled at them. "This is a damn comfy chair."<br /> I laughed. "Feel free to ask them..."<br /> "She's yer in-law...to-be. Granted, I am the maidservant now, Aren't I?"<br /> I laughed again. "I suppose so."<br /> Samba stood up. "Dearest Feline: I most humbly request that you might deliver a message to the most gracious of Mistresses, who has been a boon and benefactor for the health and well-being to her soon-to-be-relative Juliette Dognahue. That, I, as a humble vessel to deliver this message, speak for her in requesting a handmaiden of the area to come to this particular room...In order to help maintain her wellness." He also said it in what I could only assume to be cat. After a moment, he laughed. "She said no. Er.."<br /> I reached over and petted the cat he talked to. "I'm sorry he bothered you, dear. Masamba, just get up and open the door."<br /> "I didn't mean Agnes. I mean..."<br /> "I know."<br /> He reached down and pet the cat as well. "I have two mistresses..." Samba got up and opened the door, calling out to a servant walking down the hall. "Ma'am? A word!...Madame Juliette Donaghue would like to speak with you." The servant came in, and I told her to prepare rooms for Masamba, then released her. "Yer so much better that than I."<br /> "I've gotten a little used to it, I admit. Samba, darling, I'm starting to get tired. I don't suppose you could sit with me until I fall asleep?"<br /> "Certainly."<br /> "Your rooms should be ready by the time I fall asleep." He agreed, and I turned over, falling back asleep quickly. The next time I woke up, he was gone.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-43134007149100755672007-09-01T20:41:00.000-07:002007-09-01T20:48:22.212-07:00A ChangeAfter taking care of some of the business in Amber, I went back to Arrakis to find Samba. We had more to talk about. I found him near my rooms in the sietch as I came in from the desert, sitting and poking at himself, watching his blood flow...and then be absorbed back into him. Hopefully I wasn't disturbing anything...important. "Have a minute or two?"<br /> "Yeah, I'm just about finished." He put his shirt back on as we talked. <br /> "What were you doing, or do I not want to know?" I suspected I didn't.<br /> He smiled. "You don't wanna know." I sighed, he was right. "Shapeshifting stuff."<br /> "Why do I associate with you, anyway?"<br /> Samba laughed. "Once you go bl-*ahem* well, You were saying?"<br /> I rolled my neck as we talked, stretching my weary muscles. "I had some interesting discussions lately."<br /> Samba stood up, pointing towards the bed. "Massage? While we talk."<br /> I smiled. From anyone else, the offer would have been an insult. From him, a pleasure. "Sure. If you insist." He smiled at me. "Let me change." The stillsuit I was wearing wasn't very conducive to relaxation either. I went and changed into a tunic and shorts. When I came back, I wasn't quite expecting the reaction I got. <br /> "Jeezus! I mean, Hot out there, huh?" <br /> I had forgotten, he hadn't really seen me since the battle. "I can thank Joan for that."<br /> "Want em gone?"<br /> An interesting offer, but not necessary. "For now, no." I think it was then he also noticed my leg.<br /> "Jeezus! I mean, metallic out there, huh? er...well..."<br /> It seemed now was a good time to ask him one of the things I had been meaning to, thought. "I was thinking about, maybe for the wedding..."<br /> "It won't be my best of massages, since i don't wanna pop that leg off." It took him a minute before he realized what I said. "Oh. My. Unless we made that the theme of the event."<br /> He was teasing me. "You know what I meant...not for the ceremony itself."<br /> "Yeah, that could be the theme of the event."<br /> "In some ways, they're almost...empowering."<br /> Samba pointed at my leg. "Not to be rude, but I assume that... um... works normally in Fa- er.. Andrevo's place, right?"<br /> "I walked the Pattern with it. It is a part of me now."<br /> "Ah, I think I see whatcha mean. That which does not kill me and all."<br /> Makes me stronger. "Exactly."<br /> "Well, I guess we have something else to bond with. Did I tell you I held my own heart in my hand the other day?"<br /> Interesting. I raised an eyebrow. "No...and you didn't know I lost my leg?" I thought I had told him what happened.<br /> "I knew, remember? My not-well-received offer to... um...Well yeah, I just wanted to see if I could... anyway..."<br /> "Oh, yeah." I thought he had known. "You wanted to see if you could. Interesting."<br /> "For what it's worth, I can. So...are we gonna massage or what?"<br /> I smiled. "Please. My neck is killing me."<br /> He put his finger on my neck, and I could feel the pleasure of a deep-tissue massage start to wash over me. "Let me know if things start feeling weird."<br /> Feelings like these could be addictive...and the reverse.... "Remind me never to let a stranger touch me. I'd hate to see what you could do if you didn't like me."<br /> He laughed. "Last time I did this, either the magic that the person was using was conflicting, or they proposed to me."<br /> "Well, you're in luck. I'm already engaged."<br /> He laughed again. "Actually, I hate to keep harping on this. But I just walked the pattern recently, and I'm still getting used to how this all works. Does your leg feel... weird when I do this? I mean, since it's you, it shouldn't. And let me know if you want me to shut up and stop bringing it up." <br /> He was one of the only people I was actually willing to discuss it with. "Yes and no. It's still a construction...so I can't really feel it. It's hard to explain."<br /> "Ah. I think I know what you mean. When I lost my legs I turned the 'feeling' off. But sometimes I still felt them there, even though they were gone. Oh yeah, and don't let this spread I can do this."<br /> I winked. "Only if you promise to keep doing it for me." He laughed, and the feelings in my neck increased some. "I can feel some things, or maybe it's just how my brain interprets it. After all, I can walk, and jump, and such."<br /> "Did you have that there when you came to visit me and Grampa?" I looked over, and saw he was looking at where I had the jewel bound to my arm."<br /> Had I? I thought for a moment. "No, actually. At that time it was in the possession of my men, a lucky move. If I had had it when Joan attacked me, I probably wouldn't now."<br /> "Ah, good fortune. For a second I feared you had walked the pattern with it. Which, ultimately, wouldn't that mean our battle for succession would have been over?"<br /> "*If* I had survived, perhaps." Grandmother didn't seem to think I could have.<br /> "True."<br /> "Siobhan seems to think I could have 'with enough faith in the pattern.'"<br /> "Siobhan thinks a lot of things. Though I find it funny..."<br /> "This is a subject about which she has some knowledge."<br /> "Wasn't she the one you didn't want, when I did. Only now. It's different. Or am I wrong?"<br /> "I still don't really want her."<br /> "Ah, good."<br /> "Now I am of the opinion that Paki is the best choice." Briefly, I felt a wave of pleasure pass over me. Very Funny, Samba. I smiled. "Hey there."<br /> "Sorry, sometimes my joy bleeds over. Oooh, which reminds me..." I could feel him stop, briefly, and wipe off my neck, then continue. <br /> "What was that for?"<br /> "Nuthin' You're not the only one who's training what they're already good at. Mine just has freaky-ass side affects."<br /> I raised an eyebrow. "Ok. As long as you're ok. Although I'm not sure what I'd do if you weren't."<br /> He smiled. "You'll be fine. But thanks. Did you hear about my little, uh, fainting attack?"<br /> "No, I didn't."<br /> "I figured it'd be all over Amber by now, what with Eathon finding me. Granted, it's probably only been an hour there since it happened." He over estimated me. It'd been longer than that.<br /> "I haven't heard about it." Even when I spoke with Eathon.<br /> "I passed out at a tavern."<br /> Samba, passed out? "What happened? Are you alright?"<br /> "Which is probably where my deck is. Oh, I'm fine, and glad it happened. It was a test of my limits."<br /> I see. "Did you go try and get it back? You shouldn't leave those lying around."<br /> "Two pattern walks, 3 vital organs removed, and I should probably nap."<br /> "Two?" He'd stepped right into things since his first one.<br /> "I will, but I haven't been back in Amber yet. Yeah, three total. I'm getting pretty good at it."<br /> "When did this happen?"<br /> "Uh. For me, the most previous one was about an hour before we met up. And the one before that was a couple days, but I was closer to The Courts then. I still can't get this time thing down straight."<br /> "Why?" That was a lot of pattern walking for such a short time.<br /> "Cuz it's confusing. I mean, it's so fast one place and slow in another."<br /> "I have to admit I have considered testing Siobhan's advice." Oh, he miss understood me. "That's not what I meant, silly."<br /> "And then there's all those places-Oh. I'm lazy and once I found out one could go anywhere for a slight moment of pain."<br /> I suppose he had a point. "I see...Find anything...or anyone...interesting?"<br /> "Well...I found the patrons of that tavern not too friendly to strange princes of amber who pass out in their midst. I admit, the last attempt was something of a test of endurance. And, in hindsight, I probably shouldn't have done it."<br /> "Why did you go to a tavern?"<br /> "To meet Eathon."<br /> That explained why Eathon found him. "I see."<br /> "Which I have yet to do, now that I think about it. Variables. See, m'dear."<br /> "I spoke with him earlier." And he hadn't mentioned Samba. Oh."<br /> "Oh. Well...dammit! Here I am thinking I'm covering bases we haven't."<br /> "I talked to Paki. Go team us! You don't seem to be sharing your bases though." I pouted.<br /> He laughed. "Sorry. Well, considering I've covered none. Wait...Two. And a half. But Paki..?"<br /> I felt the pleasure in my neck increase again, and then subside. A conscious action, or merely a sharing of feelings? "Yeah, Paki. Besides telling him I would give him the jewel if he won, I did bring you up." <br /> "How'd that go?"<br /> "Well, he thought it interesting, that while lots of people have talked to me about the competition, no one has actually asked me to give the jewel to the person who wins. And he said he would talk to you, and implied that you would at least be alive at the end."<br /> Samba laughed, and the feelings briefly stopped as he did so. "Oh, sorry." They resumed. "Well, I'm glad my lifespan has been successfully implied. Perhaps you're our new Pattern Priestess? Which would be odd, given things."<br /> "I don't understand."<br /> "Well, if no one wants the jewel, perhaps they assume it's yours. Actually, shit, if that's the case? Does everyone think they're competing for the whole Power Behind The Throne thing, with, well, you as Queen?"<br /> "If they have, they haven't really consulted me about it." And I doubted that was anyone's plan.<br /> "Unless they assume it will happen."<br /> "I don't think Siobhan does."<br /> "In my book, however, bonus points for Paki."<br /> "She said I *could* have been queen."<br /> "Really? My first question is: Do you think she's trying to kill you. My second, if she's not, ya think she's on to something?"<br /> "If she were, why wouldn't she just tell me I could? That's what I have been pondering as well. But what if it does kill me?"<br /> "Because she knows you mistrust those that are close you in family name."<br /> "Not any more than any other."<br /> "Then she knows you're, rightfully so, mistrusting of those of our family." How true a statement that was. "And, well, this might seem...uh...odd to you. Um...shit. Give me a second to explain, and it will all make sense." I nodded, and he continued. "The Jewel is a drain of one's essence...from what I know....and one's "essence" is a combination, of one's will and one's physical form. You seem more than, uh, wealthy in will. And. Well. If you have the will, your form can be changed. It'll take awhile, but it can be done."<br /> What was he talking about. It sounded crazy. "What...you'll change me?"<br /> "I never brought it up before, partially cuz I didn't think I could, but also cuz I know how you feel about people "robbing" you of your perceived weaknesses." Was I thought obvious sometimes? "I can try. I held my heart and brain in my fucking hands. I can help you master this Jewel...or...I might accidentally kill you. Therein lies the problem."<br /> Could this really be true? Without weakness, infirmity, how much more could I accomplish? "What if you go, well, slowly?"<br /> "Therein lies the problem. How slowly is slowly. We're talking about erasing you and restarting...more or less..."<br /> "Not just changing parts?"<br /> "No, that's the problem. Changing a part is easy, but it's fleeting."<br /> "How fleeting?"<br /> "Like..."<br /> "Would it last long enough to walk the pattern?" If I could do so, I could contain it in me, as I had done with the leg.<br /> "Minutes? hours? depends on what's done. No. Well. I accidentally attempted to shapeshift on the pattern. I almost died. Shapeshifting and pattern magic don't mix. This is long-term Julie. I'd be re-writing you, and you'd...Well, not to sound dramatic, be touched by chaos. If that doesn't phase you, though, things would be okay."<br /> This was starting to sound like something we could do. "In some way, aren't we all?"<br /> He smiled. "True."<br /> "Permanent is very tempting." Very tempting. <br /> "It will take a long time, but it can be done."<br /> "How long?" As much as I might wish to try this, I had other obligations which came first.<br /> "I wish I could say."<br /> "Do we have enough time before the meeting?"<br /> "I've never done anything like this. Oh, no...Well..."<br /> "I assume it would be bad to be interrupted. I can change time here." Maybe we could do it.<br /> "No. What progress is made I don't believe can be un-made, unless by walking the pattern. The ultimate goal would be the new, uh, form you are in would walk the pattern, and therefore be you. I hope you kept your leg's coupon."<br /> "You don't think walking the pattern will undo it?" That would make things...difficult.<br /> .The problem is, only time will tell. If the effects fade, then they'll rapidly fade in the pattern. If what changes are made become you then they'll stay."<br /> "But maybe it will be enough..." Maybe...maybe.<br /> "Actually. Let me show you something."<br /> "I...I am very tempted Samba...you don't know how much." There was no way he could know. My whole life, haunted by this...sickness. And to be rid of it? I had done so much to overcome it. So much more could I do if I didn't have to.<br /> "Our bodies are fleeting. You remember when I said I held my heart in my hand?"<br /> "Yes?"<br /> "Okay... don't freak out..." At this point, I doubted there was much he could do to faze me. He opened his shirt, then reached in and opened...his chest, showing nothing but blood inside. I raised an eyebrow. "It's...uhk..." He reached in again, and closed it. "Permanent changes can be made."<br /> "I see."<br /> "It's easier for me because I'm a shape changer."<br /> "Pain is nothing unknown to me." And how much I would endure if this could come to pass.<br /> He smiled. "You probably have more experience with it than I. Oh, it won't hurt. That'll be the temporary fix. Have you ever been to a doctor in a place that uses Novocaine? Or is that a dumb question?"<br /> He had not been in Amber much. "It's not dumb, and I have used anesthetics."<br /> "That's what I'll be doing. My changes never hurt."<br /> "I see."<br /> "Unless I'm not there for long-term, but the only person I've done long-term is me. But..."<br /> "I would assume you have to be."<br /> "I cannot make you any promises, Julie. There is a very good chance that this might make you something in agony and I- we would have to undo everything." I could endure agony. "Again, the pain factor is the first thing I try to eliminate."<br /> "I understand."<br /> "But I've never really, uh, truly 'shaped' someone aside from myself."<br /> "I am not worried about the pain..."<br /> "Well..." He smiled.<br /> "But...I think I want to do it." It was only pain I was risking...and for so much.<br /> "Since you dig it so much, I can keep the pain."<br /> "I don't like it that much."<br /> "Well, I hate to seem rushing. But, we are already in the perfect condition to start now."<br /> "Let me change the time of this shadow."<br /> I was starting to do so when Masamba spoke. "Wait."<br /> I stopped. "Ok."<br /> "Two things I ask. First, let your.. uh.. agents know that, if they do hear you screaming not to come. I cannot promise it won't hurt, much as I'd like to. Again, pain suppression is my first concern. Second, and don't think me weird...I have your femur. You beat me with it, remember?"<br /> Yes, I do. You have to admit, you did something stupid." Indeed.<br /> "Well, it'll help."<br /> I smiled. "I see."<br /> "Oh, I see that *now,* Ms. 'Keep my scars, I'm into that shit.'"<br /> How did I put it? "I am much more...ok with it now."<br /> "The problem is, your false leg will come off. I can't change you and keep it."<br /> "I understand."<br /> "Well, I could try, but that's more guessing I'd have to do. And keep in mind, I'm not trying to kill you, Julie, but I've never done this before."<br /> "If it were anyone else...we would not be here." In so many ways, if it were anyone else...<br /> "I also realized. Do you have an agent in Amber you can talk to about getting the bone from my room? We *can* try without it, but the more real-you here, the better."<br /> "I can, it will take them a while to get here." Having one of my hawks travel the shadows to get here would be long.<br /> "I can send an agent close to Amber, but not too close."<br /> "I can get it to him then. Who is it? Where should they meet?"<br /> "Uh...It's a big black circle with tentacles sticking out of it." I see.<br /> "Just don't touch my agent, ok?" I know the pattern dispels my conjurations, who knows what the logrus would do.<br /> "It won't. And it'll have to be away-away from Amber. Like, somewhere in the Circle."<br /> "That's fine. My agent can shift shadow."<br /> "Hrm. Your agent might be faster than mine."<br /> "It travels at jet speed." I guess he hasn't seen them before.<br /> "Oh. Shit. Yeah. Also. Here's how it will happen."<br /> "Can't you just, like, logrus it out or something?"<br /> "Well, it might be faster. I dunno. I also don't want your aunt killing my logrus connection."<br /> I hadn't thought about that. "Oh, true."<br /> "But, this will, um..."<br /> "Maybe I should just go get it. You can come with me. It might be faster."<br /> "Yeah."<br /> "I also have a request, Samba."<br /> "What?"<br /> "If...If I die. Tell Andrevo that I love him."<br /> Samba, thankfully, was almost serious for the first time in his life, and didn't make a smart-aleck remark. We quickly trumped to Amber, and went to his room, retrieving the bone. I can't imagine what the guards thought we were doing. I started to leave when Samba stopped me. <br /> "Before we go back, there is one problem. Julie...Since we're in the mindset of trust. In order to know what it takes. What it takes to do what we want, I need to know what it takes. When to finish...and...I wish I thought of this sooner. I might need to do what it takes. I don't want to. But, um, I won't know the requirements before I test the limits."<br /> "We shouldn't talk about this here, and the stamina of someone born of the blood should be sufficient."<br /> "Allright. I may ask again before we finalize. I don't want to destroy you, Julie."<br /> "And I don't want to die, but we *really* shouldn't talk about this here." Who knew who was listening?<br /> "You do not realize this, but when it comes to shifting, I am very complete and exact." He smiled. "I am done." A short, but fun, hell-ride back, and we were in Arrakis again. I gave my men my orders, that we were not to be disturbed no matter what they heard, and made sure they were completely clear. <br /> I turned to Samba. "I'm ready."<br /> "Julie, before we do this. I hate to say this so late in the game. But...I need to know what it takes to...Use it."<br /> "I can't let you walk the pattern with it...not after that one time."<br /> "We can always do this while you rest. I've walked twice since."<br /> "But...if something happens, you will have the only thing we can repair it with."<br /> "How hard would it be to kill me?"<br /> "Very...as we've seen. I can use it, for a time, at least wear it." Maybe that would help in some way.<br /> "Shit. Allright. If I do this, go to Otanashi. He will do what he can for Amber. And we both know he can destroy me in a moment's notice. I care not for the Jewel."<br /> I didn't think he was trying to steal it from me...but the risk. It was too much. "I can't...I can't put Amber at risk like that for my own, selfish gain."<br /> "The problem lies with, I'm bringing you to a certain threshold, and I don't know where that threshold lies." He paused. "We...we can think of another solution."<br /> TO come so far, only to be stopped now. It was heartbreaking. "I'm sorry...I really am."<br /> "Don't worry. I'm thinking. Okay. I will try this solution. I will do what I can to make you capable, in as much time as we have possible. But I cannot make any guarantees. I don't want to destroy you, but once you set foot on that Pattern..."<br /> "I know. Once I am there, there is no going back."<br /> "And...I hate to be the devil's advocate. You'd leave me with your corpse and the jewel lying the ground."<br /> "You can leave before I start, if you wish."<br /> "I wouldn't. Would you make a fire and leave before you see it burn? Especially if it's a fire you had emotional attach-okay, this is a shitty metaphor." I smiled, and he smiled back.<br /> "I understand, and I'm not sure what can be done."<br /> "But you do see the bind?"<br /> "Anyone I told would try to stop me, I'm certain."<br /> "Fuck it! Let's go. I'll build you up to what I can in the time. Pain will be minimal, that is my first concern."<br /> I smiled wanly. "Not dieing in my first concern, but pain would be a good second."<br /> He smiled back. "And if I sense I'm leading you down the wrong path, I'll stop and try to fix what I've done."<br /> "Then, let's start." If we didn't start soon, I would change my mind.<br /> "When I'm working on you, I'll know your limits. Turning off the pain, or consciousness, will be the easy part." I removed the Jewel, and placed it within easy reach, under a piece of cloth, so the casual observer would not see it. "Before we start. There will be times when it will be the best for all of us to rest. I will do what I can to make whatever resting time painless and quick."<br /> "Thank you." I concentrated, speeding up the time here, relative to Amber, as much as I could. <br /> "But this will drain me, and I will need to rest. This is weeks, if not month-long engagement, our time. Shall I stop if I feel a trump from someone at the confrontation?"<br /> "What confrontation?"<br /> "Otanashi's."<br /> "I hadn't thought of it as a confrontation."<br /> "Well, Charitable Meeting, then."<br /> "If it is that time, then we must stop. I need to be there. I said I would be."<br /> "All right."<br /> "Hopefully, it won't take that long."<br /> "I just want you to remember that in case you wake up in agony and trying to kill me."<br /> "I will. I have refrained from killing others while in agony before."<br /> "Let's hope the primal side of you will." What was he talking about?<br /> "Of course, I was restrained then."<br /> "And were they the one causing the pain? Because there is something to regard with instincts."<br /> "No, I was just in pain. I will be fine...and so will you." I smiled.<br /> Samba smiled as well. I do have to say this. There will be times you will pass out. No matter what pain I suppress."<br /> I nodded. "All right."<br /> "I'll try to reduce the pain and keep awareness. But I am reshaping you, one or the other will happen." I nodded again, and he began. I saw him change into a strange, maroon creature with eight limbs, and felt his mind contact with mine, before I fell into unconsciousness.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-42143779000847353742007-09-01T20:37:00.000-07:002007-09-01T20:39:38.690-07:00Who Wants to be King - Part TwoOver the next several days, I tried to talk with some of the "candidates," so that I might make a more informed decision. I decided to try Sato Otanashi first, and picked his trump out of my deck. He answered my call, as he rode with a contingent of his guard. "What can I do for you Juliette?"<br /> I decided to speak in Rebman, as he. "I would like to arrange a meeting, to discuss your proposal."<br /> "I had planned to come to you, but we can do so now."<br /> "I will be...in and out..so I thought some pre-arrangement might be in order. If now is convenient for you, where do you wish to meet?"<br /> "Is there a reason we can't speak like this?"<br /> "I suppose not." I hope to meet in person, to avoid at least some spying.<br /> "Then since you have heard of my proposal, what do you wish to ask?"<br /> "Your name had been highly recommended to me by a mutual acquaintance, and I wished to know you better, as I have but spoken to you in passing before this time. If you will allow me to be blunt, what are your interests in Amber, Your Majesty?"<br /> "I believe I am the only one competent to rule Amber. The others will all sow chaos in some form or another. There will be changes for certain, but I only hope to embetter Amber as a whole."<br /> "And what changes would these be?"<br /> "Such a thing is fairly large for a simple discussion. It is a thing for law-makers and politicians to debate. I suppose you could look to Rebma as your guide. We have known prosperity for sometime now." Otanashi's policy of prosperity through fear, and his demon army to support it, did not encourage me.<br /> "You feel Amber has not? Or merely not enough?"<br /> "I feel the wars that Amber has waged are always too close to home, and that the family itself brings as much disaster as any outsider." I smiled. "It is time to solidify our home, expand our reach and have our citizens prosper."<br /> "While a noble ambition, as you said, the family brings as much disaster as any outsider."<br /> "Do you imply that I will bring disaster to Amber in my attempt, or that I will have to deal with the family if I succeed?"<br /> "While I consider the first a small possibility, I am curious as to how you plan to deal with the second?"<br /> "I consider the first a necessary evil to bring peace to Amber, as for the second, I will not allow the Prince and Princesses of Amber to run amok like children just because they are royalty. They will have to abide by laws like anyone else."<br /> "It would take a lot to enforce laws on the Princes and Princesses of Amber."<br /> "My power is greater than death, each of my siblings fears me in their own way, they will listen to my rule." Of this...I was not so sure as Otanashi.<br /> "Then why your proposal?"<br /> "It is better to oil a hinge than force it. I, as the best, will win."<br /> "Wouldn't we all consider ourselves the best?"<br /> "Perhaps, but then the contest is still a fair way to decide."<br /> "Contests can be rigged."<br /> "Is there something you wish to say besides being devil's advocate when I answer your questions?" Was that not, in some way, my role?<br /> "As I said when we began, my purpose was to know you better. If I have taken too much of your time, please forgive me."<br /> "I have time, but you do not seek what you ask for. Your purpose is not to know me, but to know what I plan to do in the coming days. My machinations are my own."<br /> "Your actions, and plan for actions, are telling. Very well, though. I wonder, though, if there was something you wished to ask me, other than merely inform me of your proposal. My dear aunt's presentation might have been...biased.<br /> "The plan is for the representatives of each family to meet and decide upon a competition to choose as the queen put it, 'the best.' We will then allow those who wish to compete to do so, while the representatives judge the outcome. Then we will coronate the new ruler."<br /> "Has each family agreed to this?"<br /> "Each family isn't even whole, which is why I travel shadow, but I have yet to hear a word of dissent."<br /> "You plan on bringing *all* of them to Amber?" Samba would not appreciate a visit from his mother.<br /> "I plan on informing all I can find within the time frame I gave. Whether they choose to participate is up to them."<br /> "If it would be useful, I offer my assistance." It would be...interesting, to say the least.<br /> "I sworn to this duty, I will fulfill it."<br /> "As you wish. No one would fault your honor. I will see you at the appointed time, then. And I will make sure the jewel is there as well."<br /> "Until then."<br /> "Until then."<br /> No one seemed to care about the jewel, or the Queen's word to us anymore. I would still make my own decision...but this contest would at least provide useful information.<br /><br /> I decided to try Ambrose next. I went to his flagship that evening, and asked him about Otanashi's proposal. He said he thought it would keep the peace until after the competition was over. When I asked if he thought it would be successful, he said that trump reading had not shown him much yet.<br /> I also asked him if there was anything I could do about Joan. After explaining that I didn't want my mother-in-law to hate me too much before I even got married, he said the best way to deal with it was to simply avoid her until after the ceremony, and then pretend it never happened. I questioned that, but he said it was the most likely thing to work. Joan...is going to be my thorn, I can see it now.<br /> I then asked him if he was going to compete...<br /> "The family is talking it over." I rolled my eyes. "Its not a cop out, its just the truth."<br /> "Oh, I've gotten to know Andrevo well enough to know it's the truth. It's just frustrating at time. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, and for your advice about Joan,"<br /> "Of course."<br /> We parted way amicably as we both went about our separate business.<br /><br /> I went to meet with Paki in Arden.<br /> "A moment or two of your time, please."<br /> "Of course."<br /> I lead him away from his men some so that we could speak. "Otanashi has spoken with you, I assume?"<br /> "He has."<br /> "I would be interested in your opinions of his proposal."<br /> "I think its a chance for me to claim what's mine."<br /> "What makes you think you will win?"<br /> "I don't know that I'll win, but I'll certainly give it everything I have."<br /> "That I am sure of. Are any other Igare planning on attending?"<br /> "I'm not certain honestly. Masamba seems to be avoiding me."<br /> "He is afraid you still think he's a traitor."<br /> "Well we can't discuss that until we see each other again."<br /> "For what it is worth to you, I don't believe he is one. And I will arrange a meeting if you wish."<br /> "I'm sure we'll cross paths eventually."<br /> "I suppose it isn't really any of my business, but don't be too hard on him."<br /> "I'm sure everything will work out fine in the end. How did Otanashi get you to agree with his idea?"<br /> I chuckled. "He just kind of...assumed. I did tell him I would be there."<br /> "Oh"."<br /> "It *is* a good idea - and everyone seems to think I'll just go along."<br /> "I suppose they have a tendency to do that."<br /> "They do. I'm not sure if they just don't care if I say no, or just haven't thought I would."<br /> "Do you have the gift I gave you?"<br /> I took it out of my pocket. "I do. Although you should know that there was at least a painting of that meeting."<br /> "Good. Siobhan has admitted to me that she has power over the jewel no matter where it lies." A good thing to know. "As for the others I'm sure its arrogance. I feel we're as protected as we can be here."<br /> "Interesting...Did she say how much, or should I just start sending her transcripts to save her the trouble?" I smiled.<br /> "Her mastery over the Pattern is unsurpassed, but I'd imagine the extent of her control depends on proximity."<br /> "Good. I don't like her being that close to me."<br /> "Keep the stone with you, and avoid invoking powers while speaking privately. And of course be aware of non magical listening methods. She's too busy most of her day to spy anyway."<br /> "I'm sure eradicating the demon wig threat from Amber has kept her most busy."<br /> "Though they may take inconsequential forms, demons are still a threat. Now you have me sounding like her."<br /> "They are, indeed, but I do not truck much with fanatics."<br /> "I'm sure the competition will be interesting, but it will all boil down to what happens afterwards. Its all been a battle for support." In that, he was definitely correct. "Some would think that funny coming from one who's going to marry into the Sprottles."<br /> An interesting thought. "Trading one fanatic for another? As for support...you still have your troops here. A large physical presence."<br /> "More then armies are needed to rule. I find it hard to call her a fanatic over the slaying of a demon. And none of the Sprottles have a reputation for sanity."<br /> "I think I have at least found the most sane one." He remained quiet. "If you win, do you think you have the support to keep your prize?"<br /> "Unfortunately that remains to be seen."<br /> "For what it is worth, you would have more than just a crown to assist you." He would make a good king...and I would support him. Knowledge of that now could only help to further my own cause.<br /> "That is reassuring."<br /> "As for whether or not I choose to fully participate, no matter the outcome, that remains to be seem. Thank you for your time, cousin."<br /> "I'm glad you came by. Care to see the new jets?"<br /> "You know what I think of jets." He was trying, at least, and we talked for a while longer about different aspects of the defenses before parting ways.<br /><br /> Eathon was next on my list. I tried to find him in his room, somewhat early in the morning, so hopefully he would be sober. He answered the door in his dressing gown. "Good morning Juliette, what can I do for you?"<br /> "I hope I'm not disturbing you too early. I wanted to talk if you have a moment."<br /> "I'm available anytime for you."<br /> I smiled. "You flatter me, cousin."<br /> "You're a pleasure compared to most of our family. Shall we meet in the library in a few minutes?"<br /> "Sure. I'll see you there." <br /> I went to the library, and started looking through a history of Amber while I waited. In a few minutes, he joined me. "Good morning again."<br /> I smiled. "And to you. Although I am afraid the subject of my conversation might put a pall on it." I paused for a moment to collect my thoughts. "I wanted to know how plans for grandmother's funeral are going."<br /> "They'll be finished shortly."<br /> "Do you need any assistance?"<br /> "No, everything will be set soon."<br /> "For when?"<br /> "I'm hoping to have things ready before this competition begins."<br /> It might provide a little...reunion before things got heated again. "Probably a wise move. What are your thoughts on the competition?"<br /> "I'm hoping it will calm things down."<br /> "Do you plan to participate?"<br /> "No."<br /> "Interesting. At all, or just as a competitor?" Did he not agree with Sato's idea?<br /> "I will not be competing."<br /> I nodded. "Sorry, I was wondering if perhaps I had found someone with opposition to it."<br /> "No, I'm sure the only other way to solve this will be war."<br /> "Unfortunately." And he was right.<br /> "Was there anything else?"<br /> "Not unless you wished to ask me something."<br /> He smiled. "Not that I can think of."<br /> Some social time would probably be in order as well, and with the way things had been going lately, I could use it. "Then why don't we have a drink together, and talk of lighter subjects for a moment?"<br /> "Certainly." We shared several glasses as we talked of other subjects, avoiding for a moment the pending troubles.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-18861725101884558632007-09-01T20:29:00.000-07:002007-09-01T20:37:13.791-07:00Samba in ArrakisAfter we finished, I went looking for Samba, and caught up to him maybe 10 minutes later.<br /> "Hey! These times are a-changin'"<br /> I smiled. "What the hell was that all about, Mister?"<br /> As usual, he laughed. "So I shouldn't summon the Logrus in the Castle. I get it now. I owed a buddy a drink, I figured I'd surprise him (or his bartender) with a bar of gold."<br /> Interesting. I raised an eyebrow as we talked. "I see. Siobhan and I had been discussing... succession when you interrupted."<br /> "Ah, how..." He looked around, "What the fuck are we gonna do?" He cleared his throat and smiled. "Currently, It's nice out, let's take a brief walk."<br /> "Sure. I could use it too." We headed for the gardens.<br /> "All lies gone: I was for Otanashi. Which means I'll have to come to terms with Paki. And yes, I don't care about discretion.<br /> "Maybe we should talk to him."<br /> "Well. That was my plan. However, I don't think he doesn't think I'm a traitor. If that makes sense."<br /> "It makes sense," Perfect sense.<br /> "By the way, my previous backing," he made Siobhan twinkle in his face for a moment, "is gone."<br /> "Any particular reason?"<br /> "The realization...and this previous incident wasn't the reason...that she, as a "Holy Person" might be diametrically opposed to, well, half of me, or, a certain sibling/worshiper of ours. And wait, i didn't mean that to sound like I had some kind of special relationship with him...just...you know what I mean."<br /> "I understand what you're saying, and that's my concern as well. One she feels I over exaggerate."<br /> "If we look at history, we have good reason." He looked around again. "I don't think I told you about what I did after we left when we were young."<br /> "She said I can't separate play from reality." Now that he brought it up... "No, you haven't. Would there be a place I'd have only your attention? After all, I tend to get distracted."<br /> "I don't know for sure. I suppose in my lands we might be alone."<br /> "Fine with me."<br /> "It would be fastest to go through your brother."<br /> "oh. hrm."<br /> "Or we could hell-ride..."<br /> "wait..."<br /> "Unless you have a trump for the courts..."<br /> "My brother? oh! Wait...my brother. Sorry. Yes." He nodded towards a shady area, and reached into his pocket, pulling out...nothing. He fumbled around for a bit, then... "Shit. Well, i think some dock patrons might have something to keep them happy for awhile. Actually..."<br /> I interrupted. "I have a card for him if you need it."<br /> "I could kill two-oh." He smiled. "Do you want to make the grand entrance? Or do you want me to carry you across the threshold?"<br /> "Although I have to admit you have me intrigued." How had he lost his deck, again? I smiled. "Grand Entrances are good."<br /> He laughed. "And, well, I do promise to find my old deck when time permits."<br /> "Did you lose the one you got the other day already?"<br /> He smiled and sighed. "I SO had it stored away pretty well. Except, well, stuff happened. However, I won't be entirely callous, I will hunt it down. Actually. Can I see your Eathon card?"<br /> I smiled and handed him the card. "Only if you take me with you."<br /> "Oh, I'm just going to send a message. We could walk faster than the time it'd take Eathon to sober up enough to care what I've had to said. They're somewhere in the docks, I just want to start the rumor amongst my thieves that I'm coming after them."<br /> An interesting tactic. I could see that Samba hadn't really gotten to *know* Amber very well. "I see."<br /> "One sec, Julie." He held up the card, and put a big smile on his face.<br /> I mouthed a question to him. "What?"<br /> He replied in the same manner. "Appearance, haven't con-tact-ted--Hey! I'm better...Holy shit, man...I got shit to do, you got the night open? "A few" might be a long few, but I will. I take it we're not gonna be in the docks? Can I ask you to start a rumor subtly?" I laughed as he talked with Eathon. "Try to, uh, drunkenly burst out that I'm pissed that someone took my trumps. But I've calmed down cuz I know who did it and I know how to find them...Thank you. Hell, next two times are on me. And I promise they will be fun! Later man. uh, Godspeed!" He saluted, and put down the card.<br /> "Embarrassed?"<br /> "Oh yeah. Do you remember the last time I lost conscious? When I was born. Anyway...Shall we go through our or my familial friend?"<br /> "What?" He handed me Eathon's card back. "Ok."<br /> "I'm ready. We were going to your place, right?"<br /> "Yeah." I took out Naxx's card, and Samba leaned over to look at it.<br /> "He's been gaining weight since his last cards were made."<br /> I concentrated for a moment, and soon was greeted by Naxx. "G'morning Juliette."<br /> "Good Morning to you. Do you mind if Samba and I pay a short visit?"<br /> Samba butted in from behind me. "And for a shape-shifter, I mean come on!"<br /> Naxx continued, ignoring his brother's comment. "Of course, when should I expect you?"<br /> "I don't suppose now would be convenient? And if you wouldn't mind pulling us through?"<br /> Samba coughed as Naxx replied. "Sure."<br /> I turned to Samba for a moment. "Ready?" He nodded, and taking his hand, and Naxx's, we went through. <br /> Samba was the first to speak. "Hey, Naxx"<br /> "Greetings."<br /> I smiled at Naxx as Samba nodded. "Thank you for having us."<br /> "What can I do for you?"<br /> Since I was here, it would be good to see what had been going on. "How fare things since last we talked?"<br /> "Not much has changed."<br /> "No change on the front? Have any other Amberites been here?"<br /> He smiled. "It hasn't been that long. No others."<br /> "Good. Can you tell me if any others come?"<br /> "Sure, can I ask why?"<br /> Hmmm. What to say. "Events are...happening in Amber that I believe might affect things here. Soon, we meet to choose a ruler."<br /> Samba joined the conversation. "Would you mind if I were to have something to say, Juliette?"<br /> An odd request. What was he up to this time. "No..."<br /> He turned to Naxx "Your services in accepting us have been received and I am in your debt. Our desires require us to move on, but you shall be rewarded. And Dad liked me more, bitch."<br /> I snorted, as Samba smiled at his brother.<br /> "Ha, dad liked me more, you're were a momma's boy."<br /> "Dude! Yeah, yer right. But Prince of Amber over here!"<br /> Naxx smiled. In some ways, I had to admit I was, perhaps, a bit jealous of their relationship. "Now get outta here. Lords of Chaos Represent."<br /> "Aight, payment comin'"<br /> I gasped in mock surprise as Samba bowed to me. "Oh! May I request a moment of time twixt myself and my brethren?"<br /> "Please, feel free to beat his ass."<br /> Samba laughed, and started to walk away, then turned, giving Naxx an bear hug. Yeah...jealous. Naxx smiled. "You're not trying to start a wrestling match again are you?"<br /> "Oh, I will."<br /> Unfortunately, as much as I was enjoying the camaraderie, we did have things to do. "You know, some of us have places to be...boys."<br /> "But yer dream idol goddess here might mind. See?" He gave Naxx another hug, smiling. "When did you stop being so much older than me?"<br /> "When you grew up."<br /> "haha, so it ain't happened yet. Later man!"<br /> "Thank you Naxx. And keep your calendar open. I think it would be fun to invite you to the wedding." I winked.<br /> "I'd be glad to attend."<br /> Samba coughed and snorted. "The air here... Chaotic... hot."<br /> I laughed, and started for the door. "Let's get going." Samba followed me, and we started to move towards Arrakis. I didn't bother to get faster transportation, as it would not be far from here. Samba was still smiling as we walked. "He's why I don't support Our Priestess. And, thing's've changed, I can get us a car or dragon or flying elephant or something so you can buy while I fly."<br /> "It won't be far."<br /> "oh. okay."<br /> "Once we're there, I'll try and cut everyone off. It's the best bet we have."<br /> Cant you get a card of this place? Or would that involve an artist ya don't trust. Speaking of which, I have yet to think up a wedding present." Always the joker.<br /> It would involve an artist, and he can't do it. Or at least that's what he said." When I arrived in the shadow, I conjured myself a stillsuit, and we made our way through the desert, occasionally fighting off a worm as we walked, Samba's footsteps not accustomed to the rhythm of the desert. I took her to the sietch where I kept residence, greeting some of my people as I entered. They were still reverent for their hero...it seemed my work was going well.<br /> Samba smiled as we entered my rooms. "Should I take this as a compliment that my family has gotten to you?"<br /> "What do you mean?"<br /> "Once one group of savages starts worshiping you..." He turned to the Fremen who was serving us. "No Offense."<br /> I hadn't thought of it that way before, but he was right. I laughed. "It does have its advantages. My aunt would probably say I'm being hypocritical."<br /> "You know, every time you say your aunt or cousin, it doesn't fill me with answers."<br /> I smiled. "I know who I'm talking about. Siobhan."<br /> "AH. Now I do, and I don't believe she has any weight in calling someone else hypocritical. And," he looked around again, "Now that we mean business. Otanashi: Two things. He's already king of a real kingdom. And, his standing army has shortest journey to the throne. I mean, shit, I'm not in bed with the guy, but look at our options."<br /> Too close to Amber for my comfort. "Yeah... I think he's the biggest threat."<br /> "Well, Threat is dependable. My second choice. Actually, I told you my first," he smiled, "you tell me yours."<br /> "I think my first choice is Paki, as I outlined before." Samba laughed. "A compromise."<br /> "So, you stole my words from my mouth, and as you've seen, no love lost between him and I."<br /> " I heard I'm good at stealing hearts too. What is your issue with him, if I can ask?"<br /> "If I could summon an exclamation mark over my head, I would. Actually, my feeling is that it's the past, and I was going to attempt to reconcile. However, I have yet to do that."<br /> "Perhaps I can assist, in some way."<br /> "But, it's the whole 'I hate my family' vs. his 'he hates the (believed) traitor' vs. my 'he fucking shot at me when I tried to reason with him' thing." <br /> It was hard to keep myself from laughing at that last remark. "You have to admit it was a little tense when he shot at you."<br /> "Yeah, the thing is, I'm willing to let it go. I dunno how well he is."<br /> "I could broach the subject to him..." I might be able to help.<br /> "well, if we go by Otanashi's...uh...agenda, I'll be talking to him soon anyway. However, I will appreciate any...uh...cushioning that might be given. Just let him know I have no beef, but...that still leaves us with three wild cards. One is green, one is red-head (no offense) and one is gay."<br /> I didn't know how much I would be able to help, but Paki would probably at least take some consideration of my words. "And I would be interested in any more information you have about Otanashi."<br /> "Not much, outside of Honor. Remember that he cut off my legs? Well, it's only cuz I, uh, took that much from him." That explains much, although I didn't want to think about how Samba had done so. "And now that we're even, we're even. Actually, that's why he took a shine to me. Is that my willingness was perceived to him as being an honor thing, which, though I try to be a lout, even in my asshole definitions, an eye is still an eye, and 50 lbs of leg is still 50 lbs of leg." That was a story that would need to be heard. "My theory: if he were to honestly lose whatever contest is established, he will not be a problem. The funny thing is, no matter what the contest, it's not who wins, but who loses. Otanashi is the only one I don't worry about losing. Actually, Paki might be lumped in there, too, as I don't perceive them of being sore-loser unreasonable revenge."<br /> "I think Ambrose would be ok, depending on who he lost to."<br /> "Ambrose, yes. Agnes, Andrevo, yes."<br /> "Siobhan...maybe..."<br /> "But Joan? Speaking of Joan...What's up with you at her side?"<br /> What the hell was he talking about. "what? Me at her side?"<br /> "Like...someone summons the Logrus...and the left and right hand of doom come after me."<br /> So who was left and who was right? "You mean Siobhan."<br /> "OH. Yeah. Sorry."<br /> "We were having a family discussion..."<br /> "...And she sensed a disturbance."<br /> "...which was basically me telling her she was a fanatic, and her telling me I was childish."<br /> He laughed. "This may belittle things, but I agree with you not just cuz we're friends."<br /> "I think that my family and I may not be on the best of terms right now."<br /> "Well, I know my fam...oh. Can I see your trump deck?"<br /> What is he up to now? "I suppose..." I handed it to him. <br /> Samba flipped through them, picking one out, and handing the rest back. "This is mum. You DO NOT want to meet up with her." He tried to rip the card up, cursing as he failed.<br /> "Excuse me?!" What did he think he was doing?<br /> "Amina."<br /> That mattered not. "It was *my* card, thank you."<br /> "I've found out she's done some pretty bad shit."<br /> "Like what? And don't you dare try to rip up any more...some of them are...special." If he had touched my brother, or grandmother...or dad.<br /> "Don't use it, put it somewhere away."<br /> "Ok..."<br /> "I would not dream of it if I didn't know." He handed the card back to me, and waited to continue until it was away. I put the card at the bottom of the deck, checking to make sure the others were all there. "I have learned I would have plenty more brothers and sisters if it wasn't for her."<br /> "I'm sorry to pry, but what? Tell me to fuck off if you want."<br /> He laughed, then wiped his eyes. "She is still alive. She is hiding. She is powerful. She is willing to sacrifice her children. You can see why I'm a little scared."<br /> How...I didn't know what to say. "Sacrifice? How horrific. Understandably." And I wasn't fond of my family...<br /> "I don't want to go into it, but don't use that card. And if it takes a shine to you, get rid of it. It might want to destroy you for whatever selfish gains." He smiled.<br /> "If it takes a shine to me..." I shook my head. "Sometimes...I hate this family."<br /> "Which, in turn, might make things much more or much less open toward Paki. Yes, so do I." He looked me in the eyes. "There is no one I am afraid of in this family except for her."<br /> For once in his life, it seemed, Samba would be serious. It must mean a lot to him. "I see."<br /> "I mean, I'm no badass. I know i can be taken down," he nodded to my sword arm, "or I'm insignificant to some."<br /> "Do you think she is allied with Brand?"<br /> "No. Her number one interest is her."<br /> I suppose that was a relief. "I see. Let's talk about this more over dinner."<br /> "But she is the only one who I can see destroying others of us just cuz she can. No."<br /> No? "Just because she can?"<br /> "I won't speak of her again. She has reasons I don't understand myself."<br /> I could respect that. "If you wish, although I meant the general subject."<br /> "But I've seen, a, a brother mine, who is now no more."<br /> I reached over to put my hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."<br /> He coughed, straightening himself and patting my hand. "I'm sorry. I do not feel safe mentioning her ever again. If you ask me again I will feign ignorance. It is safer for both of us."<br /> I nodded. "I know what it is to lose a brother...and I understand." Indeed I did. <br /> Samba smiled weakly. "Anyway, on a lighter note. Who's gonna kill who to be king? or queen?<br /> I chuckled some, trying to lighten the mood. "Did Otanashi come to you, or you to him?"<br /> "He came to me. He perceives me a man of honor, and as of yet, I have not betrayed his ideas. In fact, the one task he assigned me to, I achieved much quicker than he thought. His... uh... offspring."<br /> "Perhaps I should speak with him," At least try to find out what his angle was.<br /> "I hate to be a partisan. But, well, he's been a king of a prosperous country, and he has a nearby standing army."<br /> "Yeah, but king of two countries?"<br /> "Two mirroring countries. When have Amber and Rebma ever been in conflict?"<br /> He did have a point. "Very true"<br /> "Granted, I am more than willing to see arguments against. I am not, um, 'married to him' as it were."<br /> "I just don't really know much about him."<br /> "I spoke with him to get to know him better."<br /> "So, something that does come to mind, with all this talk..."<br /> "To know him better than whats in the history books...yeah?"<br /> "Well, this is supposed to be a competition..."<br /> "Ah."<br /> "What the hell are we gonna have them do?"<br /> "Ya know, I have no fucking idea. Actually, I do have one idea. 'Let Julliette and the others who give a shit figure it out.' But I don't think that'll pass."<br /> Great plan, as usual. "Thanks."<br /> "Um. I mean, i don't think it'll pass cuz I'm too passive. Either way, my opinions are going to be balanced by Paki's. Which is why I want to get to know him better."<br /> "Well, only one of you will be 'judging.'"<br /> "Well...therein lies the problem. I don't want to come to blows with him again. I want to like the guy."<br /> "Maybe if I talk to him first, then set up a meeting with you."<br /> "Yes. Though, from what I've heard, he's not ruled by passion. So whatever beef he had with me, emotionally is over. I just hope he doesn't think I'm still trying to kill him. Which reminds me, I need to find my dopplegangar."<br /> "Your doppleganger?"<br /> "Peter...the one that assaulted him."<br /> "Who exactly is Peter..." This was a question that needed more examination.<br /> He smiled. "I don't know. If you were a shape-shifter, it would be easier to explain. But he is a personality I created who is me yet is not me."<br /> "Um...I see, I guess." I didn't. At all.<br /> "He is the only one I created whom I didn't have complete control of. And, well, I've learned my lesson. I do plan on hunting him down. But I might have other ways of bringing him back to me. Either way, he is, for the most part, a non-issue (I'd like to think)."<br /> "For now, at least."<br /> "By knowing me, I know him. And he's buying his time. And I know he has no direct interest in the matters of the throne. When it comes to eliminating the enemies to Amber, then I shall seek him down." I nodded. "But as of now, we can't do the latter without doing the former."<br /> "We need to get this throne out of the way so we can concentrate on the enemies of Amber."<br /> "Much as I'd like."<br /> "Exactly."<br /> "Yes. You know what?"<br /> "What?"<br /> "We forgot to ask Naxx how things are in the Courts."<br /> Well, I did ask him one or two things, but not about the Courts directly. "True."<br /> "Granted, he gets pissy when he gets upset, so it can't be TOO bad. Then again, he did just meet his God-Empress."<br /> Why does he always bring that up? "I can talk to him again later. It's not quite that bad."<br /> "Actually, we should both talk to him, as I know we'd both get radically different responses." I smiled. He was probably right. "Neither one or the other closer to the truth."<br /> "Probably."<br /> "And this is me talking about someone I love, so I'm not just trying to be an ass."<br /> "You love?"<br /> "Well, I mean, he is my brother." He blushed.<br /> "Yeah...I didn't really get to know mine very well. I miss him now."<br /> "I don't mean this to sound rude. Did you love your parents?"<br /> A sore subject, dear Samba. "My mother wasn't always around...I think she was somewhat ashamed of me. But my father...every time I was sick, every sniffle, every bruise...he was there." Damn him! He was going to make me cry if we kept going on.<br /> He held out his arm, trying to comfort me. A sweet gesture. "I'm sorry." I leaned against him for a moment, taking in his strength, then sat up. "I... I didn't mean to bring up...I...uh..."<br /> "It's ok."<br /> "See, Naxx and I hated mom and dad. That was our bond." I nodded. "I mean...he taught me how to shape-shift. I mean, like, compare that to using your sword. That's why I'm so close to Naxx, more so than anyone else. And, no offense, more so than you." He turned red. "Um... sorry." <br /> As much as Samba tried to act like he didn't most of the time, he did care. "I understand. Forgive me for sounding maudlin, but you know who taught me to fight, who pushed me to be more than I was?"<br /> "Er... no, sorry."<br /> "My grandmother, and I didn't even know it was her until she was dieing." I shook my head. "Enough of this pity party."<br /> "Oh. Whoa. Yes. So. I... I didn't know this was all personal for you. But I am now taking that into consideration. Your plan again, I hate to make you repeat."<br /> I had to get it off my back, to tell someone. "While we were apart, I had a tutor, a mentor. I didn't know exactly who it was, but it was definitely an Amberite."<br /> "I remember the main part."<br /> "That's what she meant when she said she raised me for this." He smiled, and then it started to fade. "Until that moment, I hated her for taking everything from me and giving it to my brother."<br /> "I knew there wasn't a reason I was so worried you so readily took the... uh... item."<br /> "Thanks for your faith. I think you're the only one who has it."<br /> "Oooh... Mountain still cold?" He brought that up...<br /> "As for my plan, it was Paki as king, with me as Lord Protector, Ambrose and Fionn as Admirals, and Eathon as captain of the guard."<br /> "There is one hole."<br /> "It's warming up quite nicely, actually...but it's more that we're still learning about each other."<br /> "And the whole is green and smells like fish...and I'm so not trying to make a crude joke."<br /> There was my Samba. I laughed. "I understand."<br /> "As for that, I'll say this but I know you know it already: Don't let that fuck hurt you."<br /> I smiled warmly. "Are you going to be my big brother and beat the shit out of him when he breaks my heart?"<br /> "Hahaha. Shit. Like I could beat up someone you couldn't. But, I mean, if you ask..."<br /> "You might be able to if they overpowered me. I suspect you're stronger than I...and it means a lot to me you feel that way."<br /> "But I also don't suspect that he'll overpower you, cuz, i mean, we've seen his sled."<br /> "But he has been nothing but a perfect gentleman."<br /> "And, yeah, I... I care fer what family I do have...and family doesn't mean blood-ties."<br /> "Once we got over trying to size each other up, and tried to actually know each other."<br /> "How'd that go?"<br /> Once again, he tried to sneak that by me. I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."<br /> He blushed. "Ain't nuthin I don't think you'd do. Thankfully I haven't met any...uh... 'triflin' women."<br /> I smiled, a bit shyly even. "It went well, we even kissed."<br /> "well, none that I've fallen for...Oh. Wow. Granted, as of right now, that puts him on par with me. Which is leading us down a path I'd rather not think about."<br /> I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "Ours was slightly more...passionate." He snorted. "I mean, mine and his..."<br /> "So you weren't embellishing when you said he was passionate?"<br /> "He is a man of many passions...including, it seems, me."<br /> "And yeah, I got the last part. Really? I mean, I could tell he cared about his painting and his country...and that fucking horse."<br /> Oh god. That horse. "He hasn't taken the horse riding with me. Because I don't like him."<br /> "You know what the problem is with that horse? Ever since the idea of a talking horse came into my brain, I Thought, 'Shit, that would be fucking fun to have.' Perhaps it's a man thing. But there've been many a drunken night that i-oh. Crap. Eathon!"<br /> "I hate it...don't know why. What?"<br /> "Oh, wait, it's only been, like, 4 minutes for him..." Samba explained he had set up an drinking date with Eathon, and should be going soon. I invited him to enjoy my hospitality, and we parted, for now.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-57983616971128407662007-09-01T20:28:00.000-07:002007-09-01T20:29:12.284-07:00Rings and ThingsIn the next several days since our dinner, Andrevo and I spent a lot of time together, riding, hunting...getting to know each other better. I wanted to conjure something so we could communicate better, without being overheard, and thought it might be nice to put it in the engagement ring. Less noticeable that way. I didn't want to be too...obvious though, and while I tried to hint at the subject, eventually I just had to be blunt and ask him if he was planning on giving me an engagement ring. I told him of my plans, which he liked, but he wished to keep our rings, and their significance, separate. I told him I would find some other piece of jewelry to work with instead. I also asked him about Joan...perhaps he would know of some what I could make amends, or mollify her. He, unfortunately, directed me to Agnes or Ambrose. I had already talked to Agnes, and she could say nothing. I suppose that left Ambrose to ask.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-18010593188516835572007-09-01T20:23:00.000-07:002007-09-01T20:28:38.610-07:00Who Wants to be King - Part OneOver the next several days, I met with several of the Elders. First, there was lunch with Agnes. I brought some toys for her cats, and we had a nice lunch together. Nothing of much substance, just a chance to get to know each other better. I did ask her if she know what I might be able to do to appease Joan, but she didn't know. I had thought, as her sister, she might have some insight, but it seemed not.<br /> Next, I spoke with Fionn. He wanted to be King, and since neither he nor Siobhan would back down from their ambitions, they had both decided to compete. Thus her words to me. I told that I had concerns about him doing the job, but I would wait and see who the other choices were. That didn't hit it off well with him. He wanted to know why everyone blamed him for Sprottle mistakes. I told him that if he had half an ounce of brains, he would have had better control of the situation. He, of course, thought he handled it just fine, but that the Sprottles were insane, and I had been away too long to know what they were like. If only his family had supported him...and if only he'd bothered to ask first. It seems he would have made a "pleasant dinner of it" but he had wanted to act quickly for the sake of Amber. I told him that if he was really king material he would have handled things better. He said he handled things fine, he was attacked by a pack of insane sorcerers, they yelled, he yelled, he yelled, they attacked, he tried to have them arrested, they started a war. *He* tried to keep things civil, they were hostile. That was bullshit, and I told him so. He didn't procure enough backing. He protested that everyone backed him but the Sprottles, and I told him if it failed, then that wasn't enough.<br /> "It was everyone except the Sprottles, how do you think they're gonna react when someone else is chosen to be ruler?"<br /> "We're not going to agree on this."<br /> "Because you're stubborn and have a grudge against me for not making you Lord Protector."<br /> "Because we're both stubborn, and I don't have a grudge."<br /> "What do you think the Sprottles are going to do if they don't get the throne? Hell what do you think they'll do if they do get it? They've been seeding demons throughout Castle Amber."<br /> "I don't think they'll get it, but if they feel involved they'll live with it."<br /><br /> Siobhan, of course, wanted to be Queen. She did at least have some leadership experience, and she confirmed what Fionn has said about their decision for the competition. I told her that I had concerns about her rule as well, and she said she thought my lack of faith was as bad as I thought her faith was. I could see where this was going as well. If she wanted to play that game...I told her until lately, I'd been a little too busy worrying about my own survival to deal in faith, no thanks to the rest of my family. Her reply was that if my faith had been in the pattern, instead of the sword, I'd have been Queen. A little surprising, I had to admit. "A queen who can't wear the jewel would not be very effective."<br /> "All things are in the pattern and the pattern is in all things. Years ago you were told that you could not fight, that you could not heal, that you would never walk the pattern."<br /> "I fail to see how the pattern has helped with any of those things. It was my own bullheadedness...and I now know where that comes from...that got me where I am."<br /> "If you'd have turned that bullheadedness to the pattern, you'd have found the power to bind the jewel or any other bauble to your will. It kills you because you fear and don't understand it."<br /> "If you are the result of blind faith in the pattern, I think I'll keep my own counsel. Perhaps it would have made me Queen. But I think I'll skip the terrified obedience of my followers."<br /> "Your follower's pretend obedience is superior? What is it you think I'll do to Amber if I'm queen?"<br /> "I don't want to see Amber turned into those other worlds you have ruled. The inquisitions and the witch-hunts..."<br /> "You prefer chaos be summoned at dinner and families that hack each others limbs off? Or perhaps just warring over the affairs the ruler might have, like our previous queen. People fear what they don't understand, with faith and time will come understanding."<br /> A point for her. "Touche. And for those who choose not to have faith?"<br /> "I do not war with those who lack faith, I kill those who deny it, who revoke it, and who stand against it. You've made me out as some sort of monster, I seek to end this as civilly as any. Had I wished, I could have ended this long ago, but that is not my way." <br /> Of course not..."I do believe that you act in what you see to be Amber's...or at least the Pattern's...best interests. It is just your methods I have issue with."<br /> "You have much to learn of my methods. But I think your mistakes are two fold. While I admit that there is much to learn from the past, we all change. And you also seem to mistake play for reality."<br /> She was going to complain about my upbringing..."Perhaps it is my youth...or lack of guidance."<br /> "So now you argue my point."<br /> "I merely point out that if you see qualities in me that are...distasteful, perhaps an examination of the circumstances that created them, and your role in them, is in order."<br /> "I do not believe your qualities are what we've been discussing. Your troubles are with me, not mine with you."<br /> "And you believe my troubles with you stem from a mistaken evaluation of your character." I sighed and shock my head. "Never mind."<br /> "I believe that if we put a ruler on the throne that does not see the Pattern for what it is, it is Amber that will suffer. My son would make a good ruler, but he is young, and he will turn about before this competition begins. The Eatons are careless, the Sato war-like, and the Sprottles insane."<br /> "And the Igare? For completeness, of course. And I would disagree somewhat with your evaluation of the Sprottles. One of them is insane...the rest, unfortunately, humor her too much."<br /> "Paki has never sought power, I'm not sure how he'd handle it. Ambrose is manic depressive, Agnes is Phobic and delusional, Joan has too may flaws to list. The family is inbred and madness runs within it." So that was where she was going to go. She paused. "Excuse me a moment"<br /> When I noticed she was walking out of the room, and not merely to get something, I followed her. We walked down the hall...and to Masamba's room. He appeared wearing a maroon-sleeved, white-chested jersey, bell-bottomed blue jeans, and black sneakers. "Hello, I'm sorry I'm not in something more formal."<br /> "Child, besides the fact that you might kill yourself. I'll not have that here from you."<br /> "Ah, Understood Your Majes-...Understood." I raised my eyebrow at Masamba from behind her as he bowed to her, subtly smiling at me. <br /> Siobhan continued. "There's no need for all of that, but for Pattern's Sake you don't smoke in a gas station Masamba." With that, we all smiled.<br /> "Alright, I apologize for the sarcasm."<br /> "I'm glad to see you're feeling better." What was that all about? I would have to find out.<br /> "I just owed a friend and hoped to get it out of the way quickly."<br /> "Eathon was worried about you." I frowned at him while she spoke.<br /> "I- uh... Oh yeah. I'm fine. He's been an excellent host. I appreciate your concern."<br /> "Good afternoon then, Pattern keep you well Masamba Igare." Siobhan started to walk off as Masamba bowed.<br /> "Juliette?" Masamba called after me as I followed her.<br /> "I'll be back for you!"<br /> "I will be more than happy!"<br /><br /> When we returned, I told her that I had been considering both her and Paki, and having a hard time choosing. I also asked her if she thought Andrevo was mad as well. <br /> "Most likely, though his father doesn't appear to be, so there may be hope. And, of course, there's always medication. As for Paki, he's a good man, but he's never been brave enough to stand on his own." <br /> I decided to throw in the twist. "His offer was tempting."<br /> "Offer?"<br /> "He offered to make me Lord Protector in exchange for the jewel."<br /> "Perhaps he has more of a backbone than I thought."<br /> "I had rationalized a reason for accepting...but the time has passed."fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-75284503948506207372007-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:002007-09-01T19:47:34.065-07:00DinnerDinner was on a flat area of the city's walls overlooking the harbor; a large ship sailed in the harbor. The moon and a set of torches around the area provided lighting that night, and there was a reflection from the water of light from all the surrounding homes as well. A moderate breeze flowed through the area, fresh instead of salty. Dinner was set on a small table for two; formally with lots of utensils.<br /> I arrived fashionably late, wearing a strapless black dress. Over it, I wore a long green overcoat with a train, and a tall, white collar. I had decided to leave my weapons at home, and pull my hair up approximately the latest fashions. Having no jewelry besides the jewel, I decided not to wear any. Andrevo was wearing a white surcoat with green buttons and shiny black boots, and a black sash around his waist. He greeted me at the base of the stairs to the ramparts, bowing politely and looking slightly surprised. "Greetings, dear Juliette. You are stunning."<br /> I smiled, holding out my hand. It had worked. "And you look very handsome this evening."<br /> He took my hand, nearly kissing it. "Would you join me up on the ramparts?"<br /> "I would be delighted."<br /> He led me up a set of narrowish stairs to the rampart. "I must say, I was a bit unsure about how formal to be this evening."<br /> "I was unsure as well, but thought other considerations were more important."<br /> He headed over to a view of the bay as we spoke. "Of course. This is not a test or challenge. Simply dinner."<br /> He has misunderstood me. "Of course not. But I wished to look my best...for you."<br /> He smirked. "And you do, I agree. How have you found my little city?"<br /> "It is very relaxing. Not at all like where I grew up."<br /> "Since it is more the time to ask, I would be delighted to hear about where you grew up."<br /> This was it. While it wasn't information that was exactly secret, I hadn't talked to anyone about it since I got back. If we were to be together, then I needed to take this chance. "I lived in Amber until I was twelve. My parents...were killed. Because of my...abnormality, my lands were given to my brother, with Paki to hold regency. I was livid, but there wasn't much I could do." I leaned over the ramparts, watching the ocean as I spoke. It was all I could do to simply to speak. I couldn't face him or I would lose my nerve. Andrevo listened intently, ever polite. "I was pretty much forgotten, raised by servants, such as Jackson and his wife. I met Samba then. He didn't like being in Amber any more than I did, at that time. So we made plans to escape. He was going to create dopplegangers of us, which 'died' in our 'escape.' In the meanwhile, I would walk the pattern, going to a place he had told me of, near his home. Using a trump we had made, I would bring him to me, and we would go our separate ways. I was determined I would kill a demon in chaos, to prove that I was worthy to take my birthright.<br /> "Unfortunately, things didn't go quite as planned. Walking the pattern nearly killed me, and while I managed to pull him through as well, I couldn't leave where we were. I spent nearly five years, of that time, recovering. It's a harsh place, a desert world with almost no water. The native people, who I was with, hid in the desert, fighting a revolt of sorts against the rulers of the place, who only lived there to mine a spice in the desert they used for its many unique properties."<br /> "Fascinating..."<br /> "The desert, besides being so dry that we had to use the technology to recapture every bit of moisture our bodies wasted, contains huge...worms which attack anything that moves. So that's where I really grew up. I fought with them, and rode the worms in the desert. Tough and unforgiving...but home nonetheless." That was all I could do, for now. I fell silent, looking out over the water.<br /> "How often do you go back?"<br /> "I've been back twice since I came back to Amber. The last time was for several weeks. That's where I was before you called me back for the portrait."<br /> "That sounds like a place of penultimate purpose, with survival being victory."<br /> "A succinct, but accurate description."<br /> "In that perspective, this life must seem quite frivolous and wasteful."<br /> He was right. It had seemed so, at first. "As I spend more time here, I find it seems to have its own purpose."<br /> "There is purpose, but one often has to see it out instead the reverse."<br /> I turned around, looking at him. "What do you find in it?"<br /> "For a while I did feel that there is no purpose, only action driven from desire. But being one with few pressures and obligations, that was easy to conclude erroneously. It is nearly shameful to speak of my life after and purposes after hearing your story, Juliette.<br /> Now, *this* would not do. I walked over to him, taking my gloves off and placing my hands on his. "Please...I would like to hear of it. Do not let the calluses on my hands shame the absence of them on yours."<br /> He held my hands as he spoke. "My parents are quite opposites; my mother driven by passions and my father calculative and realist. I have spent most of my life in the pursuits of artistic nature, beyond the simple Trump magics that goes with being a Sprottle. I have been to desert wastes, grand mountains, broken worlds, on starships, in wars, and inside great creatures seeking art. During all of that I have fought in wars for the family upon these lands and others in the Golden Circle. For the glory of Amber, and of my family. I have always been here, near Amber and under its shadow."<br /> Could we be more different? "I do not think grandmother could have thrown two more different people together."<br /> He chuckled. "My father loves her and she loves him back for what he is; and I cannot begrudge them more than that."<br /> Pay attention, dear. "I was not speaking of them...dear."<br /> Andrevo blushed and smiled, almost shyly. "Odd duality."<br /> "My aunt would say it is the reflections of the pattern repeating themselves in its servants."<br /> He sighed. "I hope not."<br /> Wrong words for tonight, it seems. I frowned. "Then do not think of it, not tonight."<br /> "That falls quite close to business, and tonight is not for that. Tonight... is dinner, and we shan't neglect that for too long."<br /> We had all but forgotten that. And at the mention of it, my stomach reminded me that I liked to eat more often than my cousins as well. "I'm afraid it might be cold by now. I hope it hasn't been ruined."<br /> He gestured towards the table, smiling. "Nothing will be cold unless intended so."<br /> I smiled at his thoughtfulness. He had planned everything. "Even so, I am starting to get hungry. Another one of my little...defects, I suppose." Andrevo gestured towards a doorway, and shortly there after appetizers come out, salad, fresh bread, and caviar. I started to walk over to the table with him. "It smells wonderful, dear. I think good food is the luxury I prize above all others, with the possible exception of a hot shower."<br /> "Well I cannot claim to have hunted the food this evening, for among other skills I am a poor fisherman."<br /> I chuckled. "I don't know if I can have a poor fisherman for a husband. My fishing skills, are, of course, exceptional...having grown around large bodies of water and all."<br /> "I would judge you otherwise, sarcasm aside. It's a hunters game of extreme patience and understanding of habits."<br /> "I have never had the urge to try it."<br /> Andrevo waved his hand dismissively. "Leave it to those that love it, for there are more engaging pursuits for sure."<br /> "Any other you would suggest, perhaps one that could be enjoyed by more than one person?"<br /> "I cannot fathom recommending anything other than what we are doing right now, for you are quite engaging mi`lady."<br /> I could get used to this. "Surely you flatter me."<br /> He took some of the red wine we were being served, and toasted. "But perhaps you were speaking instead of planning for tomorrow."<br /> I sipped at the wine. It would not do to get drunk. "And tomorrow, and tomorrow."<br /> "You have seen what I like to do, and I have guesses at what you like to do."<br /> "Perhaps we should try doing one of them together. Riding, or falconing? I'll even put up with Basil, for you." I smiled. I didn't dislike the horse that much.<br /> "I do enjoy both of those; and Basil can stay behind as that shall please you." Ever the gentleman.<br /> "I believe the expression is...It's a date." Then, our meal came out, freshly seared fish. It was wonderful, and I savored each bite as we ate, thinking.<br /> "You look pensive."<br /> "Indeed."<br /> "Do you have expectations of this evening you'd like to share?"<br /> "I was considering the days after this evening. I do think I might enjoy being married to you, Andrevo Sprottle." There is was.<br /> "Might? I must work harder."<br /> I chuckled. "Might is more than you would have gotten out of me a couple days ago. Consider it a strong might."<br /> "Well, then I shall persist in my patient assaults upon your defenses." <br /> Defenses that were starting to fall apart. "You will find no objection from this quarter. But, seriously, I look forward to spending more time together...and even to our marriage, whenever it may come to pass."<br /> "I look now and enjoy the company I have wrought." He finished eating, and I finished as well.<br /> "The hour grows late, and I am an early riser."<br /> Andrevo stood, and I did as well, taking a last look over the bay. He spoke. "I'll expect you early for a nice ride down the coast, then."<br /> "I will call upon you at sunrise then."<br /> He bowed. "Thank you for joining me for dinner."<br /> "It was my pleasure."<br /> He offered his shoulder to escort me. "Shall we? Just in case you forgot the way."<br /> "I would be delighted." I leaned close to him, my head on his shoulder, as we walked. We chatted about where we wished to ride tomorrow as we walked back. I enjoyed the moment. When we got to the door of my chambers, he leaned over to give me a kiss. I was hesitant at first, but it was definitely...enjoyable. When we finished, I quickly entered my rooms, closing the door behind me.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-37067387631035925972007-09-01T19:41:00.001-07:002007-09-01T19:41:49.066-07:00InterludeI had a couple of things to take care of before dinner with Andrevo, as well as shopping. I went searching for Masamba, and was told he had gone to Amber. I trumped there, and after some searching, found him in the library. We discussed Sato's plan, and that Samba had brought Vinn to Amber. It seemed Samba was now more in favor of Otanashi. While we were discussing it, I went and got a new card of me for my trump deck (after giving mine to Nax, a move Samba thought was disastrous), and Samba got a new deck. When we came out of the room, we noticed that Vinn was there. I tried to ask Vinn why he was in Amber, and what he thought of the current situation, but he tended to skate around the issue. He did mention that he heard the Queen and I were very close, a rumor I thought odd. No one should know about my training, and Vinn would give me no information on where he obtained the idea. As we discussed it more, I realized it might have simply come about from my possession of the Jewel. When that came up, we decided to go and check on the other 'crown jewels.' The treasury was guarded by Paki's men, and contained only the crown. We were told that Fionn still possessed the Pattern Blade, and the Jewel was missing. This statement that the jewel was missing only peaked my curiosity about the rumor, as Vinn said it came from a servant, but Paki's men were probably not the type to spread rumors.<br /> With business attended to for the time being, I made arrangements to have lunch with Agnes the next day, and went to find a dress I would be interested in duplicating.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-81677470131486622202007-09-01T19:37:00.000-07:002007-09-01T19:41:06.287-07:00Art and ReconciliationI had pretty much completed the modification of my shadow when I got a trump contact. After the customary three tries, I spoke with Andrevo. He was ready to do Masamba's trump, so he pulled me through to Dubrovnik. He showed me to my room, where he had laid out several outfits for me to wear. How patronizing. Now was not the time for a fight, so I chose one, and put it on. We took a sleigh up into the mountains, to a cabin in the woods. On the way, Andrevo made a sketch of Masamba and contacted him. When he brought Masamba through, once we'd gotten there, he was accompanied by another man...who was introduced as a son of Sato Otanashi. Definitely an interesting turn of events. It seems that Sato Otanashi had asked Samba to seek him out in shadow and bring him to Sato. I would have to talk to Samba about that later.<br /> The three of us went off to do the painting, while leaving Sato Vinn to entertain himself. Andrevo had set up twelve easels, and his paints, in the snow outside, next to a crisp mountain stream. He painted the portraits as Samba sat, the backgrounds in each one different from the next. We chatted, and I laid claim to one with Samba on the edge of the Abyss. After several hours, Andrevo said that he has expected me to entertain Vinn, so I headed back to him. We chatted briefly, really about nothing at all, and I *insisted* that he spend the evening with us. I didn't want an unknown son of Otanashi going to Amber quite yet, and definitely not alone. As for inviting him, if Andrevo was going to be the way he was, I would be more than happy to issue invitations on his behalf to anyone I felt like.<br /> The next morning, while I was out practicing with my men before dawn, Siobhan approached me. I was extremely surprised to see Siobhan come out to Dubrovnik to meet me, and stepped away from the practice to speak with her. It seemed that Otanashi had proposed a solution to the problem of the succession, having grown tired of us trying to make one, and perhaps a bit...peeved it had been left to us. In one week's time, the families would gather in Amber. Each one would choose a representative, or judge, who would get together to judge a competition to determine who was 'best.' The judges would decide both the competition, and who would compete. As I listened to Siobhan describe it, I thought that I should be judge for our family, and that I would need to convince Siobhan of that. It surprised me, then, when she said that both she and Fionn wished to compete, so I should judge for the family. I agreed immediately. I mentioned it might have been why Sato Otanashi asked Samba to find Vinn, and she was quite surprised he had a soon. She also told me she wished to get together with me to discuss it in more detail before the meeting. As she was departing, she mentioned that my skill in the sword had improved greatly, but pattern would still be the greater ally.<br /> When I returned, I sent a note to Andrevo, saying I wished to meet with him as soon as he awoke. After sending it, I noticed that Vinn was still partying from the night before, so joined him for a while, getting to know him a little better. Interestingly, he looked very different from when I had seen him the night before. Obviously some type of shape shifter, like Samba. Soon, I received a message saying that Andrevo wished to speak with me immediately. Not wishing to give him the satisfaction of being at his beck and call, I told the servant to inform him I would be available in my sitting room, and went off there to wait for Andrevo.<br /> A servant conducted Andrevo in shortly afterwards. He came in briskly, wearing informal wear, slightly disorganized from having rid quickly and recently. I looked up from where I had been writing. "Where have you been, that you returned so urgently?"<br /> "Someone has been reaching into my realm and causing trouble. I had to sort things out."<br /> "Interesting. Do you wish my assistance?"<br /> "You're the likely culprit in this case actually, although unlikely."<br /> An insult to be sure. "Excuse me?"<br /> He grinned slightly. "The only person that doesn't like Basil is you."<br /> Who was this Basil I didn't like? "Basil?"<br /> "My best friend; perhaps I should of formally introduced you two."<br /> "I would be most interested in meeting your best friend." Perhaps it would give me more insight in my increasingly frustrating fiance.<br /> "I do apologize for failing to complete that nicety; I must of presumed you've already made acquaintance erroneously."<br /> "I don't believe I've met anyone here named Basil, although perhaps I have forgotten."<br /> He raised his hand to about shoulder height. "He's about this tall at the shoulder, quite black, and sings."<br /> I couldn't believe it. "The horse?"<br /> "Yes."<br /> I shook my head. You had to be kidding me. "What happened to it?"<br /> "Him."<br /> If he insisted. "Him."<br /> "Apparently, Dear, he was fooled into leaving to work for another for many years."<br /> I wasn't sure exactly what he was trying to say, but I was not pleased with the direction this seemed to be taking. "Well, Dear, I hate to inform you that I have been no where near Basil since I arrived...and I'm afraid I don't understand exactly what you're saying. Fooled into leaving to work for another?"<br /> "As if we split ways."<br /> "So he was mistakenly made to think you no longer needed his services?" At least now I could see more clearly what he thought I may have done.<br /> "More that someone impersonated me or faked the memories."<br /> "Well, I see two possible candidate for impersonation here, at this time..." Neither of which were me, "...and while I can see no reason why she would do so, Siobhan probably could have faked the memories. Have you recovered him, or do you need assistance?"<br /> "He has returned and attempting to overcome the fog that was laid upon his mind, but otherwise in typical spirits."<br /> I could try to help. "If you wish my assistance, you have but to ask, although I can not see that I would be much help in such a situation. Hopefully, he will recover fully."<br /> "He will be fine, having just returned. As for motives; the only obvious one would be yours; but beyond that many have reasons to disrupt or harass us." <br /> Another accusation. "Is this what you wished to see me about? I did have something of im...something to discuss with you. And, please, make yourself comfortable. A drink or such?" Might as well try to make some amends for the perceived slight. "While I dislike him, I would not wish to cause you such distress."<br /> "I actually had nothing to really see you about; I just had remembered that you also had asked for me."<br /> "My aunt came to visit this morning. I wanted to let you know what she said." Andrevo hmmmed. "It seems our older...cousins have gotten tired of waiting, and Sato broached an idea they will be adopting. Sato Otanashi, I should say. They are having the families get together and choose, for lack of a better word, judges, who will then both decided the participates and the rules in some method of determining who is 'the best amoung us.' They will meet in Amber in one weeks time. I suspect this is why Sato Otanashi asked Samba to fetch Sato Vinn."<br /> "To be a judge."<br /> "Yes. After all, one would not expect one of the participants to be a judge, now would they?"<br /> "Sounds like manipulatable bull to me."<br /> Sometimes, this man could be so...stubborn. "It also sounds like something that might, possibly, keep people from killing each other, or trying to, again. More importantly, if all have agreed to it besides us, I doubt there will be much we can do, jewel or otherwise."<br /> "It is a wonderful idea."<br /> So he changes his mind now. "I thought you would want to know about it. I have spoken with my family. I would also be interested in meeting with Agnes before next week. You had said you wished to accompany me, otherwise, I will speak to her on my own."<br /> "There is no particular reason for me to be there when you speak with her; but certainly I will escort you there."<br /> "There is no need for such unless you wish, I simply did not want to...spite you by seeming to refuse your offer." Perhaps this whole engagement thing just wasn't going to work out. I don't think I can live with this man.<br /> "This won't do." <br /> A change of heart? "What won't do?"<br /> "Before you leave, you should join me for dinner down on walls overlooking the inner bay."<br /> I see. I supposed I could give it a chance. It would be nice to actually...know him. "It sounds lovely. Perhaps tonight, if your other guests have left?"<br /> He smiled warmly. "We need not always pretend we don't like each other."<br /> It made me smiles. "It's not that...I'm not sure how to put it. I'll just say that I will sincerely enjoy having a candid dinner with you, with no other business to discuss."<br /> "Indeed, relaxing."<br /> "Perhaps we might even have a chance to get to know each other ."<br /> "Or perhaps, that will also occur without the feeling that we are sizing each other up."<br /> Now he had gotten to the heart of the matter. I smiled. What was it grandmother had said. "Trust no one." I paused. "And I also look forward to learning about you, and not a possible opponent."<br /> "Now that's no way to make friends."<br /> "No, it's not. Perhaps, if you don't mind, you might find something appropriate for me to wear?" I would give him that concession.<br /> "I cannot fathom the preferences of a lady; but I can certainly help you shop."<br /> If he wasn't going to take the opportunity..."If you don't have something in mind you'd like, I'll go shopping myself."<br /> "I do not."<br /> "I will surprise you then."<br /> At that, Andrevo smiled at me, then stood. I stood up as well, walking over to him. He took my hand in his, and brought it up to his lips, kissing me gently. I was nervous at first, but it was...pleasant. I looked up at him as we stood there for a moment, then he briskly departed.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-92211023086101252112007-09-01T19:32:00.000-07:002007-09-01T19:36:57.007-07:00NaxI had decided to return to the shadow I grew up in, to mold it to my liking. A larger army could prove useful in the near future, and it was somewhere that I could "hide." It was, however, a long ride from Amber, so I decided to try a small shortcut. I had wanted to get a trump of Nax from Masamba, but couldn't seem to find him...as usual. Instead, I hell-rode there, and spoke with Nax myself. I asked him for a trump to contact him more often. He was willing to give me one in exchange for some...advice, and he insisted on throwing a feast in my honor. I consented, thinking it might also prove useful for making an alliance with him. As we were eating, who should sidle on in but Samba. He was dressed oddly, in colorful, flowing robes, with bare feet. "Your Juliette-ness."<br /> I smiled. Always a joker. "Samba...a pleasant surprise."<br /> "I can say the same, Juliette."<br /> "I admit, I got tired of waiting."<br /> "Oh. Sorry. I had, things. Speaking of which...should I ask how your urine tastes?"<br /> Sometimes Samba asked the weirdest questions. "Excuse me?"<br /> "The... suit. That recycles..." That joker. "So how's Amber doing?"<br /> The one thing I was trying to avoid thinking about at the moment. "Oh. I was stopping here on my way elsewhere. It is...the same for now."<br /> "How's the...el fa--Andrevo?"<br /> Another bad subject. Was Samba psychic today? "Frustrating."<br /> "Understandable. Has the coin toss of our previous difficulties landed?"<br /> I guess there was no avoiding this one. "I had dinner with him last night to discuss it. Other than shoot down my idea, he had nothing much to add."<br /> "I'm guessing he helped make it." <br /> "I don't know." Ever the consummate joker, but I wasn't in the mood for it now.<br /> "What was your..." Samba looked around before continuing. "It's easy for the wolf to hide in sheep's clothing here."<br /> "I would imagine. But, try as he might to find the perfect choice, the decision must be made soon."<br /> Samba whispered. "There are many sheep."<br /> "If I can not bring him 'around' I may be forced to make it anyway."<br /> "Of the two we discussed, is he partial toward the one I'm not? Or is that too long ago?"<br /> The situation has changed much since then. "That was too long ago."<br /> "Ah. Has the plot thinned?"<br /> "The one he favored has refused anyway."<br /> "She was a walking, albeit horrendously mystical cliche anyway. And..."<br /> I interrupted him. "He feels the one I favor now 'does not have enough going for him.'"<br /> "...if we're two thirds...him..." I slowly tapped my fingers on the butt of the gun at my waist. "Are we saying I would be closer to the throne?"<br /> I smiled. It was nice to speak with someone who understood me. "Yes."<br /> Samba laughed. "I would be in favor, on one condition."<br /> I miss Samba sometimes. "I tried to have the conversation like this with Andrevo, and he...didn't understand me."<br /> "When/if we tell him..."<br /> "I had conditions as well."<br /> "I would be the one to come up to him and ask for help, then we jump him with magic, THEN tell him." I laughed again. Dear Samba. "Do you meant his conversation in a certain way? Or just in general? As in, guarded."<br /> "We just don't...read each other as well as the two of us do."<br /> "Ah. Or...He doesn't want to without you saying it. After all, Our guy means our firebrand, who opposes our...uh...seaman...who is...well...family." He shouted off. "NO OFFENSE, GRAMPA!"<br /> "My plan was to have him in charge, with myself in my old position, The seaman and the...robot as admirals, and Hyde as captain of the guard.<br /> "Robo--aha!. I like the plan, except for the admiral part. And, as much as i love chao- er.. catastrophe...we'd basically have one big civil war."<br /> "Between the two admirals?"<br /> "And the latter of your plan can be convinced otherwise, I assume. Yeah, cuz, you've seen the two of them try to talk civilly in a room..."<br /> "I think they would...counter one another..."<br /> "With their superiors nearby to contain them."<br /> "They managed not to kill each other before now"<br /> "Are you sure? Er...but, only one had a fleet to command."<br /> "And the one won't be trying to take over."<br /> "Well, I should admit," He looked around, "Style-wise, I like our seaman. notthatthere'sanythingwrongwiththat. But I'm not against mister roboto."<br /> "By 'our' seaman, you mean Hyde?"<br /> "Just to let you know I'm not partial. No. Our as in-law..."<br /> "The current admiral then?" Perhaps we weren't quite as in sync as I thought.<br /> "Your question belies the fact that I should have paid more attention. He's the better looking of the two.<br /> "So, you think the plan is acceptable as long as the two don't fight."<br /> "Your 'old position.'"<br /> Would he feel the same about it that Andrevo did? "That which is rightfully mine."<br /> "All of it, robin hood?"<br /> "Yes."<br /> Samba smiled again. "Ah, okay. I just didn't know it was...uh...your old...but yes, I do agree."<br /> "Part of it was, at least...and all of it should have been."<br /> "Though I am concerned of the hole we mentioned."<br /> "Refresh my memory?"<br /> "I believe if personal familial positions were shifted, that one would not be upse...the hole being the ocean, which you mentioned, but it's a big...uh...but...and...wait..."<br /> "I think as long as they both have a leader, it will not devolve into war and the rivalry will mean that they won't unite."<br /> "Ah...there you go. I might be able to make amends of this situation. Wait," I raised an eyebrow as he paused, "I just answered one of my own questions that you never asked. Is your guardian a political maneuver. Well, the captain of such."<br /> "I'm afraid I don't understand."<br /> "Is hyde there to appease...uh...jeckyll? I'm more thinking..."<br /> "To appease his sister."<br /> "...of freeing up...uh...If one of our conflicting two pretty boys (or borgs, as it were) were to have the captain position, would that make things...smoother...in your opinion?"<br /> "I considered that, but I think the rivalry will be healthy."<br /> "Well...the rivalry might be diminished, but a rivalry in longer distances might be more beneficial as a whole." He called off to the side. "Felix!"<br /> "Felix?" Who was Felix?<br /> "You've met him. A little imp friend."<br /> Ah! "Oh, him."<br /> "He's a note-taker." He thought for a moment as Felix failed to appear. "Oh...that's right. He's dead. Well."<br /> It would do more good to remind him of the method. "'You killed him, remember?"<br /> He frowned, then started to smile. "...yes, I remember. He's surv--he's--yes, I remembered." He turned away for a moment, then turned back, smiling. "You would be happy with keeping the guardian cap as the guardian cap. And yes, I slang for no reason."<br /> "And you completely lost me."<br /> "The hidden one." He spelled it out for me on his forehead.<br /> "Ah. I suppose I would be happy with him staying where he is, but I think my idea is superior."<br /> "I meant, in your position, he is not someone you feel obligated to?"<br /> "The guardian, no. I wish to retain my position if at all possible."<br /> "Ah. One minor concern..."<br /> "It is mine by right of inheritance."<br /> "...that i may be able to rectify. Have we learned if one of the other still has eyes toward amber? Fish?" He grabbed a plate of green fish, handing it to me.<br /> I tried some. "They all have eyes towards Amber."<br /> "I mean...Good is it? I hear they're in season in the.. uh.. seas of fire." He tried some as well. "There is another who I fear might be very unpleased with the situation."<br /> I smiled. "The one who is already King..."<br /> Masamba smiled as well. "This fish seems to have more feet than it should. But, my theory is..."<br /> "He is the one I have not been able to take into account."<br /> "He may be appeased easily. But I want to tell you something," He scooted closer. "We are friends, at least I think we are. Until then, I've never given a shit about 'home.'"<br /> "I would like to consider us such." What was he getting at?<br /> "...but I may do something that would be entirely in service of home, at the sacrifice of me, well, sacrifice of my dignity."<br /> "What? Please speak freely with me." I wish he would tell me more. I worry for him.<br /> "Certain angels...Hidden..." he picked up the fish, "...angels, might be appeased. And, No where is safe, dear Julie."<br /> '"I suppose then I will have to leave you to your own devices then." <br /> "Anyway. Not just yet. Well, this dinner is so good, and, as we both ran away from home, to chaos, we should probably enjoy it...again." He wiped his eyes.<br /> "I was on my way to my home away from home when I stopped over here. It was a quick shortcut."<br /> "Did you get your card?"<br /> "Yes, I did."<br /> "And what would we do about...uh..." He tapped at his ring finger.<br /> "My Dear Andrevo?"<br /> Samba smiled yet again, and nodded. "Has he been in direct opposition...or...uh..."<br /> Why did he have to bring him up, anyway? "He knows how to contact me when he wants to talk again. He is opposed, but has offered no other solution."<br /> "Well..."<br /> "I thought it best to stop the conversation before it became too...heated."<br /> "What would the tabloids say? Have you seen tabloids?"<br /> I didn't remember "tabloids," but I could have forgotten. "I don't think so."<br /> "You're better for it. Think corrupt town crier. Was he...perchance...slaying creatures to get their stuff? And, don't make me NOT be the one who's least concerned for Amber. I got an image to maintain."<br /> "Are you concerned what others might think of us while I am afianced? And I am utmost concerned for Amber...I believe his is too, in his own way." His own, frustrating, slow, infuriating way.<br /> "The latter, no. I serious, whole-heatedly tried..."<br /> Our conversation soon devolved into chit-chat as the feast ended, and we went our separate ways.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-45386365167867559712007-09-01T18:56:00.000-07:002007-09-01T19:13:21.297-07:00DubrovnikI took the time to arrive in Dubrovnik in state, accompanied by a small contingent of my men as an honor guard. While I had no luggage with me, I had taken the time to have two trunks sent ahead, containing some of my personal effects, those that I did not wish to simply re-create. I stayed for the official receptions, and then retired. I had a lot of thinking to do, and for now, merely wished to be left alone. For the next several days, I went about making myself more at home, including transforming one of the rooms in my suite into a practice room. I also made at least some effort to meet the nobles and other persons of import in the town, and explored its shops and side streets, taking note of the defenses as I walked. After about five days, having not been able to find Andrevo at work on my own, I had a note delivered. <br /><br /> "My dear,<br /> I can not seem to locate your studio. Perhaps we could dine? - Your fiancee, Juliette"<br /><br /> We arranged to have dinner the next evening. After a few, quick pleasantries, Andrevo quickly got down to business. "As for my studio; it's odd that you'd note its absence so quickly."<br /> Hmmmm. A little touchy, perhaps? "I was interested in seeing your art."<br /> "There is a museum in the town of my more common pieces about the surrounds."<br /> "I wasn't really interested in your 'common' pieces. I thought your art, your...process, would give me some insight."<br /> "I am tasked with creating new trumps of Masamba; you can witness that. It shall be... fun."<br /> I raised an eyebrow at the last remark. "Fun?" He winked, and I smiled back. "I would also be interested...in learning."<br /> "First I'll need to find him; that being the origin of the event in a sense."<br /> "I know where we might look. But you seem to have...avoided my request."<br /> "My actual studio is up the hill to the east a few miles, in a lodge I spend time in."<br /> "Perhaps, at some point, when you are...ready, I could visit. Take...lessons."<br /> "Now there is an important question I must ask, because it means a lot."<br /> "Please..."<br /> "Why do you seek Trump?"<br /> "There are several answers to that question...I wish to learn to paint, that I might learn more about the painter...I wish to protect myself from those who would use it against me. And, I feel it might endear me more to my future...family."<br /> "Has any art ever interested you before?"<br /> "Not really, but I have to admit I have not had much...exposure. My world was a harsh one."<br /> "What do you think is.... `art` ?"<br /> "Expression. I haven't really thought about the questions much, I admit." I looked down for a moment, my answers seeming...not acceptable. "I feel perhaps my answers are...inadequate."<br /> "Its the type of thing I consider often; and why perhaps I am of no use on a battlefield."<br /> "Life does not exist only on the battlefield. The battlefield does bring one to mind, though."<br /> "One what?"<br /> "I have spent much of my time exploring your lovely city, when I was not evaluating its defenses, considering our current...situation...and think I may have come up with something that would be marginally acceptable to all parties...One battlefield."<br /> "Perhaps I am confused as to your meaning."<br /> "The decision before us." I found myself becoming more and more frustrated.<br /> Andrevo arched an eyebrow. "It doesn't quite suit you to not speak plainly."<br /> I gave up. "No, it doesn't...Concerning the throne...I should just leave the flowery speech and innuendo to you." He smiled. "My solution is as follows - Paki has offered me Forest Arden in exchange for the jewel...if we take him up on his offer, with the following posts going to the following family members - Ambrose and Fionn will be Admirals of the Navy, and Eathon will be Captain of the Guard. This leaves each family with some type of position except Sato - Eathon is pretty much Rose's anyway, Your Uncle is admiral and I am Lord Protector, being as I will soon join your family...and Fionn is also admiral. Paki is also the 'legitimate' heir...and would probably do a decent job." Andrevo furrowed his brow. Damn him! "Do you foresee a problem I have not anticipated?"<br /> "It isn't the right thing to do."<br /> "And what is the right thing to do?"<br /> "Not jump at the first offer you got."<br /> "So wait, and see who else tries to bribe me? While it was the first offer, it seems a reasonable one."<br /> "Beyond being good business, I do not trust Paki to be King."<br /> "Why?"<br /> "He is Igare."<br /> "You think he will try to conquer other shadows? It would be difficult to do without the support of his navies and his armies. Which will be under the controls of others." What was his problem this time?<br /> "That separation of power isn't meaningful."<br /> "You don't think so? What do you propose then?"<br /> "Find someone less likely to be tainted by the machinations of Brand."<br /> "Such as? I have considered the issue carefully. I am not simply acting out of my own interests." While I understood that we had to be cautious...this seemed ridiculous. This question needed to be solved, or nothing would be done against the larger threat.<br /> "Then how do you weight the warnings of Callyn?"<br /> "She said she saw Brand in *all* of her children, and that was why she asked us to choose. Unless there are specific warnings I have not been informed about."<br /> "You didn't answer my question." He just didn't like my answer.<br /> "I take her warnings seriously...but I fail to see how they apply to Paki more than others."<br /> "Why would it have to apply more than others for it to be a danger?"<br /> "It is a danger, but I do not see it as a danger which makes him less qualified than any other. It exists in all equally for the time being, until we have more information." I was starting to wonder if he was becoming as paranoid as grandmother.<br /> "You pick him because he hasn't enough against him compared to others; I don't want to because I don't see enough for him."<br /> "We need to make some kind of decision, so that greater matters can be dealt with." If I did not stop this discussion soon...why is the man so damn frustrating?! "But we should stop this conversation for now. It has become too...troubling."<br /> "Agreed."<br /> "I had hoped we could use this time to...get to know each other better, if you'll excuse the cliche." Andrevo smiled, but mentioned that he had other business to attend to after dinner. So much for that plan. We finished quickly, neither speaking much, and went our separate ways. I had other business to attend to...my new shadow, so I left him another note, along with my plans for his defenses.<br /> "Andrevo, I will be 'in and out.' Let me know when you wish to dine next...or when we will commence our lessons. You know how to contact me - J"fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-11026328971900192242007-09-01T18:49:00.000-07:002007-09-01T18:56:08.199-07:00EngagementAndrevo and I spoke after the group broke up, and decided we would host a dinner to announce our engagement, hopefully providing an atmosphere where the family could discuss the recent events in relative peace. Andrevo insisted on my picking a male guardian so that he could ask permission to court me, so I told him to talk to Paki, as the Queen had made him my regent. Andrevo would also invite his parents personally, while I would invite Rose, in hopes that they both would show up. The table would be U-shaped, with the two of us sitting in the middle, and our families on either side. We did the linens in black, green, and white, which combined both our colors. We made our arrangements, and the dinner was the following night. Between the two of us, we decided that Andrevo would arrive first and greet the guests, while I would arrive fashionably late, after all our guests. <br /> Unfortunately, Rose decided to change that for us, not showing up at first, and then bursting in when Andrevo started his announcement. Always has to be the center of attention. I suppose we should have expected as much. The dinner itself was fairly uneventful, and then there was drinks afterwards. Joan had left, but the rest of the family stayed. It was then that the subject came up. Andrevo, Masamba, and I tried to convince the rest of the importance of dealing with Brand, but the subject kept going back to the crown. The room barely kept from erupting into a brawl several times, and even at the end of the night, nothing much had been resolved. <br /> Andrevo, Masamba and I went back to my sitting room, and discussed the matter. Nothing was going to get done until the matter of the crown was resolved, so we thought about the choices. We had pretty much narrowed it down to Siobhan and Agnes, and slowly narrowed it to Agnes. As we came to that conclusion, we were each interrupted by messages, and the meeting broke up.<br /> I had received a missive from Paki, and went to go meet him. As I was walking, he snuck up behind me, taking me by surprise and handing me a stone he said would help against spying. He informed me that all of our conversations were pretty much known by all in the castle. He then offered to make me Lord Protector if I gave him the jewel, as with it and his men he could take control of Amber. I told him that I would consider it, and then trumped Andrevo as I walked back to my room. I mentioned Paki's offer obliquely, and Andrevo and I chatted about what we would do. He also told me Agnes had refused to take the throne, and suggested Ambrose as a substitute. I needed time to think, and told him that if my room was still available, I would be spending some time in Dubrovnik, getting to know the people better, and taking a vacation. I just had a few things I needed to take care of first. He wanted me to meet with Ambrose as well, so I agreed to do so before I left.<br /> I left a message for Masamba that I would be in Dubrovnik, and the next morning went to talk with Siobhan. I managed to catch a few minutes with her while Eathon and Fionn were taking care of the last of the demons in Amber. I asked for her blessing in making my decision, and she said she could only do so based on the decision I actually made. I also asked her blessing for my engagement, and she said she didn't' think it was a wise decision. So much for comfort from my family. I suppose I shouldn't have expected much.<br /> I met Ambrose on the ship, and tried to get to know him. He was an excellent admiral, skilled as myself, and passionate, but rash, and quick to judgment. Not qualities I thought would be useful in a king. Back to the drawing board. I then packed up some of my things...some weapons, the armor, some books, and my stillsuit and desert survival kit, and headed off to Dubrovnik. I would spend some time there, catching up with myself, and then go to my shadow, that I might consolidate my position.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-71468350402429709502007-09-01T18:46:00.000-07:002007-09-01T18:48:58.848-07:00Return and RescueI arrived in Dubrovnik, and Andrevo immediately had his servants attend to Agnes. I took the chance to explore the city while Andrevo saw to Agnes. When I returned, we talked for a bit, getting to know each other a little better. We were interrupted when I received a trump call from Rose. She was with Masamba and Eathon, and asked me to bring them through. We did, and Masamba explained that when he walked the pattern, he went to Sato, and found him, along with Rose and Siobhan, captured in the Abyss. He was able to rescue Rose, and that was when they trumped me. He also told me what had happened at the Pattern. Some creature had won free, and it was that part that spilled his blood on the Pattern. We explained the situation in Amber, and determined that the others needed to be rescued as well, but first the fighting needed to stop in Amber. <br /> Getting our things together, we headed for Amber at the head of my troops. The men were falling over Rose as we traveled, and she was falling all over Andrevo's horse, a singing monstrosity. We proceeded through Forest Arden, and up to the Castle, where we each went to calm our respective factions. Rose spoke with Fionn, who eventually gave up his idea of being King. Andrevo spoke with Agnes, and brought her to meet with the rest of us. I went to the port, and stopped the fighting between the Navies. Joan would only accept begging from Fionn, so we decided Masamba would change to be him, and he went to put on a show for Joan. After the fighting had been stopped, we got together to determine how to rescue the others. It was decided Agnes would cast a spell to rescue them, which I would conjure an item to hold. Eathon would then be able to actually use the spell once we got to the edge of the Abyss. Eathon, Fionn, Masamba and I would go, so Masamba and I could keep off whatever showed up to stop us while Eathon cast the spell. <br /> When we got there, however, things were very different. An army had amassed on the edge, lead by the fiery creature Rose informed us was Dierdre. We contact Nax, and he brought his army there to help provide a distraction. I maintained contact with Andrevo as we dove in. Unfortunately, Dierdre and her army started to prove the best of us. Try as we might, we couldn't hold her off long enough for Eathon to cast the spell. I talked to Andrevo, and told him we would need Rose's help. He managed to convince her, and she arrived, proving to be a match for Dierdre. As she held Dierdre off, we managed to keep the other forces off of Eathon, and he cast the spell. A bubble came forth, and floated from the Abyss, setting down Siobhan, Sato, Paki, and Ambrose. Paki immediately began to attack Masamba, and I tried to protect him. I was able to keep him from getting too beat up, although with a single word, he was able to break the contact I had with Andrevo. Andrevo then proceeded to pull everyone through, leaving Rose and I for last. Rose pushed Dierdre back, going through to Amber, and I followed before she was able to recover. <br /> When we returned, Fionn and I began to see to Siobhan, but she was already regaining her strength. Taking her up to her room, I explained what happened to the pattern, and when she asked about the jewel, I told her I had it. I gave it to her, telling her that I would want it back, as I had made a promise to the Queen. We (Fionn, Siobhan, and I) then headed down to the Pattern room, stopping to get the rest of the group. It was a beautiful sight, watching Siobhan retrace the Pattern, and I was filled with awe. When she was done, she handed the jewel back to me, in front of everyone, provoking some...strange reactions. We soon broke up, all going our separate ways.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-3669251413232352932007-09-01T18:40:00.000-07:002007-09-01T18:46:35.676-07:00A Change of HeartWhen I awoke from my slumber, I found out that Samba had made it back as well. It was time to go ahead and head back to Amber, but there was preparation to do first. I prepared more hawks, and hounds, while Samba healed himself. I also empowered my armor and weapons, hoping that would help if we ran into the creature again. After about a week, we started out again. The journey was uneventful, and after meeting my troops in my shadow, I decided to go near the border with Andrevo's shadow to see if I could contact him, at least by messenger. My troops had informed me our "engagement" was public knowledge, and I was, at the very least, curious to see why he had chosen that path. We camped near the border, and I soon received a message from the Mayor of Dubrovnick, asking for my attendance at a festival in honor of our engagement. I returned my message back to Andrevo directly, telling him I wished to speak. Soon, I received a trump contact, but I refused, wary of who it might be. After a while, a messenger returned, with a message that said, simply, "3." After receiving two more contacts, I relented on the third, and spoke with Andrevo. After questioning, he complained he had no choice but public announcement of our engagement, after I told his family. I told him it was the only way I could think of to pass a seemingly innocent message. The conversation started to become heated, with me asking him to ask his mother why she felt it necessary to remove my leg, and almost kill me. He then asked me why she would want to do that, and I stupidly answered it was because I shot Agnes. After that, our link fell dead. I sent a messenger asking him to let me explain, but there was no response, trump or otherwise. Somewhat dejected, I slept. <br /> The next morning, I decided to try and trump him, and was able to contact him. Asking about our conversation earlier, he simply said he had finished talking. I explained the situation of Agnes' injury, and he seemed somewhat satisfied. At least that was out of the way, for now. I told him that I would be returning to Amber, but I would find another way to talk to him. He told me about some of the information he'd found out...that Brand was active, that he had found some of the residents of Amber that was...I told him of our "adventure" in Chaos. We soon bid farewell, and Samba and I headed off to Amber, at the head of my troops. When we reached Forest Arden, I left most of my troops there, and took only an honor guard with me. Samba told Paki that he wished to walk the pattern, and Paki said he would sponsor him, if I did not. I volunteered that I would lead Samba to the Pattern, and we continued on inside the castle. I took Masamba straight to the Pattern, and let him in. I watched him place his feet upon it, and slowly walk towards the center. When he finally reached the center, he reached into his pockets, pulling out his imp and a dagger, and then slit the imp's throat, spilling its blood upon the pattern before disappearing. Dumbfounded, I watched as the blood sizzled on the pattern, the light blinking out and leaving the room in darkness. <br /> Desperately trying to maintain my calm, I reached into my pocket, pulling out Andrevo's trump. He answered, and I told him what happened, the words spilling out of my mouth.. We discussed options, from trying to frame some sort of creature, to simply telling the truth. He ventured that it might had been Brand's doing, and we both concluded that there was not much that I could say that would exonerate me in Fionn's eyes. As we talked more, we came to the conclusion that in order to fight Brand's influence, Agnes was needed. Now, I'm not even sure why I reached that conclusion, but it was the start of a change. I told Andrevo that I could get to Agnes, if he could get me away. He offered me sanctuary and we plotted, there in the dark, and soon the plan was formed. I vowed to contact him when I was ready. <br /> Reaching out for the mind of my falcons, I told my men that I wished them to leave, and sent my honor guard to join those in the forest. On my word, they would engage the enemy, then flee into shadow, continuing on to Dubrovnick, where I would meet then. I then stepped out of the Pattern room, locking the door behind me. I continued down the hall, walking into the room where Agnes was kept. As the guards told me they could not release her drugs without another present, I calmly removed Agnes from the various tubes and monitors, and calling to Andrevo, took his hand, stepping through to Dubrovnik with Agnes. I had cast the die.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-82474124476743879292007-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:56:56.939-07:00ChaosI came upon what I could only assume to be Masamba sitting to a large, grey...thing that he appeared to be talking to. I made myself known, and Masamba turned around, changing into his normal form. I told him what had transpired so far, and that I needed to return to the Golden Circle to retrieve my troops, and the armor and the jewel. Samba told me about the creatures attacking chaos, and I asked to observe them, so that I could observe their tactics. he told me that I should meet with his half-brother, Nax, and we went out towards the front. <br /> Nax had a tent set up at his forward command post, and as the two of us entered the tent, I saw him cover up several maps before turning to see who it was. When he and his commanders finally saw us, however, it was an entirely different story. They immediately bowed, and Nax told Samba to bow as well. Not at all the reception I expected. I asked them to rise and looked to Masamba, who explained that several of the houses of Chaos worshiped Amberites, and that his house worshiped...me. Something I would need to keep in mind. I looked over the plans with Nax, who was not lacking in the tactical department, then observed some of the fighting. After my observations, Samba and I headed out.<br /> On our way back to Amber, we decided we should try and seek out the missing Amberites...Rose, Sato, and Siobhan. I started with Siobhan. The path immediately started to lead us back to Chaos, and eventually came to a stop at the edge of the Abyss. I tried Rose and Sato, and they both led in this direction. I had heard of using the Pattern to gain insight into a situation, so I tried to bring up a picture of it in my mind, to see if it would shed light. As I was concentrating, Samba let out a yell. I turned, and he was being attacked by three of the abyssal creatures we had seen earlier. They had scored one hit on him, and torn away a large part of his body. I sprung to defend him, and took the three down quickly with my guns. <br /> Samba and I talked briefly, and I decided to try to bring the pattern to mind again. Thankfully, this time, Samba was on the look out. A portal opened, and out came several of the Abyssal creatures, along with a fiery creature riding a demon horse, carrying a flaming ax. After quickly assessing the new creature's skill, I realized it was more than a match for me, and jumped into the car, ordering Samba inside as well. We took off, him driving as I shifted shadow before us. We quickly lost the minor creatures, but the large one was gaining on us. We continued on, the creature continuing to gain. It got close to us, and started swinging at the car, easily passing through the steel with its weapons. Finally, Samba and I realized the only way either one of us was going to get out was if we split. I stopped the car and we jumped out, one in each direction. The creature left Samba alone, and began to chase after me. I was quickly running out of options, barely able to fend off its blows. I wouldn't be able to last for long. <br /> Desperate for anything, I frantically reached into my pocket, picking out the first card I could find, and crying out to it with all my will, but I wasn't reaching anyone. Suddenly, the creature stopped. Reaching into my pocket, I saw the card I had grabbed was my own. I stood, pondering what to do next. If I let up on the trump contact, it was sure to be the death of me, but I could not manipulate the shadow and maintain the trump contact with myself at the same time. Maybe I could wait it out. We stood, facing each other down, for hours. And hours. I lost track of time, forcing my aching body to continue to stand through sheer willpower alone. Suddenly, a screech sounded in the sky, and a fireball burst forth, slamming into the creature. The fireball exploded upon impact, and the creature was momentarily stunned. Seeing my opportunity, I ran, shifting myself through shadow back to the closest place I could think of, the Courts of Chaos. I managed to make my way back to Samba's home, no creature in sight, before falling, exhausted.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-38621634214963587302007-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:52:59.014-07:00The AftermathI woke up laying in the dark. As I tested my body to see where the excruciating pain was coming from, I noticed that that my arms were chained to the bed. Obviously, the noise of my movement had notified someone, as a window in the door opened, a guard shouted, "She's awake!" and it quickly shut again. Soon, the lights came on, and I could asses my situation better. I was lying in a stark white room, on a gurney. Various tubes and monitors were attached, and I was indeed secured to the bed. What I could see of my body was covered with open wounds. Shortly after the lights came up, Fionn entered the room.<br /><br /> I don't remember everything in detail. The pain was exquisite and the drugs they were using were not helping. He was apologetic, and said that he didn't think that I was going to join their side. I would not regain my lands, but he asked what I would want in exchange to swear allegiance to him. I know at some point he offered me Ambrose's navy, and I accepted. I even admitted to him that I really didn't' have a whole lot of choice in the matter, and that guided my decision. We also discussed my injuries. Joan had not appreciated the measure I took to protect her sister, and decided she would take my leg in exchange. Only with Fionn's help had she not killed me. Fionn didn't think that they would be able to do anything, but he would offer whatever help he could. Eventually, our conversation petered off, and he had me moved to a situation that better fitted my station, as a Princess of Amber, and not a prisoner. My belongings were returned to me, including my trumps. I tried to contact Andrevo and Masamba, but found that I could not reach Masamba, and Andrevo's card was hot...unusable like all of his family, and all others who were not in Amber now.<br /><br /> Eathon came in soon afterwards, and while assisting the doctors, told me what had happened in more detail. Joan had released primal Chaos within Amber, which stunned all of us. She then proceeded to attack me, but Fionn was able to recover enough to save me and drive her off. Unfortunately, they had discovered the statues Joan was working on lately were, in fact, demons she had taken to Amber, and the release of Chaos had released them from the prison the Pattern put them in. There was open fighting in the halls of Castle Amber. <br /><br /> I spent the next several days recovering from my injuries. I determined that I could heal my more mundane injuries myself, but would have to replace the leg. Empowered, and then walked through the Pattern, it would be the most effective. Working with Fionn, I manufactured an artificial leg, which I then empowered. I also made arrangements to speak with Agnes. I had to get a message to Andrevo, and it was the only way I could think of. Fionn agreed to let me speak to Agnes on the condition that I take someone with me, and that she still be alive when I finished. I decided to speak to Eathon first, to see if he would accompany me. He insisted that I not torture here, and I told him I had no intention of doing so. I told him the reason I wanted to talk to her was to deliver a message to my fiance, Andrevo, to let him know that I was still alive. Eathon volunteered that Paki, being more level-headed, would probably be able to restrain Agnes without hurting her as much. I thanked him, and told him I would see if Paki would do it.<br /> When I went to Paki, he agreed to help me, I think out of remorse to some extent. We went to where Agnes was being held, drugged so that she couldn't make contact with her family, or escape. They relaxed her drugs somewhat, and Paki began to concentrate, obviously bringing the Pattern to mind. I spoke with her, telling her that I was sure her family would attempt to contact her, and asking her to deliver a message: To tell my fiance, Andrevo, that I was alive, and that I still had his engagement gift, and would see him again if things changed. She did not seem to understand at first, and babbled about missing her parents. She then asked me to repeat the message, which I did, carefully. After I finished, her eyes cleared and she told me it had been delivered. Paki immediately ordered them to drug her again, and soon she was once again stupefied. After I talked with Agnes, Paki said that he would have to report what I had said to Fionn, and asked if I wished assistance in escaping. I told him that I had no need to do so, as that part of my life was over. He seemed remorseful at taking my lands, and volunteered that something similar had happened with him, and it "had been done to you, as it was done to me."<br /><br /> The next day, I arranged an audience with Fionn. I asked him if Paki had reported to him, and how that affected our relationship. He answered that I had to know that whatever I had with Andrevo was over, and that he would punish me severely should he think that I was not loyal, but he would accept my word at its value. That night, I walked the Pattern. When I reached the center, I went to Masamba.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-35943606200648234152007-09-01T11:43:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:49:44.449-07:00Dinner and a ThroneAbout an hour before dinner, a servant came to to say that Fionn has asked that the family dress for dinner. I asked him if Fionn or Siobhan were in the castle, but he said no. Sighing, I dismissed him, and then sent Jackson to ask Masamba and Andrevo to join me before dinner in my sitting room. Masamba arrived first, with Andrevo arriving shortly afterwards. I looked up at Andrevo as he entered. "Andrevo, thank you for coming. For the most part, I wanted to see if Fionn had requested his family dress formally, or all of the family. My question seems to have been answered."<br /> "Seems like a good as an excuse as any other."<br /> "I still think that something may be up, but that should be the norm for now." Masamba smiled at my last statement. "Of course, to throw a wrench in things, as it were, perhaps you would be willing to escort me to dinner, Andrevo? Unless we all wish to arrive together?"<br /> Samba's expression turned more serious. "I don't think we should all arrive together."<br /> "I couldn't ask for a more fabulous arm to take to dinner, I presume." Just like Andrevo, it seemed.<br /> "I think if we appear as if to form a faction or something, we'll place targets on our heads."<br /> "We're just three, and passing groups of fancy are not uncommon for our generation."<br /> "True. Times like these have left me a bit paranoid."<br /> I interjected into their conversation. "Especially while we are in such close proximity, I do not think it telling. Should we start traveling together and such, that might prove more so."<br /> Andrevo smiled. "It is acceptable to be casual and nonchalant about this affair. The persistence of Amber is not upon a dangerous thread. There is no sudden threat. Sovereignship shall be passed to another, and that is all well." Masamba smiled as well.<br /> "Certain items are missing. I suspect it may be brought up in conversation."<br /> "So? Let those whom are concerned worry about such things. Those that wish to be King or Queen care."<br /> Masamba stated his preference. "I would prefer to enter myself. I hope I didn't offend."<br /> "Please, feel free Masamba. But I do believe we should make our way there." Andrevo arched his eyebrow and frowned as I spoke.<br /> Masamba smiled. "They two say three's a crowd after all."<br /> Andrevo then began rifling through his trump deck as he spoke. "Masamba, please excuse us sooner. It'll make more sense... later."<br /> "I will see you shortly then" Samba nodded and left the room. As I waited for Andrevo, I made some last minute checks on my appearance in the mirror. <br /> "So... how is the Forest?" Andrevo asked as he furrowed his brow.<br /> "It seems to be fine, although Paki is shoring his defenses. Let me check." I concentrated for a moment, connecting with the hawk I had there. He reported the men were tense, but there was no fighting. "Something is going on, but no fighting, yet." I called Jackson over. "Please send a messenger to the captain." Writing a brief note to him, asking him to check in, I handed it to Jackson, then looked over to Andrevo. "Are you ready?"<br /> "How close are you to family?"<br /> An odd question, but I decided to humor him. "Some more than others, why?"<br /> He stood, offering his arm, but offering no explanation for his questions. "Yes. Let us hence."<br /> I took his arm, and we left for the dining room. When we arrived, it had been laid out for a feast, with Eathon, Agnes, Paki, Joan and Viktor, and Masamba already in attendance. The Elders were also well dressed. Paki was seated to the right of the head of the table, the left being empty. I had been seated next to the Sprottles, with Eathon on one side, and Andrevo on the other, while Masamba was seated next to Paki. Empty seats were set for those who had not arrived yet, as well as those we had not yet seen. Andrevo escorted me around the room. I nodded to Paki as we passed him, with the rest of the room in quiet conversations. Eathon and Agnes were comforting each other over the death of the Queen, with Agnes inquiring about Rose's whereabouts. Paki joked with Masamba, who was standing with him. Andrevo left me to comfort his aunt, and I walked over to Masamba and Paki. "Good Evening, Cousins."<br /> Paki nodded to me as Masamba answered, "Hello, Juliette." As we were talking, Ambrose entered the room purposefully, a pistol and blade in his belt. It made me glad I had concealed two lazpistols under my dress. Eathon rose as Ambrose entered, and walked over to meet him at the end of the table. After watching them, I returned to my conversation. <br /> "How does the evening find the both of you?"<br /> Paki answered this time. "Well enough."<br /> "That's good to hear, I suppose." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Eathon try to guide Ambrose to a quiet corner of the room.<br /> Masamba answered as well then. "Good, and you?"<br /> "I have been preparing, but it finds me well."<br /> In the corner of the room, I could hear Ambrose and Eathon raise their voices. <br /> "Don't presume to touch me, Eathon."<br /> "Now is not the.."<br /> "I'll not have you patronize me either." They continued to argue over Fionn's motivations and what he could do with them, Eathon continuing to attempt to calm Ambrose, without much success.<br /> Masamba smiled at me. "I don't mean to be rude, but the floor show is more interesting."<br /> I sighed. "I suppose so, although nothing too unexpected." Against Eathon's protesting, Ambrose sat at the tables with his weapons, and stared at the doorway. I leaned over to whisper to Paki. "Did you get my message?"<br /> He replied to me, not taking his eyes off the others in the room. "We can discuss that later."<br /> "As you wish." Just then, four trumpeters entered the room. I rolled my eyes as Masamba struggled to contain laughter. Typical of him. <br /> As they began to play, Ambrose stood. "Don't you dare, I'll have each of your heads." The musics croaked and then quieted down. <br /> Fionn walked in angrily, wearing the Pattern blade at his side. "We will do this less elegantly then. I am taking the throne. You can swear your loyalty now."<br /> Andrevo watched Fionn silently as Ambrose spoke. "Pompous weasel, how dare you presume. The Queen's not been dead a day, and half the family hasn't arrived yet."<br /> "I've heard enough from you."<br /> "You haven't heard..."<br /> Eathon raised his voice in protest. "Gentlemen. Please, this isn't the time."<br /> From across the room, Agnes protested as well. "Stop this!"<br /> I started to protest as well, then stopped as Paki stood and stepped next to Fionn as he spoke again. "I control Amber and those in it, my army is greater and I'm already here. I have enough support, and you wouldn't dare to bring war to Amber before the coronation."<br /> Ambrose, of course, protested. "I dare to do as I like, you have no claim to the throne, you're not even of the blood."<br /> Paki glanced at Masamba, who stood up, and without looking at any others, walked over next to Paki. The lines started to draw themselves, but for the moment, at least, I remained outside. Agnes moved to in front of Ambrose "Please, enough." Joan smirked evilly as Viktor stood and moved behind Ambrose. I sat, reaching down to the hem of my dress, trying to disguise my check on my weapons. <br /> Eathon, the peacemaker it seemed, spoke up again. "We should discuss this at a later time."<br /> Fionn would have nothing of it. "We'll discuss it when I say, and I say now."<br /> And then Ambrose. "You'll have the throne over my dead body!"<br /> "Then I'll arrange that!<br /> Ambrose jumped onto the table. "Stand and deliver!"<br /> I stood then as well. "Fionn, cousin, surely you have other means at your disposal."<br /> He steamed as he spoke, and I could see Masamba preparing himself out of the corner of my eye. "I have...Guards! Arrest the traitor!" A commotion sounded from outside the room as Fionn tilted the huge table over with a swatting backhand. I jumped out of the way before it landed on top of me, and Ambrose nimbly tumbled to the floor, seizing his red cloak and whipping it around him, drawing sword and pistol in the same motion.<br /> Andrevo spoke up from the corner. "I don't think is what she meant by `best` " which brought a snort from Masamba. <br /> Eathon, making a valiant effort, yelled "Stop this," as Agnes cried out.<br /> "What are you both doing?!" <br /> Joan stood then and yelled "The Castle is not as much yours as you may think!" as guards started rushing in. I drew my two pistols as Paki drew his, watching Fionn throw the throne-like seat towards Ambrose at the head of the table. It looked about to clip him, but passed right through, almost as if he weren't there. Ambrose shoot the first guard that laid a hand on him, while Viktor hurled insults, Joan standing strong next to him. Eathon tried to restrain Fionn, unsuccessfully, while Ambrose deftly kept the guards away, who were wielding something akin to a cattle prod. More poured in the room as Andrevo walked out.<br /> Above the din, Fionn shouted. "Stand with us or stand aside!" then hurdled Eathon at Ambrose, who deftly dodged him. Eathon landed with a crunch against the wall, and Agnes went over to him. Masamba grew claws, but stood still.<br /> "Arrest all the Sprottles, and any who stand with them." Fionn then pointed to me and Eathon. "Make your choices." I watched Eathon as he lurched to his feat but turned his back to the Sprottles. Agnes ran for the door, while Joan almost started to bristle with power. Ambrose was having no trouble holding his own. <br /> Paki leveled his pistol at Agnes as he spoke, "Ambrose, Joan enough." I could see he was going to shoot Agnes in the stomach, a painful and incapacitating wound at best, and possibly a deadly one. Not a pretty death either. Making my choice, I pulled my guns up and shot Agnes, hitting her in the leg and then walking towards her. Agnes went down hard, stifling a scream.<br /> Fionn nodded, Paki growling next to him. At my actions, Joan screamed in rage, while Ambrose catapulted himself across the room at Fionn. "Call off your hounds!" Eathon still had his back turned. Viktor vanished, while Joan's hair fought off the guards.<br /> I restrained Agnes while whispering to her, "Please, this is the only way." Fionn attempted to grab at Ambrose several times, but his hand passed through him. Paki then backed up and opened fired on Ambrose, but his results were the same. My hawk then swooped into the room and landed near me, bleeding. I turned to Paki. "Call your men off!"<br /> "I gave them no orders to attack."<br /> "They are!" My men were most likely dieing to try and protect me. I looked over to Masamba for a moment, then to the hawk, then saw Paki move away from the duel towards me, talking on a walkie-talkie.<br /> Samba slunk over to the hawk, "If you can understand me, get on my shoulder." The hawk sat there for a moment, then I placed my hand on it, letting it know Samba was to be trusted, and it went to him. <br /> Paki turned to me. "Your men have orders from the king to stand down and hand over their weapons. They chose to fight."<br /> "Damn it. Are your men there now? Give me the walkie talkie and I can end it. Tell them the watchword, moonlight, and I order them to stand down. And let me talk to the ranking officer. As long as you men leave my armor alone, there will be no trouble. I will remove it when I get the chance."<br /> At that moment, I felt a trump contact...and then the world exploded.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-89520199136435842302007-09-01T11:39:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:43:06.939-07:00Samba While TrainingI was training upstairs when I saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Masamba</span> try to sneak into the room. He made a slight noise picking up a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">candelabra</span>, and threw it as me. I easily caught it, and tossed it back, hitting him in the forehead. It made a welt, as I had hoped. Not enough to really hurt, but at least a reminder...to him, or anyone else who might be watching. I smiled. "Perhaps next time you should try harder."<br /> He smiled back at me. "Ow! What was that for? I see you are feeling better."<br /> "What exactly do you think I spent my time in shadow doing? I am. I went to practice this morning, and it helped to lift a weight from me."<br /> He hopped down, the welt on his head slowly healing. "Ah! So how did the night leave you? I am sorry I couldn't stay."<br /> "I had an interesting talk with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Andrevo</span> as he sketched me."<br /> Samba arched one of his eyebrows. "Should I be giving you a "high-five" at the moment?"<br /> Puzzled by whatever innuendo he was intending, I replied. "A high-five? What for?"<br /> "Um...You've spent a lot of time in the forest, haven't you?"<br /> I thought for a moment, then realized what he meant. "Some types of innuendo take a little bit for me to catch on to."<br /> "There is nothing wrong with being a lady."<br /> "And no, I don't need one. Although the first question he had was if I was married."<br /> "Especially if you've got a good arm to back you up." I snorted as he spoke. "Really?" <br /> "Yes"<br /> He looked around before continuing. "Not to sound disrespectful, but I didn't think you would be his...uh...type."<br /> "Perhaps he was just looking out to see if I had other allies...and I would tend to agree with you." I stepped off the treadmill, toweling the sweat off my forehead. "What did you want to talk about? Your little messenger was amusing."<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Haha</span>. So he did talk to you? He's not the most.. uh... trustworthy."<br /> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">The</span> messenger appeared for an instant, "That's what I said," then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">disappeared</span> again.<br /> "He delivered his message and then left...although not quite in that method."<br /> "He is, however, very meticulous. Well, the main reason I came to see you seems moot now."<br /> "And that is?"<br /> "Considering your fastball and your jog..." Samba coughed, as if he didn't want to say what came next.<br /> "Ah. I am feeling much better. Although I did not sleep well."<br /> "Oh?"<br /> "Too many things on my mind."<br /> "Ah." Samba sat down on the one of the benches and patted the seat next to him. "So, have you made any new friends since last night?"<br /> I sat down. "New friends?"<br /> Samba tapped on my hand in a friendly manner while muttering, "...just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">checking</span> up, Julie."<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Andrevo</span> certainly seems an interesting one, although I wouldn't call him a friend, yet." Samba snorted, and I smiled at him. "Jealous?"<br /> He laughed. "So, where...does the day take you today?" He scratched at his neck.<br /> "I was training in Arden first thing, as usual."<br /> "Wow."<br /> "I have been back and forth between there and here most of the day."<br /> "You know, when most people say they 'train <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">alot</span>' I just assumed that was, like, once a week."<br /> I looked at him. "How often do you shift yourself?"<br /> He made a bubble on his neck, about the size of the Eye. "Oh. Um...I think I see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">whatcha</span> mean."<br /> "Oh, I did have something to ask you."<br /> Samba smiled. "Go ahead."<br /> "How well do you know your Uncle?"<br /> Samba pointed at where he entered the room. "Remember when we started talking after I jumped down from up there?"<br /> "Yeah."<br /> "Since then we've said more words than he and I have exchanged."<br /> I thought for a moment. "I see. I sent him a missive, asking to meet."<br /> "Would you like me to attend? I don't think I can give any... insight on him. Aside from...well...he's not my mom, to say the least."<br /> "I think it would best be handled between the two of us. I am going to assert my claim."<br /> He snorted. "You know...I should start paying attention to this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">politicking</span> more. So I won't sound ignorant when I say, 'claim to what?' I have a good guess on the answer."<br /> "Forest Arden."<br /> "Ah. Just had this fear you were throne-seeking."<br /> "Cousin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Callyn</span> had made him my regent. While I think perhaps I would be a good ruler, I do not posses the endurance for it."<br /> Samba smiled. "You do know we're friends, right?"<br /> "I would like to think so. If nothing else, you have had amble opportunity to kill me." I smiled.<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Haha</span>. And you," he rubbed his forehead, "the same. So, you do know that when I ask about politics I'm not trying to sound like I've not been ignoring you."<br /> I smiled again, "Just come out with it already."<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Callyn</span> made 'him', my uncle...regent of the forest ardent? Arden?"<br /> "Yes. She deemed I was not 'of age.' The land is, by right of inheritance, mine. From my mother's side. My father was disowned by your grandfather."<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Grampa</span>?"<br /> "I don't know if you remember, but that's why I ran away. It was given to my younger brother over me when they died."<br /> "Not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Zxxlyiax</span>, right? That's right. I just know dad-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">um's</span> side better than mom's."<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kaburi</span>, I think it is."<br /> "That's right."<br /> "Your maternal grandfather."<br /> "Mother never had good words to describe them."<br /> "I see."<br /> "'Them" being anyone. That's why I'm just a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">likeable</span> fuck."<br /> "Anyone?"<br /> "Mother was an angry person<br /> "I see."<br /> "Anyway. I am curious about something." Samba scratched his neck. "Mainly for your safety, but also, well..."<br /> "Feel free to ask. My safety?"<br /> "Um...walls...ears...you're comfortable?"<br /> "I wouldn't talk about anything here."<br /> Samba nodded. "You train every day fer real? I thought that was only in movies."<br /> "That I didn't mind someone else overhearing. I do."<br /> "Oh...wait. You sure? Yer not one of those people who *says* such...and happened to hear from a very imp-like person that an audience would be nearby...and so ya just," he stood, "strolled on in." Samba shrugged. It's been a weird day."<br /> "Really? "<br /> "You know what we haven't done in awhile?"<br /> "What?"<br /> "Go sailing."<br /> Go sailing? I don't think we've ever gone sailing. What's he up to? "No, we haven't."<br /> "I.. uh.. acquired this new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">schooner</span>.."<br /> "I assume you wish to do so now, then?"<br /> "what better way fer you to cool off." He smiled. "No time like the present."<br /> "Sure."<br /> "I'll get it set up, you get cleaned up, our buddy will guide ya there. Sound good?"<br /> "Sounds good to me. I'll see you soon."<br /> "You got it." Samba headed out of the room. I stayed for a few more minutes, stretching and cooling down, before heading off to my room to change.<br /><br />About an hour later, I ran across Samba in the great hall. Finally. He told me that the Harbor was not available, because the Royal Navy had blocked off the port to all non-Navy ships. I suggested we go to Arden instead, and he agreed. We rode out to Arden, and stopped near the Armor. He had wished to inquire about the jewel, and I told him I had hidden it, but I would not reveal the location, as I dd not trust that others would not be able to get the information from him. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">After</span> a little more chat, we proceeded back to Amber to prepare for dinner.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-4004917526836427352007-09-01T11:36:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:39:14.551-07:00Meeting with EathonA servant cames to my room several hours after breakfast. "Lord <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eathon</span> has requested an informal private audience in his chambers."<br /> "Please tell him I will be with him shortly."<br /> "Of course ma'am." He turned, and walked away. I changed into a simple, yet at least somewhat formal outfit. While usually I could care less what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Eathon</span> thought of my clothing, I wished to make at least a decent impression. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eathon's</span> room was just next to mine, but I still managed to get interrupted on the way there. A strange creature, a imp with the head of a man, spoke to me from the corner. <br /> "Excuse me Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Masamba</span> sends a message. He will see you shortly." He then scampered away. <br /> I shook my head as he walked away, knocking on the door. It opened, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Eathon</span> greeted me himself. "Cousin, I assume you got my missive? Good morning my dear, come in, come in!"<br /> He hugged me as I entered, clothed in his dressing gown. I hadn't meant to disturb him, so I offered to come back later. "Good morning. I can come back later if you like?"<br /> "You look lovely as always, excuse my dress, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> just not in a festive mood today. We're making plans for my mother's tomb."<br /> "You flatter me, as usual." I paused as he mentioned the tomb. "I see. I wished to talk to you about the arrangements."<br /> "Have a seat, have a look, I find nothing is grand enough without being gaudy."<br /> I stepped in and took a seat, allowing myself to relax as we talked. The furniture was arranged conversationally, and very relaxing. "Have you thought about what kind of...service...you planned to have?"<br /> "I'm not sure, a parade through Amber, perhaps more of the Circle."<br /> "I wish to be included."<br /> "Of course my dear! You have as much right as any of us."<br /> "As much right, but it might be thought not as much desire."<br /> "I no longer guess as to the desires of my relatives. Please, let me know everything you wish to know or want to be involved in." He started to show me various monument and tomb sketches and parade uniforms. I had to admit, my cousin was much more personable that I thought, even considering the circumstances. <br /> He was drinking readily as we talked, and offered me a glass, which I sipped at slowly. No good getting myself drunk. Finally, I decided to get to the point of my visit. "My sense of aesthetics is probably not suited to someone of her stature, but I would like to lead her carriage in the procession."<br /> "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Certainly</span> my dear!"<br /> I would have expected more resistance to granting me such a position of honor. "You are most kind, cousin." I paused, and decided to push my luck. "What do you think of the regency?"<br /> "Its going to be ugly my dear, very ugly. Many will jump at the chance to be the ruler of Amber. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Siobhan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Paki</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sato</span>, Rose, who knows what will happen."<br /> "And while they fight it out, Amber is open others wishing to prey on our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">divisiveness</span>"<br /> "I fear mostly for the lives of the men and women they'll throw between them." My cousin showed considerable more interest in the lives of those in shadow than most.<br /> "I'm not sure how much we will be able to prevent it."<br /> "Not at all my dear, not at all."<br /> "Do you have any plans for the near future?"<br /> "No. I want nothing to do with what's to come. I'll <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">probably</span> take my leave when I've finished with all of this. I've been unable to contact my sister, and I'd like to see what she's gotten herself into."<br /> What was he really up to? "I will be here, if you need information. I have duties that will be all the more pressing in the chaos."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> I stood. "In the meanwhile, let me know if my assistance is needed in further planning." We talked for a minute or two longer, and then I took my leave.fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-23169185877962669002007-09-01T11:35:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:36:43.869-07:00A Letter to PakiCousin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paki</span>,<br /> I would meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss the disposition of my lands, in light of recent events.<br />Juliette <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Donaghue</span> Collins, Lady Protector of Amberfishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184242143226636017.post-12436009093545959452007-09-01T11:33:00.000-07:002007-09-01T11:35:56.014-07:00The First NightAfter the sitting with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Andrevo</span>, I headed back to my room, my steps heavy. When I arrived, I began to strip off my armor, and had Jackson put together a hot bath. I ordered him out of the room, and retrieved the jewel from my tunic, before stripping my clothes off as well. I hung it on the valet stand with my bedclothes, and lowered myself into the steaming water. <br /> 'What have I gotten myself into? What has she gotten me into?' I watched the light shine off the jewel as it twisted on the thin chain. 'I just had to take my mother's place, my grandfather's...and now I am guardian of all Amber. Its fate rests in my hands...our hands, at least. With a tool I can't even wear without killing myself.' I sank into the water and let it cover my head, thinking about it all. <br /> After the water cooled to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">luke</span>warm temperature, I got out, my aching muscles somewhat eased. I pulled my nightshirt over my head, and then, using one of the many bandages in my room, I taped the jewel tightly to my arm, feeling the sharp edges bite into my skin. Satisfied that it could not be moved without waking me, I stumbled to the bed and buried myself in the bearskin upon it, falling into a fitful sleep.<br /> <br /> When I awoke in the morning, it was almost dawn. Efficient as always, Jackson had stoked the fire, and laid out my clothes for the day. I slipped them on, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">snuck</span> out to the stables, the castle slowly coming alive around me. <br /> As I rode to Arden, I thought about my cousin, my grandmother, my mentor...my queen. How could I not have known? I knew she was an elder, but if anyone had asked me who I thought she was, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Callyn</span> would have been at the bottom of my list. When I had entered that room last night, the only thoughts on my mind were to secure my position. The death of a woman I barely knew...it only figured in its consequences, the actions I would have to take, the ideas I would need to protect as they jockeyed for power. Now...my mentor...the one who placed me on this path, was dead, and she had laid upon me an burden I did not know if I could meet.<br /> I barely noticed the effort to pick out a leaf here, a twig there, and soon I was in my Arden, standing next to my destination: Julian's armor, which I had placed there only the week before. I scanned the forest around me, and sensing no one, removed the bandage from my arm, once again staring at the jewel as it reflected the light. I reached up, and lifted the helm off the figure, careful not to lean over to far. Unlike most of my peers, a fall from this horse would be quite painful. I carefully hung the jewel inside, placing it so it hung as a heart for my monument, then placed the helm back on. Checking its appearance one more time, I then rode off into the forest, to lose myself in the pain of practice.<br /><br /> After completing my morning routine, I headed back to the Castle, and took breakfast in my room while writing a message for Jackson to deliver.<br /><br /> "Cousin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Eathon</span>,<br /> I wish to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss the arrangements for Her Majesty's funeral.<br /> Juliette <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Donaghue</span> Collins<br /> Lady Protector of Amber"fishofdeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031508153510796228noreply@blogger.com0