AlexLadyOfChaosAlex Lady of ChaosDara speaks "Cazaril, if you would take Alexandra," everyone can see how the full name tenses Alex, even as Dara seems not to notice or care, "to the Quozl Hall, I believe your uncle is there waiting on pins and needles to meet his daughter." "Your Highness" Cazaril says. He says something quietly into Alex's ear. She nods, curtseys to Dara, walks over to Swan and squeezes her hand and waves to all. In short order, Alex meets not only her father, but Cazaril's father as well, Jurt's brother Despil. Remarkably, to Alex's eye, they look very much alike (and both are played by Ben Affleck). Jurt's a little taller, and one of his eyes looks a little smaller than the other. Other than that difference, if they were clad the same, Alex would have difficulty distinguishing the pair by sight. For a long day and night, Alex's father and uncle trades questions and knowledge back and forth, occasionally asking Cazaril for a bit of clarification on Alex's story. There is food, and sleeping in there, but a lot of conversation and getting-to-know Dad and Uncle Cazaril. He's a quiet type of few, chosen words. Alex can see where Caz gets his personality. Her own father is far less reserved and laconic. "I have not only your grandmother to thank." Jurt says. "But perhaps owe her a debt for sending Cazaril to aid you in your moment of need. "I am not quite as interested in the games of power that my mother is interested in, Alex. I cannot quite promise you a much easier road than the Queen Mother's daughter, but if I can shield you from the worst of the politics of the Court, I will. Our mother will have other ideas." "Indubitably" Despil agrees. Alex nods, giving her father and uncle a small smile of gratitude. She was still getting used to a father and an uncle, and the thought that her father would look out for her was something she wouldn't take for granted. "For now, perhaps we should pay her respects, together?" Jurt suggests. "If for no other reason, she needs to officially declare you my daughter for purposes of the House. I believe that Esperance would have to have the Emperor officiate such a declaration." "I will...demur joining you, brother." Despil says. "My son and I have House business to attend to." "Understood, father ." Cazaril says. He turns to Alex. "No worries, cousin. I'll find you in short order. We didn't take a train ride across half of shadow and hike the other half that you'll never see me again. You've still much training to undertake and I would be honored to aid in that." Unlike the slight reticence she still felt when dealing with Jury and Despil, she feels comfortable giving Caz a genuine - and somewhat mischievous - smile. "Like I'd let you get did of me that easily," she teases. "I expect you aid." Cazaril nods his head. "I appreciate that, nephew." Jurt says. "We will see the both of you soon." "Shall we?" Jurt says to his daughter. Alex responds with a single nod, clasping her hands behind her back as she follows her father's lead. It takes about a half hour of walking through corridors, caverns and more corridors before Jurt, with relief on his face, opens a door. And with that door, Alex and her father are "outside". Or seemingly outside. The sky is reddish, the canyon that the white bridge spans is yawning. The Tower, in black stone with a silver top is tall, and menacing. There is a river in the canyon, far, far below. "Mother likes her privacy and her drama." Jurt explains. "She has former hellmaids running the place, too. As if someone was likely to try and attack her." He puts a hand to his forehead. "And now you can see that Ways can have entire shadows of their own within them. We're still in the Courts and not, at the same time." He exhales. "Well, shall we climb the bridge and see your grandmother? And perhaps your friend and my new sister in the bargain." Backlinks |
